Marathon #2 Part 2

Continued from yesterday...

All up Easter Road people were in their windows, cheering us on. As we passed our local there was a crowd outside. We passed Parliament and headed into the darkness of Arthur's Seat. Generally it was warmer than London but drizzle threatened to turn to rain and the hill slowed our pace.

As we continued through town we were greeted by cheering all along the way. Landmarks such as Jenners, The Castle and The Bank of Scotland were all lit up pink in support. At mile 7 we stopped for a loo break at the Farmers' Market. It was drizzling as I went in and pouring when I came out, time for the plastic poncho (or tarp as it later became referred to as). Not long down the road we were greeted by so much love. Friends volunteering in zone 8 with hugs, excitement and chocolate. Thank you so much Kat, James, Nyree and Fenland. You guys rock! We munched as much chocolate as we could physically manage and then continued on.

Passing the Gallery of Modern Art it was lit up with a sign saying "Everything's going to be alright" Great sight and reassuring to know. As we hit the coast at Silverknowes around mile 12 we were hit by winds, almost as cold as London. By the mile 15 loo stop I was regretting not arranging our usual Granton tea crew but the volunteers kept spirits up.

Mile 16 the sun was becoming visible. I hoped it would bring us some wamrth and then promptly got mocked by Greig for the idea you could be psychologically warmed. Along Portobello seafront I was really starting to feel it in the legs but generally felt much better than previous years. Greig got a hot chocolate but with that or honey and lemon tea I had to continue without. As we headed away from the sea at mile 22 we finally ditched our ponchos as we warmed up and they turned into mini greenhouses.

As we passed through the park again we noticed some of the Over the Mooners (2 moonwalks back to back) on their second lap. Much admiration for those ladies and gents! I don't know who makes the routes for the Moonwalks but making us go up the Royal Mile at mile 23 was a cruel and unusual punishment! Legs hated it but then it was all level of downhill from there. Tired but determined to make it, we were met by Hannah and Fenland at the corner of the links for the final 0.2 of a mile! Was lovely to see them and great to have the support. There was also a fantastic volunteer with beautifully painted sign saying "YOU'RE AWESOME!" Absolutely made my day!

We crossed the finish line at 7:50am, completing in 8hours 13 minutes. Everything was a bit hazy as tiredness hit. At some point I got my medal and my leg tag removed but I don't really remember. There were hugs from our photographer friends then a sit and some tablet at the hospitality tent where we collected our bags before heading to the exit to meet our friends and head home.

I just had time for a couple of hours nap before heading out to the Beltane Fire Society AGM to make a speech about why I should be re-elected for the Board of Directors (which I was!)