Hi everyone,

Its all over and done with and thankfully I'm now sitting on my sofa in a dressing gown still wearing my medal! It would be fair to say I was more than a little nervous before we started due to the fact that training had really not gone my way this year. What with a hip flexor injury, bad toe and then a bog bite I was not in the best condition to run 26.3 miles!

The day started amazingly as my auntie (and running partner) and I said farewell to out loved ones and started up the hill to the start line. It's an intimidating sight to see thousands of people milling around in lycra and sweat bands looking fully professional stretching and rubbing vaseline onto every part of their bodies. My auntie and I see more importance in visiting the porta loos!

We crossed the start line at 9.50am and that was it, no going back. The good weather had bought out the supporters which was great but not so good for us. There was a distinct lack of a breeze for the first half which was not much fun. There were some lovely firemen who came out with their hoses and gave us a nice shower to run through which really helped!

At mile 7 we saw our family cheering us on which gave us such a lift, at this point we were still going strong and was still enjoying the rush. By mile 12 we just wanted to see them again and knowing they were at mile 13 kept us going. By mile 14 it became clear we had missed them in the crowd and were beginning to struggle. By mile 18 the combination of the heat and the pain in my leg forced me to walk it out a little. My auntie stayed with me saying we started together so we will finish together! She is amazing and I will always admire her strength!

At mile 20 we saw our family again and i cant explain how amazing that feeling is to see their faces smiling and cheering you on. Its so draining that its hard to keep focused but seeing them reminds you why you are doing it and gives you the kick your need. After a hug from Ben we carried on. They had spaced themselves out for the last 6.3 miles so that we had support all the way for the last stretch.

We dug deep and ran on off for the last few miles before finally finding the last scrap of energy to run up horse guard parade and across the finish line! I know at that point Uncle Paul and Brian were pushing me on.

We finished in 6 hours and 29 seconds (obviously I was not made for speed!) but all in all I was very happy. With all the challenges we still managed to knock 22 mins off last years time!

It was an amazing day and although I will be watching the next marathon from the sidelines I was proud to be a small part of this one. I would recommend it to everyone!

We have made around £7,600 for beating bowel cancer and this is all down to you! Thank you so so much for all your support and donations. You really are all amazing!

Thanks again

A very tiered and achy Jem!

xxx

(There is still time to donate if you haven't and still wish to www.justgiving.com/jemmach

It’s that time again, training is well under way and the ibuprofen and plasters have been purchased in bulk! Most of you who know me are well aware of my reasons for fundraising and running for the charity Beating Bowel Cancer but for those of you who don’t here it is. I lost my uncle Paul to the disease a few years ago and since then I have been determined to raise awareness in the hope that we can go some way to finding a cure to this cruel disease. I also run for Brian Cardy who lost his fight last year. We want to educate people in the warning signs, if we diagnose the disease early enough the chances of survival are greatly improved. I saw such strength in both of them and this has inspired me no end in fund raising, I know they will both be willing me on and pushing me over the finish line!

I know times are tough and we are all struggling to make ends meet but if you feel you can help just a little that would be amazing! As they say every penny and pound counts and with your help I know we can smash our target!

(The dinner dance was an amazing night, thank you to everyone who came and helped in some way. It means allot to me that so many people came and supported us, your all stars! We raised £6500 on the night, this will be added on here in bits so thought you may want to know the total xxx)

 Thanks in advance.

Jem xxx

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