Hello Everyone!

I have finished my race! It was an amazing day (early start at 5.50am wake up call!) with so many runners. As I was getting on the train near Bromley I was joined on the platform with many others in their tight leggings. I knew they were heading in the same direction as me so just followed them! The event was so well organised. Once I checked in my bag, queued about 30 mins for the portaloo (?!) and made my way to the start line, I was getting a little nervous. The atmosphere at the start line was incredible though- the diversity of the runners was remarkable: young, old, on crutches, in wheelchairs, in fancy dress, elites etc...and me!

The opening ceremony was hard to follow being a spot in the crowd but the atmosphere was great. We shuffled our way to the start line like a pack of penguins once the horn sounded. The start was exciting but I found it a little bit difficult to find my pace (the hill didn't help!) but once I found my rhythm I could really start to enjoy it. Throughout the course people lined the streets and were supporting all the runners as they passed. Surprisingly, at 3km I started to hit a bit of a brick wall but a man ran past me, turned round and put his thumbs up...then I was fine again! At 5km we were given sports drinks which really helped. From 8km onwards, the sides of the roads were packed with spectators and there was a live radio broadcast and music which gave an extra spring to my step. Just before 9km, when I was near Westminster Abbey, I was surprised to see Mum, Dad, George and Joseph on the side lines cheering me on. Soon I found out there was only 1km to go and I picked up my pace, a little too much maybe as about 200m from the finish line I thought I was going to pass out! Crossing the line was a relief but rewarding. I came in at 1hr 3mins which was better than I thought I would as I had been training at 8.5km/hr which would have given me a time of about 1hr 10mins.

As we walked back her Majesty's Big Band of the Lifeguards were playing, the sun was shining and people's faces were beaming. It really was an amazing day.I think I may have caught the running bug...who knows, it might be a half marathon next!

Thank you to everyone who sposored me. When I hit the brick wall, I thought of the list of people I had behind me, and it really helped to spur me on, so thank you xxx