Running the London Marathon for Chailey:
The start of the day was rather ominous, having prepared for a long, hot day I was unpleasantly surprised and unprepared for the rain which greeted me. I sheltered under a tree until the last possible moment, nursing my trepidation for the race. By chance or providence the rain lifted just before the start of the race, being replaced by a bright, if overcast, sky. Not too hot, not too cold... just right, as Goldilocks might have said.
I had been warned about the fantastic support provided by the crowds on race day and yet I was still bowled over. It was simply fantastic, from the start line all the way to the finish words of encouragement, pats on the back, sliced oranges, jelly babies and the earnest "come on alex you're doing well!!!" were never ending. It was really a unique feeling. It was made all the better by my not-so-little cheer group organised by my girlfriend Adriana and comprising of my father, sister and friends. I was so looking forward to seeing them at around mile 18 and when i did, it was like changing my legs for a new pair. I was then convinced I was going to make it to the end.
Then just as I was leaving the purgatory that was Canary Wharf, and finally heading in a home wards direction the sun pierced the clouds. The last few miles along the embankment were run under glorious spring sunshine. Then finally the finish line, the satisfaction was immense, but 5 yards after the line my legs were instantly replaced by two immovable blocks of concrete. By far the most painful part of the day was finding my way home... very slowly.
To sum it up the day was incredible and made all the training worth-while. But I would never have found the motivation inside of me if i had not been running for a cause so close to my heart as Chailey and not felt the support from children, the staff and all the people who rushed to sponsor me.
Thanks to all, for making it such a fantastic day.
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So i made it to the end, and it was a great day out. The support from the crowd was simply amazing. And my quite substantial support crew organised by Adriana were fantastic and really kept me going when I was feeling low in Canary Wharf.
I was a bit slower than I had hoped, finished in 3h50. I should have pushed a bit harder earlier in the race, but I was very worried about crashing out. I finished quite strong with some juice in the tank which was a bit of a pity.
I will load up some during and after pictures very soon.
Thanks to all of you for your support and for making it such a special day.
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Right so just a few days to go, looking forward to getting to start line.
For those who want to make it down to watch and keep poor Adri company, we have arranged for her to be at a couple of points along the course which should be quite easy to access by the tubes which will be running.
The first will be in
Canary Wharf at the roundabout linking Westferry Road, Marsh Way and Heron Quay. The route runs down Westferry road (mile 15) and then loops back to the roundabout and goes down Heron Quay (just after mile 18) . Best case scenario I should get to mile 15 by 12:00 at the earliest. At this point I will passing the limit of what I have run distance-wise and will be very grateful for any support.
Then they will make their way to the Victoria Embankment between Cleopatra's needle and Waterloo bridge (just before mile 25). If it is too busy then they will further down the Embankment (towards Blackfriars Bridge). Again at the earliest I will be passing by there at about 13:20. At this point I think I will be beyond consciousness so you might have to shout a bit louder.
My estimates are based on starting the race at 10am and me running on the fast side of my target. This may be a bit optimistic so please do be patient, I have chose spots where there is a pub nearby. I will be wearing a white running vest with Chailey's blue logo on the front.
Following the race or for those who can't make it down, we will rendezvous at the Westbourne Pub in Notting Hill (W2 5ED), to hopefully enjoy the sun and for me to ice my legs. It should be away from the crowds. for those who don't know it:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=the+westbourne+pub&sll=51.523057,-0.214577&sspn=0.024833,0.068836&ie=UTF8&split=1&rq=1&ev=zi&radius=1.48&hq=the+westbourne+pub&hnear=&ll=51.522683,-0.193892&spn=0.024833,0.068836&z=14&iwloc=A&cid=16007621993790248601
Please see the attached maps, in the my picture section. An y questions give me a call on 07845 318 518, On the day please call Adri on 07956 446 967 if you want to link up with her. Thanks again for all your support it really has been much more than I or Chailey ever expected. It will go a long way to helping me finish the race. Alex
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Update - 07/04 (see the whole sotry and pictures on http://www.justgiving.com/Alexander-Kimmins)
Right so the marathon is getting ever closer. I am running longer runs now, up to 30k, and getting used to taking in some gels and liquids while I run. I am running a 3h35 pace which is still a bit slower than I would like, so looking to improve into these last weeks. Still targeting 3h30 for the big day.
Over Easter I enjoyed a bit of a change of scene running in the dunes in den hag which was nice (28k given I ran a few loops of the course if you are interested/bored you can check it on http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=D358D209-9C33-68EC-32A0F713951BE091&success=1 ), it was a nice change from lapping london's parks but still pretty rainy.
As you can see by the photo, I had a fantastic visit down to Chailey. It really was amazing to see the dedication of the staff to give the children the best start to life. The money I raise is going to support young people of Chailey in the next stage of their life and provide living quarters and support for 18 to 25 year olds.
Thanks again to all of you who have donated; you have been a fantastic support. Please pass this on to whom ever I might have forgotten or who might like to participate.
Hope to see you down on the day, i know it is busy so will be organising a post race meet at a London venue to be decided Hopefully on a nice terrace in the sun. Will let you know shortly.
Thanks again for all your support
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I will be running the London marathon next April 25th. To put all the pain I am going to endure to some use I am raising money for Chailey Heritage School. It is a school for young people (aged 3 to 19) with physical disabilities. The education and support the school provides to its pupils and their families, makes it possible for them to enjoy a quality of life much greater than would otherwise have been possible. Please check out their website and see what they do (www.chs.org.uk).
I also have a very personal connection to Chailey, it was founded by my great grand mother, Dame Grace Kimmins, back in 1903. Since family members have been amongst the many people involved to make the school the amazing place it is today. This is just my little grain of sand.
