Aching feet, filled with pride.

We started at a really good pace while we were still fresh and full of energy. It was such an amazing atmosphere, to have so many people all together, walking for the same cause. Through the centre of town there were a number of supporters, some drunk just out of the pub but others obviously with family involved. Even though they'll never see this, a huge thank you has to go to the group of drunk guys on the royal mile who'd all worn pink bras whilst cheering people on, also deserving of a mention was reflective jacket man, the pink gloved brigade and in the morning the oap outing. It really made the evening!

We giggled as we walked through Holyrood Park in the dark and heard one walker exclaim that she'd come to do a marathon around Edinburgh not to climb up a mountain. By mile 11 we were very envious of the half mooners who got to head back to the park. In an hour or two, they'd be home in bed whilst we'd still have hours ahead of us. By 12 miles it was cold, it was dark and our bodies were trying to tell us it was time to sleep. We stopped to queue for toilets and wondered how we'd ever manage to carry on. No matter how many training walks you do, it doesn't prepare you for walking non stop with no breaks, or for doing it when you should be asleep.

Thankfully the short break was enough to perk us up, we passed the half way mark and from then on miles were counting down not up. The sky was lightening and we found a renewed energy to up our pace and carry on. The disco bus as we neared the coast added a good vibe and we danced to YMCA as we headed for the sea. The walk along Silverknowes and Granton was beautiful, it raised spirits and we began to cheer on the volunteers who after all, were doing an important job and had been up all night themselves.

As we reached the 16 mile mark we had a much needed two minutes break. Dave had brought us tea! It was strong, lukewarm and full of sugar but it was the best tea in the world! We set off again knowing there was a very uninspiring stretch ahead of us as we walked along to Portobello promenade. We reached the 20 mile mark along the sea front, fatigue was setting in but we knew there was less than two hours until the finish line.

With the sun warm in the sky we plodded on. Every mile marker a welcome sign that we were nearly there. The final three miles were torture, I'd allowed myself to get dehydrated and felt violently ill but battled on desperate to reach the end. As we approached the finish line I told the girls we had to stop, I couldn't let my moment of glory go unblipped as we were about to cross the finish line.

Hand in hand, we stumbled over the finish line at 7:20am, tears in our eyes, glad to have made it. We collected our medals and took a much needed sit down. We were met shortly after by a couple of friends who helped us to the car to begin our road trip to a weekend of much needed rest and relaxation.

Four hours later we got to Dalavich and the pampering began. Stephen made a magical footbath that reduced my blister the size of a 50p to a 5p flat patch of skin. Massages were offered, foot rubs were given, painkillers were taken, reiki was enjoyed and cups of tea seemingly magically appeared in my hand. We headed out to the garden for a bonfire where people kindly let me use the hammock and gently rocked it while I lay back and enjoyed the sensation of not having to be on my feet.

Apparently we are made of win for the good job we did completing the marathon and raising money, if that's the case, win and pain feel very similar. Whilst taking painkillers during the walk to mask my dodgy knee and ankle allowed me to finish, it maybe wasn't the smartest idea. All in all, a fantastic day, really proud of myself and happy to know I have a group of amazing friends who took such wonderful care of me with the post-marathon love.