Hello!
Thank you very much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Ok, so what crazy thing am I doing now?Well on 4th Dec 2009 I am hoping to start and finish the Everest Marathon. I've never been one to shy away from a challenge... this is the world's highest marathon. The start at Gorak Shep (5,184m) is close to the Everest base camp. The finish is at Namche Bazaar (3,446m). Over the 26.2miles there is 2,175m of descent and 437m of ascent. Putting the obvious stresses of altitude aside, the temperatures can also vary a lot during the race, any where between -20C and +20C....
How did I come across it?
It all started on 14th January 2008 when I picked up a copy of The Times (yes I do read proper newspapers since I left the bank) and in my search for the sudoku puzzle ;) of the day I came across an article reporting the success of Angela Mudge (the current Women's champion and record holder) who only eats jelly babies and bounty bars when she is running endurance events - she aside has an inspiring story. Needless to say though, I saw the picture with Everest in the background and I was captivated. Go on a 25day trekking holiday to Nepal, get acclimatized and run a marathon down hill... Easy.......??!
- There is the obvious chance of a lifetime to trek in the Himalayas and see Everest.
Nepal is among the five poorest countries in the world. 49% of the population lives below the poverty line. Many areas lack basic facilities like clean water, elementary education and medical facilities. The race has been held 12 times since 1987 and it has raised more than £400,000 for Nepalese charities, with projects ranging from drug schemes, school building projects, water and sanitation systems to leprosy hospitals and dental clinics. The smallest of donations can make a difference. So even in these tough economic times I am asking for your support, with a huge ‘Thank you’, for a very worthy cause.
How is my training going?
Well I bought a new pair of trainers yesterday! And I did a nice ‘hilly’ run in them today! Seriously though, I have been working towards this event since Jan 2008. It’s been in the back of my mind and on the top of my training programmes ever since and I’m now relishing, if not slightly apprehending the challenge, which is getting ever closer.
Anyone coming to support me?
Yes, MAND!!!! And I am so So SO unbelievably chuffed that I have such a fabulous friend, who is taking time off work to support me, that I’ll probably have a little weep when I cross the line and she is there ‘wooping’ and ‘cheering’!!
Sammy
