It's over! and we did it!

It's over and we did it! With no blood (I think), lots of sweat, and just a few tears! I finally made it across the finish line in 5 hours and 48 minutes...a tad longer than I would have hoped for but done and never to be repeated! The first half went well with me completing it in around 2 hours and a half hours but by that stage I was dead so I walked from about 13 miles to 18 miles. I did try running at one point but I was running at the same pace I was walking and so I gave up! Along this stretch I walked with a very nice man called Keith from London and we chatted for a bit. He went on though every time he saw he saw me after that point he said well done and keep going...I may never know who you are but you kept me going!

At the turning point (for those of you who don't know you run out along the beach and then back) I decided I would run a mile and walk a mile...which worked pretty successfully till I reached the wind at by the power station which was like hitting a brick wall. The gusts were so hard that it was actually forcing me backwards...no good after 23 miles already done. I did resolve to walk the next few miles but was determined to make it home sub 6 hours and decided I could run the last mile well mile and a bit. By this stage precious few were still running...25 miles and a massive headwind...but from somewhere I gathered my strength and ran the last wee bit and even managed to sprint to the finish...no idea where that last burst of energy came from I guess from knowing who was benefiting from me putting myself through the torture...the kids! At the end I meet a very nice guy from Southampton who had done it as a bet to some friends who didn't believe that he could do it...I think pride was at stake cause he defiantly felt the same way I did! . Lastly they ran out of full marathon T-shirt by the time I crawled across the finish...I was offered a half one but I was a tad put out by this having just run a full marathon...if I done half I would have been happy with a half but I ran 26.2 (well according to the GPS 26.35 that extra 0.15 makes a huge difference!) miles. Rant over!

I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last few months and who have donated their well earned pennies to a great charity. If anyone would still like to here's the link http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Rachel_Morrison_CHV

I would also like to say a massive well done to Sam and Joe who also completed the marathon but I'll let them write about their adventures!

Dedicated to my Grandpa John Morrison RIP 15 May 2011...I hope I made you proud.