New total as I am now raising a further £1000 for Forward day centres defibrillator fund. we are almost there for the Millfleet site. If we can hit my new target Ezone can get a defibrillator too.

when I get to a total of £3000 overall I will run sandringham half marathon in fancy dress.

16th June 13.1 miles

I was devastated to be sick for the London marathon but two weeks later this happened.

I ran a virtual marathon in under 6 hours. Tying it in with a local 10k. This meant starting running at 5am.

Here is the 26.2 split. I ran a little more to complete the 10k in 1:23.

Notice the music, the london marathon theme tune!

We already raised £2000 which went to Kings lynn debt centre, kings lynn night shelter, mersea island festival and Forward day centre. Each charity got £500.

Forward day centre Kings lynn - raising funds to purchas defibrillators for the centres two venues. Forward has over 20 years of experience working with adults with learning disabilities and autism across West Norfolk, promoting dignity, respect, equality, and diversity. We believe in a fair and equal society where everyone can live independently, progress and engage in meaningful activities of their choice. We understand that each individual has different needs and we support people with our person-centred approach. Our skilled staff delivers a diverse programme of activities to support each member in achieving their personal goals as well as building their confidence and self-esteem. We enable and encourage all our members to express their creativity in numerous ways. £525 donated.

kings lynn night shelter - Information from website.

King's Lynn Night Shelter provides emergency accommodation 24/7 to any adult in West Norfolk with nowhere safe to stay. We provide our guests with a room of their own, hot meals, pastoral care and one to one support to link with other organisations and help find a home of their own. We receive no public funding for our work and are grateful for your support. £500 donated.

.Mersea Island festival is an inclusive camp held in August at the Essex outdoor centre. Starting in 1981 – Britain’s ‘Year of the Disabled’ – the Mersea Island Festival brings together children, young people and adults with or without a physical or learning disability. The Festival provides an opportunity to try out new activities, make new friends and have loads of fun!!! Your donation will wnable the trust to continue to provide an amazing break for the campers. I have been a volunteer with festival for arround 20 years and have experienced the joy that camp brings. My children have grown up to be amazing adults inspired by their experiences at camp. £500 donated.

Christians against poverty kings lynn debt centre. Working with families who are in financial difficulties. This is a life line for families who are burried deep in debt. £500 donated.

Challenges - For me, this marathon is about overcoming adversity and helping to raise funds to enable others to do the same. I am over 50 and struggle with anxiety, PTSD, diverticulitis, asthma and arthritis. I am neuro diverse and often feel like an outsider in my own skin. Most days I struggle to open my eyes in the morning. The weight of the day is to much. I have become an expert in pretending that I am ok, some days I even convince myself. I have an oppertunity to do something I never thought I would do, a chance to prove to myself that I am not the faliure my depression tells me I am.

As I write this I am trying to find the words to express what this event means to me. Its engrained in my DNA, I have a purpose and its keeping me going.

update - I have no words to express what missing the marathon meant to me. Devastated doesnt cover it. I got back out and ran from 5am on my own for 20 miles then joined a local event to finish the marathon.

Training update - 8 miles at 14 min mile pace achieved 18/11/23.

Training update - Ten miles achieved.

Training update - Scaling down distance to build up as I start a marathon plan. Currently on week four with 16 weeks to go.

update - 8 miles 10:55 per mile average pace 6/1/24 thats three mins a mile faster than back in November.

Update - 10 miles 11:16 average mile pace. Half marathon booked for 18th feb.

update - 12 miles 28th Jan, no walking. Was all in at the end.

update - 10th Feb, walk ran 13.3 miles. After rethinking my stratergy and purchasing some better kit and nutrition this was much better.

Update - 18th Feb Zig zag heavy half. 16.4 miles wet and muddy. Rained for most of it. Ran over 11 miles straight then ran/walked. Phone died so I free styled it. Very hard on my legs.

Update - 24/2/24 18 mile run Martelo Clackton to Naze tower and back.

Update - 03/03/24 Yarmouth half marathon, 2:39 mins.

Update - 09/03/24 Long slow run 20 miles.

Update - 12 miles and 10 miles achieved last two weekends. Got over a throat virus and am heading to the end of the high milage phase. Managing a few niggles and keeping fit.

Update - 29/3/24 another 20 miler finishes my long runs. The next three weeks are taper, thst magical word i read about 40 plus weeks back. Time to cut the millage, carb load and look after myself.

update - last one. The waiting is over, the training is done, loving each moment if this special day. The atmosphere is magic, were doing this in style, we’re in this together man, woman and child, not time to turn back now cos we’re on our way, and this…. This is our day. Mars advert…. London Marathon. .

Three more sleeps, thanks for your support.

London didnt happen for me however I refused yo give up. I ran a virtual marathon 2 weeks sfter London. 5:54.55.