Well I've done it!! I ran the entire 26.2 miles without stopping but NEVER EVER again. It was an amazing experience, but a bit like childbirth in that it's a lifetime achievement but one you have got to be mad to repeat twice.
At the start line I was very emotional but thankfully I met a lovely girl called Rachel and we really helped each other out. During the marathon I teamed up with a running partner called David Kelsy, a waiter from London, and we talked and ran for 23 miles. What an amazing man. I couldn't have broken the four hour barrier without him.
So my official time for the Flora London Marathon was 3 hrs 59 minutes!! I came 1,879th out of 35,000 runners and I am over the moon. I beat Ronin Keating and finished in the same time as James Cracknell.
I fought my way past bananas, massai warriors, Rocky Balboa, gorillas and even a man wearing nothing but I g-string (yeah I did have a cheeky peek but that's allowed!).
The first eight miles flew past. I hit 'the wall' at about 18 miles but thankfully two old friends appeared from no-where, David Watson and Ruth Hodson. When they shouted my name my heart lifted and it carried me to the end with a bit of inner strength.
The last five miles were the most difficult and although I could feel my legs, knee and hamstring pulling a little I didn't feel any pain until AFTER I crossed the finish line.
Then it hit me. Mum shouted my name...my back went to jelly, the pain in my legs was unbelievable and I noticed people on the floor around me. To be honest I wasn't prepared whatsoever for the pain because after my 22 mile training run I was fine.
Thankfully mum was there to pick up the pieces. I jokingly asked a policeman for an ambulance back to the hotel but he just laughed, probably because it was the 100th time he was asked the same question that day. Mum helped me walk everywhere, down stairs and on to the tubes. I think it took us well over an hour to get back to the hotel (2 miles away from the finish). Thanks mum you're a star!
There are so many people I want to thank. I couldn't have done the marathon without the love, support and encouragement of Mike. When people doubted I could run my first ever marathon with 14 weeks of training, Mike said he knew I could do it! Afterwards he said: "...just think, you came 1,879th out of 35,000. That means you beat 33,000 people!" Ahh he is such a sweetie.
An enormous thank you to Alan and Hilda - the best mum and dad in law a girl could wish for. During my training, they have looked after Cameron so many times I have lost count.
Thanks also to Clare Thomas (Holden) who looked after Cameron on my 22 mile run (it's your turn to do the marathon next year honey!)
I know I am a very very lucky girl because I have the best family and friends in the Universe. I really mean that. You have all helped raise an extraordinary amount of money for my charity Shaw Trust - helping people from all walks of life including those with disabilities, mental health issues, substance-misuse problems and even single parents.
So what now? Well I'm sat recovering in my London hotel typing this e-mail and it would be rude not to visit Harrods down the road. As he's unlikely to read this e-mail I'm sure Mike would love to treat me to a new 'marathon' handbag and shoes (better than any medal).
ONLY joking!!!! Not about the handbag and shoes, but my medal is MUCH BETTER!
