18th April - FINISHED!

So I now have my medal! That was hard, harder than I ever thought it would be!

The first 3 miles were ok but not many spectators and my shins were sore but after this they'd warmed up and were fine! All was ok until about 10 miles when my ankle and knees started hurting, and normally when this happens I think, well, I'm nearly home, but at the thought of 16.2 more miles I had a mini breakdown! With Gem yelling at me at mile 11ish I perked up a bit and loved running across Tower Bridge, that was brilliant and the crowds were awesome!

13-15 miles ran alongside the faster runners at mile 22 so that was a little depressing! They all looked tired and in pain and I had 9 more miles to go before I got to where they were... The route around Docklands seemed to drag and had a few stops to cover my legs in ibuprofen gel (and have a little cry) but then had more cheers from Jen and Bealey, Shona and Olly and Gem again which sent me on my way towards the embankment!

Running along the embankment with people I didn't know cheering from both sides, seeing Nicola and Emily and then the GO KATH banner of DB, Dunc, Dan, Swift and Will, then finally my mum and dad at mile 26 was truly awesome.

Yesterday I said never again. As I write this I am beginning to realise what an amazing experience running the London marathon was... when does 2012 entry open...?

14th April - Hello race number

So, I went to the Expo today and despite getting on the wrong DLR train and going on a 45 minute detour we managed to pick up our race numbers, eat too many energy sweet free samples and enjoy a nice pasta meal! Lovely. Shins are hurting, ankle is a little sore but this is what ibuprofen was built for. Quite excited now! Roll on Sunday!

11th April - The final countdown!!

So this time next week I shall be wearing my medal with prode (I hope!). I ran 9 miles yesterday in the heat, and have one spinning class and a little 2 mile jog to go before the big one! My shins are hurting a little, but in my head I'm ready for it! Thank you all for sponsoring me, everyone who is coming to watch, and all the advice and tips along the way!

29th March - Less than 3 weeks to go!

Thank you so much for the donations! Very very much apreciated! So, I had an ankle and knee injury but thanks to an awesome physio and 'special feet' insoles I'm on the mend! Ran 16.2 miles (and yes, the 0.2 is important!) on Sunday and I'm feeling ok! Have an 18 mile run planned for this coming weekend and then it's taper taper taper!

24th Feb - Just a little update.

Still running... more than I've ever run before...

Now I am slowly realising that whilst I still believe that a lot of running long distance is in the mind, the legs are increasingly useful (and hurt progressively more the further I run).

Just 7 weeks training left and two half marathons to get through and the big day will be here. Thank you for donations and more importantly the words of encouragement. Kath xxx

12th Dec

So, I am going to attempt to run the London marathon in April... why you may ask?

Well, it's always good to have something to work towards! And I am a strong believer of running being all in the mind (well 85% in the mind, 10% in the legs and 5% luck)

Five years ago I was rubbish at running and couldn't run for more than a few minutes without being diverted to the pub. I started training and finished my first ever 5k race raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Since then I've run a few 10k's and a half marathon raising money for Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease. It seems only right to complete the set so I am hoping to raise lots of money, and raise awareness for Coeliac UK, who work really hard and do a great job to improve the lives of people living with coeliac disease (I work for them, so I know, I am biased!)

Thank you for reading this and a big thank you if you have decided to sponsor me. Every penny really does count and will give me the motivation to get myself out running on these cold winter evenings!

Thanks again and if you see someone dressed as the marshmallow man with a bobble hat and fluorescent jacket pounding the streets of Marlow, give me a beep (or a lift home)!!

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So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks again,

Kath xx