I did it! 4 hours and 28 minutes - and I enjoyed it. It will certainly feature as one of the most memorable days in my life, and I will probably be boring people with marathon talk for weeks to come. I am especially grateful to Tig and my family for all their support, both in the lead-up and on the day. Having them there in Edinburgh and seeing them around the course didn't just keep me going, it also made it very special. April 2009 I'm not sure if I have ever really wanted to run a marathon, but I have always felt that if I didn't do it just once, one day, when I really am too old, I may look back and wish I had given it a go. Supporting a good charity at the same time has helped my focus and training, so has telling as many people as possible what I am doing - no going back now. I have been following a four month training programme, which started on February 1st, and half way through the Easter holidays I was able to run 17 miles. Bella has been my loyal training partner and companion, and not surprisingly, she is far more comfortable with the long runs than I am! Young Minds is such a worthwhile charity, and very close to my heart; My job is very much my life, and at times I have been close to girls with mental health issues, and have found myself supporting them, their peers, and to a certain extent, on occasion, their families. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Young Minds gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Please sponsor me; it will be so very much appreciated.
Update 20th May 2009
My training has been a series of milestones; 10 miles - double figures, 13 miles - the half way mark, 18 miles - 3 hours running, and yesterday, for the first time, 20 miles - almost there! Another first yesterday was a cold bath for my legs after the run, which was not an entirely pleasant experience, but seems to have removed a lot of stiffness from my legs, so maybe I should have been brave enough to try it sooner.Bella is still adding insult to injury; looking sleek, glossy and wonderfully toned, not to mention chasing and catching a young rabbit at the 17 mile mark yesterday. She will certainly miss the training more than I will. Many people have asked me if I have a finishing time in mind. Yes I have; I would like to finish in around 4hrs30m, but at the end of the day, I will be very pleased just to finish - 26 miles is a long way. The wind down begins now, and the wait for the big day. . . . .
|
