4hrs 57 mins and 67th :). 

Helicopter to Tresco. On the tractor and trailer transport I find out the marathon is well known to be punishing, is all on concrete roads and the 4 hills on each of the 7 laps mean >2000ft of climbing... Nevermind, there must be 2000ft downhill too. And the views are fabulous and the hotel wonderful. On Saturday the winds reach 50mph, it rains incessantly and it's freezing cold. This is not one of my best ideas.

On Sunday the clouds give way to sunshine and 98 runners head off.. the pace is disconcertingly quick even at the back.. I settle into step with a couple of guys after a mile or so and we make the first lap without being overtaken :). The views are stunning out over the islands and outcrops and over the hours, the tide goes out and begins to come in.  I think of your messages and support often (it made it all feel not quite so mad) and the supporters on route are brilliant. Go gels are the way to go - at one point I felt I could go on forever. That didnt last, I could have done without the last lap, and couldnt wait to lie down in the sun for at least the last 3. Felt fabulous to finish under 5hrs, eat a big pasty and have champagne at the party . Everyone manages to step up on stage for their medal without a problem. And we meet some fabulous people. Check out Bob Brown who's running around the world. On overdrive none of us runners sleep much. No aches to speak of really. Life is good.

If you're ever tempted, this has to be the most beautiful little marathon in the world. The helicopter out had a fault, I could have stayed for days.

Oh, I was on Radio Scilly too!

Before....

I'm running the Isles of Scilly Marathon on 26 April 2009, which is 7 laps around the island of Tresco with 125 other intrepid runners. It's a hilly course...   In contrast to the 30k+ people in the London Marathon 2008 my finishing position should improve by over 24,000 or so places! 

All 125 runners are supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Cystic Fibrosis is the most common life-threatening inherited disease, and is a cause close to my heart as it affects the family of a great colleague of mine. Ian runs a mile with his son every day - so they run a marathon a month - to help to keep Matthews lungs clear. My aim is to raise £50/mile (total £1310). Your support is greatly appreciated, will help me along with my training and around the island on the day, & facilitate the Cystic Fibrosis Trusts groundbreaking work.

The training... well not quite so conventional, a little high altitude trekking, a little skiing, a few sessions with the Vicki Pk Harriers and some cani-crossing (propelled by whippets..). And times whizzing by... less than 2 wks to go. i've clocked up over 300 miles since mid Jan. Regents canal, Primrose Hill and Hampstead is my favourite route and the Richmond Pk circuit.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cystic Fibrosis Trust gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Many thanks to my offline sponsors: Francis Peacock; Charles Wootton, Janet Bell, Lisa Massey, John Ackers, Tony Bird, Peter Hunt, Jean Dewar, Simon Johnson, Veronica Kruger, John Slader, Nick, Cyril Bennett, Tom Bogdanovitch, Fran, Jill & Mark,  Lorraine, Jane Waller, Nina Gray & Paul.

Bridget x