Story
THE RESULT
Well what can I say – on Sunday 13th April 2008 I took on the challenge of the Flora London Marathon and completed it! I now have a very nice medal and a rather big blister in the arch of one of my feet to prove it! Unfortunately the latter slowed me down a little; even the good old compeed (x2 large) didn’t help much, so I came in behind target at 4 hours and 25 minutes. (3756th out of 15314 ladies! 787th out of 10134 20-29 year olds!!) However the feeling of elation, pride and sheer relief as you cross that finishing line makes the time (at that stage) feel insignificant! At least I can say I have run and completed the London Marathon!!
Would I do it again? Well at times whilst running I certainly would have said no, but now the legs are starting to ache less and the blister is slowly disappearing I’m determined at some stage in the future to do it again and next time hopefully will remain blister-less and achieve the time I so desperately wanted! As I send this e-mail to you I have already submitted my entry for a ballot place for next year! So fingers crossed early October I will receive the news I have a place for next year, and the training can start over again. If not I will keep trying!
The day itself was amazing; the number of people running for various charities and their reasons for doing it are so diverse. Also the massive number of people who turn out to support along the whole route. Without them cheering everyone on the atmosphere just wouldn’t be the same and it really was a magnificent atmosphere! The weather – well that left a lot to be desired, admittedly we were lucky not to have the heat of last year. Initially I was grateful for the rain as it helped cool me down, however a little rain turned into a lot and that left the poor old feet rather sodden and I suspect that was the cause of the blister.
Can I also take this opportunity again to thank everyone for their support and generosity with sponsoring me. On writing this my total stood at £1570 exceeding my minimum target set by the charity Spinal Research. This total does not include the additional Gift Aid which Spinal Research are able to claim back which is equal to 28p in every pound, therefore equating to approximately another £439!!!
Kirsty xxx