[May9 update] I missed being the millionth runner to cross the finish line by just 4 seconds!!!! So close to being a footnote in London Marathon history. I'm one-in-a-million-and-six. :)

[29April/post-marathon] Hi friends!

I felt very happy -- and definitely like I had traversed 26.2 miles -- after Sunday’s marathon. Like astronaut Tim Peake's space station run, your support of me and Whizz-Kidz is out of this world.

Highlight 1: Hugs and cheers from the UC London alumni running group (Catherine, Alex, Sonny), PhD student Danniella, Julia and her family and little Lana’s “Go Colleen go go go” sign, colleagues Linnaea at Mile 17.5 and Jill once again at the Tower of London. Kept me going.

Highlight 2: The crowds along the route, so full of warmth, energy, good humor, orange slices – and sausage rolls (a woman in Bermondsey shouting “I have one sausage roll left -- anyone want it?” made me smile).

Highlight 3: The runner wearing a silver wig, dress, big “90^th” button, and Queen Elizabeth face mask who I overtook at the Tower of London stretch, with a race steward running after him in fun: “Stop that queen! Stop that queen!” He royal-waved, accepted curtsies and engaged with the crowd for 26.2 miles – duty called.

Highlight 4: The other runners. We non-elites were running for love or commitment to a cause beyond ourselves, with personal lives the backdrop. I kept tearing up, or laughing, reading people’s t-shirts, thinking of people close to me. Like seeing “Jamie” running for the Stroke Foundation, and four siblings in a row with “running for mum” on the back of their identical t-shirts.  And this one: “I’m only doing this for the jelly beans.” Made me laugh. If only!

Highlight 5: All of the Whizz-Kidz cheer points, and a thumbs up from W-K ambassador George at Mile 23. I felt like one in a million.

So, thumbs up and thanks to all of you special people. Gratitude galore.

xx Colleen

ps – I dedicated my race to friend Jennie’s sister Joanie, who lost her own race against cancer earlier this month. The Blomsters were in my heart.

[Jan 2016]:

Hi friends! The London Marathon is just around the corner (my 7th in 8 years) -- and I'm running once again for Whizz-Kidz. Thanks in advance for your support and contributions to the cause. Why do I do this, people ask? Because I can. And I've seen young people like George, Nathan and Robyn grow up these past 7 years. They and their families are thriving because of the opportunities their specialized wheelchairs and mobility devices have given them, through what you have given to Whizz-Kidz. Thank you! Again! xx Colleen

ps (the fine print and fyi): Donating through JustGiving is simple and secure. Your details stay with JustGiving, and they send your money directly to Whizz-Kidz, which cuts costs for them. Win-win.