London Marathon, 23rd April 2006

Linda’s Marathon

I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me during my training and on this special day – there are so many of you who have helped me along – I couldn’t have managed without you all!

Whose idea was this, I wish I knew, I’d been egged on by quite a few!

But I do like a challenge and this was one, the biggest and best, the London Marathon.

So in between essays my training began, it progressed OK, according to plan,

The Wokingham half, it went fairly well, only twice that! Best not to dwell!

Now as Pat knows I’m not mentally strong, I started to struggle as runs became long,

So thanks to all those that helped me to cope, ran alongside me and filled me with hope.

The training is over, the moment is here, my stomach feels awful, legs tremble with fear!

But at the same time I’m on quite a high, a certain excitement that money can’t buy.

Times getting short, not long ‘til the start, everyone gathers, slow down beating heart,

And now we are off, the crowd is so loud, the music is playing, I feel quite proud.

Mile 1 to 6 and then Cutty Sark, thanks Pat for the waves as I reached this landmark,

As the miles go by supporters are great, especially Eynsham, really first rate.

Running over Tower Bridge is really a thrill, it drags your emotions through the mill,

Thanks Ray, Roger, Sheila for all of your cheers, and yes you’ve guessed it! I was close to tears.

I’m getting a bit tired now but try to push on, not long ‘til I see Derek and my wonderful son,

At last I spot them, all waves and smiles, a kiss and a cuddle, then on with the miles.

The distance seems longer, beginning to drag, my times getting slower, starting to flag,

Oh No! Tonys seen me as I’m having a walk! Bet he puts that in his AGM talk!

Miles 18 to 23 I’d rather forget, I found them quite tough, a challenge to be met,

But from 23 on things seemed much better, not far to go though the weather got wetter!

As I trundled along in the pouring rain, my legs and my toes were feeling the pain,

But the screaming and waving from Cindy and Andy, distracted me well, exceedingly handy.

Again thanks supporters, you helped me along, all your hugs, cheers and kisses, I couldn’t go wrong,

At last up The Mall – I felt I could fly, and yes Jan that music – it made me cry1

Muscles are aching, blisters they throb, as I gathered my bags and made through the mob,

Those bags were so heavy it was a relief to see, a knight in shining armour – Mr B.

We met with the others and had a few drinks, journeyed home on the coach, had 40 winks,

And then to the pub – tradition you know, congratulations abundant, it made tears flow!!

So 2 days on and still in pain, that old, old question – would I do it again?

No way I say, never again that race, but ask me next month, just in case!