RUN A MARATHON WITH MISS LEESA

The alarm went off at half-past four that morning. It was far too early to get up, and the idea of running 26 miles seemed impossible. (1)………… I pulled myself out of bed, showered and pulled on my running gear.

When they saw the look of terror on my face, they laughed kindly. This was clearly my first marathon. (2)………… When I realized that I was just one of them, I felt a little better.

Helicopters hovered overhead ready to film us as we ran through the streets of Los Angeles, passing every major landmark until we reached the sea at Santa Monica. Suddenly, I felt very lucky and proud to be a part of it. (3)…………

(4)………… I was running alone now, but I was still running. By mile 12, I was ready to give up, and by mile 15, I was moving even more slowly.

By mile 18, I was in my neighbourhood. (5)………… But by mile 22, there were only four miles to go. Spectators yelled encouragement at me as I ran past. ‘You can do it! Keep going!’