"20th September 2009.
08:00 a.m. The alarm bell rings, announcing the start of a busy day. First things first – a king sized bowl of porridge washed down with a half gallon of orange squash (dehydration should not be taken lightly).

09:10 a.m. Fed, watered, dressed and (reluctantly) photographed, the six of us (three runners, three cheerleaders) leave the house and head to the city centre to join 50,000 other energized, eager and excited members of the public. No directions needed this morning – the low hum of thousands indicates the way.

Thousands lined up for the start of the run

With a two headed horse to my left, a giant teddy bear to my right and the Village People up ahead, I take my place and await the sound of the gun indicating the start. 10 minutes to go and an over-enthused, mildly entertaining man takes the mike.

‘Right leg forward. All together now! - aaand bend that knee……feel the stretch in the calf……and hold……and hold……and release.’

All in sync, and in time with motivational music blaring out in all directions, we prepare for the challenge ahead.

‘And run on the spot, faster……faster still!’

Anyone else worrying they are wasting precious energy?

10:40 a.m. We’re off. The elite men take the lead while the masses chase them along the much appreciated downwards slope that begins the route (a treat we later pay for!). The first thing to note: a scattering of men on the side of the road with their backs to us who had apparently not endured the 20 minute toilet queue before the start. I find myself wishing it was as easy for me, as although I had waited in line earlier that morning, 2.5miles down I appreciated the port-a-loos.

After soaking up an atmosphere I can’t even begin to describe, I allow myself to get a little lost with ABBA, Christina Aguilera and, although I’m ashamed to admit it……the cast of High School Musical.

Time went quickly, helped greatly by the mass of supporters cheering us on, whilst also providing tasty treats to keep us going. I gracefully declined the cup of tea I was offered but did enjoy a few Jelly Babies, a handful of Haribo and even an ice lolly at the 10-mile point! One man did his bit by standing on top of a bus shelter with the garden hose, ensuring no one overheated.

I was pleased with my performance, and managed to pace myself well……until the ‘800metres to go’ sign. Not actually knowing how far 800 metres was, I guessed a very short distance, so began my sprint to the finish. Legs feeling pretty tired, body just about ready to give up, I was sure the finish was a few strides away……and then came the ‘400 metres to go’ sign! Not feeling able to keep the sprint up for that same distance again, I slowed the pace a little, until I could actually see the finish.

It was a great feeling crossing the line, and crossing it with so many other beaming competitors. There to meet me was my ever reliable mother, who had herself completed an epic journey across the city to ensure she was there when I finished to fill me with sugary treats and drown me in water.

Sweaty, tired – and happy!

Home for bed!……or not. Those who had not just run a half marathon were ready for a night on the town, and we were left with no choice. So, having showered, eaten, and unfortunately not napped, we headed out……for a slightly cheaper night than usual!

I am so happy to report that sponsorship (+ gift aid) has hit the £1,000 mark – with a few promised donations still to come! I am really pleased to have been able to do this for my Godmother, Fleur, an incredible woman for whom I hold a great deal of respect, for her strength, kindness, and – most of all – enduring sense of humour."