UPDATE - Target met please help me to raise even more.

Thank you everyone

We did it!

On a hot day and I had an indigestion issue at mile 13, was dry heaving so had to walk.

Managed some run walking from mile 23.

Just over 7 hours and I absolutely loved it. Who knew you could be in so much pain and still have fun!

Here is why I did it…..

In 2022 my beautiful Mum died. Please sponsor me as I run the Norfolk coastal marathon (and London marathon 2025 as a lap of honour) in her memory raising funds for an organisation that helped make Mum life better.

Hi, I am Sally Beadle. I live in Norfolk where I work at a day centre for adults with autism and learning disabilities. I see first hand the difference social groups can make in the lives of people who may be isolated due to their disabilities.

About my chosen charity,

Information from Phab

Phab inspires and supports disabled and non-disabled children, young people and adults, to make more of life together, through our network of 130 clubs over England & Wales, with 8,000 members and our Phab residential adventures, breaking down community barriers, reducing social isolation, and creating opportunities for all involved to enjoy the same activities and challenges side by side.

For more information visit www.phab.org.uk

Why I chose Phab,

Grab a cuppa and a comfy chair, this is my story.

In 1968 Sue Benbow ran Chelmsford Phab club. She met an able bodied young man in Southend at an event and invited him to attend Phab. Sue thought he would bring some lads she knew who also lived in Southend but did not drive.

The man’s name was Keith, he attended the club and chatted with Sue afterwards. She wanted to know where he parked but Keith told her he walked. Sue was a little confused as Southend's a long way from Chelmsford. Keith told her he lived 100 yards away in the Red Cross house!

Keith Joined the club and he started dating a visually impaired lady called Wendy. They got married on Valentine’s Day 1970, had two children and three grand children. They celebrated 52 years of marriage in 2022, Wendy passed away November 2022 after living a full and active life. What Wendy didn’t know about gardening wasn’t worth knowing. A great cook, competent knitter and a lover of music. He life was not always easy but it was shared thanks to phab.

To their friends they are Keith and Wendy, to me they are Mum and Dad.

I owe my life and the lives of my 2 children to Phab.

About me, I am 52 and I have an impressive range of ailments including asthma, diverticulitis and arthritis. I am seeking formal diognosis for neurodiverse conditions.

I struggle with anxiety and depression, at times I can’t see a way forward. I find social situations especially difficult.

Running gives me the motivation to eat and sleep well.

Last year I got a ballot place in London marathon. I got the email two days after getting out of hospital with sepsis and malnutrition.

32 years of applying to the ballot, 9 months training and I got a bug and could not run in 2024.

Two weeks after the London marathon I completed a virtual Marathon in kings Lynn to honour my previous sponsorship commitments. I started running at 5am and joined the GEAR 10k for the last 6 miles. I completed 26.8 miles in total in 6:02.

I still have my dream and I have now received my deferred place from last years marathon.

There are people out there like my Mum, people who have disabilities but so much potential and masses of ability. They just need opportunities.

Your donation will give them that opportunity. To learn, grow, push boundaries, develop new stills and thrive. Who knows some may meet their soul mate like Mum did.

My story is one of hope. It starts with two people who would never have met if it wasn’t for Phab. It’s about overcoming, struggling and doing it anyway. Joy and friendship, happiness and inclusivity.

It’s also about faith, I am a Christian and believe that each step I run is with my Lord.

I will post updates as I progress.

Thank you for helping me to give back.

This is me!

Hair colour may vary….

Amount raised with offline donations is now £2,020

Amazing, thank you all.

Update

June - 2024

After almost crippling anxiety I ran the Sandringham half marathon completed in a time of 2:32 chip time. My app said 2:35.

July - Three weeks out with a throat infection. I did manage a sub 30 min 5k in the middle.

August - back into training. Ran a 16 miler, then 20 miles and a 13.1 miler too. All under my 14 min mile target pace.

September, trainings going well. Entering taper weeks where I focus of recovery ahead of the race. I need a little more sponsorship to reach my target.

6 days to marathon - My anxiety is high. I am mainly nervous about keeping well for Saturday. So much do that I have a plan B in place to run an alternative marathon should I be ill.

Anxiety and mental health can be debilitating. Running has taught me not to give up.

Norfolk coastal marathon - I started the race full of nerves and settled into my 5 min run 90 second walk routine. At mile 2.5 I slipped and landed on my bum! Got up and continued, this was a self navigation run and there were a few points I was concerned I would go wrong.

As mile 11 was announced in my headphones I face planted a particularly stony path, no damage so on I go, lost in the sand dunes, rescued by bird watchers, overwhelmed by people enjoying the sun at mile 19 at Wells, finding the water stop and setting off on the last 6 miles. Getting stuck in a swamp mile 25 and climbing out using my elbows, very pleased to see the finish flags, eyes filled with tears as I approached the line. I crossed it and stood there alone, a kind lady gave me my medal and a man said well done. It struck me that I do so much alone. That I am raising funds so others don’t feel this emptiness.

A while later the people who drove me there arrived to cheer on their person.

8 week strength and conditioning training completed.

Training block week one started 16th December.

Week one long run just completed. 5 miles weekly total 12 miles ran. That’s three runs two weight sessions and an exercise bike session.

Update January 18th

Ten mile long run completed in under 12 min mile pace.

Next stop London for my lap of honour.

February training started week however as I write I am 8 days into a nasty cold. Finding not being able to train frustrating. I have got up to 14 miles and look forward to getting back out there.

March - After 2 weeks out I resumed training. Just completed a 16 mile run in under three hours, a record for me.

Nearing the end of March I have run over 100 miles for the first time ever.

That includes a 15, two 16 and a 17 miler. I also completed Brentwood half marathon in a personal best time of 2:24.34.

it’s Taper time…

Cutting back on running and focussing on recovery before the race day.

Race report to follow

Thanks for reading

May God bless you.