Running

In 2005 I started running for charity. I did 2 Race For Life events (5km) and I went on to do Cancer Research UK 10 (10km) managing to raise over £970 in total. In 2006 I went on to run the Flora Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon to raise money for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. I managed to raise £573.26 including gift aid. In 2007 I ran the London Marathon to raise more money.

The London Marathon

I ran the London Marathon on 22nd April 2007 to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf people.

My aspirations went from 'running all the way', to 'try and get there under 5 1/2  hours', to  'try and get there under 6  hours' to  'just get that damn medal round my neck' all in the space of 6 1/2 hours. But despite the soaring temperature I got there in the end =)

There was a fantastic atmosphere and I was totally overwhelmed at the start. I'm glad I did it as it was certainly an amazing experience - a roller-coaster ride of emotions from start to finish. I spent the first half thinking it was amazing and telling myself I'd do it again next year, but then I reached half way and it all got too much. I started asking myself what on earth I'd got myself into and vowing to never to do it again, *lol*

As expected with over 35,500 runners, it was unbelievably busy. It took me a good 15-20 mins to actually cross the start line! And the queues for the portaloos around the course were horrendous.

The temperature was crazy. Several water stations nearer the end ran our of water and people at the side of the streets were using the water from discarded bottles to give to the runners. Thankfully I carried a 500ml bottle round with me so filled it up when I needed it. I think the trouble came from people taking bottles having a couple mouth fulls and then discarding them. However, they had installed showers at a couple places around the course which gave us a much needed cool down albeit only for a few seconds. The fire brigade were also out hosing us down and several people had set up sprinklers in their front gardens.

The support from the spectators was amazing - People were handing out sliced oranges, bananas, jelly babies etc etc. People even got buckets of tap water to try and help us. All the way people were cheering us on. Nearer the start it was the people in their gardens - they had banners hung from the windows, music barring out their windows. As we got nearer central London it was the pubs that had music blaring outside or groups singing, bands of all shapes and sizes, gospel choirs...it was incredible. The other Hearing Dogs runners (and supporters) gave loads of encouragement. One guy near the end who had already finished was shouting at me saying 'well done, not long to go' etc.

I guess the second half was made worse by the people starting to really struggle. People were queueing the St Johns Ambulance stops. I saw several people being helped off the course with various complaints. I had to keep reminding myself that each mile was worth £50 and I had to finish - no matter how long it took. So I tried to take it easy (well as easy as one can when running a marathon) and focused on keeping hydrated. It was joint pain that I was suffering with the worst and I ended up walking/hobbling the last 8 miles =S Although TBH I think my walk was faster than my run at that point *lol*

At just over 6 1/4 hours I crossed the finish line. I was so pleased...until one the guys in front of me collapsed and had to have CPR...it was awful *sobs*

Still...I'm glad I did it. Its an unforgettable experience. And although I now ache in places I didn't think it was possible to ache in I might even consider doing it all over again next year.....IF and only IF I get my own place (NOT a golden bond charity place)

Total Amount Raised - £1657.00

Past events: