After the Marathon

Well, it is the day after the Marathon. All the build up and hard work has paid off. Jennifer (my daughter) and travelled on the train to London on Saturday morning. We arrived around 12:15. After eventually purchasing our travel passes, we braved the underground to get us from Kings Cross train station to St.Paul's. The hotel was about 200yards from St.Paul's cathedral. After meeting with Stuart and Kayo, we had lunch and then they set off to look for rings. Jennifer and I went into the cathedral and I nearly had a heart attack at the prices they charged for entry.... £11 each. Forget that. I was not that bothered to spend the next few hours in there on such a lovely day. (but I so wanted to light candles). Out of one door............. into another. Found a small chapel in there where we could go light candles, ask for prayers for private intentions and generally have a quiet moment if needed. (so candles lit. prayers requested. we went on our way). We decided to do some touristy things like crossing millenium bridge and walking along the embankment etc. We then had to make our way to the tube station again to get to see my nephew in Walton-on-Thames. I think that he and his wife thought they were feeding an army of people but there were only 6 of us lol. Sooooooo much food. Neela the baby (7 months old) was gorgeous but not happy if mummy and daddy were not in full view lol. She no longer looks like a bush baby but still has lovely eyes. Sunday morning, early start. Had to find somewhere to stand so that we could see Stuart on the way out and on the way back. Fantastic, good vantage point. Mile 13 oooops there he goes (nearly missed him). the atmosphere was amazing. So many good causes. MacMillan had hundreds of runners raising money for them and that is wonderful but I was glad that Stuart was running for St.Gemma's as I feel that the small charities do get forgotten. Two girls at the side of us were shouting encouragement to everyone. I got caught up in it all. Whooping and shouting encouragement especially if people looked tired. Now as they all return at mile 22 a different story. So many despondant and very tired people. Nel McAndrews passed right by me. One poor guy practically pleaded for the banana my nephew was holding out for Stuart. Of course he was given it. Oooh there is Stuart. Not looking happy. Apparently had to slow down as his leg was cramping quite badly. Still good time though. Well after he had gone passed we tried to get to the tube station. mmmm....................... not much chance there. Only thing was to walk............. good job I am fairly fit lol. The walk to Traffalgar Square took us along the embankment. Great atmosphere everyone clapping and cheering for the participants. Finally met up with Stuart and Kayo. I am so proud of him. We all got very emotional (thinking about Ray) and I guess for Stuart it was an anti-climax after all his hard work. Next we went on to an after race party run by Unilever (who Stuart works for). As we were going out for a meal before getting the train, we had to get back to St.Paul's to get ready. Getting on the tube??? no chance. Stuart decided we should walk. So all the way back along the embankment again. On the way Stuart was looking around and says"Oooooh, do we run along the river?" At this we all laugh. He obviously only sees the road when he is running lol. At least we got the tube to the restaurant. I feel like Jennifer and I have walked the marathon this weekend. Up and down stairs, on and off "tube" trains and general walking. At least we will have walked off all the food.lol. Time getting on, got a taxi to take Jennifer and I to the train station. Asked for King's Cross but taxi driver took us to St.Pancras and insisted that was the right one. Grrrrrrrrrr.............. After verifying he was wrong we had to run across the road and along a tunnel to get to King's Cross. The train was on the platform. Oh help. Anyway we made it thankfully (It is not good to run straight after eating and carrying your luggage). Train journey home was a bit emotional as Ray has now been gone exactly 8 weeks at 21.27. Got home at 23:10. So glad to be home, but so glad I went . Thank you everyone for all your good wishes and support and for all who kindly sponsored Stuart for this event. He has raised approximately £2,000 although the final tally is not yet in. As for Stuart, he is now planning to do a Marathon round Snowden in October. (Mad fool). So well done Stuart. Dad and I are so proud of you love x x x p.s. They didn't get the ring as Kayo cannot make her mind up and has THE most expensive tastes. lol (Jennifer suggested a hoola hoop ring lol)