HANNAH'S RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON!    WHOOOP!

Well I am running a VERY VERY VERY long way (26.2 mile - apparently!) for my absolute superstar little cousin John-James, and all of the other children in the UK with Alstrom Syndrome. 

My 14 year old cousin John-James has had Alstrom Syndrome since he was a baby, but despite the numerous health problems, and hospital appointments he copes amazingly well. He is determined to be able to do whatever the other kids can do (& often a heck of a lot more) including knowing the entire history of the UK rail network, every nuance of contemporary politics and even ice skating at christmas (not in a chair, actually ice skating!) despite having no sight. I know how much Alstrom UK have helped JJ & my Aunty Jane understand & live with Alstrom- so I am massively proud to be representing Alstrom Syndrome UK in the marathon.  

So far, training has proved so much tougher than I could have ever imagined - I thought.. well, I do play football once a month, how hard can a little jog round the east end be? So I said yes, and agreed to a four hour target time. (Crazy!!) 

I had no idea how far 2 miles was yet alone 26.2! 

There has been frozen sweat after "snow running", physical sickness (nothing to do with the hangover), chaifing (enough said), near death experiences (thanks for the 'training' Mitchells!)- but mostly just miles and miles of cold hard slog, alone, cold and knackered. 

On the upside, I do get to eat Pasta by the trailer load, and wear a whole lotta Lycra, all matching, co-ordinated - fashion-tastic fabulous without looking like a chav...

PLEASE make the dirty dirty dirty blisters covering my feet worth it & sponsor me a shed load.

Thanks a lot, it is a proper good cause. :) 

UPDATE: 11 April:

First of all a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who has sponsored me - I have been amazed to see how many people have shown their support. It is greatly appreciated - THANK YOU.

Right, 20 miler went very well a few weeks ago, with techno-mega-mix Briteny getting me through it & the 'photographer / watergirl / coach' arriving on mile 12 (4 miles late!!!). On mile 19, a young lady who had clearly JUST left her house ran past me and gave me a 'look', so naturally my competative spirit took hold, and hence a sprint finish was necassary to over take said girl  & 20 miles done in 3 hours 10 (not bad). Next day however my left knee caused me so much trouble, and a stomach bug meant training has slowed considerably. My student Osteopaths have advised against running it and cancelling the marathon (not an option) so training is slow. A trip to the Mall yesterday reminded me just how much the marathon means to me & the lovely kids of Alstrom. Determination, spirit & MUST FINISH mentality is at a high, even if my knees are not feeling it. Fingers crossed for a mircaulous recovery & to pull it out of the bag. Now where's that pharmacist with my pain killers?...