So, I've gone and 'dun it', put my name forward for the London Marathon 2013! Never thought I'd get a place, but hey I DID!!! I got a place to run for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

I have been running on and off for the past 8 years and probably true to say a lot more off than on but I keep coming back building up stamina and strenght and I love it. When it all comes together it's  a great feeling, your whole body is buzzing!!! I've had MS myself for the last 30yrs or so, had ups and downs along the way but very fortunate in that I have made good recoveries with very few residual problems. The last few months I have been doing more running and entering races, the Fun Run early this year and the Run for Life in July. Medals to prove it!!

Since securing a LM place I have started a beginners Marathon training plan, joined the local gym to improve core strength, and Ryston Runners who have  regular weekly track nights. All of these things are helping but I have found a problem with my right foot which tires easily and drops causing me to trip and sometimes quite stylishly fall - like a slow mo forward crawl which ultimately ends up with a 'face plant' in Sholudham Warren - haven't tried it on the road yet! But seriously though I am more nervous about falling now because I don't want to get any lasting injuries.

My instuctor at the gym mentioned another Lady with MS that had used a 'FES' Functional Electrical Stimulation devise which stimulates the nerves/muscles to pick up the foot!!! anyway I have tried it briefly and it works!! I have got a gait anlysis and treadmill trial to do with the FES and hopefully get to use it for a week over Christmas so I'm really looking forward to that. (watch this page)

About 3 years ago, my Daughter, a confirmed couch potatoe and I won't say how many stone she weighed, got up off that couch, lost 4 st and ran the LM 2011. I went to London to see her run - I am so proud of her and inspired by her and without knowing it she gives me so much - not to mention the computer training to do this page.

As my son said to me there will always be people who will tell me my limits and sometimes that voice will be mine but there are NO limits if I do not accept them.

March 25th and D day is getting closer - I have added some sponsership monies and it has certainly improved my total and I am getting closer to achieving my target. My run/walk is getting better with 14miles yesterday in that bitterly cold wind 3hrs 59mins - it's going to take a while I know - but I'll get there and thank you to all for believing in me xx

Why am I doing this?     Because I can

Shelagh xx

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