So here I am finally getting round to writing my last and final blog about my marathon journey. I realise that it is very late in happening and I guess there’s a couple of reasons for that. Firstly it has taken me some time to consolidate my feelings about this amazing journey – I have quite literally struggled to find the words to be able to articulate how incredible it has been. And secondly after my knee mishap five days before the actual event I really wanted to be able to provide some resolution before my final blog.
When the day arrived I was super nervous and saying goodbye to Simon and entering the start zone alone felt really daunting and emotional. Once inside and photographers started taking pictures I realised I must wipe away my tears, smile and start enjoying this experience that I had dreamt of being part of for so long. I knew I needed to commit to memory everything that was happening because I may never be fortunate enough to run this race again.
And from that point on I really tried to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy it. I got chatting to some lovely people before we started which helped with my nerves. My knee injury was certainly the focus of my anxiety, but with it all strapped and taped and the reassurance from my sports team I told myself it would be ok….
And it was. I worried for probably the first 10 miles – was it hurting, was that a twinge, was the other leg hurting because it was compensating for the bad one…? But the atmosphere from the other runners and the crowds around me gave me other things to think about. I cannot describe the community feel in London on the actual day. The power of making fleeting eye contact with a spectator shouting my name and the buzz that gave me, a total stranger rooting for me and willing me on felt incredible. And seeing my people, who had kindly spread themselves out and worn themselves out travelling round the city to ensure that I got to actually see people 8 times along the way, was so motivating. A real highlight of the run was coming over Tower Bridge at the halfway point. Just amazing to be running over that iconic landmark, part of something very special.
I can’t deny that the last 3 miles were super tough. There is an official picture of me that I love because it shows the pain as well as the determination I had to keep going to the end. I will attach it. We had decided that my family wouldn’t be at the end. To get a place at the end you have to go early and we agreed that their time would be better spent being in a few other places along the way. So as I rounded the corner with less than 200 meters to go – the final straight and I could see the finish line, I was surprised to hear my name being called. As I looked over to my left I couldn’t believe that mum, Karen, Freya and Heidi were there. When they were waiting in St James Park they’d decided they would just see if they could get to the finish line and when they got there people asked if they had someone coming through and let them through to the front. What a wonderful surprise and as I rounded the corner my sister shouted “I love you” and those were the words that rang in my head as I ran that final 200 meters….enough said!
I have experienced so much positive learning from this journey, about myself and the people around me. The support I have been given, from everyone – family, friends, work colleagues, professionals has been amazing and such an incredible motivation to keep going, especially when it’s been cold, dark, wet, windy or, quite frankly I just haven’t fancied donning my trainers and heading out the door. Let’s face it, I’ve had plenty of time to learn – my training has consisted of over 60 hours of actual running covering over 350 miles!
I want to say a special thank you to Simon, mum, dad, Freya and Louie for their support. Without it I definitely wouldn’t have been able to properly prepare. And to everyone at work who have been so interested and supportive – talking about it has been so important, and I’ve certainly had a lot to say. And my sports professionals, Steve and Zahra who definitely bore the brunt of my anxiety that last week when I was freaking out about my knee. The motivation and positive encouragement they provided me that week must have felt like a full time job, but I know I wouldn’t have got to the start without it and I am so very grateful to them.
Thank you too to all my friends and the many words of encouragement and wisdom they gave me, and a very special thank you to Karen for writing me my very own song…and singing it!! And to Stella and Jackie who were there in London with me on the day, cheering me on. Throughout this journey I’ve had cards, flowers, bubble bath, books, plasters, food, poems, memes, pictures, texts, hugs, time, motivational talks, texts, words…the list just goes on.
And last but not least a huge thank you to everyone that donated. The icing on the cake is that by doing something that I’ve always wanted to do, that has been so incredlibly positive for me, I’ve managed to raise over £3,000 for Home-Start Royston and South Cambs. A staggering amount!! Thank you all so very much!!
And now the next chapter – to fix the knee. An ongoing saga that will right itself eventually. And once it’s done I will be ready for my next adventure – now I’ve got the bug! So watch this space everyone….
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