MY MARATHON UPDATE - IT'S ALL OVER!!
After months and months of sticking to a rigid training schedule, I have finally completed one of my biggest sporting challenges yet; running The London Marathon. I was extremely nervous in the few weeks leading up to the event, I had set myself the personal challenge of attempting to run the whole way without stopping and I knew that would be tough; I knew I had to be both physically and mentally prepared. Fortunately the sickening nerves disappeared the week leading up to the event and for the first time I was actually quite excited!
Having slept well (possibly something to do with the copious amounts of pasta I was consuming that week) I was ready for the challenge that lay ahead. I needn’t have worried about the forecast; the weather was perfect for the run. The start was a challenge in itself, I was virtually at the back of my group and completed the first mile pretty fast as I zigzagged around other runners trying desperately to not get too stuck. This was quite tiring but I managed to settle into my pace a fair few miles ahead. I was lucky to have so much support on the day and for that I am truly grateful. There was nothing more motivating than knowing my friends and family were going to be stationed at specific mile points to cheer me on. I needed that so much! SPARKS also had a number of cheer squads rooting for us all. My supporters were amazing, running from mile point to point; some ended up with more blisters than I did! I certainly recommend having people in the crowd to look for; it really helped me keep going. Thanks guys you are stars! Apparently the i-phones were in full use with messages of me looking pretty good at mile 15 but ‘on the pale side at 20’……. Well what do they expect? Cramp started at about mile 15 but I ignored it (I am not practising what I preach here) and lucky enough after a gel and some more lucozade I felt another buzz. There were a few points where I can remember feeling like I was about to collapse under the weight of my legs but the thought of what I was achieving was more than enough to motivate me to keep pounding away at the streets. I was amazed by the crowds. To be honest running has always bored me and my IPOD has become my best friend. It has saved me from insanity these last few months on those awful long runs that took away what seemed like every spare moment I ever had, yet here I was with no desire to even get it out at all. The costumes were amazing, I don’t think I was overtaken by any ridiculous costume wearers (or maybe only a few) so I was doing OK. At one point I tried to run with a Hulk Hogan lookalike who at 7ft and in bikini bottoms may be my chance to get noticed on TV but this failed after a few miles as he took one stride to my two!! I passed a few celebs - so the lack of a personal trainer and dietician did me no harm and once again I felt proud and kept pounding!
The last six miles were a bit of a daze... I tried desperately to get to each mile marker and will myself on from there. It was here that a number of runners were being stretchered off or were up against the railings dealing with severe cramp in the hands of SJA staff. I think my hard work paid off here as I completed the last few miles and at long last the 26 mile marker was approaching. As I reached the Mall the crowds kept us all buzzing and the end was in sight. It seemed as though so many people were cheering for me (my name on my vest and shorts was a great idea) and the painful cramps became a blurr. It was at the final 400 metre marker that I actually experienced what everyone must call the ‘wall’. I could see the finish but I just couldn’t make my legs work. I knew at this point that walking was not an option and somehow managed to get the strength to cross the line in 4 hours and thirty eight minutes. It was over and I cannot describe how amazing it feels to have finally finished my challenge. I felt so proud of what I had achieved as I was given my medal; all of the hard work and perseverance I had put into this had finally paid off. I am really grateful to everyone who has supported me over the last 6 months as I put myself through the tough training schedule. I have been blown away by all of the support and interest from friends, family and my School and for this I am truly grateful. In doing this challenge I have raised over £4000 for my charity SPARKS; well and truly smashing my initial fundraising target. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and supported me in this. I now look forward to a well earned rest from the training and although I know I will keep up some of the running, I am not about to sign up for any more marathons. Perhaps next time I’ll do something a little different. Watch this space!!
Thank you so much for your support everyone - I am so grateful!
x Michelle x
