I'm raising money for Addaction by running the London Marathon 2012 in memory of my Mum who died in 2008.  

My mum was an amazing person.  She raised me to treat people with kindness and respect.  But she lived with a difficult and often public battle with alcohol.  When I was younger I used to worry about other people finding out.  That changed when I got the call telling me my Mum had died.  I decided it was time to take her advice and start being kind to myself. I asked for help.

Addaction is there to help people like me, relatives of addicts, who often don’t know where to turn.  Caring for a family member with an addiction is tough, but it gets easier when you know you’re not alone. 

That’s why I’m now supporting Addaction. I'm determined to encourage more people to be kind to themselves and ask for help.

 

You can help by donating to support my marathon run.  This will be my first ever marathon and with your help I will raise loads of cash for this amazing charity.  This one's for my Mum xx 

 

Please follow my progress on Twitter @marathon_monkey and read my blog to see how the training is going at www.marathonmonkey.com 

 

Thanks, you're amazing.

 

6th February 2012: UPDATE from Monkey HQ

I thought you might like to know how my training is going.  It's now just over 10 weeks until the London Marathon and I'm getting very excited.

 

Thanks to your help, I've raised £1,788.00 online for Addaction so far.  I'm totally blown away by the support everyone has given.  It makes such a difference on those evenings when I'm running in the dark, or one the long weekend runs.  My training is going well so far and I'm sticking firmly to the plan.  My longest run so far was 18 miles, and over the next 10 weeks I have another 53 training runs planned!  By the time I stand on the starting line I will have covered 780 miles in training. 338 of those are already in the bag.

 

When the runs feel tough and the weather is harsh, I remind myself of your generosity and why I am training for this marathon.  If you know anyone else who you think might like to donate, please send them this link.  http://www.justgiving.com/paulmonkey

Yesterday was a big step - I bought the trainers and shorts that I will wear to run the marathon.  I got goosebumps when I tried them on (and not just because of the snow).  This is such a huge deal for me, and a massive opportunity to raise money for a great charity.  Please spread the word.   I'll update you again soon.  Much love xx

 

5th March 2012: Things get serious at Monkey HQ

 

As ever I am blown away by everyone's generosity.  I can't believe that I've broken the £2,000 barrier.  Amazing.  My original target was £1500 which was smashed (unbelievably) within the first month of this page going online.  I raised the target to £2,012 - see what I did there - and that figure is now also in the rear view mirror.  

I've decided to raise the target again, which actually makes me feel a bit grabby, but to be honest where charity fundraising is concerned I don't think anyone should feel shy about wanting to raise as much money as possible.  I don't want to stop until I've crossed the finish line, and if the next few weeks give me the opportunity to raise even more for Addaction then I will do whatever it takes.

 

The last couple of weeks have been tough.  I don't think I was ever under any illusion that this was going to be easy (well, maybe just a little.... I think it's called denial) but it has been a challenging time lately.  I've had some knee pain, not uncommon, and made worse by the fact that my running trainers were wearing thin.  Thanks to my Auntie Lilian I bought myself not one but two shiny new pairs and can already feel the difference in my knee.  The cold weather meant I was confined to the gym for some of my recent training runs and I didn't really enjoy treadmill running.  I started getting pain in my left hip which got bad enough for me to pay a visit to Peta my sports physiotherapist.  Half an hour with her magic hands really helped, and since I've been back outside I've felt much better again.   I got a bit stressed when I had to miss a few runs because of my hip, and I'm a little behind in my training plan now but I know it was right to rest up.  

 

This coming Sunday I'm taking part in the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon, which is the official warm up race for London.  Around 10,000 people will be taking part so it's like a dress rehearsal for the marathon itself.  This will be my first 'official' half marathon under race conditions.  It feels quite daunting, despite the fact that I've been running a half marathon every weekend for pretty much the last couple of months!  I'm looking forward to experiencing the buzz of a big organised race.

 

In terms of fundraising, there's still much to do.  As you have already so kindly donated money, you are off the hook.  I will, however, be asking for your help later this month.  On March 22nd, with one month to go, I'll be launching TEAM PAULMONKEY and would love you to be part of it.  As well as being able to track my progress on marathon day itself, I'll be looking for the best and most creative ways you can come up with to get the money rolling in during the final countdown to the marathon.  Watch this space.

 

One last thing.  I wanted to just draw your attention to a fellow runner for Addaction UK.  Harpreet lost his Dad less than a year ago, and has raised over £2600 so far.  His story really touched my heart and reminded me again just how important it is to support each other in whatever way we can.  I miss my Mum every single day and would do anything to prevent the same thing happening to just one more person.  If you would also like to sponsor Harpreet please visit http://www.justgiving.com/harpreetdhaliwal 

 

Thanks again for your ongoing support.  It means the world to me x

 

23rd March 2012: Monkey News Update

 

 

Hello Monkey supporters!  Thank you to everyone who has donate in the last couple of weeks.  Since the last update another £220 has been generously given to Addaction UK.  I continue to be amazed and grateful.

 

Lots been going on this month.  I have been back in the zone after a tough couple of weeks at the end of February.  The Silverstone Half Marathon on March 11th was a great event, and the first time I had done a race with so many other people.  It was a good little rehearsal for London.  The day itself was surprisingly warm and sunny, but despite the heat I finished in 2 hours 30 minutes.  Having been well looked after by Jonny & Donny the evening before, I felt prepared and excited about the run.  I had great company during the run itself from my friend Chris and we ran together for the whole distance.  We even managed a high five as we crossed the finish line.

 

Last Sunday I did my first twenty mile run, which was a huge milestone for me. I broke it down into manageable chunks just so it didn't feel quite so scary.  From home to Canary Wharf is 5 miles, so I basically ran there and back twice.  I felt tired by the end, but knowing each section of the run was 'only' 5 miles helped to make it feel achievable.  My training plan says I should be doing a 22 mile run next week but at this stage I'm so paranoid about getting injured I'm probably going to miss that one out and use the 20 mile run as my longest one.  I've noticed in the last couple of weeks just how tired I am, and how running is feeling like a real effort these days.  I don't want to over train and injure myself in the last few weeks before the marathon so I'm going to be sensible and keep my remaining runs at a distance I know won't cause me any problems.  It's amazing to think that already during my training I have covered 540 miles!  That's the equivalent of running from Aberdeen to London, or just less than 20 marathons.

 

If you are thinking about coming to watch the marathon on April 22nd I would love to know where to look out for you.  I've created a Facebook group where you can find out more about the route and where I will be at different times.  If you'd like to be part of Team PaulMonkey just visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/teampaulmonkey/ 

 

So with less than one month to go, I received my official race number through the post.  How exciting.  I am number 33787 which is apparently a VERY lucky number in some cultures. 

 

I also wanted to mention a lovely person who I met at the Silverstone Half.  Catherine is a fellow Addaction runner and is doing the marathon in memory of her brother.  She's fantastic!  If you would like to support her, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/RUSSELL-TARAN

 

More updates soon! Please continue to spread the work and share my JustGiving link to all those people who just got paid.  Thank you! xx

 

16 April 2012: The road to the start line

 

I can't quite believe that it's now less than 7 days until I run the marathon.  This time next week it will all be over.  6 months of training covering 610 miles through a cold and dark winter.  Anyone who tells you that training for a marathon is either fun or easy is a damn liar.  The thing is though, something keeps you going.  Something drives you on even when you've had a long hard day at work and really can't face the 8 mile run that's in the plan for that evening.  Something sits on your shoulder and makes you put your trainers on and get out there.  And without exception, you always feel better after a run.  The support from sponsors, friends and family has been absolutely amazing.  With a few days left until race day, I have raised £2,840 from 131 donations. I never imagined I would get anywhere close to that amount.  It's almost double the £1,500 target I set for myself back in October.  Every single person who has made a donation will be running with me on Sunday!  Your encouragement and kind words will be in every step.

 

If you're coming to spectate on the 22nd there's some information available about how to track my progress - go to www.facebook.com/groups/teampaulmonkey and follow the link to the Cheer Squad instructions.  Be warned, if I see you on the day I may cry on you, but it's my marathon and I'll cry if I want to. 

 

I found a great quote this week when I was looking for inspiration: "True victory is victory over oneself".  I know I'm not going to get first place, or even ten thousandth place but whatever time I do, or whatever ranking I get, it will be a victory for me.  Thank you for all your support.  You're amazing x

 

24th April 2012: The End

*Spoiler warning: I did it!

I conquered the London Marathon and I have the medal to prove it. I am a marathon runner!  It was an unforgettable day, although some parts are more blurry than others.  I can track the marathon through the people I saw around the course, but other bits in between are quite hazy.  In my last blog I mentioned the word pregnancy, and that's probably not a bad metaphor.  A burst of passion kicks it off, there's a long period of getting ready for it to happen, and then several hours of pain later it's all over and you have a lovely new addition to the family.  In my case, a beautiful medal and a foot covered in blisters.  What an amazing day though.  Anyone who even has the slightest flicker of "should I do it?" must run to their internets on April 30th and enter the ballot.

Overall it was much more difficult than I expected, but for unexpected reasons. I had quite a romantic notion about the marathon, expecting to battle my way through exhaustion and pain by "reminding myself why I was doing it" and throwing myself tearily into the arms of my supporters en route.  In reality, the marathon is much too harsh and unforgiving for romance.  It's a slap in the face with a leather glove, not a warm back rub from a loved one.   What really helped was the crowd (friends and strangers), and a massive determination to keep going in spite of the voice in my head telling me to stop. I eventually finished in 6 hours 13 minutes, which at times felt more like 16 hours. So what happened? Read on.

The start of the race went really well. I spotted and said hello to three fellow Addaction runners which was a great way to get going. I crossed the start line at 10:11, and was repeating my mantra "start slowly, start slowly" having listened to the golden bit of advice from every single expert.  My planned marathon pace was between 10" and 11" per mile, and for the first few miles I was actually going slower, at around 10:50"-11:40" per mile. But that's ok I told myself, at least you won't burn out.  My pace was consistent like a machine for the first 6 miles which was meeting point 1 for the Cheer Squad.

I felt great! Seeing Dan, Dad, Linda, Keith, Susan, Fiona, Chris, Danny Jonny and Donny all in one place was fantastic.  I ate a few jelly babies and off I went feeling ten feet tall. I knew I wouldn't see them again until mile 15,and that's LEARNING POINT ONE: the next 9 miles were actually quite boring. The sun came out, and I started cooking as I ran. My pale scottish skin started to crisp up and I was developing a lovely trucker's tan.  I thought I made sure I was drinking enough water, which is LEARNING POINT TWO: you probably aren't. But I was feeling good, and I got as far as 9 miles before I took my first energy gel, when on a normal long run I would have taken one at around 5 or 6 miles.  Which brings me to LEARNING POINT THREE: stick to your normal routine. I passed the 13 mile mark pretty much on schedule, but was feeling hot and thirsty so in hindsight I probably hadn't had as much to drink as I should have. By the time I hit mile 15 I was actually starting to flag slightly.

Luckily, support was nearby. A few hugs from Al, Tim and David put a spring back in my step, and just a few minutes later I saw Dan, Luke, Emma, Tim and the girls. That was like a little bundle of energy to get me going again.  However, at mile 16 I became conscious of a blister being birthed on the little toe of my left foot. No idea how or why, but it was a cracker. At mile 17 I was beginning to hobble so I stopped for a combination loo break and foot check. Two things became apparent. First, I was peeing golden syrup, and second there was blood leaking out of my trainer. I decided that it was probably unwise to start poking about under my sock at that point, but the pain was pretty intense. I knew I was also quite dehydrated so I started to drink more which helped. I did start to slow down though which was really frustrating. My energy levels were fine and my legs were absolutely solid, but every step hurt as I felt my toe develop its own pulse.

Just around the corner I saw Emma, Harry and baby Rosie which was fantastic - a high five from a gorgeous baby does wonders for your stamina.  A few minutes later I saw Martin and Mat, sweaty hugs all round. But the pain in my left trainer was constant, and I was starting to question whether or not I should stop at the first aid tent and get my toe checked out. LEARNING POINT FOUR: stop and get it checked out.  I became scared that they might discover something awful and tell me I had to drop out, so I made the decision to ignore it and keep running. I don't really know what I expected to happen, whether it would just heal itself by magic or something, but that decision meant that I had to run the next 9 miles - the hardest part of the marathon - in pretty much constant pain. From a blister. A blister! In training I was worried about my knee falling off or my hip popping out but they were fine on the day. It was a blister that was my achilles heel in the end.

Anyway, onwards and upwards with more hugs from the family at mile 18, and even more from Jonny and Donny a few minutes later. It was great to see everyone again, as this part of the course is actually quite dull. I noticed that the quieter areas were actually pretty tough because there weren't that many people there to cheer you on, and like tinkerbell I thrive on applause. I did get a fantastic surprise when I was cuddled by fellow marathon runner and former school BFF, Diane, also running for charity. Of all the places in the world, we met again on the London marathon. It was such a great moment. That kept me going until just after mile 19 when I saw Brendan in his Team Paulmonkey hoodie by the roadside! Another sweaty hug and it was back to the grind.

By this point I was beginning to suffer quite badly from the pain in my foot.  I decided to walk for a few minutes, but that didn't really help because it just meant the whole thing was going to take longer to finish.  My playlist was getting on my nerves, because all of the brilliant motivational tracks that I normally run to we're having no effect whatsoever.  I am titanium? Actually no, I'm blood and blisters but thanks for trying.  Shortly after this point my iPod nano committed batterycide and died a fast death. My iphone was down to 20% battery too. LEARNING POINT FIVE: batteries will fail.

So on I went, next stop Bermondsey where I saw Garry, Davey, Frances, Michelle and mini Michelle. Tshirts and banners everywhere! Those little things had such a positive effect and every time I stopped for a group hug I always went off feeling more lively afterwards.  At this point though, the energy bursts were getting shorter in duration.  I was starting to compensate for my foot pain by running in a weird awkward way on my other leg which was then causing pain in my back. That had never happened before either.  When I saw the Scottish crew with Luke, Jonny & Donny at mile 21 I was starting to feel quite nauseous and tired. I even turned down haribo and jelly babies. I knew that I had another 4 miles to go until I saw them again, and even though that's not much it did by then feel like 40 miles.  I was alternating between running and hobbling for the next mile or two, feeling more and more frustrated with the situation.  I wanted to run and I had the energy to run but it was becoming too painful. I was then faced with the prospect of a 5 mile blistery walk, so I ran whenever I could just to break it up.

I saw Chris at Tower Hill which was a lovely surprise as by this point I was way behind my planned time. I was so glad to see him in the crowd, and off I went again, recharged with cuddle power.  The rain started at mile 23, and this was probably the lowest point of the day. Normally I love to run in the rain but this was cold, windy rain that seemed to go straight to my bones.  My iPhone battery died so I was without music, and a voice in my head just said "Stop. Sit down. You've had enough. Give up". This is where the crowd kicked in.  In the early stages, I wasn't getting much attention from the crowd apart from the people I knew, but as I got closer to the end it felt like every single person was on my side.  People were chanting, cheering and encouraging me to run rather than walk.  I don't know how, but it made all the difference. I started to run again, and told my brain to shut the hell up.  When I saw Denis and Colin just after mile 24 I pretty much threw myself at them, and held on for just a bit longer than usual as I was ready to drop. Denis told me that Dan was just half a mile away, and that was the best news I could hear.  I made a deal with myself that I would not walk any more.  The rain was easing off, and the energy of the crowd kept me going for another mile along the embankment.  LEARNING POINT SIX: whoever those strangers are in the crowd shouting your name, they are worth their weight in gold.

The crowd kept me going until mile 25, where I saw Dan and the family again, and Emma even offered to run the last mile with me. Nearby I saw Tim and Al again, and then just over the road was Garry, Frances, Davey & Michelle. That was it, I had less than a mile to go.  By now I couldn't care about the state of my feet or the rain or the tiredness. I knew I was going to finish. A lovely woman at Big Ben told me that I was just about finished and I had done a great job. Good going stranger. I passed mile 26 and got my first sight of the finish line.  This was probably the only point where I let myself feel some emotion. Up until now I was powered by frustration!  I took a deep breath, rubbed away the tears and ran hard for the last part of the course, even managing to do a cheesy wave to the crowd.

I crossed the finish line with my head high and my arms raised, victorious! It was certainly a victory over myself. I blubbed a little when the lovely woman put the medal over my head.  My favourite bit of the day was when I put the red space blanket cape thing on.  I felt like an actual superhero. LEARNING POINT SEVEN: at the end, everything you have gone through becomes irrelevant because it is totally worth it.  As soon as I was finished, the previous 6 hours felt like a blur, and the pressure of the last 6 months felt like it was lifting from my shoulders.  I wandered around in a bit of a daze for a few minutes, not really knowing what to do with myself.  I sat on a chair, in the rain, and stared at my medal.  I said a little thank you to my Mum, and ended my marathon journey.

The rest of the day was great!  I was craving coffee so we went straight to Starbucks where I got changed into my post-marathon clothes (medal on display).  We went to the pub where I got to see Chris (who did a blinding marathon time!) and David which was a lovely way to end the day.   When I climbed into bed later I was physically knackered but my brain just wouldn't switch off.  I kept going over the day, thinking about all the amazing moments that made it so special.

Yes, I was beaten by the comedy breasts and the rhinos, and the cookie monsters but I was victorious over myself.  I bloody ran the bloody London marathon! Me! Through blood and blisters and rain and sun I persevered and I finished.  I am part of the 0.1% of the population who can say they have done it.  And it takes me back to the beginning of the story, which was why I wanted to do this in the first place.  My six hours and thirteen minutes has now raised in total over £4,550 for Addaction. That works out at £12 per minute. Not a bad days work! I feel proud, sore, inspired and accomplished. Right now, I don't think I will ever do another marathon, but you know, never say never and all that.

I can certainly say that my first marathon has been a brilliant and unforgettable experience. The support I received from friends, family, colleagues and total strangers was utterly amazing.  You got me through the training and you got me round the course.  This was a team effort.  To everyone who donated, tweeted, send me a text or a card, wished me luck, chanted my name, said a prayer, high fived me, cuddled me, and said well done at the end.... thank you straight from my heart.  You made this an unforgettable experience xx

The End.