[Rach] Well.. what can I say.. it has taken me 3 weeks to get round to writing this, the final chapter of what has been a fantastic experience from start to finish, probably because I don't have the literary talent to do it justice.
To take part in the New York Marathon was a truly breath-taking experience. New York takes it's marathon very seriously and it shows. This year there were 44,000 runners and 2 million spectators - and I am still overwhelmed to have been a part of it. The runners were friendly, relaxed, supportive and excited! The spectators were inspiring - I now believe that Americans make the best marathon supporters because if there is a time when you can completely appreciate such in-your-face, gushing positivity, then this was it for me! "Looking hot Rach! Rock out Rach! Go Rach Go Rach, looking gooood Rach!!" It was a fantastic and never-ending boost and by the end it was my cheek muscles that were aching, not my legs :-)
Thank you thank you thank you...
Over and above the 2 million spectators for me, was the remote support team cheering us on from home via text and the magic tracking system. Clare took the helm at the control centre, and co-ordinated information and messages from friends and family! Special thanks to Paul, Deb, Rod, Welsh, Kirst, Nick, Vicky, Tory, Ed, Erica (from America!), Steph, Lettie, Nicola, Adam, Stewie, Hannah, Ali, Ben and Kath! I've never had so many texts in one day or felt like such a star!
We were also lucky enough to have supporters with us in New York - I would like to thank Sam, Claire, Mum and Gillian for their fantastic support cheering us on along the route on the day, and much much more. You can't beat it!!
Of course, we had so many more supporters that I haven't mentioned here, namely everyone who sponsored us - THANK YOU - astonishingly only 6000 of the 44,000 runners were running for charity, so we felt even more special that we were able to do this amazing thing for such a great cause, and raise so much money!
Of course, it's not too late to sponsor us still... sponsor Rach or sponsor Leroy...
For me...
My most repeated description and lasting memory of the experience is of genuinely loving every second of it - and I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone! The training was a challenge, but it taught me the meaning of commitment and discipline and the rewards it can bring!
New York itself never fails to disappoint. It's a city like no other, with endless interest and entertainment - I can't wait to go back already!
After the race we went straight to a restaurant on the Upper West Side before strolling back across Central Park at sunset - the perfect end to a perfect day!
If you would like to check out our photos, they are now online:
Rach's photos
Mum's photos
Leroy?
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