The Ladies Get Emotional!

This afternoon Sue, Lisa and myself went to ExCel in Docklands to pick up our race numbers and timing chips.

All was calm until I entered the building when I began to shake uncontrollably (Sue was obviously feeling it too as she headed straight for the loo). I have never been so nervous in all my life, in one single moment the saying "we are running the marathon" turned from a dream into a reality.

I went up to my registration area and was greeted by a couple of really cheery people who gave me some positive words of encouragement and told me that the hard work was done and now all I had to do was enjoy it (neither had ever run the marathon). I was a little disappointed not to have be registering with the elite runners, but I have been led to believe that the numbers start at 38000 so my 38235 must mean I am special!!!

Once registered we were guided towards a wall covered in messages, a lady approached with pen and paper and asked us to write down our reasons for running the marathon. Without thinking I wrote "I got drunk at my own wedding and agreed to run the marathon" - quite true although there is also the issue of raising lots of money for The National Autistic Society - a charity close to my heart. Lisa and Sue took more time over their messages and as soon as I read them I was in tears - yes, the emotions had started to take hold.

I felt compelled to read a few more message on the wall but soon found it all too emotional. So many people running for so many worthy charities, all with their own stories and motivations. I realised then how proud I was to be part of this wonderful event and very privileged to be sharing the experience with some good friends (Yes, I was in floods of tears - both then and now)!

I looked at Sue, my crying buddy and sure enough she hadn't let me down - she too was in tears. Lisa helped us through this moment by suggesting that we did some retail therapy - so off we trotted to buy the customary T-Shirt and some "gel" packs.

This whole journey has been a very emotional experience for me and it is now only 4 bedtimes until the day is upon us. Lets hope I can hold it together long enough to get across the finish line without losing to much vital water though tears!!

Hope to see lots of you on the day, either along the marathon route or joining us for a celebratory beer later at The Beehive. Thanks again to all of you for support up until now.

Liz x