I have now completed the 2008 Edinburgh Marathon. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and to all the people who sent me messages of encouragment in the run up the event and on the day. In the end I ran it in 3hrs and 40 minutes which I was very happy with. Fourteen thousand people ran in the race and I was surprised how emotional and experience it was to be part of such a large event. There were supporters all along the route with signs encouraging their runners and supporting their charitable causes. People stood outside their houses handing out wine gums and jelly babies. In Prestonpans some old blokes sat in the sunshine on steps outside a pub, smoking cigarettes, holding pints and shouting genuine encouragement - 'yerr nearly there pal'. between swigs and puffs. The whole experience was one of celebration. It was a joy to be part of and I loved every minute of the run. In particular I enjoyed the last mile which was lined with supporters who cheered everybody on when they needed it most. I chose to support carers with this run. I don't think we value caring and carers nearly enough in this society. Their work is often ignored, hidden away at home, and they're often marginalised and excluded. Young carers in particularl get a bum deal. So anything we can do to support them seems to me to be a good thing. I feel really proud that we've all raised something to help The Princess Royal Trust's work providing that support. Thank you again everyone who has contributed. If you're reading this and you haven't sponsored me it's not too late. The page is live until august. So... it's the day after and I'm walking like a nobbled horse, I've lanced my blood blister, the vaselines been put away and I've tucked my medal away in the sock drawer. That's it til' next time. Tromso anyone? Dx