In some ways writing this newsletter is sad as it means our London marathon journey is over.
Here is our final update on how things went:
For the crucial month leading up to the run;
Our longest run was postponed and shortened as Tim woke up unable to move, we did go out bank holiday Monday for a shorter run.
I went to Romania with work, I met many teachers, professionals and parents who were desperate to help children with Autism in Romania, which was inspirational and encouraging. If anyone in the field wants to do some good I urge you to go and help.
The last 2 weeks involved;
Little exercise, lots of carbs and avoiding anyone with a hint of a sniffle. The last week had the added rotation of excitement, nerves, fear, nightmares and pure panic!
The run;
We got to London on the Saturday to the expo and it was like a
showcase of the last 4 months of our lives in 1 room - running wear, compression clothing, massage, deep heat, Lucozade, jelly babies..... We picked up our numbers and goody bags randomly containing a can of London Pride and drove to our hotel where except for a wander to Pizza Express we chilled for the rest of the day.
Up bright and early Sunday morning we had our obligatory porridge and made our way to Greenwich. Everyone was very helpful and friendly and despite the rain it was a great atmosphere. Once we started it was amazing - the crowds and runners were extremely supportive and we were breezing through the miles wearing our smiles! I have learnt that after 3 hours my body can not tolerate carb gels so whilst briefly walking off a stomach cramp at mile 17 I got a tap on the back by a lovely old man telling me "we're all in this together"
which soon got me running again. So we carried on, seeing Tigger, Scooby Doo, Batman, a Womble, some
very inspirational runners with very personal stories and Dom from Dick and Dom (Tim could not resist shouting “bogies” at him!)
At mile 21 Tim admitted to severe knee pain, which finally stopped him in his tracks so, the rest of the race was a mix of medic stops, power walking and running as much as his knee would allow. The crowds were shouting our names and my family were waiting at mile 25 with big smiles - thanks guys!
As we turned and sprinted the last stretch of the mall to “Chelsea Dagger” by the Fratellis I was screaming with delight. As soon as I had my medal I knew I would be back next year.
We went to the NAS hospitality where we were greeted with applause and had a sports massage. We were drunk on pride and euphoria -I didn't want to take my medal and running outfit off and didn't want the day to end.
We had so much support on the day - our phones, facebooks and emails were going mad with well wishes - thanks to you all.
Tim’s knee is now on the mend after a dose of acupuncture on his IT band.
It's been a long, tough journey but the pay off was HUGE!
We have learnt a lot about ourselves and our limits. Training for a marathon is an all-consuming journey, taking commitment, dedication, obsession, stubbornness, stupidity, guts and good friends. People do start avoiding you when all you talk about is your marathon! Some of you were amazing - you know who you are!
The NAS were amazing both on the run up and on the day. We were greeted by fellow NAS runners, supporters and the team throughout the day.
Now for the big news ........ You his have all been amazingly
supportive and generous. At the time of writing we have raised an amazing £2680 for the NAS. Those still wanting do donate can do so at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/woolys-do-london until May 25th, cheques and cash need to be collected by May 22nd.
So after months of the training vortex, injuries and therapies it's all over. In the words of Big Chris “it’s been emotional”, but after saying it was our first and last we will be back next year!
Tim & Marianne
Here is our final update on how things went:
For the crucial month leading up to the run;
Our longest run was postponed and shortened as Tim woke up unable to move, we did go out bank holiday Monday for a shorter run.
I went to Romania with work, I met many teachers, professionals and parents who were desperate to help children with Autism in Romania, which was inspirational and encouraging. If anyone in the field wants to do some good I urge you to go and help.
The last 2 weeks involved;
Little exercise, lots of carbs and avoiding anyone with a hint of a sniffle. The last week had the added rotation of excitement, nerves, fear, nightmares and pure panic!
The run;
We got to London on the Saturday to the expo and it was like a
showcase of the last 4 months of our lives in 1 room - running wear, compression clothing, massage, deep heat, Lucozade, jelly babies..... We picked up our numbers and goody bags randomly containing a can of London Pride and drove to our hotel where except for a wander to Pizza Express we chilled for the rest of the day.
Up bright and early Sunday morning we had our obligatory porridge and made our way to Greenwich. Everyone was very helpful and friendly and despite the rain it was a great atmosphere. Once we started it was amazing - the crowds and runners were extremely supportive and we were breezing through the miles wearing our smiles! I have learnt that after 3 hours my body can not tolerate carb gels so whilst briefly walking off a stomach cramp at mile 17 I got a tap on the back by a lovely old man telling me "we're all in this together"
which soon got me running again. So we carried on, seeing Tigger, Scooby Doo, Batman, a Womble, some
very inspirational runners with very personal stories and Dom from Dick and Dom (Tim could not resist shouting “bogies” at him!)
At mile 21 Tim admitted to severe knee pain, which finally stopped him in his tracks so, the rest of the race was a mix of medic stops, power walking and running as much as his knee would allow. The crowds were shouting our names and my family were waiting at mile 25 with big smiles - thanks guys!
As we turned and sprinted the last stretch of the mall to “Chelsea Dagger” by the Fratellis I was screaming with delight. As soon as I had my medal I knew I would be back next year.
We went to the NAS hospitality where we were greeted with applause and had a sports massage. We were drunk on pride and euphoria -I didn't want to take my medal and running outfit off and didn't want the day to end.
We had so much support on the day - our phones, facebooks and emails were going mad with well wishes - thanks to you all.
Tim’s knee is now on the mend after a dose of acupuncture on his IT band.
It's been a long, tough journey but the pay off was HUGE!
We have learnt a lot about ourselves and our limits. Training for a marathon is an all-consuming journey, taking commitment, dedication, obsession, stubbornness, stupidity, guts and good friends. People do start avoiding you when all you talk about is your marathon! Some of you were amazing - you know who you are!
The NAS were amazing both on the run up and on the day. We were greeted by fellow NAS runners, supporters and the team throughout the day.
Now for the big news ........ You his have all been amazingly
supportive and generous. At the time of writing we have raised an amazing £2680 for the NAS. Those still wanting do donate can do so at http://uk.virginmoneygivin
So after months of the training vortex, injuries and therapies it's all over. In the words of Big Chris “it’s been emotional”, but after saying it was our first and last we will be back next year!
Tim & Marianne
