Still going strong
A little emotional to see the family
The medal I'd been waiting for
...and the tears came
Monday 18 April 2011
Marathon Day - 17/4/2011
A 6am alarm call started the day, and while I got ready, hubby made me a big dish of porridge.
I was so grateful that he came with me on the train as I wasn't in any fit state to negotiate a route.
There was a real spirit of camaraderie on the trains; we sat opposite an experienced marathon runner who offered plenty of good advice.
A points signal failure at Greenwich meant that we all had to disembark a stop early and walk 25 minutes to the red start...not the most relaxing start to the day.
I waved goodbye to hubby at the station, knowing that the next time I saw him would be at mile 15.
I found a shady spot under a tree in Greenwich, smothered my feet in Vaseline and took my kit bag to the lorry. As I was walking away a friendly voice said 'Hello, Jas'...it was Lorraine, a fellow Asthma UK runner, who told me she has been reading my blog. We chatted for a few minutes, and it was good meet her, and to know that someone else felt as nervous as me!
I headed for the queue for the loos, and got chatting to Vicki, a children's nurse. We were both in red pen 9, and headed to the start line together. Everyone was so friendly - we were all wishing each other well - and before I knew it the race had started and we were surging towards the start line.
It took twenty five minutes to get across the line, but the chip on your shoe records the exact time that you start, and also tracks you through the race.
I have known since my injury that I would have to employ a run/walk strategy to get me round, so I had a number of best (and worst) case scenarios planned for the day. They were:
1) Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute - finish in about 5hrs 30 mins
2) Run/walk at whatever ratio was necessary to get round, and make it to the finish
3) Run/walk/crawl to the end, no matter what the time
4) Drop out at some point...I'd have given it my best shot, and should be proud of myself for giving it a go
I was prepared to settle for 1,2 or 3, but would have been devastated to resort to 4.
The first 6 miles went pretty much to plan - I was keeping a slow, steady pace. I was running for four minutes and power walking for one, but the heat was rising fast and my breathing was beginning to suffer.
When I first began training, I would struggle for breath almost immediately, but that gradually got better as I got fitter. In London, a combination of the heat and the air quality seemed to put me back to square one, and by mile 7 I went to option 2.
I scaled down the running and ran for 3 minutes then power walked for 2, but I was very conscious that my breathing was laboured. I had my inhaler with me, but need it so rarely now that the sudden steroid hit gives me the shakes, so I was reticent to use it.
I know everyone says it, but the crowds really are amazing. People constantly call out your name, children hold out their hands to touch you, and there are people giving out handfuls of sweets. There are bands along the way, folk on their balconies with microphones giving impromptu commentaries, and - even better - people with hosepipes to shower us down.
A few times along the first half of the route we passed churches and were sprinkled with holy water. That was a bit of an unexpected experience!
Somewhere along mile 12 I turned a corner, and suddenly we were on Tower Bridge. It's such an iconic part of the course, and I wanted to remember every step of it. Looking up at the turrets was amazing; the sheer emotion very literally took my breath away, and I had to fight to keep my composure.
As I was leaving the bridge, I caught sight of my family on the left hand side. Hubby said from the outset that he wanted to see me on Tower Bridge, but all the advice was to steer clear because it gets so busy. There was time for a quick hug before I started off again, but that unexpected meeting gave me renewed energy.
Things start to blur after this point, but I think it was before mile 13 that I trod on a discarded water bottle and it threw me off balance. Under normal circumstances it wouldn't matter, but I knew that the slight twisting of my left knee could cause problems further into the race. I had ibuprofen with me, and decided that the time had come to take them. Unfortunately my hands and fingers had become so swollen that I dropped them. Okay...don't panic.
Knowing that hubby and the crew were en-route to mile 15, I phoned to ask them to get tablets ready for me, but they were caught on the underground. They missed me at mile 15 by a whisker and went straight to mile 18.
Hubby offered to try to find me, but I begged him to stay put. I already knew how much I would need their support at mile 18, and the thought of not seeing them again until mile 24 was frightening.
I think this was one of my low points, and it must have shown on my face. A man in the crowd held his hand out, and I lifted mine to tag him. He grasped my hand hard and said 'Come on, Jas, you can do this. Don't give up!' I could barely thank him through the tears, but that single act of kindness spurred me on again.
Heading into Canary Wharf sent my Garmin into a tailspin as it kept losing the GPS signal amongst the tall buildings, but I tried to keep an even pace. I knew by this point that a five and a half hour finish was out of the question, but still hoped that under 6 was possible...but it was so hot (20 degrees) and my knee was fairly uncomfortable.
Seeing the family again at mile 18 was wonderful, but I was daunted by the thought of 8 miles left to go. My chest felt tight, and there seemed to be no oxygen in the air. I had dropped to two minutes running, three minutes power walking by this point just to try to keep my breathing regular, and was maintaining a steady pace.
I was only able to think mile at a time from this point in, but the crowd support remained phenomenal. Runners were helping each other along, and as I passed fellow runners I made sure I offered words of encouragement.
Mile 24 seemed to go on forever. I knew the family were there somewhere, but didn't know where. I think it was about 24.8 when I saw them, and they hugged me and promised I was nearly there.
The crowds were much bigger again along the embankment, and were really cheering loudly and shouting our names. I stayed close to the edge, as more people can see your name, and tried to clap and shout 'thank you' every time - it was a good distraction from my feet (which were on fire!) and worked like a ripple effect, so the next group along cheered for me, too.
Big Ben coming into view was the second time that emotions really caught me, and tears streamed down my face. A lovely lady came out of the crowd and hugged me, encouraging me on. People are so kind (and brave...I was a very sweaty and smelly by mile 25!).
Running was almost impossible from mile 23 on as my knee was so sore, but I kept pushing myself. A six hour finish was a distant dream, but rough calculations told me that I could just squeak in under 6 and a half hours if I pushed hard.
Turning past Buckingham Palace into the finishing straight was the best feeling in the world, and ignoring the knee pain, I ran down the Mall to the finish line.
The relief at reaching the end is indescribable.
My timing chip was removed for verification and a medal was hung round my neck. I cried again at that point...it was the moment that I had been looking forward to for months, and it had finally arrived.
I collected my goody bag and kit bag, and wished very much that I hadn't packed everything including the kitchen sink in there...it weighed a tonne, and I could hardly walk, let alone weight lift! I'd arranged to meet the family in the 'meet and greet' area in Horseguards Parade, but that seemed like 100 miles away. I phoned them (hurrah for mobiles!) and said I'd make my way up to the Asthma reception venue on Pall Mall, and they could meet me there.
They actually caught up with me just before I got there, and it was a very emotional reunion. As a reward for running and fundraising for Asthma UK, I got treated to a lovely hot shower followed by a much needed massage.
I can't thank my best friend enough for sorting out my towel and fresh clothes, undoing my shoe laces, removing my shoes and the plasters from my sore feet. Dedication above and beyond the call of duty!
The massage was wonderful. My calves were cramping up, and it really helped to relax them. Blister plasters applied, and slippers on, we headed - very slowly - to the station.
You may recall that the station right next to our hotel was closed for the weekend (d'oh!) so we had to catch a bus for the last part of the journey. We asked the driver if he was going to North Action, and he assured us he was. Half an hour in, we realised that we were nowhere near North Acton. 'You need to get off, cross over and catch the bus going the other way,' said the driver. 'That will take you to North Acton'.
We did as we were told - fortunately the bus going the opposite way had just pulled into the stop - and checked with the second driver. 'North Acton?'. 'Yes', he said. Can you guess what's coming...? We ended up back where we started. An exhausting hour wasted.
The bus we actually needed was at the terminus, and we checked four or five times that he really was going to North Acton, and twenty minutes later we were back at the hotel and climbing into the car. Hubby drove us home, and I was so glad to get back.
It had been a long day.
The low points? Seeing someone just ahead of me collapse at mile 6. She was the first many casualties I saw along the route. The heat was really taking it out of people. Also seeing people sat at the side of the roads with blood pouring from their feet, in pain and exhausted - their dreams dashed.
The high points? Seeing the family at Tower Bridge, and not just there, but all along the route. They did amazingly well to spot me three times, and it made all the difference. I also got round without using my inhaler, which I would have never dreamed possible six months ago. The sight of Big Ben and the finish line will stay with me forever, as will the weight of the medal around my neck. Priceless.
It was back in August that I applied for the place on the Asthma UK team, and was fortunate enough to get chosen.
Over the last eight months, my friends and family have helped me raise £2000, which will be used well by Asthma UK.
I always wanted to run the London Marathon, and on 17th April 2011 I did it, finishing in 6 hours, 29 minutes and 28 seconds.
Thank you for sharing the journey with me.
Jas x
I was so grateful that he came with me on the train as I wasn't in any fit state to negotiate a route.
There was a real spirit of camaraderie on the trains; we sat opposite an experienced marathon runner who offered plenty of good advice.
A points signal failure at Greenwich meant that we all had to disembark a stop early and walk 25 minutes to the red start...not the most relaxing start to the day.
I waved goodbye to hubby at the station, knowing that the next time I saw him would be at mile 15.
I found a shady spot under a tree in Greenwich, smothered my feet in Vaseline and took my kit bag to the lorry. As I was walking away a friendly voice said 'Hello, Jas'...it was Lorraine, a fellow Asthma UK runner, who told me she has been reading my blog. We chatted for a few minutes, and it was good meet her, and to know that someone else felt as nervous as me!
I headed for the queue for the loos, and got chatting to Vicki, a children's nurse. We were both in red pen 9, and headed to the start line together. Everyone was so friendly - we were all wishing each other well - and before I knew it the race had started and we were surging towards the start line.
It took twenty five minutes to get across the line, but the chip on your shoe records the exact time that you start, and also tracks you through the race.
I have known since my injury that I would have to employ a run/walk strategy to get me round, so I had a number of best (and worst) case scenarios planned for the day. They were:
1) Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute - finish in about 5hrs 30 mins
2) Run/walk at whatever ratio was necessary to get round, and make it to the finish
3) Run/walk/crawl to the end, no matter what the time
4) Drop out at some point...I'd have given it my best shot, and should be proud of myself for giving it a go
I was prepared to settle for 1,2 or 3, but would have been devastated to resort to 4.
The first 6 miles went pretty much to plan - I was keeping a slow, steady pace. I was running for four minutes and power walking for one, but the heat was rising fast and my breathing was beginning to suffer.
When I first began training, I would struggle for breath almost immediately, but that gradually got better as I got fitter. In London, a combination of the heat and the air quality seemed to put me back to square one, and by mile 7 I went to option 2.
I scaled down the running and ran for 3 minutes then power walked for 2, but I was very conscious that my breathing was laboured. I had my inhaler with me, but need it so rarely now that the sudden steroid hit gives me the shakes, so I was reticent to use it.
I know everyone says it, but the crowds really are amazing. People constantly call out your name, children hold out their hands to touch you, and there are people giving out handfuls of sweets. There are bands along the way, folk on their balconies with microphones giving impromptu commentaries, and - even better - people with hosepipes to shower us down.
A few times along the first half of the route we passed churches and were sprinkled with holy water. That was a bit of an unexpected experience!
Somewhere along mile 12 I turned a corner, and suddenly we were on Tower Bridge. It's such an iconic part of the course, and I wanted to remember every step of it. Looking up at the turrets was amazing; the sheer emotion very literally took my breath away, and I had to fight to keep my composure.
As I was leaving the bridge, I caught sight of my family on the left hand side. Hubby said from the outset that he wanted to see me on Tower Bridge, but all the advice was to steer clear because it gets so busy. There was time for a quick hug before I started off again, but that unexpected meeting gave me renewed energy.
Things start to blur after this point, but I think it was before mile 13 that I trod on a discarded water bottle and it threw me off balance. Under normal circumstances it wouldn't matter, but I knew that the slight twisting of my left knee could cause problems further into the race. I had ibuprofen with me, and decided that the time had come to take them. Unfortunately my hands and fingers had become so swollen that I dropped them. Okay...don't panic.
Knowing that hubby and the crew were en-route to mile 15, I phoned to ask them to get tablets ready for me, but they were caught on the underground. They missed me at mile 15 by a whisker and went straight to mile 18.
Hubby offered to try to find me, but I begged him to stay put. I already knew how much I would need their support at mile 18, and the thought of not seeing them again until mile 24 was frightening.
I think this was one of my low points, and it must have shown on my face. A man in the crowd held his hand out, and I lifted mine to tag him. He grasped my hand hard and said 'Come on, Jas, you can do this. Don't give up!' I could barely thank him through the tears, but that single act of kindness spurred me on again.
Heading into Canary Wharf sent my Garmin into a tailspin as it kept losing the GPS signal amongst the tall buildings, but I tried to keep an even pace. I knew by this point that a five and a half hour finish was out of the question, but still hoped that under 6 was possible...but it was so hot (20 degrees) and my knee was fairly uncomfortable.
Seeing the family again at mile 18 was wonderful, but I was daunted by the thought of 8 miles left to go. My chest felt tight, and there seemed to be no oxygen in the air. I had dropped to two minutes running, three minutes power walking by this point just to try to keep my breathing regular, and was maintaining a steady pace.
I was only able to think mile at a time from this point in, but the crowd support remained phenomenal. Runners were helping each other along, and as I passed fellow runners I made sure I offered words of encouragement.
Mile 24 seemed to go on forever. I knew the family were there somewhere, but didn't know where. I think it was about 24.8 when I saw them, and they hugged me and promised I was nearly there.
The crowds were much bigger again along the embankment, and were really cheering loudly and shouting our names. I stayed close to the edge, as more people can see your name, and tried to clap and shout 'thank you' every time - it was a good distraction from my feet (which were on fire!) and worked like a ripple effect, so the next group along cheered for me, too.
Big Ben coming into view was the second time that emotions really caught me, and tears streamed down my face. A lovely lady came out of the crowd and hugged me, encouraging me on. People are so kind (and brave...I was a very sweaty and smelly by mile 25!).
Running was almost impossible from mile 23 on as my knee was so sore, but I kept pushing myself. A six hour finish was a distant dream, but rough calculations told me that I could just squeak in under 6 and a half hours if I pushed hard.
Turning past Buckingham Palace into the finishing straight was the best feeling in the world, and ignoring the knee pain, I ran down the Mall to the finish line.
The relief at reaching the end is indescribable.
My timing chip was removed for verification and a medal was hung round my neck. I cried again at that point...it was the moment that I had been looking forward to for months, and it had finally arrived.
I collected my goody bag and kit bag, and wished very much that I hadn't packed everything including the kitchen sink in there...it weighed a tonne, and I could hardly walk, let alone weight lift! I'd arranged to meet the family in the 'meet and greet' area in Horseguards Parade, but that seemed like 100 miles away. I phoned them (hurrah for mobiles!) and said I'd make my way up to the Asthma reception venue on Pall Mall, and they could meet me there.
They actually caught up with me just before I got there, and it was a very emotional reunion. As a reward for running and fundraising for Asthma UK, I got treated to a lovely hot shower followed by a much needed massage.
I can't thank my best friend enough for sorting out my towel and fresh clothes, undoing my shoe laces, removing my shoes and the plasters from my sore feet. Dedication above and beyond the call of duty!
The massage was wonderful. My calves were cramping up, and it really helped to relax them. Blister plasters applied, and slippers on, we headed - very slowly - to the station.
You may recall that the station right next to our hotel was closed for the weekend (d'oh!) so we had to catch a bus for the last part of the journey. We asked the driver if he was going to North Action, and he assured us he was. Half an hour in, we realised that we were nowhere near North Acton. 'You need to get off, cross over and catch the bus going the other way,' said the driver. 'That will take you to North Acton'.
We did as we were told - fortunately the bus going the opposite way had just pulled into the stop - and checked with the second driver. 'North Acton?'. 'Yes', he said. Can you guess what's coming...? We ended up back where we started. An exhausting hour wasted.
The bus we actually needed was at the terminus, and we checked four or five times that he really was going to North Acton, and twenty minutes later we were back at the hotel and climbing into the car. Hubby drove us home, and I was so glad to get back.
It had been a long day.
The low points? Seeing someone just ahead of me collapse at mile 6. She was the first many casualties I saw along the route. The heat was really taking it out of people. Also seeing people sat at the side of the roads with blood pouring from their feet, in pain and exhausted - their dreams dashed.
The high points? Seeing the family at Tower Bridge, and not just there, but all along the route. They did amazingly well to spot me three times, and it made all the difference. I also got round without using my inhaler, which I would have never dreamed possible six months ago. The sight of Big Ben and the finish line will stay with me forever, as will the weight of the medal around my neck. Priceless.
It was back in August that I applied for the place on the Asthma UK team, and was fortunate enough to get chosen.
Over the last eight months, my friends and family have helped me raise £2000, which will be used well by Asthma UK.
I always wanted to run the London Marathon, and on 17th April 2011 I did it, finishing in 6 hours, 29 minutes and 28 seconds.
Thank you for sharing the journey with me.
Jas x
Saturday 16 April 2011
The final countdown
This will be my last post before the marathon.
It all seems a bit unreal, especially as I'm suddenly quite calm following days and weeks of spiralling nervous tension.
The family have headed into London today to do more sight seeing and shopping (they're currently raiding Hamleys) while I have stayed back at the hotel to fit in as much R&R as possible.
Everything is laid out ready for the morning. My waist bag that I will be carrying round with me is packed, as is my kit bag with everything in that I'll need at the end. My trainers have the timing chip attached, and my comfiest socks are tucked inside them.
The spectators guide is printed for the family, labelled up with all of Asthma UK's cheering points along the way, and we have a plan of where we hope to see each other en-route, and where to meet at the end (as well as a back up plan if that goes awry!)
There's nothing else to do except eat a few more carbs, read my book and try to doze!
But of course, there is one very important thing to do, which is to thank you all for your good wishes over the weeks and months, and for supporting me in my fundraising. I couldn't have done any of this without you.
Thanks especially to my family, who encouraged me to take up the Gold Bond place when Asthma UK offered it to me back in August, for supporting me with my training, and for getting me to the start line.
I guess the last bit is up to me.
I will carry your good wishes around with me tomorrow, and hope that they will get me all the way to 26.2 miles.
Thank you all xx
It all seems a bit unreal, especially as I'm suddenly quite calm following days and weeks of spiralling nervous tension.
The family have headed into London today to do more sight seeing and shopping (they're currently raiding Hamleys) while I have stayed back at the hotel to fit in as much R&R as possible.
Everything is laid out ready for the morning. My waist bag that I will be carrying round with me is packed, as is my kit bag with everything in that I'll need at the end. My trainers have the timing chip attached, and my comfiest socks are tucked inside them.
The spectators guide is printed for the family, labelled up with all of Asthma UK's cheering points along the way, and we have a plan of where we hope to see each other en-route, and where to meet at the end (as well as a back up plan if that goes awry!)
There's nothing else to do except eat a few more carbs, read my book and try to doze!
But of course, there is one very important thing to do, which is to thank you all for your good wishes over the weeks and months, and for supporting me in my fundraising. I couldn't have done any of this without you.
Thanks especially to my family, who encouraged me to take up the Gold Bond place when Asthma UK offered it to me back in August, for supporting me with my training, and for getting me to the start line.
I guess the last bit is up to me.
I will carry your good wishes around with me tomorrow, and hope that they will get me all the way to 26.2 miles.
Thank you all xx
Friday 15 April 2011
London calling
We set off early this morning and arrived safely in London at 10am. The hotel we are booked into is within view of the nearest underground station. We headed straight there to check out train times for getting to the marathon, only to be told that the station would be closed over the weekend for repair works. Please be impressed that I didn't scream, cry or stamp my feet (even though I felt like doing all three!) I'm assured that regular buses will be running, and I can rejoin the train further down the line. Phew!
With that sorted, we headed straight to the Expo. The BBC 'marathon music' was playing as we walked in, and suddenly it was all very real.
First stop was picking up my running number, kit bag, timing chip and final instructions. I'll be starting in pen 9 at the Red start in Greenwich Park.
With the technical details sorted, we spent a couple of hours wandering around the various stalls. It's a runners paradise, and although I could have happily spent a small fortune I restricted myself to buying an official London Marathon 2011 hoodie.
It was exciting to go to the Asthma UK stand and meet the team. I had my photo taken, and I was given a rain mac - although the forecast suggests that it won't be necessary this year.
After the Expo we headed into central London and enjoyed a mini sight seeing tour, starting at the Houses of Parliament. We made our way across to Horseguards Parade to make sure we knew where we will be meeting up on Sunday, and found out where we need to go afterwards so that I can get my massage and food, courtesy of Asthma UK.
We had an evening meal in Picadilly Circus - a bit more carb loading! - and then headed back to the hotel for a well deserved sit down.
In 36 hours time I will be at the start line. I feel like I'm in the middle of a very strange dream at the moment, but I'm quite enjoying it, so please don't wake me up just yet!
With that sorted, we headed straight to the Expo. The BBC 'marathon music' was playing as we walked in, and suddenly it was all very real.
First stop was picking up my running number, kit bag, timing chip and final instructions. I'll be starting in pen 9 at the Red start in Greenwich Park.
With the technical details sorted, we spent a couple of hours wandering around the various stalls. It's a runners paradise, and although I could have happily spent a small fortune I restricted myself to buying an official London Marathon 2011 hoodie.
It was exciting to go to the Asthma UK stand and meet the team. I had my photo taken, and I was given a rain mac - although the forecast suggests that it won't be necessary this year.
After the Expo we headed into central London and enjoyed a mini sight seeing tour, starting at the Houses of Parliament. We made our way across to Horseguards Parade to make sure we knew where we will be meeting up on Sunday, and found out where we need to go afterwards so that I can get my massage and food, courtesy of Asthma UK.
We had an evening meal in Picadilly Circus - a bit more carb loading! - and then headed back to the hotel for a well deserved sit down.
In 36 hours time I will be at the start line. I feel like I'm in the middle of a very strange dream at the moment, but I'm quite enjoying it, so please don't wake me up just yet!
Thursday 14 April 2011
I know it's here somewhere...
We're heading off to London in the morning (yippee!) so I've spent today getting everything ready. When I say everything, what I really mean is my stuff. And it has taken me all day. And I still haven't finished packing. I'm sure my brain has turned to cotton wool because I can't concentrate on anything for more that 30 seconds, and have to keep double checking what I've already done. One of my top priorities was remembering my registration form and passport so that I can collect my running number and timing chip from the Expo. I always keep our passports in the same place, so knew exactly where to look...except mine wasn't there. Mild panic ensued as I turned the house upside down. I found it an hour later in amongst Eurostar tickets from last August. Note to self: put things away properly in future!
I've received more sponsorship today from so many places. First, on my Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/jasontherun), second, in the post and via my Mum, who has received donations from friends of hers, and then from my hairdresser. (I had to sneak a quick appointment in...I've got to look my best in case I end up on the telly!!!)
I've also had an email from a good friend who is in the Chinewrde Morris Dancers group. The group very kindly voted earlier in the year to make Asthma UK their charity this year, and are donating through my fundraising. They will be adding a whopping £200 to my total, so a huge 'thank you' goes to them.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Positive thinking
I've been getting increasingly stressed over the last few days (as you may have noticed!) so decided this evening that I need to reign in my wandering thoughts and harness the power of positive thinking.
I've read as much as possible about the marathon route, and have tried to memorise where the big landmarks are, and which parts of the route are likely to be the toughest to get through.
With all this in mind, I'm appealing to my friends for help. You've got me through the difficult months of training, you've helped me with my fundraising, and now I need your help on the big day.
I'm asking you - my friends - to send me a message that I can take with me on the day, and read along the route when the going gets tough. The more messages, the better!
Thank you all for your help xx
I've read as much as possible about the marathon route, and have tried to memorise where the big landmarks are, and which parts of the route are likely to be the toughest to get through.
With all this in mind, I'm appealing to my friends for help. You've got me through the difficult months of training, you've helped me with my fundraising, and now I need your help on the big day.
I'm asking you - my friends - to send me a message that I can take with me on the day, and read along the route when the going gets tough. The more messages, the better!
Thank you all for your help xx
Tuesday 12 April 2011
Training...DONE
I did my last training run today. I only did three miles, but was glad to get home without tripping, falling off a pavement, twisting an ankle or any number of other injuries that I have been dreaming of incurring over the past few nights! It's hard to believe that after all these months of training alone, the next time I run will be in London, with 35000 other people alongside me.
When I knew I was running in the marathon, I asked friends and family to collect their loose change for me, and it's amazing how much these donations have added up. I have been given three lots of change over the past two days, and after much sorting and counting this afternoon I'm thrilled to have another £35 to put towards my fundraising.
This evening I have started putting together a quiz sheet that will hopefully help to keep my children occupied while they troop round London trying to spot me on Sunday. I've included questions like 'Guess my finish time' and have made a list of things they need to photograph. Thinking about it, maybe I should print an extra copy to stop Hubby getting bored.
When I knew I was running in the marathon, I asked friends and family to collect their loose change for me, and it's amazing how much these donations have added up. I have been given three lots of change over the past two days, and after much sorting and counting this afternoon I'm thrilled to have another £35 to put towards my fundraising.
This evening I have started putting together a quiz sheet that will hopefully help to keep my children occupied while they troop round London trying to spot me on Sunday. I've included questions like 'Guess my finish time' and have made a list of things they need to photograph. Thinking about it, maybe I should print an extra copy to stop Hubby getting bored.
Monday 11 April 2011
Sleep well - I wish!
Reality is really hitting home now. Lots of people at work either saw the article in the paper or read about me in the work newsletter that came out at the end of last week, and have been wishing me all the best for Sunday. It's a real boost to know that so many people will be thinking about me on the day.
I'm trying to eat small, regular meals from hereon in and am drinking lots of water. I'm planning a final short run tomorrow, although I'm terrified of incurring a random last minute injury. The thought of a twisted ankle at this stage makes me shudder.
I'm also plagued by recurring dreams that centre around not reaching the start line, turning up without some vital piece of paperwork, losing my running shoes on the underground or a combination of all three. I'm going to be a nervous wreck by Sunday!
On a happier note, my best friend had a candle party this evening as a fundraiser for me. We had a great time, bought lots of lovely candles (ssshhh...don't tell hubby!) and raised another £40, which is fantastic!
Maybe I should have invested in a lavender candle...they're meant to be good for insomnia, aren't they?
I'm trying to eat small, regular meals from hereon in and am drinking lots of water. I'm planning a final short run tomorrow, although I'm terrified of incurring a random last minute injury. The thought of a twisted ankle at this stage makes me shudder.
I'm also plagued by recurring dreams that centre around not reaching the start line, turning up without some vital piece of paperwork, losing my running shoes on the underground or a combination of all three. I'm going to be a nervous wreck by Sunday!
On a happier note, my best friend had a candle party this evening as a fundraiser for me. We had a great time, bought lots of lovely candles (ssshhh...don't tell hubby!) and raised another £40, which is fantastic!
Maybe I should have invested in a lavender candle...they're meant to be good for insomnia, aren't they?
Saturday 9 April 2011
Say 'Cheese'
When I first told family and friends that I would be running the marathon and raising funds for Asthma UK, my good friend Nick donated a photo session for me to auction.
Nick is a first class photographer (check out his website at www.nickstephens.org), so this was always going to be a good way to raise funds.
Nick took some family photos for us last year, and even though I hate seeing myself in photos, I was thrilled with the results. I was telling a colleague this last week, and he commented that if Nick could make me look good in a photo then the session must be worth a fortune! Charming.
Anyhow, the auction has been running for the last two weeks, and ended this evening. I'm pleased to report that the winning bidder will be donating £75 to my total, and in return will get some beautiful photos...so everyone's a winner!
I've had another pledge of £50, so my total raised so far now stands at £1400, which is fantastic. With just a week to go, I'm hoping that will creep up a little more.
If you want to help nudge up the total, please go to www.justgiving.com/jasontherun
Every penny counts!
Nick is a first class photographer (check out his website at www.nickstephens.org), so this was always going to be a good way to raise funds.
Nick took some family photos for us last year, and even though I hate seeing myself in photos, I was thrilled with the results. I was telling a colleague this last week, and he commented that if Nick could make me look good in a photo then the session must be worth a fortune! Charming.
Anyhow, the auction has been running for the last two weeks, and ended this evening. I'm pleased to report that the winning bidder will be donating £75 to my total, and in return will get some beautiful photos...so everyone's a winner!
I've had another pledge of £50, so my total raised so far now stands at £1400, which is fantastic. With just a week to go, I'm hoping that will creep up a little more.
If you want to help nudge up the total, please go to www.justgiving.com/jasontherun
Every penny counts!
Friday 8 April 2011
My very own 15 minutes of fame
If memory serves me right, it was Andy Warhol that said everyone would be famous for fifteen minutes.Before today, my claims to fame have been sitting somewhere near Princess Anne at the Guildford County Show when I was about ten, and meeting snooker player Steve Davis in Preston. I've led a sheltered life, but today, all that has changed, and I have been catapulted to fame in the Bromsgrove Standard.
I guess there really is no backing out of this marathon thing now my entire neighbourhood knows what I'm up to!
The paper has very kindly printed my story, and my blog address, so for anyone visiting my blog for the first time as a result of the newspaper article, I'd like to wish you a very warm welcome. Please feel free to browse around and read what I've been up to, stay with me for the next few days and I'll tell you about my preparations for the big day, and in just over a week (aaarghh!!) you can come back and find out how I got on in London.
Although the paper printed my blog address, they sadly missed off my 'Just Giving' address. The real reason I am doing all this running is to raise £2600 for Asthma UK, and thanks to the generosity of family and friends I am well on the way to my target...and now you could help me, too!
I know times are difficult, and no-one has oodles of cash to spare, which is why I'm only asking for your loose change. Dig down behind cushions, check the pockets of your winter coats before you hang them in the deep recesses of the wardrobe and hunt in the ashtray in the car...gather all the pennies up, and please donate them to www.justgiving.com/jasontherun I keep saying it, but every penny really does count. Thank you!
If I haven't bored you too much, I hope you'll come back another day. Don't forget you can leave a comment in the box below...I'd love to hear from you!
Thursday 7 April 2011
True inspiration
For the first time ever, I'm blogging twice in one day...and for good reason.
I was trawling one of the marathon forums earlier, and came across a link to a youtube clip. It's about a really inspirational man called Roger, and I was so moved by the video that I shared it on my Facebook page.
And then I did something I've never done before...I emailed Roger.
I wanted him to know that I had been really touched by his story.
I was surprised when, a few hours ago, he emailed me back.
He was full of encouragement for me, and has promised me that even if I'm walking oddly in the days after the marathon, I'll still feel like I'm walking on clouds! I can't wait to find out if he's right!
Roger is clearly one of life's nice guys, and is running the London marathon to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis. If you scroll down my blog, you should find a link on the left hand side to the youtube clip that moved me to tears.
I hope you will be moved by it too.
I was trawling one of the marathon forums earlier, and came across a link to a youtube clip. It's about a really inspirational man called Roger, and I was so moved by the video that I shared it on my Facebook page.
And then I did something I've never done before...I emailed Roger.
I wanted him to know that I had been really touched by his story.
I was surprised when, a few hours ago, he emailed me back.
He was full of encouragement for me, and has promised me that even if I'm walking oddly in the days after the marathon, I'll still feel like I'm walking on clouds! I can't wait to find out if he's right!
Roger is clearly one of life's nice guys, and is running the London marathon to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis. If you scroll down my blog, you should find a link on the left hand side to the youtube clip that moved me to tears.
I hope you will be moved by it too.
Don't forget the vaseline
Anyone who knows me will understand my obsessive need to make lists, be prepared and have a plan to cover every eventuality. I've been resisting the urge to gather all my kit together for the big day as I knew it would only compound my nerves, but with ten days to go I decided this was as late as I could leave it. So here goes...
- When I head down to Greenwich Park it will be early morning, so I plan to have a few additional layers that I will discard before the start - old fleece, spare socks, bin liner in case of rain (apparently they keep you warm, and make a good disposable rain mac!)
- I will, of course, have my running kit. I've trialled calf length leggings but found them a bit uncomfortable after 12+ miles, so will probably opt for my trusty long running trousers. (I wouldn't want to wear shorts - other runners would be put off their stride, and small children watching in the crowds could be permanently mentally scarred by the sight.)
- My trainers are Asics gels. They've done about 150 miles so have plenty of support left in them
- I'm opting for Hilly Mono anti-blister socks. They're the best I've found so far.
- I've been using Moleskin sore-spot sheets, cut to size, under the balls of my feet to help the blister situation, and use regular strips of plaster around most toes to stop any rubbing
- In my waist bag will be my inhaler (just in case), some dextrose and fudge, some tissues, a bit of cash and my phone
- My trusty Garmin GPS watch. I've been warned that this might well play up around Canary Wharf with all the tall buildings, but I hope for the rest of the course it will help me set my pace - especially in the first few miles when it will be tempting to head out too fast
- And last, but most importantly, I'll have my personalised Asthma UK t-shirt. I'm told the crowds cheering your name really helps - especially in the final few miles. I hope they cheer loudly for me!
I'm sure I'll add to the list as the days go on, and then pare it all down the night before. For the first time, I won't need to carry my own water from the outset as it will be handed out around the course.
So this is what my kit looks like. Now, where did I put that list....
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Thank you...all of you
Today was my Uncle's funeral, and a day of mixed emotions. It is always sad to say goodbye to loved ones, and remember others that we have lost, but it is also nice to catch up with rarely seen friends and relatives.
It really brought home to me how much of what I am doing - my training and fundraising - is only possible because I have such supportive family and friends.
For months, my family have put up with me getting up early to run, arranging our lives around how far it is from 'x to y' and what time they will need to meet me there, and keeping me positive on the days when I haven't felt able to keep going. Family and friends have supported me tirelessly in my fundraising, and without their generosity I would still be trying to scrape together pennies rather than counting the hundreds. Far too often, I take for granted the people closest to me, so today I would like to say a big 'Thank You' to everyone who has helped me along the way.
In ten days time, I hope to be running 26 miles around the streets of London. Knowing that you're all with me in thought will give me the best possible chance of making it to the end.
Thank you. I couldn't do it without you x
It really brought home to me how much of what I am doing - my training and fundraising - is only possible because I have such supportive family and friends.
For months, my family have put up with me getting up early to run, arranging our lives around how far it is from 'x to y' and what time they will need to meet me there, and keeping me positive on the days when I haven't felt able to keep going. Family and friends have supported me tirelessly in my fundraising, and without their generosity I would still be trying to scrape together pennies rather than counting the hundreds. Far too often, I take for granted the people closest to me, so today I would like to say a big 'Thank You' to everyone who has helped me along the way.
In ten days time, I hope to be running 26 miles around the streets of London. Knowing that you're all with me in thought will give me the best possible chance of making it to the end.
Thank you. I couldn't do it without you x
Monday 4 April 2011
I won't tell if you don't ;o)
I looked at the calendar this morning, and realised that there is just one more weekend between now and the big day. Aaaargh!!!
I teach creative writing at work on Monday mornings, and I set students the challenge of writing an 'Every...' poem, like the one I submitted for the Virgin Money marathon competition. It produced some interesting results, but proves that I'm not only dreaming about the marathon, but I'm even thinking about running while at work! It's taking over my life!!
With just under a week left to run (no pun intended), the photography auction has really taken off, and the current winning bid stands at £72.41 (although the bidder is hoping his wife doesn't find out that he's been bidding, or that he might just re-bid if someone beats him!). I won't tell if you don't ;o)
I was asked again today if I'm running in fancy dress. I explained that just taking part was frightening enough, without having to negotiate the London underground dressed as a sunflower/rhino/fairy. I'm brave, but I'm not that brave.
I teach creative writing at work on Monday mornings, and I set students the challenge of writing an 'Every...' poem, like the one I submitted for the Virgin Money marathon competition. It produced some interesting results, but proves that I'm not only dreaming about the marathon, but I'm even thinking about running while at work! It's taking over my life!!
With just under a week left to run (no pun intended), the photography auction has really taken off, and the current winning bid stands at £72.41 (although the bidder is hoping his wife doesn't find out that he's been bidding, or that he might just re-bid if someone beats him!). I won't tell if you don't ;o)
I was asked again today if I'm running in fancy dress. I explained that just taking part was frightening enough, without having to negotiate the London underground dressed as a sunflower/rhino/fairy. I'm brave, but I'm not that brave.
Friday 1 April 2011
Preparation, preparation, preparation
The nearer it gets to the date of the marathon (now only just 16 days to go!!!) the more I find myself trawling the internet for scraps of information.
It isn't the clearest image, but hopefully you'll get the idea. Overall, it's a fairly flat course. The first six miles are a gentle downward slope, and it would be really easy to get carried away with the crowd and go too fast during the first quarter. The biggest uphill are at miles 19 and 23, so I'll need to prepare for those.
Out of interest, I googled 'London Marathon Elevation Chart', and although the one I found was for 2007, the course hasn't changed that much since then.
It isn't the clearest image, but hopefully you'll get the idea. Overall, it's a fairly flat course. The first six miles are a gentle downward slope, and it would be really easy to get carried away with the crowd and go too fast during the first quarter. The biggest uphill are at miles 19 and 23, so I'll need to prepare for those.We've also started looking at possible meeting up points. Hubby is quite keen to head straight to Cutty Sark early in the day, watch the elite runners fly past, and then see me trundle by a fair while later. It then looks like a short hop onto the Isle of Dogs (for hubby...not me!) and hopefully there'll be chance to spot me at mile 15 and 20, where the course doubles back on itself.
Anything after mile 20 seems a bit too fanciful to contemplate, although careful rendezvousing at the end will be required, as I don't think I'll be able to do anything for myself if I get as far as the finish line!
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