Although the build-up to the big day had been nerve racking, the coach trip up in the morning was not too bad, apart from a completely full bladder that stopped me being able to move or speak.  It was a quick dash into the bushes on arrival!  At least I knew I was drinking plenty! 

As we mingled in amongst the swarms of runners, the nerves had changed to excitement that was continually increasing.  We were vaselined up to our eyeballs.  If anyone were to pick us up we would slip through their hands pretty quickly!  We had our emergency pouch on our wrists with 2 plasters, 2 Imodium (hoping they would still be there when we finished!) and 6 energy sweets along with our running flask of carbohydrate drink.  We were at the start in ‘pen 6’.  It was like being one of the flock of sheep, shoulder to shoulder.  One last wave at the helicopter and it was 9.30, the biggest race of our life had begun.  Sis 1 and Sis 2 were off! 

Frustratingly enough we crossed the start line after 10 minutes followed by Tinky Winky!   And it was not just crowds that welcomed us but a line of men watering the bushes!  The pace was very comfortable, in fact you had no choice but to go pretty slow!  So we soaked in the atmosphere, cheered at the bands and those supporting, runners were chatting and church bells were ringing to the sound of Chariots of Fire.  It actually sent tingles down your spine!  But low and behold, it was toilet time again!  We felt it was best to get it done and out the way early on in the race as we knew we would not need it again!  Of course the ladies had to queue but soon enough we were off again and there would be no stopping us now! 

The famous meeting of the two starts we were prepared for.  Pam on one of our practice runs had shouted “Ogy, Ogy, Ogy” to us and we kind of just looked at her!  She said wait until the marathon and you’ll see what I mean.  So as we met with the runners from the other start, there was “Ogy, Ogy, Ogy” and without fail (we had the breath at this stage!) to shout ‘Oi, Oi, Oi’! 

The first 13 miles seemed a breeze due to the 10 minute mile pace, we not only planned to keep, but were more or less forced to do.  At this point, it was amazing to see runners running in the opposite direction on the other side of the road as they reached the 20+ mile stage.  It would be a while before we reached that stage!  

The main challenge was the water stations!  We focused on the end of the water station, darting in to grab a bottle and quickly darting out.  The key was to avoid those runners slowing down or stopping and trying not to run in front of runners behind you.  At first it was chaos but we eventually managed to ‘suss’ it out!  We took water at every station there was, so we had no problems with dehydration!  

So after 13 miles, we knew the real work had really started!  It was time to try and up the pace as planned which was hard to keep consistent as runners slowed down in front of you or suddenly stopped.  I am sure we added on a couple of miles just weaving in and out of people!  Sis 2 (Julie) was very slick with her moves!  She managed to squeeze through runners as the gap was just closing and left me behind!  So I had a few faster bursts to catch up with her! 

 The crowds were fantastic and we were really starting to need their support.  Thank goodness we wrote our names on our vests as supporters shouted out our names together, as we also had Sis 1 and Sis 2 on them.  Even some guy hanging out of his flat window on about the 4^th or 5^th floor was able to see Julie’s name and shout it out!   We were also lucky to see our Mum twice with her friends.  She had such a proud look on her face and that really gave us the extra strength we needed

A sign for showers appeared which confused us!  Why would anyone want to stop and go for a shower!  Then it all became clear – at various points there was a large canopy with sprinklers inside that you ran through!  Very refreshing, and needed as the sun became quite warm. 

So as 18 and 19 miles crept upon us, the pain started setting in for me.  The miles were now starting to get longer and longer and Julie was looking as strong as ever.  Julie was sensible and took 2 Nurofen before the race, which is something Wendy always does too (I found that out 2 days after the race!).  I wish I had taken them too! 

It did not help having to run across a cobbled road!  Although carpet was put down, my feet were sticking to it and I embarrassingly nearly fell flat on my face (which luckily enough would have been in front of the St.John’s Ambulance!) but managed to recover quickly as if nothing had ever happened!  I also noticed a few other people tripping up too. 

20 miles, then 21 miles and my legs were feeling a little heavier and I was now starting to get used to the pain.  Julie and I were at a stage where we could not slow down as it would make it more difficult and I found it hard to speed up as my legs struggled.  Julie was the one that really pulled me round.  It was so important to focus on each mile and not ‘how far is it to the finish’.

22, 23 and 24 miles, Julie’s encouragement was a blessing!  We were so looking forward to the Embankment as in our minds this was the road home!  As we hit 25 miles, we started to pick the pace up and determination took over pain!  More space to run was starting to appear and Julie and I were more focused than ever.  Up to Big Ben and a turn to the right, we were on our way to Buckingham Palace.  A second burst of energy hit us as we lengthened our strides.  We passed Pam and Chris who were marshalling and they cheered us on. 

800 metres to go and the strides were really kicking in.  Larger crowds, bigger cheers as we reached Buckingham Palace.  And as we turned the corner, I said to Julie “this is it” and the finish line was in sight.  We grabbed each others hand and threw them in the air as we crossed the line.  It was over and a few tears fell down my face.  Sis 1 and Sis 2 had done it (4 ½ hours on our watch, 4 hours 51 mins on the official clock).  We had earnt our Jim’ll Fix It badge (London Marathon medal) and achieved a fantastic goal. 

By Sunday evening, we wished we could turn back the clock and do it all again (believe it or not!).  Another London Marathon is definitely on the cards and possibly a different one with not so many runners. 

Walking up and downstairs became the biggest challenge on the Sunday evening and Monday.  You could tell who the marathon runners were as we all had the same stagger!  In fact Sunday evening and Monday were very much an anti-climax.  There had been so much build-up to the big day, we had organised fundraising events and people were sponsoring us (we have raised £2,700 between us), then suddenly it was all over. 

Sunday the 16^th April 2000 was the most memorable day ever!
Thank you to all at the Windle Valley Running who have helped and supported us.  We couldn’t have done it without you.