Trudi Chandler Completes the London Marathon
It's race day! Raining (groan), I'll have to wear my bin liner with a hole cut in the top whilst waiting for the race to start. I'm standing next to an orange emu on the train from Charring Cross to Maze Hill!
Feeling very nervous, but I know everyone else is in the same boat. Another runner was crying into her boyfriend's shoulder at the station, it's quite an emotional time.
We're off! I'm at the back with all the emus, rhinos and even someone dressed as the Cutty Sark! It's a great atmosphere, just like a huge street party! All the pubs are open and playing loud music as we run past, everyone clapping and cheering, there's even a priest sprinkling everyone with water as they pass him (well he looked real, anyway)! I need some divine inspiration!
Going well up to about 18 mile mark, then I hit 'the wall'… oh NO! I'll have to walk the rest of the way, my legs have gone to jelly, and I can't run any more! At least I've passed Jade Goody… I think I was built more for comfort than speed…
I can see the finishing line; I can just about manage a jog to end my marathon in 6hrs 31mins! My family are waiting for me; I'm so pleased to see them!
The support I've received from everyone has made the past six months training all worthwhile; I've managed to raise over £3000 for Kidney Research UK. Thank you to anyone and everyone who has helped me out in any way and for all the sponsorship money you have donated.
Best Wishes,
Trudi Chandler.