A Big Thank you

It wasn't easy but all the messages of support and sponsorship helped the three of us immensley. We appreciate every donation and participation in our events and as we storm closer to our target want to thank you all for your support!

The Big Day

The alarm went off at 3am. With bleary eyes we stumble into our race gear. Chaffing cream is applied liberally to all sensitive areas: We would be grateful for this in 10 hours time. A short walk and we meet our fellow athletes and continue to the buses that will take us to the start line. We arrive at 4am, sleeping bags in hand. These would prove to be the difference between frostbite and warmth. Broken sleep, bagels and tomfoolery occupy the next 5 hours. At 9am a buzz sets in as people begin to prepare for their start. Rob is first to go, shortly followed by myself and Samir.

The first few miles are pure bliss. The crowds are inspirational, big smiles adorn our faces: This is why we had trained so hard. Mile 13 and the half marathon is in the bag, legs hurt, optimism is high. Samir gives the wave, which means off you go and prepares for his 2nd hlaf. Rob is flying and clocks his first half in an unbelievable time.

The 2nd half is much darker for us all as we each hit the infamous wall. At Mile 18 each of us take a few moments to walk, some longer than others. The crowds are still electric but their noise is drowned out by the voices in our heads 'Stop running' 'Keep on running' 'Only 4 more miles' 'What! 4 more miles!'. It's a painful time but one we all get through as we approach central park.

Thoughts are on finishing now as waves of emotion encompass both myself and Samir, although Rob is more steely and focuses on his ambitious goal.

Crossing the line brings feelings of relief, achievement and tiredness as walking becomes a most unnatural and difficult concept.

It matters not as we have completed our target and completed a run for both personal and charitable gain. The feeling is uncomparable to anything we have ever felt and thoughts turn to the next one, whenever or wherever that may be!

2nd November, ING New York Marathon- Official Results

Robin Wall- 3:47:00

David Smyth- 4:26:09

Samir Khimji- 5:14:00

Poker Tournament, 27th October

Thanks to all who participated and helped us raise another £40 towards our target. Well done to Ross who came 1st and our very own Pinto who scooped 2nd place and the Nandos voucher, which he has kindly re-donated for our next tournament.

 

Charity Five-a-side Fundraiser @ Goals, Hayes. 14th September

 

Thanks to all who attended and congratulations to Team Futex who were worthy winners on the day. We raised £175 and hope to arrange one more football tournament before the big race!

And then it began...

On a cold evening in early January, three young men sat around a table, lit only by candlelight. With a mixture of hesitance and excitement one of them mouthed a series of words, which would change the next 11 months of their lives.

'Let's do a marathon, it's only 23 miles'

Little did they realise this was the first of a number of miscalculations they would make (actual length 26.2 miles/42.195km), along with their rose tinted view of training (we can go for a jog along the Thames, that will be nice).

Alas, on the 2nd of November Robin Wall, Samir Khimji and David Smyth will together run the New York Marathon, raising money for a great cause- the British Heart Foundation.

We will be organising a series of fundraising events over the forthcoming weeks, which we will publicise on this page and Facebook.

Your participation or contribution whether financial or words of wisdom/support are very much welcomed (we do of course welcome the former as it helps us meet that ambitious target at the top of this page!!)

Our pre-emptive thanks to you all

...And this is why Justgiving is the best way to do it!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: British Heart Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.