Believe

I'd always dreamed of being able to run a marathon, imagined the feeling of crossing the finish line.  But these were only dreams. Being a double leg above knee amputee, being able to run at all was more realistic!

In January of 2004 I wanted to put myself on the line for one of the biggest challenges of my life.  I entered the New York Marathon without ANY running knowledge I'd not run one mile, never mind 26. Yes - I'm crazy.

Not only did I want to run for myself, but I also wanted to raise money for charity; lots of charities had helped me as I was growing up.

I chose Macmillan Cancer Relief. I had heard about the great work they did, also the month before the race a close friend contracted cancer, and this was another driving force behind my run.

I started my training in the February of 2004, running mainly on treadmills in my local gym on my knees - as that's how I run when I don't have my prosthetic legs on.  I then braved the roads, running mainly at night not to attact any attention!  This was hard work, running in the dark I found myself getting pains on top of other pains; somedays I thought I was just running backwards.  At that stage the most I could run for was about half a hour.  But I needed to keep going, as November was getting closer and yet I hadn't run anywhere near five miles, so marathon distance seemed impossible.

The local media had picked up my story and started to track my slow progress, and this was helping with the fundraising for Macmillan.  I was starting to feel the pressure - hundreds of pounds were starting to roll in, and family and friends were working hard to raise as much cash as possible.

The summer was here and time was ticking. Ten miles was the most I had done and that had given me blisters the size of a 50p piece. This running was getting me down.  But I still believed that I would complete the marathon course if it took me a week.

Then in the October, just five weeks before the race, a fellow amputee heard about some running legs that were available - but they were £2,000 each and out of my reach.  The company (Ossur) that makes these feet heard about my challenge and donated two running feet to help with this running feat.

With my local prosthetist helping to fit and make sockets for these feet it looked like I would at least start a race!

With 13 days to go before the New York Marathon my running legs were ready. These were my "saving grace" but time was running out. My prosthetist advised me to take it easy and just wear these feet around the house for a couple of days.  So I took to the road and ran for two hours. Oh, how that hurt.

With two days to go I needed to push myself to breaking point, so with water and a banana I ran until I needed to get a lift home. I managed 18 miles, and I could not walk. I felt sick and distressed thinking I would struggle to make the journey, never mind the run.

On the 7th November 2004 the marathon was here - with two guides to run with me and collect water etc. Up at 4.30am for a 8.30 start; I was starting with the disabled runners.

I wasn't going to let anyone down. We had raised £8,000 for Macmillan, I had family and friends behind my challenge, and I have a lot of self belief - so I was goingfinished the race in 5 hours 18 minutes and it was amazing. Thousands of people pushing me to the finish line, pulling me in from 20 miles - 26 miles. The feeling when I crossed the finish line was the best thing I have ever felt. The last mile was so emotional.  I had to give it my best shot.

I  achieved something that I never thought I could, would or should do.  I have now run four marathons: Snowdonia, New York twice and just recently the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Cape Town South Africa (34.5miles).

I am looking to smash my P.B in London and Run under 4 hours for the first time!!

I have been told that I am an inspiration, but I see myself as a athelete - disabled or not - and I hope that I am thought of as that.

Help and me by donating money to Macmillan Cancer Relief and Sarcoma Uk helping those that are less fortunate than ourselves

Richard Whitehead

whitehead_rich@hotmail.com