Hope you all had a fabulous weekend. We had a manic weekend: Saturday Mary and I visited Knitting & Stitching show at Alexandra Palace. Sunday I ran a 1/2 marathon at Royal Parks in London.

So today is all about my running experience on Sunday. I will write a Report on the knitting show after this post this week.

Well, the day of the run did not start well. We woke up at 6am and it was dark and raining…. By the time we arrived in Hyde Park, the rain was clearing but ground was muddy!!!

Arriving at Hyde Park at 8am. It was hard to smile.

What made me feel so nice was that meeting with all other WWF people at the marquee. They must have had like 10 cups of coffee on that morning, because they were all awake, happy and very welcoming. Some of the actual WWF staff were running on the day – it’s really good that they themselves are also involved in fundraising.

At the marquee. I wrote my name on the vest so that people can shout my name while running!

People absolutely loved the penguin hat by the way, so thank you so much for getting involved in the vote to choose the funny hat

Me, my penguin and a panda. Love wildlife.

Before the run, everyone did stretching together…

Mass stretch at Hyde Park... Some of the moves were clearly not a proper stretch but it was fun.

I was looking forward to loud fast music while running but it was only this Royal Parks brass bands. They had a cool outfit though.

I asked my husband to stay at mile 6 because he will be able to see me at the 6th and the 11th mile. With all the adrenaline going around, I got to mile 6 earlier than expected so I missed him. But luckily he found me just before the finish line. I had to take the penguin hat off towards the end because it was making my head far too hot!

Wesley found me just before I reach the finish line. I was really going for it!

After the run, you get water and a banana followed by some goodies (this year was shredded wheat, oreo biscuits and tooth paste…).

So many bananas ready for the runners. It really helped.

I must say the 11th mile was really hard for me. I could feel my thigh muscle contracting and starting to slow down. But I concentrated that I could do it.

After the run, I got my medal and my bags then met my husband again. I was relieved and soooo happy!!!!!!!!

So happy! So grateful for all the sponsors and all my family and friends!!!!!

We went back to the marquee and met with all the runners. I made a lovely friend who run with me on the day. We said that we will do it again together.

We had a lovely celebration lunch together with friends. Then Wesley and two of our friends said that they would run with me in the future. I was thrilled felt that I have achieved something good.

Most of all, while I was running, I felt all the positive energy, supports and kindness from everyone not just at the event but through here in the world of Cotton & Cloud. I could not have done this without you and I am thankful for all your wonderful support. Thank you thank you thank you.

Oh, the time? It was 2 hours and 9 min for 13 miles