17 weeks of training, 8 pounds lost (it was 11 until the Easter chocolate came my way!!!!) and some extremely unflattering photos later I have finally completed the London Marathon and have a medal to prove it.
The day itself was fantastic, there were so many people lining the street cheering us all on........I never saw the guy in the mankini but did run past a giraffe, lots of fairies and a bottle of London Pride. I got excited when I heard someone in the crowd shout "look it's Ben Shepherd" but the fear of tripping over myself meant that I didn't turn around to see.
After 26.2 long miles I finally crossed the line in 4 hours 32 minutes and 59 seconds.
Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored me, so far we have managed to raised around £1200 with funds still coming in. For those of you who still wish to sponsor it's not too late.
Right I'm off to make a cuppa.....now to tackle those stairs!!!!!
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20th April 2010
4 months of running....is it me or am I getting shorter!!!!
With only 6 days to go, I'm not quite sure whether I am nervous or excited, the St John's marathon forum has been going nuts and I believe one of them is intending to run it in a mankini!!!!!! ( Lets hope he has a huge supply of vaseline)
I've made it to 22 miles out in the forest which was a good run right up until the end where we had to stop before crossing the road, by the time we went to cross the road both Claire (fellow marathon runner) and I had seized up looking 50 years older than we are! Needless to say I will be crawling into the nearest pub on Sunday for a well deserved roast dinner before heading back to Southampton.
Unfortunately I have heard that there are no showers available on the day so wet wipes it is, huge apologies to Debbie, Hannah, Aimee and Lucy who will be making that long journey back to Southampton with me!!!!! I will bring perfume.
I have almost reach the £1000 mark, if anyone would like to add a last minute sponsor to this fantastic charity that would be great.
As some of you know the Mayflower theatre in Southampton has donated 4 tickets to see When Harry Met Sally in June. If you would like a chance to win these then let me know what time you think I'll cross the line ( minimum donation £2) If you have already donated then send me a quick email and I'll pop your time on the list.
BTW don't forget this email is sent from JustGiving, so please don't reply to it. Replies go to JustGiving, not to me! my direct email is kerry.hayes@bluearrow.co.uk.
Big Hugs,
Kerry
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22nd March 2010
5 Weeks to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where has this year gone? The London Marathon is approaching fast - am I prepared?..........I'm not too sure just yet!
This weekend I completed the Reading Half Marathon which was an amazing experience. The whole of Reading seemed to be out cheering us on and encouraging us; crowds of people lined the streets shouting, clapping, and stamping their feet to spur us on. It was a truly phenomenal feeling. The end of the marathon was incredible; we had to run into the stadium to cross the finish line. I made it round in 1:58:16 which is a personal best for me.
On Sunday I have a 20 miler to complete which will be the last of the long runs before I step down on the training in preparation for race day.
The people I have met along the way have been such an inspiration, and thank you to all of you who have kept me motivated.
For those of you who have sponsored me already thank you so much and those who are hoping to sponsor me soon thank you in advance,
I hope this finds you all well.
Big Hugs,
Kerry
xxx
P.s I went to see Derren Brown last week....he is AMAZING! If you get the chance go and see him ;o)
P.p.s BTW don't forget this email is sent from JustGiving, so please don't reply to it. Replies go to JustGiving, not to me! my direct email is kerry.hayes@bluearrow.co.uk.
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15th February 2010
10 weeks to go............ and the nerves are setting in!!!!!
Training is going well and at the end of week 7 I have completed 13 miles - Halfway point AND felt surprisingly good afterwards.
So far I have discovered that the Isle of Wight has many hills but none worse than Fordingbridge which I now believe to be the hilliest location in the whole of Hampshire!!!!!!! I've learned that getting up extra early to go for that early morning running when it's -3 outside is tough and to trust my instincts to turn left when my running partner and "taxi driver" friend Mick says turn right!!!! gets us completely and utterly lost and consequently late for work....whoops! (well we did end up in nursling industrial estate!)
Anyhoo, I hope you are all having a fab start to the year, I can't believe we have almost arrived at March already!
For those of you who have sponsored me already thank you sooooooo much and those who are hoping to sponsor me soon thank you in advance,
BTW don't forget this email is sent from JustGiving, so please don't reply to it. Replies go to JustGiving, not to me! my direct email is kerry.hayes@bluearrow.co.uk.
Big Hugs,
Kerry
P.s Please feel free to pass this onto others - the more the merrier ;o)
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25th November 2009
A marathon........what was I thinking!!!!!!
For years now I have said I would never run the London Marathon. I don't quite know what has happened to change my mind this time around, but it seems I have finally given in to my inner Paula Radcliffe. Next year I am set to join thousands of others running the London Marathon 2010 on behalf of the St John's Ambulance; a fantastic charity who touch the lives of so many people.
From helping out at sports events and bonfire nights, delivering babies by the roadside, and providing emergency aid courses which in turn have helped thousands of people save the lives of others; they are there to help people wherever they can.
Most recently they have provided dozens of volunteers and vehicles in a bid to help people struck by the recent Cumbria flooding disaster.
They have set up many rest centres for those evacuated from their homes and have also been supporting the emergency services by answering emergency calls and assisting with patient transfers and evacuations.
St Johns Ambulance provide care to anyone who needs it in the local community..... Who knows, perhaps you may need their help one day, so please dig deep to donate some money to a really worthy cause.
Thank you so much for all your support.
Big hugs
Kerry
P.s Please feel free to pass this onto others - the more the merrier ;o)
