Well I did it and what a fantastic experience.

So my finish time was 5 hrs 32 minutes and 3 seconds.  I was in the first 25% of finishers at position 8663 – and, as pleasing, was that I was 484th in the 50 – 54 years old age bracket.  Not too bad for someone who had never run before December, although I say it myself, so am now typing this wearing my Finishers tee-shirt and medal round my neck – just for my own amusement really.

As I was arriving at the Competitors enclosure I met a lady, Dorothy, in her wheelchair with her Dog for the Disabled, Swift, a beautiful black Labrador. She and her dog had been together for 8 years and transformed her life – amazing coincidence to meet her just before the start and a further inspiration to finish the race.

So the race itself – I was in Pen 9 Red, which meant I was in the last group to leave (or expected slowest), not nervous just another day another frame of mind.  Spent the first few miles with the Wombles of Wimbledon who seem to bring a big cheer and other colourful characters including a twelve legged caterpillar and towards the end I just managed to keep ahead of Woody who was running as an enormous tree.  The crowd were absolutely fantastic and the race was actually easier than some of the previous gruelling, seemingly unending training that I had undertaken.  I now know every single combination and multiples of 26.2 miles as I mentally divided how far I had got to go as each mile went passed.  No enduring pain or discomfort or blisters during the race, and very conscientious of taking on vast litres of fluid as numerous runners were suffering with dehydration and cramp and collapsing by the wayside – that was not an option to be considered for me so just kept swallowing the Lucozade Sport – not to be my new tipple.

How do I feel right now a couple of days on and after a couple of glasses of Chablis  – slightly stiff  (getting more nimble by the hour – but still preferable to ask for assistance than contemplate going upstairs unnecessarily), knowledge that flip flops are not going to be this seasons ‘must’ fashion accessory as my big left big toe nail is probably going to fall off, and an overwhelming emotional humble feeling towards my dear Family and Friends that have supported me over the last four months in order to get Brigadier the Labrador.

So thank you thank you thank you for donating – there is still some monies to come in from those that prefer to give after the mission is accomplished and a few of the doubting Thomas’ who thought I may fade on the way round.  We will get Brigadier – not sure when he will come into being but I intend to meet him, see him during his training and finally to be introduced to the disabled person who will care and work with him.  Fabulous outcome and so I convey my very deep appreciation and affection for helping to make this possible.  Thank you.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx   Diana   xxxxxxxxxxxxx