A very special start by bobbi10100

It's been a while since my last post, mainly because I've had nothing to report.  I knew the VLM would affect my right leg and I'm taking the recovery slowly.  The thing is my mind is restless now, I've got used to the endorphins and the stolen hour for myself.  I've managed the odd gym session but it's not the same and I have less opportunity to train as it means driving there and not trotting out of the door on a whim.

But less of me prattling on feeling sorry for myself, I've got some good news.  With the incredible help from my lovely friends on Twitter and the help and support of my friends and family the fund total stands at £2,173.22. WOW!!! I'm so grateful to each and every one of you.  It means a lot to be able to raise so much for Barnardos.  This will enable them to continue their essential work with vulnerable children and their families.  The total breaks down to on-line donations of £1,900.57. The portrait of Jonny Wilkinson painted and donated by Wendy Mallas (@Wendywitwoo)  that was auctioned for £255.20 and won by Simon Cross (@Tritwins).  Also personal e-Bay auctions donated to Barnardos that amounted to £16.45.  So what a fantastic result.  Huge eternal thanks. xxxxx

I'm so proud of what I've achieved in Joshua's name.  www.joshmarathon.co.uk

The plan now is to continue with the core work to be strong for the Robin Hood Half, so tempted to beat my PB of 2.21 hehe!

Ciao for now lovelies

Donna xxx 

On Saturday 24th April,  I waved goodbye to my family and made my way into London for the VLM Expo.  On my way down I was full of excitement and fear, as this was my first Marathon.  As I approached the Expo I saw a number of inspirational banners that really pulled on my heart strings.  Could feel myself getting emotional but kept it together.  I then took my place in the queue at the Expo ready to register.  Once I'd got my sweaty paws on the number I made my way around the Expo.  First stop was the Adidas Wall, where I wrote the words "For Josh" in one of the last remaining spaces. This felt very special to me. Throughout the afternoon there was a buzz in the air as everyone sorted out last minute preparations.  As the day was drawing to a close a member of VLM staff gave me a bag of Jelly Babies and asked me if I was interested in writing down the reasons why I was running on a postcard.  That's when it really hit me, the enormity of the challenge ahead.  This proved a little too much for me and felt quite upset, as I wrote the words "For every memory of my son".  I've become quite an expert at hiding my feelings and managed to keep it together. 

My Dad and I then made our way via Canary Wharf to Greenwich for the Barnardos pasta party.  We spoke to a couple and shared running stories which was good.  I also had a chance to meet the Barnardos team again and enjoyed our chat.  By that time it got quite late and made our way back to our hotels.  I duly made pre-race preparations and pinned my number onto my vest and fixed the chip to my shoe.  The following morning the bus was leaving the hotel at 06:45 so I made sure I was organised and ready to go.

We got to the start a couple of hours early and I was lucky enought to bump into Dean Parsons (aka Haydon the Wimbledon Womble) he was lovely and it was a pleasure to meet him.  Felt really sorry for him having to cart the huge womble suit around.  We had a quick hug and I went to find the loo's in the start area.  I must have gone to the loo 4 times and then it started raining.  After I handed in my kitbag into one of the baggage lorries, I met one of my Twitter friends Rachael Moore (aka. @karamina) She lent me her iPhone armband, which was very kind of her as mine wasn't water proof.  We joined the queue and was soon on our way through the start.  The costumes were really impressive, so much time and effort had clearly been invested into them. 

The 1st mile flew past very quickly, on the course there was plenty of bands playing at pubs that lined the route.  Even a priest flicked holy water on us as we ran past.  The first 13 miles were ok, most of the way I wanted the loo again which was annoying.  I initally joined a toilet queue, but then saw loads of runners nipping into the bushes across the road.  So in the end I thought "sod it" and joined them in the indignity of it all!  My bladder was bursting by that point, a runner commented that she couldn't go as I was peeing like a horse! 

So after this little diversion I was back on track towards my goal.  Seeing the large red arches across the road was a welcome sight as was the 5K markers that reported progress to my wellwishers.  Running over Tower Bridge at the halfway point was brilliant, the crowds were shouting encouragement to all of us which really kept us going.  Once I'd reached the 16 miles mark I knew this was unknown territory and the blisters were then apparent.  I had kept my eye out for my Dad along the route but didn't see him.  However, I did see the very lovely Sue (@CocaBeenSlinky), Sheila (@Sheb57) and Debs (@surreyblonde) at the Barnardo's cheering point at Mile 17.  I quickly stopped to receive hugs, kisses and a photo. Then went merrily on my way. 

This is when it started to get tough, I'd come to the conclusion that running all the way wasn't going to happen and settled for walking through the water stations and past each mile marker to give my muscles a rest.  Another highlight was running through Canary Wharf, the crowds were so amazing I can't expain.  Truly a carnival atmosphere with children handing out jelly babies and giving us a 'high five' as we ran past.  These wonderful people that lined the route to support us, were the ones that gave us the strength finish.  Truly amazing.  The pain in my right leg was getting intense and the blisters were sore, but the crowd still had me smiling and determined to finish.  So much so that I had a second wind by the time I'd reached the final mile.  It was so tempting to walk but kept running, the tears were filling my eyes again as I saw the 200 yds mark.  But I told myself that if I cried my contact lenses would fog up and held it together again.  Crossing the finish line in 05:23:23 was such a relief, as I've never felt exhaustion like it in my life before. But it was well worth it because it was for Josh and Barnardos.

Oh I nearly forgot! On the way to the tube station we bumped into David Essex outside a bar.  Sue assisted me in getting a photo with him as I was too scared to approach him! haha!

Thanks for reading my ramblings!

Next event? Newark Half hopefully, are you doing it?

Donna xx

Rachael and I at the start.

Well this is it!  Two more sleeps to the Virgin London Marathon.  I never thought that I'd ever be saying that, this is because I've never been a runner.  Fit people run marathons but not me!  But after months of training here I am coming together with thousands of other runners all doing their bit for charity.

My journey hasn't been an easy one, staying injury free has been a challenge in itself.  I sustained a calf tear on my left leg during the Robin Hood Half which took me 4 months to recover from.  Then just as my left leg got better my right side misbehaved.  Tight piriformis resulting in a tight sciatic nerve pain down my right side.

But the moral and practical support I have received has been amazing. Wendy Mallas (@wendywitwoo) on Twitter painted Jonny Wilkinson for me which raised an awesome £255.20 towards my target. At the time of this blog the fund stands at £1775.62 Woooohooo! So pleased for Barnardo's. 

Steve Bailey (@steve_jb) has been my training guru and has given me so much support and encouragement.  Well to be honest he whooped my ass and made me believe that I could do it and not to be scared.  He's given me some really sound advice, which I'll be eternally grateful for.  So thanks Steve, you're a star!

I'm travelling down to London tomorrow morning and will be making my way to the Expo early afternoon to register.  Very excited about this and filled with trepidation also.  This is my very first marathon!

As you know I'm running for Barnardos in memory of my son Joshua and I want to do him proud.  Every step will be for him.  No doubt finishing will be very emotional and exhausting, luckily I have my Dad and lovely Twitter friends meeting me at the end.  The weather reports have been mixed, some say 18 deg no rain and some say 22 deg with heavy rain.  Not sure what's going to happen!  I'm worried that my iPhone will get wet and that my sodden kit will rub my skin raw.  But I'll put those fears to one side and try to remain focused because it has to be done regardless.  I took some advice from my Twitter friends and bought some suncream.  So off I go, will let you know how I get on! Argh!  It's at times like this, when I say to myself  "why do you do such things, you crazy woman?!" 

See you after the big day!

Donna xx

Wow, first things first.  Have to tell you that the portrait of Jonny Wilkinson painted by Wendy Mallas, was sold for £255.20 on eBay.  What a result, this has boosted my fundraising total loads.  Huge huge thanks to Wendy for all her hard work and her time painting him for me.  It was nail biting stuff towards the end of the auction.

Well, the diclofenac has done it's job and now my right leg is almost there.  The pain is tolerable to run on now, so I managed to get a long run in today.  Did 15.45 miles in 2 hours 21 mins.  Average pace 9.08 mins/mile.  I'm more than happy with that considering the amount of rest I've had to do!  I did feel a bit worried when I had almost finished my run.  I felt so exhausted, how would I manage another 11 miles on top of what I'd just ran? Arrgghh!  I've heard so many people tell me that adrenalin and the crowd get you through it.  It will be amazing, and an experience I'm proud to be part of. 

I took my 'big day' running kit out for a test run today, the only thing I'll say is that it's not a fashion show!  It's not flattering, but it's comfy and keeps me cool.  Hehe!

Now the London Marathon is imminent, my plan for the next two weeks is to get a couple of 6 milers in.  Then rest on the week of the Marathon.  Not forgetting the massage as recommended by my physio to relax the muscles! After that I'll be praying!

Thanks for reading my ramblings

Donna xx