London Marathon Runners 2009

First time marathon runner, Amanda De Ridder

WOW, THAT WAS THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!

I, like most women, I started the day by wondering what to wear, the choice of either a t-shirt or a running vest; was it going to be warm, or would I get cold at the point when I would have to walk it.

Once settled for just the running vest I got rid of my kit bag onto the lorry to ensure there was no more nervous indecision.

Once the gun went off it took me 25 minutes to reach the start line, then I was off. 26.2 miles to go.

The first 12 miles disappeared in a flash.  Then I reached Tower Bridge.  I was so overwhelmed by the sight and the crowds that I choked up.

At 16 miles I was beginning to feel the pain and I started willing myself on. I knew I could do 20 miles, told myself that I could walk when I got to 20.  When I got to 20, I though it should only be another 20 or so minutes to 22 miles.

At 22 miles I started to walk and at that moment someone with a microphone put his arm around me and asked how much money I'd raised and people started shouting out my name... I was running again.

24 miles... really, really hard work now, I so wanted to walk the rest of the way, and I felt like crying, but people kept calling out my name and saying I wasn't far, that I'd done really well... I just kept going.

Then there was the 800 metre sign, I thought only twice round the school track, easy.  But that was the longest 800m ever. The crowds where amazing... round the last bend, and the finish in sight. Goes without saying  that I welled up once again... and funny how I managed to find some energy from somewhere and picked up pace for the last 385 yards.  There was absolutely no way I was walking this bit.

I crossed the finishing line arms above my head, I'd never felt so proud of myself.
YES, I DID IT!!! There are no words to describe the feeling of crossing that line.

12 weeks of training in all weather, snow, wind and rain.  Those moments when I really didn't want to put those trainers on (and there were a few) all paid off.

The most amazing thing about the experience... THE CROWDS...  Thank you all for your support.
Would I do it again.... DEFINITELY!