We took up running in 2007 and set ourselves the massive challenge of the London marathon in April 2008. We were both worried about how hard it was going to be. The training was hard work we went out in cold icy conditions, rain and hail! But we were determined to do it and the atmosphere helped carry us over the finish line! 

Training Diary:

Tue 4th March: An eventfulary 7 miles. Rachel tripped and flew forward in to a commando roll, bruising her arm, shoulder and hip. Jen would of awarded ten points but Rachel needed a moment to get her breath back before running again-harsh!                                                                                                                                                                                  Thursday 6th March: 8 miles- some nights are harder and it's a struggle, but our legs do what they are told- usually! 

Sunday 9th March: 9.7 miles, 1hr 35 min. Jen had sore knees, Rachel had aches from Tuesdays stunt. But getting excited about the big day.  

Tuesday 11th March: 1hr interval training- sprint to the next lamp post/jog to the next... It was a cold and windy night, we were open to the elements on a road between a reservoir and fields- just what was needed to wake up!

Thursday 13th March: 7.5 miles, 1hr 15min. Rain glorious rain, we would rather stayed at home tonight (one of us secretly enjoys running through puddles!). 

Sunday 16th March: 14 miles, 2hr 20 min. Jen ran in the gym in case she had to stop because of her knee. Rachel joined two others from the running club, few miles fell running past Rivington pike, down through Belmont in to Bolton then back to Horwich. Hard work for us both indeed!

In the last two weeks, between us, we have covered 114 miles- we are working hard for your sponsorship!

Tuesday 18th March: 1 hour strengh training, circular route- up a steep hill, flat aross the top then down hill back to start. Two groups, men and women, the women set off and then the men chase, the aim being to overtake them before getting back to the start. Then the women chase the men. Topped off nicely with interval training in the park.

Good Friday: 9 am start, approx 7 mile in 1hr 10min. The first few miles uphill. A good thing about running in Horwich is the scenery,  the bad thing is, it normally requires running uphill to appreciate it!

Monday 24th March: We started out together but after 10 miles Jen started having problems with her knee so cut the run short but still covered 14.5 miles. Rachel did 18.5 miles. Both really tired and sore!

Tuesday 25th: 30 min run, taking it easy following Mondays run.

Thursday 27th: 8 miles, 1 hr. 20min. We can still feel the effects from Mondays run but managed to run at a steady pace.

Sunday 30th: Intended to do 19 mile but Jen's knee became really painful at 16,  we managed to push to eighteen but then needed to get a lift back.  Before then it had been a good strong run.  At the 10 mile point we popped in to tesco for more water and a snack (milky way!). Please keep your fingers crossed that Jen's knee is ok on the day.

We need to start reducing our milage to give our bodies chance to recover before the marathon (did you know it takes 3 months for the body to fully recover from a marathon?!). Tuesday 25th March: Hill training. Thursday 3rd April: 6 miles. Sunday 6th: 8.30 start in the snow and ice, it was soo cold that our hands and nose hurt! Jen did 6 miles (to rest  her knee) Rachel did 9 mile.

Marathon week: A few short runs and lots of eating pasta! Nerves and excitement galore!

Sunday 13th April: We did it! It was the hardest thing that we have ever done but the atmosphere was fantastic the crowds very supportive and shout encouragment all the way along. It was an amazing expereince. In tears we ran through the finish together (5hr27min).

Off line fundraising: Sponsorship: £421. Leyland First Methodist Rainbows sponsored events £40- thanks girls . Leyland First Methodist Guides sponsored events £160- thanks girls . Preston Benefit Delivery Centre dress down day £213.58- thanks everyone. Mobile phones donated for recycling- £45.50.

01/08/08: Finally the weather was good and we did a car boot sale raising £201.

09/08/08 Final Carboot Sale: Jen, Andy and I got soaked in the rain, only made £65 so we have made up the difference to reach our target!!!!!

Thanks to everyone that has helped us reach that our goal x x x x x x x x x x x x x x