I can’t believe I just did that!

On Sunday, I ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

It was an amazing day and a fantastic route around the major sights of our beautiful capital city. The weather was glorious (a bit too warm really!) and the sun lit up all the iconic buildings that we passed. It was my first, and possibly my last, attempt at running so far at 13.1 miles. I had put in a lot of training and had chosen to do this not only as a personal challenge, but to raise money for charity. I chose Independent Age as they are a relatively small organisation and  I have volunteered for them for the past six years.

My journey to London started at 5am and the race started just off Trafalgar Square at 9.30am. Over 13,000 runners took part and the atmosphere was very exciting with crowds of supporters, representatives from many charities and plenty of choirs and bands along the route cheering us along.  Through the closed roads, we passed Nelson’s Column, crossed the Thames to the London Eye, along to the Bank of England, St Paul’s Cathedral and up to the Tower of London then back along the river to finish just outside Downing Street.

As I crossed the finish line, I was presented with my medal by a Chelsea Pensioner which made me even more proud.

My charity then held a reception and I enjoyed food, drinks and a very welcome massage.

I am off on a cruise on Saturday and am looking forward to relaxing on board. I don’t think I will be in the gym but I may be tempted by the spa facilities or just a comfy sunbed on deck.

They were quite a few runners from overseas. Have you ever travelled for a sporting event either as a participant or a spectator?