Best and Worst Moments of the London Marathon

Worst

• Seeing 9 months of training go completely out the window with the weather on the day.
• Because of the heat/humidity I hit the 'wall' at mile 13 (I ran till then) instead of mile 20.  Had to walk most of the rest of the way just to the finish.
• An incredibly disappointing finish time.  They were starting to clean up....out of 35K runners I was in the last hundred or so.  If the conditions had been better, I would have finished in 6 hrs.  I finished around 7 hrs. 
• Seeing people being taken away via ambulance after collapsing.
• Having to stop 4 times at First Aid tents because I felt like I was having an asthma attack cause of the heat (I don't have asthma), severe muscle cramping and blisters the size of Texas.
• Being passed by people dressed as a bus, a 90 yr old 'Robin Hood' and a man carrying an entire washing machine on his back.
• Almost dropping out (nearly called it in at least 3 times....if it wasn't James saying no you can't stop I wouldn't have finished)
• Having to walk to the train station afterward.
• Being asked the day after what time we did it in.   I know time doesn't matter but its hard to know we didn't do better. 
• The pain....every muscle in my body feels like its been hit by a bus.  I've never seen bigger blisters before in my life.  Can't seem to get rid of thirst as well despite drinking non stop. 

Best

• The crowds.  I was so inspired by the kindness of the crowds.  James and I both put our names on our shirts and to hear your name being called when you were in floods of tears is indescribable.  It especially meant a lot when we were towards the end.  A lot of the crowds had left but there were some groups still there cheering.  Little children giving you sweets.  It meant a lot.
• The atmosphere.  London was like one big street party.  Bands, pub parties, dj's, it was amazing. 
• Seeing burn victims, people with no legs, people in wheelchairs, a blind man and 75-90 year olds running.  It was incredibly inspiring and a real testament to the human spirit.
• Crossing 'thee' London Bridge at the 1/2 way mark.  One of the most incredible experiences of my life.
• Turning the corner at St James' Park next to Buckingham Palace and seeing the finish line.  I couldn't stop crying.
• Knowing I raised money for charity. (P.S.  There's still time to donate)
• Finishing and feeling very proud of myself for sticking through despite the time, when so many were dropping out or being carted away to the hospital.
• The full body massage at a spa the day afterward and an incredible lunch out where I ate like a football player and didn't have to feel guilty.
• Getting this:

P.S.  There will be more pics coming in the next week or so as we get them back.  Plus....James and I have decided that today begins our journey to the NYC marathon.  I know I can get a better time and not sure if I want to do London again.  Hoping Nov 2012 or 2013.  Stay tuned.  In the meantime....I've got blisters and sore muscles to nurse.  :)