London Marathon

By Louise Harris

I travelled down to London on Friday to ensure I wasn't stressed about getting there.

I have a case that would normally be for a 2 week holiday. This is England in spring! I have 3 different jackets, warm weather running gear and cool weather running gear!

I had to get to London early as you have to pick up your number from the expo! Most races you get your number posted to you. Smaller races you collect it on the day. This is the first time I've had to collect it in advance. 

As I was in London I went to see a show. Saw Shadowlands with Hugh Bonneville. I bawled my eyes out. I didn't think my waterproof mascara would be tested so soon!

I stayed in Greenwich as it was very close to the start. I did a recky to the start on Saturday and it was just a mile away.

I have to get up really early in order to eat before I run. I got to my mass start Blue pen about an hour before my starting time. The last thing I needed was worrying about being late.

As I was sat on the grass waiting I listened to all the inspirational stories as to why people were running. I had a serious lump in my throat. I raised money for Yorkshire Cancer Research. My family have been massively affected by cancer so its a cause close to my heart.

I felt very worried that I wouldn't make it round as I'd only managed to get up to 16 miles in training. My lovely running friends who are more experienced than me reassured me the crowds would get me around. They weren't  wrong. I had my name on my vest and honestly I felt like a pop star with everyone calling out my name. It was so uplifting. 

There were people having picnics, bbqs, drinks outside the pub. I think they were having an amazing time. 

My strategy was get to mile 16 as I know I can do that. Got to mile 16 and was amazed to find I was still running. I then broke it down into smaller chunks, get to 18, that's only 2 more miles... got to 18 I was okay, get to 20 see how you feel. 

By the time I got to mile 22 it was wall to wall supporters. In the nicest possible way it was the longest finish line in the world ever. 

The last few miles disappeared in a whirl wind of running/dancing as there was so much music I couldn't help pushing up the ceiling.  Then all of a sudden I was at Horse Guards parade and then The Mall and I could see the actual finish line! What a feeling!  I ran London Marathon! 

It's my 3rd and final marathon. I'm finishing on a high as nothing can top London.