Yes - we did it!

The 5 months of training, come rain or shine and plenty of snow too worked out for us on what was our first marathon run together or individually for that matter. There were definitely times when we questioned our own sanity through the dark winter months training. This all washed away yesterday as we made our way round London.

We had some technical issues to overcome before we even crossed the start line. Like how to smuggle Vicky into the Red start zone when she should have been in Blue - this proved simpler then we thought and our cleverly hatched plans of posing as a blind runner and guide were not needed as the age old "whats that over there and point technique" seemded to do the trick with security as she ran by un detected.

We donned our expensive and hi-tech sports jackets to keep the rain off (see picture) so much for the sunshine that the BBC promised! Then joined the Incredible Hulk, Rhino, Batman & Robin, Thomas the Tank Engine and 30,000 other fools in a very ordily British queue for a run.

Our timing plan went out of the window after 5 mins when I realised in chatting to some nurses I'd become distracted and managed to stop my watch.  Well we were never going to break any records so we just relaxed and got into it, enjoying the crowds shouting your names out - go Vicky, go Den - Bloody Den, can't they read! High fiving various kids, some that looked like they may nick my i-pod if I got to close and taking Jelly Babies from the well wishes - at least thats what I think they were, some of them had just fallen out of local nightclubs...

We only stopped for the loo once, in hindsight should have done again as running when you need to go is not fun for 16 miles. Running all the way to mile 21 before we had to adopt a walk 5 mins and run to the next mile marker to see us home on the 26.2 mile course. We actually crossed the finish line together on 5hr 20mins, both to knackered and emotional for any last minute high jinks to cross the line first.

So in rounding up, we have had a terrific journey of highs and lows over the past 5 months. All of which was made so worthwhile with yesterdays incredible experience. Thanks to all our family, friends, colleagues and some people we have never met but were touched by a good cause for all your support along the way, it really meant the world to us. You have given so generously to Make-A-Wish and we thanks you for helping us smash our target and making wishes come true for children that are fighting life threatening desease.

Dan & Vicky

"Marathon Runners"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone,

My wife Vicky & I are going to be running the London Marathon 2010 together!

Unfortunately she did not go for my suggestion of the pantomime horse, especially as I'd bagsied the front end. So we decided to do it for a charity instead, so the pain & ecstasy of running such an event can be put to a worthwhile cause rather than just our pride & bikini / speedo bodies cos yes we hope and pray to be as fit as fiddle by the end of this process.

The charity we are running for is Make-A-Wish Foundation, the leading wish granting charity that grants magical wishes to children & young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. A very worthwhile cause I am sure you all agree. And for many of us that have children, are uncles, aunties, god parents or even just have friends that don't go out any more because those pesky kids rule the roost then we have all been touched at some stage by stories or personal struggles with illness in children. So making dreams come true for kids who battle on against the odds is truly a fantastic thing and we are really delighted to be supporting them in a small way.

Rumour has it that Vicky is planning to kick on over the last mile and up the pace so I come in second. Little does she know I've paid a Gorilla, Jimmy Saville & four Nuns to block her way at mile 24 so I can finish in a flurry and take all the glory, and yes we are hoping to beat Jordan & Peter's time as well as avoid the divorce courts during the warm down :)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks it means a lot.

Dan & Vicky