Hello!

Just a quick note to say THANK YOU very much for sponsoring me for the London Marathon, I managed to raise a grand total of £963.67 for Cancer Research UK.

What an amazing day, I woke up early and stuffed myself with a big bowl of Shreddies and caught the tube to the start of the race - this was the point the nerves kicked in, had I drank enough fluids? would I get a stitch? can I really run 26 miles?

I waited apprehensively at the start line trying to clear my mind of any worries and focusing on getting to the finish - and I was off-

The beginning was difficult due to there being another 32,000 people to dodge, but after a few miles it got easier, sadly the weather got worse - I felt like a drowned rat as the heavens opened.

I continued with my 7 minute mile pace and seemed to hold out well with the help of Lucozade, power bar gels and a very supportive crowd.

Then suddenly after 20 miles I hit the 'wall'. My brain was saying 'stop doing this to me, are you mad?!' but I got through the pain by repeating in my head 'bullet, missile, rocket' I slowed my pace slightly but never dared begin walking as I'd never start again.
Each mile after the 20th seemed to take forever, as I got over Tower Bridge I realised I only had another few miles to go so tried my best to speed up. Seeing that finish line was the most exhilarating experience, I'd made it, I'd ran a marathon and lived to tell the tale! I completed the 26.21 mile course in 3 hours and 33 minutes, I was really pleased with my time and plan to do it all again next year for another worthy cause. Thanks again for sponsoring me - it was an experience I will never forget. James