Thanks so much to everyone who so generously sponsored and supported me. I really couldn't have got through those 26.2 miles without you.

The London Marathon was an amazing experience up until about mile 23 - and after that was by far the hardest thing I've ever done.

I got off to a good start, loving the atmosphere and crowds, especially getting high fived by kids, blessed by priests, cheered on by strangers, and singing along to the bands and djs as I flew by.

Although friends had planned to be at various points all along the way, I didn't spot anyone I knew until mile 15, when my dad ran alongside the barrier with me, and my mum, sister and friends were all beside themselves. I saw Will at mile 17 and everyone else again at mile 18. Then it all started to get a bit bleak.

I had trained up to 21 miles but nothing prepared me for quite how tough the final few would be. My body was completely exhausted so getting to the finish line was about sheer will power. I couldn't help but wonder why on earth I'd put myself through such an ordeal, and how inhumane the whole thing was. I saw lots of disappointed looking people walking and others being carried away on stretchers, but somehow I managed to keep going.

I thought it would never end but suddenly was at Buckingham Palace and soon a medal was hanging around my neck. My time was 4 hours 9 minutes - 13312th out of 35970 - beating Will Young, Christopher Eccleston and Ed Balls.

On finishing I said "never again" but I've clearly got to get my PB under 4 hours, so maybe just once more.

If you fancy a laugh, you can see just how much pain I was in if you click the Marathonfoto link here - enjoy!

Thanks again,
Sarahx