Here’s a blog note from Abirami who currently lives in London. She had written a mail to me about her experience of running the London Marathon. I liked it and I hope you would do the same. email her at Sakeths[at]aol[dot]com.

Hi,
I’m a 31-year old mum, a former Chennai-vasi. I’ve visited your site a few times and found it quite interesting. The reason I’m writing to you is that I ran and completed the London Marathon yesterday. Being so far away and having few relatives and fewer friends, I’m really short of people I can share my excitement with. Hence this mail. Anyway, here’s a little piece I wrote upon waking up this morning and I’m thrilled to share my experience with you.
thanks!
-Abhirami A

26.2 miles

My knee was excruciatingly painful, my feet were screaming for help, I was drenched in sweat and tears…and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

I ran in the London Marathon yesterday and I’ve never felt better than when I completed the 26.2 mile course. My finish time was little away from what I’d hoped for but I’m not complaining.

It was great to see runners of all shapes, sizes and ages taking part in the challenge. A lady I overtook in mile 15 had had a kidney transplant and a gentleman I ran with for almost 18 miles was running in memory of his child who had passed away from leukaemia. There were plenty of eccentrics as well. There was the ‘toilet bowl’ man, a camel, a centipede, Luke Skywalker, Batman and Robin and several rhinos that added to what was already a wonderful celebration.

I had my name printed on my t-shirt and the crowds would chant it out screaming ‘Go girl, go!’ It was a fantastic atmosphere to run in with hordes cheering us all through the route. Pubs played music, bands entertained us, kids handed out sweets and everyone had a word of encouragement for the battered 34,000 runners pounding the mean streets of London yesterday.

Almost as if the skies didn’t want to be left out of the carnival, they opened up. We were soaked in drizzle throught the course and as I came into the last 200 metres, there were blindlingly sharp showers.

I sprinted down the finish and as I crossed line, all I could say was ‘Thank you, God! Thank you, God! Thank you, God!’