Ladies Circle

During a moment of absolute madness last May 2008, I applied for a place in the 2009 London Marathon.  I had no expectations of getting a place as they are so hard to come by.  So I put it out of my mind until a letter dropped through my door on 1 October telling me that I had been granted a place.

D Day – 26 April 09 was approaching far too rapidly for my liking!  I set out from home at 6am on the big day and took the train to London followed by a 15 minute walk to the dreaded Race start.

A lorry was available to store belongings in and then I made my way to the  starting line .  I joined the group that intended to walk most of the course and it was not long before we were off. 

35,000 runners and I wove our way  through the famous and historic streets of London.  There were spectators all round the course, calling out runners names and cheering them on.  I got a big cheer at 7 miles from Vicky GB&I National Membership Officer, Karen Sprod from Amersham Circle and Kate from Reading Circle. 

Another cheer at 9 miles from my family and then they popped up again at around 12 miles.  Tower Bridge was the half way landmark.  I reached here at 13.33hrs and it was still full of supporters cheering us on.  So that was 3 hours 33 minutes since I had left the start and I was only half way round.  

Then it was on to Docklands where every pub seemed to have a party.  Still  people where there to cheer us on.  At 18 miles I was definitely tired and I was desperately looking out for the 22 mile post.  This stretch is the only part of the course you pass twice and it felt like a personal milestone to pass it for the second time.   

Passing this point spurred me on to finish the remaining 4.2 miles.   At around 23 miles the smiling faces of those circlers were there again, and they escorted me to within 300 metres of the finish from where all competitors have to carry on alone.

I walked the last 300 metres arm in arm with a girl who had obviously injured herself but was going on in determination to reach the finish  We both crossed the line and collected our medals.  My finishing time was 7  hours 24 minutes. 

Hardly a running time but nevertheless my first and probably last London Marathon. It was a good day and I thank all those people who cheered me round, those I know and the hundreds I don’t.  Thanks too to the helpers who handed out drinks, the Marshalls and the first aid teams.  And the young children giving high 5’s as we passed or holding out handfuls of sweets each and everyone of them made the day special for me.  And of Course to Colin, Jeni ,Charlotte and Sam who have put up with me disappearing for long walks. And for not minding when I don’t get  my share of housework done!

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me.  I  hope to raise funds for 2 toilet blocks but I am not there yet so if you haven’t sponsored me yet there is still time. 

Send me a cheque payable to Bushey and Oxhey Ladies Circle or give me a call on 07917340739.

Finally, if I had not been coordinating the International Service Project I would never have considered doing anything this stupid, but I will remember it always, so thank you for giving me this experience but please NEVER ask me to do something this stupid again  and if I suggest it stop me – but then they say never say never.