I knew from training that my knee would start to hurt and they started hurting after about an hour - seven miles - they got worse and after 12 miles it got really really painful and my knees were really sore.
That was the only point in the race when I thought I might not make it but even though it really hurt I just kept going. This has been a lifetime ambition of mine so I knew I'd get through it but I didn't know if I'd do it running.
Friends gave me a lift
Then when I'd run 16 miles the pain started to set into my hamstring, my hips, and my whole upper leg started to hurt. But then luckily I saw some friends and it really gave me a boost.
The hardest point was about 22 miles into the race. It was really really hard. But once you hit the river it's great because the crowds get bigger.
Then I saw my mum by down by Tower Bridge and that really gave me a lift and then it was just amazing. Wherever you were people called out your name - it was just so amazing,
Ignoring the pain
Then it was onto the final straight. I tried to forget about the pain and it worked for a bit - I pretended it didn't hurt but there's only so long that can work for. But at least I didn't get any blisters!
When I crossed the finishing line in under five hours I was very emotional and I cried. I was really pleased that I managed to raise about £3000 for charity.
However, I don't think I'll do the London Marathon again as I think I might have done some serious damage to my knees.
But it really was an amazing experience!."
I'm competing in my first marathon
