My marathon diary

Hello, I’m George, 32 years old, 5’1" and a bit, short brown hair (aprox. 2% grey and rising), brown eyes, 10 stone.

Married to Alec, also known as Wayne (but not by me, I didn’t fancy being known as Waynetta). He’s 43, 6’1" relatively fit and the correct weight for his height. I find it very irritating when people mistake us both for being about 37, adding 5 years onto my age but subtracting 6 from his. Of course, he loves this.

Mother of James 7, Ollie (Olivia) 5 and Dylan 4. Step-mum to Dawn 18, and Richard 17. (Richard lives with his mum but spends as much holiday time with us as possible).

I thought I’d write a diary reporting my progress (or lack of), so here it is.

I have been going for social jogs with my friends for a few years; I also have sporadic "mad few months" at the gym. Since moving away from Bristol 3 years ago, I have lost the momentum and childcare facilities needed to keep up my previous regular gym attendance. Being an all or nothing type of person, running a marathon seemed like a good personal challenge, a way to raise some money for charity and a kick up the bum to do some more exercise.

Since acquiring my place to run (jog) the London Marathon I have been following the beginners training programme recommended by the official London Marathon website. The training is going ok at the moment but obviously gets more challenging as the weeks pass. Time will tell!

I became aware whilst wading through all of the fundraising information and advice I could find that my position as full time mum and very part time reflexologist left me with two distinct disadvantages

1. No Employer to give massive donation or match amount raised
2. No colleagues, only other parents who were also harassed on a weekly basis by some fundraiser or other, usually connected with our little darlings school, church, playgroup, dance/football/brownie club or some other very worthwhile cause. Don’t misunderstand me, I do give willingly. My worry was "How well received would yet another good cause be?"

October 2005. I devise a rough fundraising plan!

Pester close friends and family for sponsorship. I decided to leave school friends until next March time, when marathon is imminent.

Hold a coffee morning/day in local church hall. I could beg, steal (not really), and borrow loads of prizes and have a money-spinning raffle at the same time.

This was going to be easy.

I started pestering my friends but most of them said they’d do it soon!!!!! (Not soon enough)

I booked church hall and a bouncy castle in order to entice the children in, I also thought that the mums would eat and drink more if the children were happy. I then got to work on the raffle; I was a woman on a mission. Things were going swimmingly until a friend told me that you couldn’t hold a raffle or tombolla in the church hall. I checked with the caretaker, yes that was correct, it is gambling and therefore against the rules. Now I needed a new venue for my raffle. I decided to go ahead with the coffee day and worry about the raffle prizes later. I would store the prizes, if any were edible I would eat them myself and replace them when the raffle eventually happened, I was now falling into comfort eating mode.

During an evening of wine drinking with coffee morning competent close friend Teresa, she explained in minuscule detail all that would need to be done. More importantly, she offered to help me do the whole thing. This was good, those that know Teresa will know that it really means that she would take full control of the whole event (in a nice way of course). Now I could relax, with Teresa on board the coffee morning would pretty much plan and run itself! (Pity she couldn’t run the actual marathon for me aswell).

Everything was in place for the coffee morning except for the helpers. I asked Teresa how many I would need, to which she replied "twice as many as you think you will need". Considering that I only had 10 days to go, the fact that I only had 2 helpers was a potential problem. Then the bombshell was dropped; Teresa was behind with her assignment, working shifts at the hospital, looking after her 2 boys, helping at school and her husband was working 150 miles away. You’ve guessed it; she was no longer going to be able to help. She was feeling terrible for letting me down but there was no way she could squeeze it all in, her boys and the assignment had to take priority. I played it cool and said that it was no problem at all, I’d manage fine with my extensive team of helpers which was actually now down to one.

I buried my head in the sand for a couple of days and concentrated on putting up posters. This task I could manage alone (just a bit of help from Alec with designing the posters), I put them in all the prime spots, taking care only to remove out of date posters to make space for my own. I was feeling very pleased that I’d got my poster at perfect eye level on the very well read telegraph pole outside school, along with about 20 others in shop windows and other poster boards around the town all in one day. A very successful Tuesdays work.

On Wednesday morning whilst collecting my son from pre-school, I noticed that my poster had been removed from its perfect position on the telegraph pole and had been replaced with one from a local garden centre, advertising Christmas trees! Not even a bloody charity. Mine was nowhere to be seen. . To say that I saw red would be somewhat of an understatement! I ranted and raved to the other pre-school mums who agreed that it was outrageous, they all managed to keep a straight face and offered only the sympathy and moral support they could see I obviously needed. I came home and telephoned the said garden centre, explaining the whole sorry saga and emphasising that mine was a charity poster whilst trying to stay as calm as possible. The manager was most sympathetic and assured me that the poster dropper in question has been told that under no circumstances should he remove anyone else’s poster. He was very very sorry. This for most people during a mentally balanced period of their lives should have been enough. I couldn’t stop; I ranted for a further 10 minutes during which time he made many more well timed apologies. The poor man probably never wants to hear the word outrageous again. I felt better afterwards, if a little silly.

Tuesday 29^th November.

I found out this morning that I have been lucky enough to be allocated an official ballot place for the London marathon. This was an immense relief because although I already had a Golden Bond place with Kidney Research UK, The stress of having to raise £1225 was getting to me. I still want to raise as much money as possible; I’ve become more and more passionate about the charity since I started becoming involved.

 Wednesday 30^th November.

Thank goodness, the coffee morning was a sucsess. Everyone enjoyed themselves, to the extent that people are asking me to run another one. Thankfully Tom, Lynn, Fiona and Sarah did me proud with their cake baking skills and Teresa turned up for a couple of hours to help me get started. I ended up with only one helper; the lovely Lynn was a godsend.

Christmas under the edge

I am lucky enough to live in the delightfully old fashioned little town of Wotton-under-edge in Gloucestershire. There is the most fantastic community spirit in this place where the real locals (at least 5 generations born and bred locally) are remarkably accepting of us new-comers who have moved here for a change of lifestyle and "the schools" amongst other things. Everyone is friendly and helpful, I couldn’t think of a nicer place to live.

Wotton town traders association decided to bring Christmas alive this year, so it was decided that on the afternoon of Saturday 3^rd December the streets (there aren’t that many) would be closed to traffic and filled with charity stalls.

I decided to run a Christmas decorations and gifts tombolla. I spent 4 weeks writing letters and trawling shops to collect the prizes. The response was fantastic; I had loads of prizes.

Everything was in place, tables and gazebo borrowed, more than enough prizes, help enlisted, the only thing that could let me down was the weather. When I woke up it was raining and overcast, luckily it cleared up after lunch – full steam ahead!

The tombolla was a sell out, we had to pack up and leave 2 hours early because we had no prizes left.

 December

With the coffee morning and tombolla safely out of the way and having banked £410 I feel like I can forget about fundraising for a month or so and concentrate on running and sorting my fitness out.

I must have given up smoking at least 8 times since I applied for the marathon and I’m still smoking. I kidded myself it was ok for a week or so because I’d switched to menthols and they can’t be as bad for you, can they?!!!

I have put on more weight since I started running. That’s because muscle weighs more than fat I can hear you say. Well not in my case. It has more to do with my compulsive eating, things are going to have to change. Its almost as though all my willpower is being channelled into making me run and there's none left for the overeating of not good for you food, smoking and wine (did I forget to mention the too regular few glasses of wine at the end of the night).

The only good news is that I am sticking to the beginners training schedule. I am finding its getting harder though. Could this be because I smoke and weigh about 2 stone more than I should?

Whilst writing the above I had an idea. I’ve just telephoned a hypnotherapist that I’ve seen in the past and persuaded him to give me a free session to stop smoking. He can’t fit me in until next Wednesday (8 days), I suppose it would ok to have a few in the meantime! I wonder if he could make me hate crumpets, cake, biscuits, chocolate and wine too.

December 12^th.

I wasn’t very well last week; I had toothache and earache and felt generally rough. It’s been 6 days since I’ve been for a run.

The Christmas celebrations started last weekend, rather too much red wine and tobacco was consumed and I feel rough again today. Its been like an all day hangover, the day has been completely wasted and I cant face going for a run, to be honest I’m just counting the hours until I can go to bed.

I should be giving up smoking in 2 days but I think I’ll quit today, luckily I finished my packet last night so there aren’t any temptations in the house.

Saturday December 17^th

I ended up seeing a different hypnotherapist, Bill, on Wednesday (it’s a long story, I still got the session free though). I would have enjoyed the session if I hadn’t had a dead leg for most of it. It is difficult to relax and lie still whilst having mini spasms and pins and needles from your ankle to the cheek of your bum.

Afterwards I told Alec that I thought the session had not gone all that well. That night, as instructed I listened to the CD recording that Bill had made of the session. The next thing I was aware of was Dylan, my 3 year old alarm child, jumping on me at 7.30 the next morning. It was probably the best night sleep I’ve ever had. I had succeeded in not smoking for the whole evening, possibly only because I had been fast asleep. Did this mean that in order to free myself from the dreaded weed, I was going to have to go to bed at 8 o’clock every night?

It is now Saturday and I have been a non-smoker for 4 days. I’ve even been to the pub and abstained.

Hooray. There is a bonus aswel; I have lost the desire to drink wine, although I am still being magnetically drawn towards the Christmas Quality St tin at least every half-hour. Still, we mustn’t expect miracles.

I am enjoying my runs more now, I feel like my lung capacity has increased already, although most of it is probably only in my head at this early stage. I’m feeling very positive.

Tuesday 20^th December.

Only 5 days until Christmas, thank goodness the pre-Christmas childrens birthday run is over. My daughter Ollie was 5 on 10^th December and my son James will be 7 on 29^th January. They wanted to have a joint birthday party at a local activity centre, cattle country. Ok I thought, and booked it for 18^th December, 7 days before Christmas day, during the busiest week of the year. That was really bright. Why did nobody try to stop me? Anyway, it was a success and it’s finished with for another year.

I made lists of everything I need to do this week, we would be running on a very tight schedule but on paper the pre-Christmas preparations were just about achievable. That was until Dylan (absolute angel/determined delinquent) came down with chicken pox yesterday. Normally I would have nothing but sympathy for the poor little chap, but this week the quota of sympathy has to be shared with that which I feel for myself!

I have missed another 2 days running because Dylan poorly. I could have got up at 7 and ran this morning, but I was absolutely shattered after being up with Dylan most of the night. So when Alec got up with the children I went to sleep of half an hour. Was that weak willed or completely sensible?

I am still an ex-smoker; it’s actually quite effortless except for having to listen to the CD every night (which I think is starting to irritate Alec).

Thursday 22^nd December.

Managed to fit in an hour long run today before rushing to get ready for works Christmas night out (a well deserved proper night out for us mums, referred to by those involved as our "works do", any excuse hey). Running up hills is definitely much easier now, my breathing was fine. If anything were going to fail it would have been my legs.

Alec commented that the running is definitely having an effect, my bum is more toned. Pity it’s not doing anything for my tummy. My children refer to me affectionately (I think) as jelly belly within the confines of our own home, fortunately they stick mainly to mummy in public, I think Alec must have warned them about the possible consequences of publicly humiliating their mother.

I telephoned Bill, the hypnotherapist, to let him know how I was getting on. He wasn’t surprised at all when I mentioned that he had put me off wine as well as cigarettes. Apparently he suggested to me that I would no longer need crutches (obviously alcohol and tobacco) in my life. After 8 days crutch free I’m quite embarrassed about my previous existence.

Saturday 24^th December.

I had the best run ever yesterday. Covered about 7 miles at quite a pace, I have impressed myself beyond belief (I kept up with other joggers and even overtook 2 on the flat!). I may complete that marathon yet.

I ran with Lou this morning for the first time in months. Actually, I have never ran with Lou in the past, I have jogged very slowly whilst she bounced around and encouraged me to "push up those hills", it was quite common to find her doing step-ups on someone’s doorstep whilst waiting for me at the top a hill. You could say she’s in a different league. I was quite nervous about it because I knew she would naturally expect me to have improved since I started the marathon-training programme. How hard would she push me? Would I be able to keep up?

After yesterdays accomplishment I decided to take the same route with Lou today. Big mistake. My legs were like jelly within 2 minutes, considering the first 10 minutes of the run is the steepest, longest hill in Gloucestershire (?), this was not good. I had to have a short walk half way up, but with Lous encouragement I managed to "push on up". Once we reached the top I was fine, I actually enjoyed it and I think Lou did too.

Alec and I planned to let our hair down on new years eve with old friends Matt and Lynn. Lynn is my oldest and most faithful smoking buddy. We went to a fancy dress Glam rock night at our local pub, the Falcon. We had a really good night but the inevitable happened, I lit up!

2006!

I have neglected my diary for many weeks now. Mainly due to shame, I’ve been to embarrassed to record the details of my weak will. I cannot even pretend to be a non-smoker in denial now. I am smoking most evenings; of course a glass of wine has gone hand in hand with the cigarette. I have maintained my training programme I know I would be doing far better if I were cleaner living. At this point I feel rather pathetic.

I am still running (jogging would be a better description) regularly and have now managed 16 miles, obviously I abstained from smoking the night before that one! In general I tend to take about half an hour to get into my stride but after that I enjoy the run and don’t have too much desire to cut short the runs. I am only struggling on the hills but thankfully the London Marathon is flat. Am I being optimistic or realistic? The former I fear!

My knee seems better since I joined the local gym. I have been using the gym a few times a week after my runs and stretching in the luxury of sitting in the steam room and sauna. I think my knee has improved because I am stretching for longer and have varied the stretches. I’m still really nervous that it will give out on me before or during the marathon.

 Back to fundraising.

At one point, when I was getting incredibly desperate, I considered shaving my hair off or dying it some ridiculous colour to enhance my fundraising? This was very short lived. Alec was not overly keen but agreed that it was a small sacrifice, James thought it was a cool idea, but Ollie, my daughter, was not quite as understanding. She cried every time we mentioned it.

I discussed my fundraising options with various friends, one of whom, Giles offered to shave off his hair and beard for me. This offer was snapped up because Giles has not cut his hair or beard for 3 years and would obviously get people talking.

Giles is an economics student at the University of Western England and works part time at the local co-op. Two of his colleagues, Adam and Mark, offered to join him and operation HAIR RAISING was devised.

The lads wanted to loose their hair in their local pub, The Royal Oak. This was OK’d by joint landlord Chris and the date was set for Tuesday 7th March.

Stella and Kirsty from Hair O Dynamics, one of Wottons hairdressing salons have volunteered to shave of the lads hair and are really getting into the spirit of things. As are Chris and co. from the pub.

 My husband Alec was MC for the night.  The evening started off with Adam and Marks shaving, Once their hair was gone Alec conducted an auction for Marks
beard and their eyebrows.  Sportingly they both happily went along with this.
Giles followed.  Stella shaved his hair into a mohecan first which added to
the fun.  Just when we thought we had bled everyone dry Alec managed to
auction Giles beard for £55.50.

Half an hour later we had all settled down, except for Mark.  He produced
wax strips and proceeded to wax his own legs!  Different people took turns
at removing his wax strips after that, including Stella (hairdresser) waxing
his tummy and myself removing the hair from his inner thigh (lowerleg!)    Adam and his colleague Johnathan also had a few bits waxed but Mark definetley stole the stage.
At this point people were asking for the collection tins back to contribute
further, we ended up using a Kidney Research UK cap because the collection
cans and their contents had been taken home for safe keeping.  This raised a
further £50.

I would like to aknowledge the fact that one of the fundamental reasons people gave so willingly was in memory of Carl Lewis who worked with Giles Mark and Adam and was very well known and liked locally. 
The landlords of the Royal Oak gave me a  substantial contribution at the end of the evening. Thank you Phil, Sally, Chris and Maz.

Many thanks to Giles, Adam and Mark, they were great sports.  Thanks also to Stella and Kirsty for doing the actual deed and to Alec for stepping into the breech on the microphone at last minute.I think we all had fun.

The all important information.. we raised £736 and more is expected in sponsorship.

Another £180 has been collected in collection tins, I expect half of that was from people who owed sponsorship but were unable to speak to Giles Adam or Mark, with things being a bit hectic in the co-op.

I am alcohol and tobacco free once again and I feel much better for it.  I am feeling comfortable on my runs and am due to run 18 miles tommorow.

I am getting fed up with people asking me how fast I think I'll get round, and when I reply 5 hours ish...+++ they say "Oh no, you wont be that slow!".  Actually I probably will be that slow and have read loads about how you should take a steady pace and enjoy it which is what I want to do.  The comments about time could really take the edge of triumph away when I finally finish.  So if you've read this, please dont mock or even comment about my slow running, it's a touchy subject!

I fell off the treadmill last week in the gym.  The bloody thing gave me the most tremendous electric shock and I flew off the back of the machine, landing in a pityfull heap for all to see.  I was advised by fitness instructor to walk slowly at first, building up to a light jog in a few weeks.  I was too embarased to tell her I am training for a marathon in 5 weeks.  Still, at least nothing was hurt except for my pride.

Sunday 19th March

I ran 17.5 miles in 2hours 56 minutes this morning, and I really enjoyed it.  I was actually smiling to myself during the final mile.  The 1st 6 miles were the hardest bt after that it seemed ok.  I've decided to do another 18mile run next week just to check because this all seems too good to be true.

20 miler went ok, still 1st hour was the hardest.  I'm geting really nervous so have decided not to think about it until the day, except for runs of course.

I've done it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

The whole experience was unbelievable,  I would try to put it into words but I'm too tired right now.

It wasn't as painful as I expected it to be but I think that was mainly due to the crowds and a bit of good luck.  I was lucky enough not to get a stitch, cramp, blisters or experience the wall. 

A big thank you to Alec for all his support also to children, my mum and all of my lovely friends. Thank you to Lynn for coming to London with me and putting up with me on Marathon weekend, ( I forgive you now for pushing me down the escalator 18 hours before the marathon)  I could not have done it alone.