Annette Louise de Florinier

I must admit by the Friday before the race I was filled with anxiety about how things would go on the day. I had no appetite, and this was made worse by the fact that I knew I was supposed to be carb loading, I knew I should get more sleep, but I slept very badly. Despite trying to think positively I mind kept filling with negative thoughts and I was not confident that my longest training run was long enough.
However, on Saturday night I suddenly felt better, I had my pasta and meatballs and slept really well. The 5am start was a bit of a shock to the system, but I had a good breakfast and felt ready.
Arriving at Blackheath was so exciting, seeing the area set up for the race, thousands of people descending on Greenwich Park.
The atmosphere was amazing, people were so friendly, everyone nervously chatting in the toilet queue and waiting to start the race. A heavy downpour of rain got us all soaked before the race started, at 10:05am I finally crossed the start line.
The first 10miles were a blur of crowds and noise, which I had never expected. There were so many people on the streets, and handing out fruit and jelly babies, cheering us on. I didn’t notice I was running at all. Tower Bridge was amazing, I knew my family would be there and I was worried that I would miss them, but amazingly I saw them and was lifted to carry on.
I knew I had never run more than 17 miles, so when I passed 18 miles I was so pleased, but very soon after I had a moment of anxiety, another 8 miles to go! Can I do this? I slowed down as I suddenly became conscious of my legs feeling stiff and my toes were hurting. I took on some fuel and thankfully the moment passed. I slowly got through 19 miles, then 20 miles and I was able to think that I only really had a hour to go, I’ve run 6 miles before lots of times, its not far, I kept telling myself.
21 miles very sore toes, ignore it carry on, my legs were powering through but I don’t know how I was doing it.
23 miles, I saw the Havens supporters and this gave me such a lift, only 3 miles left, I had a chance, I could finish. Also this part of London was much nicer and more recognisable than the rest of the race, before I knew it I was passing a sign saying 600m to go. I don’t know how but I found myself sprinting (well I felt like I was, it was probably a fast jog!) I turned into The Mall, this was something I had dreamed of, running to the finish line, and then across, I had done it! The most amazing feeling ever.
Running a Marathon is not easy, its takes mental as well as physical energy to achieve, it’s one of the hardest things I ever done, but at the same time it’s an experience I will never forget. Would I do it again? Probably!

I must admit by the Friday before the race I was filled with anxiety about how things would go on the day. I had no appetite, and this was made worse by the fact that I knew I was supposed to be carb loading, I knew I should get more sleep, but I slept very badly. Despite trying to think positively I mind kept filling with negative thoughts and I was not confident that my longest training run was long enough.
However, on Saturday night I suddenly felt better, I had my pasta and meatballs and slept really well. The 5am start was a bit of a shock to the system, but I had a good breakfast and felt ready.
Arriving at Blackheath was so exciting, seeing the area set up for the race, thousands of people descending on Greenwich Park.
The atmosphere was amazing, people were so friendly, everyone nervously chatting in the toilet queue and waiting to start the race. A heavy downpour of rain got us all soaked before the race started, at 10:05am I finally crossed the start line.
The first 10miles were a blur of crowds and noise, which I had never expected. There were so many people on the streets, and handing out fruit and jelly babies, cheering us on. I didn’t notice I was running at all. Tower Bridge was amazing, I knew my family would be there and I was worried that I would miss them, but amazingly I saw them and was lifted to carry on.
I knew I had never run more than 17 miles, so when I passed 18 miles I was so pleased, but very soon after I had a moment of anxiety, another 8 miles to go! Can I do this? I slowed down as I suddenly became conscious of my legs feeling stiff and my toes were hurting. I took on some fuel and thankfully the moment passed. I slowly got through 19 miles, then 20 miles and I was able to think that I only really had a hour to go, I’ve run 6 miles before lots of times, its not far, I kept telling myself.
21 miles very sore toes, ignore it carry on, my legs were powering through but I don’t know how I was doing it.
23 miles, I saw the Havens supporters and this gave me such a lift, only 3 miles left, I had a chance, I could finish. Also this part of London was much nicer and more recognisable than the rest of the race, before I knew it I was passing a sign saying 600m to go. I don’t know how but I found myself sprinting (well I felt like I was, it was probably a fast jog!) I turned into The Mall, this was something I had dreamed of, running to the finish line, and then across, I had done it! The most amazing feeling ever.
Running a Marathon is not easy, its takes mental as well as physical energy to achieve, it’s one of the hardest things I ever done, but at the same time it’s an experience I will never forget. Would I do it again? Probably!