Oh wow - that was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
Very excited in the morning - managed to meet up with friends and it was lovely to have some people to talk to before hand - the whole atmosphere was absolutely wonderful.
Took about 12 mins to get over the start line and it was very crowded and the average pace of the people I started with was much slower than mine so lots of dipping in and out and racing round corners.
Saw a couple of Evelina shirts along the way but no Mandy my Evelina running buddy en route.
Mile 12 was fantastic when I saw the Weight Loss Resources crowd - almost ran straight past but this was not long after the first rain storm and the thought of seeing them had kept me going strong at that point.
Boring and slow bits through docklands - practically missed my charity cheer point and was getting quite cross as the pace kept dipping below 11 mins and the route was so crowded.
But getting out of there from mile 18 onwards was just amazing - the crowds all shouting my name, the live music and the whole amazing atmosphere.
At mile 22 the Fetchpoint cheerpoint made my day - my sister was there and then Tigger from Weight Loss Resources! So fantastic to bump into her and it was just as I was getting all emotional so seeing her made me much calmer. We ran along together for a while but then she told me to go away basically - so I did.
The last few miles were some of the most memorable in my life and I am filling up now just thinking about them. I was very tired - my legs were killing but you know you can always keep going just for a little while longer at that point. Number of walkers by this bit were huge which again meant lots of weaving in and out.
The crowd were so fantastic that at mile 24 I decided to get rid of the ipod completely and as I took my earphones out I heard Mr B shouting my name and he and Danny were there waving! This was just as the huge hailstorm started so was very welcome I can tell you.
Last two miles were just a dream - I cannot begin to tell you how amazing they made me feel and then I was at Buckingham Palace and turning the corner and the big sign said 385 yds to go and you could see the finish line. I threw my arms into the air at the end and whooped with joy.
Then I realised just how tired I was, the volunteers at the end were so good, taking my chip off, wrapping me in a blanket - I was sobbing away because I was so happy.
Found Mr B and small boy and went to charity reception but was basically so tired that I only stayed to see Mandy and whoop with her (and Adee) and then a quick Burger King which perked me up no end and home.
4.18 and something and one of the most memorable and wonderful experiences in my life - I am on cloud 9!
Now to find another smaller marathon and beat that time!
Well done all you FLMers and thanks to everyone for their amazing support - I love ya all!
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