The preparations were all completed, in true Charley style, with military precision. My kit was all laid out in the hotel room, complete with freebies from the Expo, and all there was left to do was have another bowl of pasta. The Expo was amazing but it was a bit of a case of "too much information" as I was really struggling to see how I could ever complete one marathon, let alone do one in Spain, New York etc. Visited the folk from Real Buzz, who were amazing, and did a diary room entry for Lucozade Sprt - gurned like an idiot for the nice man with a video camera, and then, munching my apple, wandered of to the hotel room.

After a reasonable night's sleep on Saturday night, I got myself ready. Felt OK, quite excited, but it has to be said that at that point I still doubted I'd be able to get round. Had a feeling that maybe I'd been kidding myself for months and that it was all going to come to an abrupt halt when I hit "THE WALL" (cue the scary background music).

The Bloke and I started talking to a man who'd run 44 marathons (hello to you, Michael from The Valleys!) and I just felt humbled. He told me to just relax and enjoy it - at that point I thought he must be crazy - how could anyone enjoy a marathon??

The Bloke left a very frightened little girl, on her own, at the start. I really wished Jo the Running Angel had been there, instead I rang my Daddy and Carol and burst into tears. Two lovely ladies came over and put their arms round me - I told them I was OK and then decided I needed to pull myself together, or I'd never get round. So I had my photo taken with a Rhino, had three consecutive visits to the loo, tightened my trainers, and lined up on the start of Red, zone 9, sandwiched between a man painted blue and another man pulling a brick wall on a sledge. I turned on my ipod, which was on random, and lo and behold the first song was a real tear-jerker, put on to spur me on and remind me of Carol and her gruelling treatment - that lump returned to my throat and made me feel very determined to make sure I got round. Crossed the start line next to a man dressed up as a red heart, and off I went, palms sweaty, heart pounding in the sunshine.

Then I realised I really needed to wee (AGAIN!). So I queued up at mile 1 with about 150 other women - after about 8 mins or so, one brave soul suggested we use the urinals as there were no men in sight, and by this point we were so far at the back of the field that I could see the fabled sweep-up coach. So ("girl power") we all squatted and then started running again.

At 1.5 miles, I saw the Bloke, and Rob & Ali (friends from Hull who had got up at 3:30am to drive down and support me - so touched - my definition of a true friend!) they were jumping about shouting my name - told the Bloke that I'd had a wee in a urinal (much to his horror and disgust) by way of explaining why it had apparently taken me nearly 40 mins to get only to mile 1.5. In fact, I'd been running for 19 minutes, well inside my rough aim to do 13-15 minute miles.

Despite my fear, though I felt ace. Really strong. The decision not to run for a week before the marathon had been a good one. Instead, I found myself enjoying the scenery and the crowd, and just finding my natural rhythm. Overtook Buster (aged 101) and gave him some encouragement - felt humbled that a man of his impressive age should even be attempting a feat which, at that time, I still didn't think I would be able to achieve. I hit the 5k point far faster than I had hoped to - about 35 mins and thought that that this was bad - tried to slow myself down, as was petrified that I'd run out of fuel at about 10 miles - then told myself just to relax and see how it went.

Then, at about 4.5, I was running down a slight hill and saw a massive banner saying "GO CHARLEY GO" - My Mum had arrived! Now there were 5 people jumping up and down shouting my name as I approached - Mum was hyper-excited, and her friend Brenda was jumping up and down too. Gave Mum a sweaty hug and plodded on, feeling amazing. Hand-slapped a few little people en route, and really began to enjoy the crowd shouting my name. Ran with a Stormtrooper pushing R2-D2 and the scariest-looking (male) Princess Leia I've ever seen.

Then I needed another wee. At 10k, realised I'd nearly kept time with the fastest 10k I'd ever done - was so surprised by this as it had felt so easy until now! Chatting with the other girls in the loo queue, when mutiny nearly struck - a man with his legs crossed tried to jump the queue - think he'd have been the first marathon lynching if sense hadn't prevailed and he hadn't waddled off to find somewhere else to squat. Inside the loo, I heard the heavens open (on the roof outside - not in the loo!!), anhd when I emerged, it was hailing. Nice. Really cold, but reflected that the marathon was never going to be easy, and here was the pain beginning to start....... But then it didn't start, and the hail stopped, and I warmed up again! I was so grateful, I continued smiling.

At Tower Bridge, the Charley's Angels were there in force - The Bloke calls it "His Bridge" so I was happy to see him there. Felt really strong, and really surprised by this. Ran past the Baked Beans on Toast Man, and a woman carrying a tree. Then entered the Docklands (cue that scary background music again). I saw all the "proper runners" approaching 23 miles on the other side of the carriageway - was in the middle of changing my ipod to play "I will Survive" when a lovely marshal asked if I was Ok - said I looked as if "all the fun had gone out of it" - told him I was OK and upped my pace a bit.... and tried to look a bit happier.

The Docklands were a bit of a blur - I kept running, kept thinking to myself "you've run 15 in training, just get to 15 and then walk if it hurts". Went through 15, then 16, then 17. Still running - still surprised at myself. Had been expecting to see the Charley's Angels somewhere here - think this kept me going as I didn't want them to see me walking so early. Was expecting THE WALL, but nothing happened. I remember thinking to myself that I didn't really feel any different to 8 or 9 miles. The hail came again, but this stopped me from walking - I knew that if I walked in the hail, I'd get cold. So I ran through 18, then 19, and at 20 miles I had a sudden realisation, "I can do this - I can complete the Marathon" and just felt my sprits lift. I ran through 21, then 22, and then thought that I would walk for a bit, as I wanted to run all the way up the Embankment.

Phoned Charley's Angels - they were at the pub at 22.5 miles; another sweaty hug from an emotional Mum, and an ill-thought-out suggestion that "I'll run to that road sign just for you!" - then I kept running, and got all the way through Blackfriar's tunnel. Another little walk, but loved to start running again when the crowd were shouting my name - they went bonkers and this really lifted me. I was shouting to everyone "I'm going to do it - I'm going to finish the marathon". Think I was talking to myself more than to them. Saw Tower Bridge again, and knew that it was all going to be OK.

The Embankment seemed to go on forever, but the walking had given me extra strength, and I found that I was overtaking people who hadn't stopped running, but who had been running with me since the Docklands. This felt ace. Next thing I knew, I was running down towards the Palace. I nearly popped with happiness when I saw the saig "365 Yards to Go" but I realised I didn't know how far that really was - should I start hitting my finish-line pace yet?? I don't think I'll ever forget that sight - all those people shouting my name, and I COULD SEE THE FINISH LINE!! The announcer was saying on his tannoy that "you're about to join a special club, and whatever happens in your life, no-one will ever be able to take that away from you". I stepped up my pace, and literally the last people nearest the finish line were my lovely supporters - going bonkers. I waved my arms in the air and told them that I was going to do it! I crossed the finish line, burst into tears of relief / shock / pure joy, and the marshal said to me" Well done Charley, you've just completed a marathon" and plonked my medal round my neck.

I called my Dad and Carol immediately, in floods of tears. I had my photo done, still crying, and then met up with the folk, drank champagne, and had many sweaty hugs.

Official time: 6:11:47 as I'd stopped my watch when I queued for the loo! My time 5:57:03. Position 9858, for age 2062.

Today, I can still burst into tears at the thought of it all. I'm still in shock, I think - can't believe I did it. I can feel that I did it though, as I can hardly walk - but I'm immensely proud of myself, and left with one worrying thought - it wasn't as bad as I thought it as going to be - in fact, I quite enjoyed it! This makes me think that maybe one won't be the end.......

Want to thank Ian, for being such an understanding and supportive partner over the last few months (well, always - but especially so in the last few months!). Thank you to my Mummy, my Daddy, and little Caz, my inspiration for all of this. A massive thanks to all my supporters on the day, both in London and at home anxiously biting their nails, watching the live coverage on TV and waiting for THAT phonecall. Also to all my sponsors, including Mansell, and to Lymphoma Association for doing such incredible work, and for giving me the chance to fulfill my ambition. Last but not least, thanks to Jo the Running Angel who kept me going, and all of you here on Real Buzz - you are truly inspirational.

(see you next year?)

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No - not the music they play for dead soldiers - the last one before The Big One

Its Friday night - the first Friday night in about 12 years that I haven't been accompanied by at least one glass of wine... Feel strangely euphoric, a bit dizzy, but a lot calmer than I did this time last night. The bag is packed and I'm ready to go - we're gonna get up early tomorrow, head down to the Expo and then its all going to happen.... all left to do is get my number, check in to the hotel, eat more pasta (yum yum - spot the sarcasm), and buy some milk for my pre-race Weetabix. Oh and try and not vomit with nerves and at least get some sleep before trying to run for 6 hours. Am I bonkers??

A very emotional few days - but I'm comforted by my nearest and dearest also being a bit emotional. Know I'm going to be a dribbling mess come Sunday....... Think that its because, for me, there's so many reasons I'm running this race, for Carol, Mum, Auntie Doreen, Barbara, for me, and all the other lovelies around me. The Bloke marched me into Tesco after we'd had tea with my Dad - he bought a botle of champagne and a lottery ticket with my running number and the date of the marathon - hope that 40,000 other people haven't also done a similar thing otherwise we'll all be sharing! I was very touched, though, he seems as excited as me - wore his Lymphoma Association t-shirt to work all day today, drumming up yet more sponsorship.

Very excited, but also quite tired now so going to go and relax with a cup of tea, in my pyjamas. Keep looking at the garden - realise I'm already starting to look beyond the marathon and think about what plants I can put in on Sundays, instead of having to get up in icy weather and run for three hours!

Good luck, all - thank you for your support - I'll see you there (and then on the other side!)

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Loved that! Thank you x

Well the niggle is well and truly there. But not the end of the world as, oddly, it doesn't seem to be a problem at all when I'm running - its just after!

Had a great 4 miles with Jo today - managed to increase my pace twice (once on a hill - get me!) and it was funny as she kept saying to me "blimey, you've really picked up your pace" but I realise afterwards the shortest run we've ever done together is 9.5 miles, so yes, I would expect my pace to be quicker on 4!! It was our last run together, so I felt kinda sad that we won't see eachother til after the marathon - but I think we're going to try and revive the little local running club - so something to look forward to.

More advice today from a seasoned marathoner - he told me to "walk before I need to" next Sunday - said I'll enjoy the second half of the race more. This sounds like great advice and makes a lot of sense to me. No point at all in desperately trying to run 21 and then collapsing in a heap!

Right then - off for my first large dose of mash of the week. Have a good Monday, all x

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I apologise for having not blogged for a couple of weeks. Life just seems to have overtaken me, and I'm back working evenings... time just passes!!

I did a lovely 8-miler last weekend - took all the advice to half my last long run, and then half it again as a taper - tomorrow I'll do 4 with Jo the Running Angel. Amazed at how "easy" those 8 miles were - incredible how your perspective really shifts over this training - felt like I could have done it in flip flops with a glass of wine in my hand! Well, not quite, but you know what I mean. Looking back at earlier blogs, 8 miles in itself was an achievement for me. Now I just see it as a bit of a leg stretch!!!

Concentrating now on gathering my stuff together ready for next weekend (OH MY GOD! NEXT WEEKEND!!). Really unusual feeling - not really sure how to describe it - feel a bit like I'm going on holiday, you know that really excited in your tummy kind of feeling, but also a bit sweaty-palmed and shaky, like I've got some kind of exam coming up. Strange. In all honesty now, I just want the day itself to be here - just want to get on with it!

Got my name printed on my vest this week - the lovely man in the Sports shop spoke to me about how I'm feeling. He used to live on the mile marker in Charlton so has been avidly following my progress - another person I'll have to show my finish line photo to! The Bloke (AKA Head Cheerleader for Charley's Angels) has sent out all "final instructions" to my lovely gang of supporters - my Mum said that she was nearly crying when she read it - realisation that its all going to happen, and so soon.

I've got a bit of a twinge in my left calf - I hadn't mentioned it on here because I didn't really want to admit to myself that its there. Seems OK when I run, though, and I'm avidly icing it up afterwards - at this stage of the game, though, I'm just gonna go for it anyway. At least I haven't got the pressure of trying to complete in a certain time, I'm going to be over the moon when I complete - so figure that even if I have to waddle the last 6 miles or so, thats fine with me. I'll still have earned that glass of champagne!

Just a quick word to all of you who, like me, have very special reasons to run. A very good friend said to me, when I was having the operation on my spine several years ago, that when times get hard, close your eyes, and if you try really hard you can feel all the people who love you with their arms around your shoulders. This should be enough to keep you going. So good luck to all of you who are running next Sunday, but I will be especially thinking about all of you who, like me, are never going to set the world alight with a sub-4 hour time, but whose main aim is just to get to that finish line. I'll be thinking about you too x

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So - another long run with my running buddy - first run since the Silverstone half due to a nasty cold ("Typical" - thought I - "a month to go and I'm struck down by the runners equivalent of manflu") so decided to take it easy and be nice to my poor old battered body.

Of course it had been snowing, so we set out this morning running on crunchy frozen snow - quite liked it, actually, made a nice noise!! Kept my gloves on until it had all defrosted ("in case I fall over - don't want to hurt my hands") and then decided to stop at my Mum's house en route, after about 9 miles to go to the loo - dodged round some squidgy ground, lost my footing and landed in a massive puddle on gravel. So got gravel in my hand (and nasty bruises to knee and elbow and buttock) anyway. Lovely.

Was a bit tricky after that, as whole right side of me was now covered in icy cold muddy water (and the temptation was massive to stop at my Mum's house and cadge a lift back home!!) but good old Jo kept me going. Managed to get to within three quarters of a mile of home before my poor cold buttock started shouting "CRAMP" at me - I then walked the remainder - upshot, managed to do 15 miles in 3hrs 10. Pretty happy with that, but guess thats easy to say now that my body is warm again and there's only one more long run before FLM.

Hurrah for me!   think may lay on sofa this afternoon and tuck into yesterday's chocolate.

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I did it! According to my watch 2:44:50 for the half. What a half - halfway round I caught myself thinking "Oh my god - I'll never do the marathon!". But I managed to finish without resorting to walking and I even managed to pick up speed on the finishing straight!! My official time, according to FLM website was 2:46:39 - toilet break in under 2 minutes I think is worth a medal in itself!!

Not really sure if I enjoyed it, but it did go rather quickly. I had been hoping for a 2:30 but realise now that was ambitious - think I need to have a strong word with myself about the Marathon and accept that just to finish is my goal, rather than aiming for a specific time.

I really enjoyed the camaraderie during the race and anticipate that this will only be better during the FLM. Also, as my clever Bloke pointed out, there will be far more crowds on the day and I really can appreciate now how much that support from spectators can make a difference. As I approached ten miles, finishers were beginning to head out towards the car parks already. I caught the eye of a very fit looking man, clutching his finishers bag, and he looked at me and grinned in a really supportive and respectful way - really reminded me that its all about personal goals and not competing against each other at all.

So back to the training plan for the last few weeks. My name was in the local paper last week, so as my Dad keeps telling me "you've got to do it now". Also I've hit my sponsorship target so no turning back now. Know that I can do it, now. I've got the medal for the half to prove it!

(and only 1420 women finished before me!)

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Funny couple of weeks. Have found myself deliberately avoiding coming online - mostly because I knew I'd be confronted by that pesky countdown timer. And because I started to have doubts about whether I could, or even if I wanted to, do the Marathon. Feel like I suddenly realised what I'd let myself in for (strange that its taken me this long to realise, but better now than at the start line in mid-April!)

However, today has made it all better. I ran nearly a half with my new running friend, Jo. Jo approached me a couple of weeks back when I was getting my breath back after the Long Run. She said she's doing the Marathon too, and it looked as though we're both about the same pace. We are, but Jo has an amazing ability to keep smiling, even after 12 miles. So Jo came along at the right time - I know I'd have seriously considered stopping halfway today, but the competitive bit of me kicked in and before I knew it, I'd been running for nearly two and a half hours. Think some things are just meant to be. 

Today has done me a lot of good. I thought I wasn't going to manage the half. But I did. And I'd been thinking that I won't manage the marathon. But I will. And I know that it isn't much longer now until the race, so just that little bit more motivation and remembering why I want to do this and I know I'll be alright.

So I feel a lot happier tonight. A lot, lot happier. Just got Silverstone to go next weekend......

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OK - so its only 3.5 miles. Not exactly marathon stuff. But for a freezing Friday night when the peer pressure to stay in the warm, drink Chablis and play Wii was starting to sway my resolve, I managed to knock a further 2 mins off my best time for this distance! Woo hoo!!!!! So proud of myself - feels like I am really starting to see the results of the training and the relative deprivation of fun food (eg chocolate and wine!)

For those seasoned runners, I guess this is something you learned a long time ago, but I'm really starting to learn how amazing my body is! Not in a Kelly Brook-kinda way, just how cool it is that it is able to keep getting fitter and fitter, seemingly just by keeping on plodding through a "beginners' marathon" training plan.

Oh and I cured the blister thing - put on my lovely old shoes.... they may be muddy and smelly, but they feel like slippers. My marathon outfit is now complete (save for running vest - due March).

Had a really emotional moment at work today - had emailed literally everyone I knew asking for sponsorship, and found out that, whilst I was out of the office training yesterday, the Admin staff had arranged a "wear pink" day with donations towards my sponsorship fund! Very touched. Off now to play Wii and drink Chablis. Hurrah for Fridays!!! x

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