This is it, this is what I’ve been training for and now it’s here! The big day, London Marathon Day. I’m excited and nervous all at the same time.

Normally I would have the telly on with a cup of tea and watch the build up, the elites running, awe at their times and running pace.

But today is my day, today I’m not watching, I’m taking part, today I’ll be part of history…

A few bathroom trips later and checking I had all my kit in my bag I said my goodbyes like an adventure going off into the unknown.

I walked to London Bridge Station, there were already people out setting up the water stations and there was a buzz in the air.  I got chatting to a couple of people as I neared the station and joined the very big line to get onto the station.  London trains and underground were allowing runners to ride for free, which I thought was pretty cool of them! 5 minutes later I was on a train, packed in like sardines but all making new friends, marathon stories to be told later.

I walked with the crowd to Blackheath and to my start point, Blue Start, there are 3 starts, Green, Red and Blue and by mile 3 we have all merged.

The weather report was for light rain or drizzle, clearing with a few odd showers, maximum temperature 19c. Wind 4-8mph. 

However, just as I was handing over my kit bag the heavens opened and it poured down!!

The time was getting on for 9.30am so I made my way over to my starting pen, it had now stopped raining and we were all waiting in anticipation for the starting gun at 9.45am. 

This is it here we go :-)

10 minutes later I crossed the start line and was finally jogging along with the masses, I kept my pace slow, the atmosphere was electric and the crowds lined the road.

I was feeling great and with each mile was feeling strong and checking my times I was heading for a 4:30 finish but I knew I had a long way to go.

Mile 12 I saw James and my girls, I stopped for a brief hug and photo before rounding the corner to run across Tower Bridge, what a fantastic feeling.

The route then took us towards the Isle of Dogs and again the crowds were out in force, there were bands playing, DJ’s outside of the pubs and people handing out jelly babies, biscuits and orange segments.

I loved the showers they had and took every opportunity to run through, however by the end I was walking through them wondering how long I could stay before being shoved out! lol! The weather had got quite warm by now.

At mile 18 a girl shouted my name, I looked over and some guy took a photo of me.  I waved. Fast forward to the end, James said “you saw Andy then” “No I didn’t” was my reply, “well he saw you at mile 18 and took a photo and you waved at him”. Dawning light - ahh, sorry Andy I didn’t recognise you and thought you were the official photographer for Macmillan. LMAO!!

(trying to work out how to turn it round)

I made it to mile 20 and was feeling tired and hot, by mile 21 I hit my wall which wasn’t so much a wall but a sick feeling, my tummy was hurting and I started to feel a little faint.  There was no way I was going to though I had come too far not to finish, I slowed to a walk and took on one of my carb gels and some more water, I carried on walking for a few more minutes and then started to slowly jog again, I felt better and there was mile 22 in front, I scanned the Macmillan cheer point to see if James and the girls had made it, but I couldn’t see them.  Then a DJ was saying “YMCA and I want to see all you runners doing the actions, ready?”  Anything to take my mind off my aching legs.  I got to ‘Y’ when I heard James shouting.  They were across the road and I couldn’t get to them, emotions took over and I burst into tears, sobbing at the barrier and trying to smile at the same time, James was asking if I was ok, “keep going, you’re nearly there”

Here’s me at mile 22, (by the lucozade banner)

Seeing them really lifted me and I started to feel so much better, the last 3 miles were so good, don’t get me wrong it really hurt but the crowds were so awesome, the Macmillan cheer points were really loud and I felt quite emotional each time I ran past them. They just got thicker and thicker and louder with every step then I rounded the corner into birdcage walk a big banner showed “Only 800m to go”  I was elated, but my goodness how long was that?  “395m to go and you’ll be part of history” I was on The Mall and I could see the finish line, even as I write this emotion has taken over, it was the best feeling, I waved and waved at everyone and threw my arms in the air as I crossed the line… I DID IT!! 26.2 miles

Saturday morning, I was already packed, checked and double checked I had my number, chip and trainers plus all my other gear.

Today the whole family was coming to London and as we set off the nerves were setting in.

We stayed in a flat at Butlers Wharf which over looks Tower Bridge, I was now in full blown nerves but also quite excited to be here after the long months of training.

Macmillan had invited all runners to a Pasta Party so James took the girls to dinner, Pizza:-) and I set off in a taxi to find my party.

Macmillan did put on a good evening, the food, several different pasta dishes :-) garlic bread, salads and soft drinks were delicious.

A few pep talks from guest speakers one being Howard Ebison from The Apprentice, I’m not sure anyone knew who he was and uncharacteristically I went to ask for a photo and had a good chat. He was actually very nice and didn’t come across anything like he did on the TV show but then that’s TV for you.

I met Lisa and Claire, Lisa was running the Marathon and her friend Claire was here as her support, they were lovely and we swapped stories of our training and families.  Peter got a little lost but made it in time for dinner,  I had a great evening. We all walked to get a train back and I decided actually it’s not that far home all I had to do was walk over Tower Bridge so saying farewell and good luck I left them.

As I walked over Tower Bridge the barriers were all in place and mile markers, this is it, tomorrow I’ll be running over here, half way point!!

So off to bed with dreams of the finishing line.

Until tomorrow …

Lisa, me and Peter

On Thursday 22nd April I set of by train to London, I was on route to Excel London, the biggest venue in the country (some say the best) to collect my running number and chip ready for Sundays Marathon.

I had my passport as photo id and my letter confirming my entry and number.

It was very easy to get to on the train and I soon had my official envelope with my number and chip.

I found Peter who was already bagged up with goodies :) and we set off (again for Peter) All the major athletic brands were plus exhibitors showing everything from headbands to GPS systems.

We picked up a few freebies, my best was a pair of Nike flip flops! Only given to those who are members of the Nike running site, luckily I remembered my login and password. “What size are you?” asked the nice young man! “5” I said, “we only have 4 and a half left or 6” he said, “Can I try them on” LOL!!

I also managed 2 bags of jelly babies, 2 virgin goody bags, an apple and some lip balm.

I signed the Macmillan board, had my photo taken with the winners cup (which I’m not kidding was bigger than me), had a London Pride (beer) and lots of cereal bar tasters!

Peter and I parted company and I set off back home with Sunday fast approaching…

I just want to take the opportunity to say “Thank You” to all my friends who have put up with me not returning calls due to training, for looking after the girls so I can go training and to those of you who have trained with me:-)

A special thank you to my family and especially to James for his very big donation!!

You have all been very patient and kind and I love you all.

Sarahxxx

I can feel that I’m definitely on the wind down now to the big day.  My long run this week was only 10 miles and yet it seems only a few weeks ago 10 miles seemed a daunting task to me.

This week is even lighter and I’ve started to enjoy them again, probably due to the change in weather and the fact I can wear less :-) well when I say that I mean shorter leggings and short sleeved tops with no coat… no coat what a novelty!

Last night (Monday) I left James reading the girls a bed time story it was about 7.30ish, I’m just going out for a run, don’t worry I won’t be long I’ve just got to do a slow 4.  How lovely that sounds.

I set off with the sun lowering in the sky and that pink colouring just starting to take over the blue, my route took me through the nature reserve, the signs on the gate telling me that they will be locked at 8pm.  That’s ok as its only quarter to and only takes 6 mins to get to the castle, so, imagine my shock, yes you guessed it, the gate at the castle end was locked.  Now what do I do?  If I turn round and run back I face the front gate being locked as well. It doesn’t look that hard to climb I thought, but at the top I had my doubts, what if I fall now and hurt myself with less than 2 weeks, it was a bit silly to be up here!  I used my upper body strength, yeh made me laugh too, but I got down, looked around to see if anyone had seen my feeble attempt (a cat burglar I am not) brushed myself down and carried on.

The run back along the shingle on the beach was uplifting, I think because the view was amazing the colours of the fading light were enchanting and the sea had a still calming presence.

Chiropractor tomorrow, that’ll wipe the smile off my face…

Mile 15 of 18.  Top of Highcliffe Beach with the Isle of Wight and needles in the background.

The path through the woods. I had to climb along the fence.

and had to put my sunglasses on!  lol!! yipee!

At last, short sleeved t-shirt and no coat, a sunny day to run, that’s not to say the wind was still a bit chilly but NO RAIN.

Now for the hard bit, 18 miles, my last long run before the big day in 3 weeks. Next week I have to start to taper, still that means a 5 mile, a 9 mile, a 3 mile and 15 again on Sunday, so much for the taper!!

I headed out along the beach, the sun had brought everyone and their dog out and I had to weave my way through the crowd.  After 2 miles I headed back inland and through the woods.  However, the stream had overflowed and there was no path, luckily there was a fence and I managed to climb along it.

The next 8 miles were fairly uneventful, I text my brother at the top of Mount Smith and by the time I had got back to start my second loop he was waiting for me on my bike. hehehe

It was great to have some company and I made him do most of the talking. lol! I don’t think I would have managed another 8 miles if John hadn’t been with me.

Mile 15 we stopped at the top of Highcliffe Beach and took a photo, you can see the Needles of the Isle of Wight in the background, a lovely view.

Home at last and a great family Easter meal at my Mum and Dads topped of the day plus an egg or 3 :) …well I had burnt off loads of calories.

Please sponsor me @ Just Giving - http://www.justgiving.com/sarahs-marathon

Email: marathon.runner@christchurch-runners.org.uk

Wednesday - the girls were invited to a school friends for a play, her mum said I could leave them if I needed to get a in run, well I can’t not take up the opportunity especially as they are on Easter break. So gear on I dropped them off “you’re not going in this are you?” Belinda said. Story of my life. Rain but worse today was the wind that was driving it. :-(

Umm the gym or face the elements outside. The treadmill, the lesser of two evils won this time. I can only run on the treadmill if I do intervals it gives me something to think about rather than just plod plod plod. Anyway miraculously I managed 6 miles and then it told me to “get off”, well actually it just stopped at 60 mins so you don’t have to tell me twice!!

Good Friday I had arranged to run with a friend, I woke up to yet more rain, both of us need to be certified for going out, it was that rain that was really the big blob type that is just persistent and stings your face. The good thing was that at least we had each other for company and I was running in her territory so different scenery and quiet country roads, we saw 2 other runners with their dogs and a mad gardener, I mean really, is there any need? I’m sure he thought the same of us.

6 miles later, hair dripping, trainers wet through we arrived back at Tracys house. I’m sure neither of us would have bothered going out if we hadn’t arranged to go together :-)

Just Giving - http://www.justgiving.com/sarahs-marathon

Email: marathon.runner@christchurch-runners.org.uk

This is from my RW magazine.  I thought I would share it with you as I found it really funny.

The ‘Run Like a Dog’ Workout (including warm-up and cool-down).

Walk eight seconds. Trot four seconds. Stop. Sniff. Sprint seven seconds. Freeze. Walk five seconds in another direction. Stare nine seconds. Lunge at rabbit. Double back. Urinate. Repeat six times. Collapse on rug.