Den's Once in a lifetime Marathon!!!
Denise Davis is raising money for Cancer Research UK
Story
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me now! If everyone donates £1 it will soon mount up. Every little helps.
In memory of my Dad, Mike Callow who was taken so quickly by cancer 3 years ago, I do this for him:- the pain caused by running 26 miles will be nothing compared to what he suffered. Please help me to raise money for cancer research and maybe help others to keep their Dad's longer than our family was able to.
Dad:- I will run with you in my heart- please help me with my legs....
Many thanks for your support.
Den x
Dnz marathon diary my training blog posted on www.london-marathon/florafirsttimers. link is
http://www.realbuzz.com/index.php?pageID=1997&post=31552 Feel free to log into the above or keep coming back here for an update.
Email address is dendavis@coolgaff.fsnet.co.uk
by Denise Davis (Dnz Run)
My running No 51195 Red start
Another person who has just hit 40 and wants another box ticked. I have cheered the crowds on from Woolwich every year since the marathon started. The ones at the back (which could be me this year) need the most support. I am always inspired and have admired the courage and effort of those that bothered to get up early and enter the marathon, all shapes, sizes and ages, all for different reasons. Congratulations to you all runners.
06th January, 2007 |
4pm dark and pouring with rain. But my hubby insisted we still go for that first time, long run! Had been doing 3 to 6 miles twice a week. Had managed 8 once.
Well it took us 2 hours 10 mins, I do slow Fil down alot. I went prepared with jelly babies, and I didnt hit an energy dip, so not sure if they worked or what. By 9 miles my knee and ankle joints hurt so much. I knew walking wouldnt help cos it would take longer to get home and my muscles would seize up. I was worried, and i do hope it doesnt keep happening as that problem wont improve. But i got home without walking. A big smile on my face and really proud. Considering i spent my school years trying to get out of doing any sport, i have come from a non runner to something. Okay, there is another 15 miles to go, but hey, there could be chance i can do this!
14th January This Sunday (14th) i ran the same 11 mile route as last week. I ran with Naomi who currently takes us out with Crook Log running club on a Monday night. So i have good coaches, my hubby Phil (thurs and weekends) and Naomi. Just hope i am infront of the 52 seater coach on the day of the marathon!
So the run.........still hard work but my joints didnt hurt like last week so maybe something is improving. Also knocked 3 mins off time, so managed it in 2 hours 7 mins. Had oats for brekky, and a few jelly babies on the way round. (still not sure they work, but taste good).
Monday 15th Jan- Crook Log Running Club, about 5 miles lapping round part of Blackfen. Went out last night (Mon 15th )with running club. Some of them are so fast, but reliable me, plods on at the back. Did 5.5. miles. But just cant seem to run faster. My arms can move really quick and the brain thinks the legs are rotating but alas!
Thurday 18th Jan - The Belvedere run with hubby approx 5 miles.
Sunday 21 Jan - TWELVE and a HALF miles!! And did that last mile hurt. How on earth will i do that much again??????????????????? My lovely hubby, ran with me and kept me going. I tucked into Jelly babies again-too frightened not to now, just incase they do work????
Welling, Falconwood, Blackfen, Penhill, Bexley Village... At 8 miles we got to Gravel Hill, Bexleyheath, and i nearly started running backwards i was so slow. I didnt think i had it in me to get to the top. Thanks to that downhill runner too, who told me to keep going. Going i did, through Northumberland Heath, Carlton Road, Parsonage Manor and down King Harolds Way. Boy, was that tough. The face grimacing, the odd verbal output of a groan. But i got home in 2 hrs 25 mins (told you i was slow!). A lovely hot bath and Phil`s egg and bacon sandwich. Yummmmm! Only to spend all afternoon in the garden helping to cut up and shred the fir tree that was blown down in the storms.
So until Mondays short little run.......................?
23rd January, 2007 |
Couldnt run with Crook Log Monday night as went to the Civic Offices to proudly watch our 15yr old son get his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award from the Mayor of Bexley. Ahhh!
So tonight (Tues 23rd) my son came out in the cold on his bike to act as my minder (he is taller than me now!). We(I) ran from Welling to Sidcup and back. A cheeky 6 miler, I so wanted to do it in an hour or less, but got home in 1 hours 5 mins. So big thanks to Paul, he is a good kid and there are lots of good 'uns out there!!!!
Will see what the weather brings on Thursday evening, if icy may leave it to run in the gym on Friday morning. (yawn). Having read some of your blogs think i should maybe drink a lucozade sport instead of water on my long runs. I had been doing 11 miles on water and 6 jelly babies, should i take in more carbo help?
Thurs 25 Jan 8pm. Rang 4 miles with hubby, it was really cold and i just didnt have it in me to do an extra mile.
Sat 27th Jan - Naomi and me, started out on our 10 mile route. The easier way? Well there seems to be a lot of gentle down hills BUT the up hills are a bit steep! Gravel Hill got me again, i didnt stop i did keep going, but not sure any passers by would realise i was running! We got to the top, 8 miles. Then poor Naomi's knee just peeked H U R T, and she managed to hobble and run on and off the last 2. So no aches or pains today in the legs except my foot!
Monday 29th Jan 07 OH No its......Plantar Fasciitis
Got comments from my London Marathon bloggers who suggested a reason my foot hurts. I looked up the plant facility problem.........and yes it sounds just like my foot. I have been doing the stretching exercises to stretch my calves and rest my foot on an ice pack when at my desk.
I did run with Crook Log club on Monday night, a 6 mile run, felt faster that normal but watch doesnt agree. Still had to climb Gravel Hill in Bexleyheath, it just does not get easier. If only Bexley was alot flatter. Foot okay when running, just tender afterwards.
But hey, no pain, no gain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smile on................
Sunday 4 Feb
13 MILES!!!!
Well, I am really chuffed with myself. Hubby and I set out at 0855 after a breakfast of oats and banana. I had my watered down lemon lucazade sport and jelly babies....and wore my new capri length tight fitting leggings ummmm!
Well i certainly had an emotional run today, i started to imagine how i would feel when i crossed that finish line on the 22nd April, and my eyes welled up. I had only run 1 mile and hadnt even started to get comfortable. Then i did it again about 3 miles in. (Pull yourself together girl, you have got a long way to go yet). Then at 10 miles i passed my Dads friends house in Welling Way and started to hope that my Dad would reappear at the finish line if he knew how hard i tried and how hard i wished he was still with us (he died 3 years ago and this run is for him) Well, i could hardly breathe and really had to pull myself together so not to sob. Phil, oblivious, he was about 40 yards in front. (probably just as well). So is this what they mean by emotional runs? I thought it was emotional due to the physical pain, not the mad thoughts going through my head.
Anyway, back at 6 miles there i was running clenched! I had a Paula moment...................argh! Thank goodness for the cafe in Blackfen Road who let me use their loo. What a relief!!!!!! Was this the result of the chinese last night, or too many jelly babies.
Anyway (lots of these today), We added a little bit to our run and made it 13 miles by the time we got home. I was grinning, so pleased to do it in 2hrs 25 mins incl of a stop. I thought this was a really good time, Phil said it was, FOR ME.
Still smiling, and now aching and foot just starting, but off out to dinner now. Good Luck all, and keep smiling.
Went out running Mon 5th Feb with running club, only just managed 5 miles as calves were solid. Felt like i had bricks strapped to my legs. Maybe i do need a rest day after a long run. Wearing my croc shoes, they are so comfortable for sore feet. Will definately have these meet me at the end of the marathon to wear home!
Snow forcast for Thursday so hubby and I went for a 5 mile run on Wed 7th instead. Enjoyed, found nice and easy. (thats a first!).
Saturday 10th Feb, left home 0915 in the rain, which felt so refreshing once i got going. Ran 8 miles to my friends house in Pettswood. My God was that hill in St Pauls Cray a killer, i knew it went on forever but at the top it got steeper! Began to think it would lead me into the clouds. But i didnt stop, kept going (very very slowly) and got to Alison's in 1 hours 28 mins. I was pleased. Her youngest son gave me the scaryest face when he opened the door to me, i laughed and said i dont look that red do i? Alison said i did and showed me the mirror. AAARRRGGH! How long had i ran looking like a panda????? Mascara down my cheeks!!! No wonder people were giving those sypathetic smiles as i struggled up the hill, i thought they were thinking she must be mad. Now i know they thought, she IS mad!
Anyway, had lunch, refuelled, dried out and left 2:10 to run home. My other friend passed me in the car and waved.......... got home in 1 hr 30. Legs did feel tired but not as bad as if i had done 16 miles in one hit.
Is this cheating or okay to have a break in between? Home to bath and croc shoes. ummmmmmmmmmmm.
PS. If you see someone running with panda eyes, please tell them!
OOuch! after my 16 mile jaunt, could barely walk Sunday and Monday. To top it all on Sunday, took my neice and my friends kids to see Charlottes Web. It was lovely. But my neice (who is 4) cried for 15 mins after it finished 'cos it was so sad!!!! I ended up carrying her to the car, whilst struggling to walk anyway, and did my back in too.
Monday 12th Feb- no training, my first miss! I felt so guilty, but could hardly move. Couldnt bend legs nor back.
So, what did i do for Valentines. Well, with my beloved Valentine, we ran for 4.5 miles. (Not, hand in hand, i must add). Legs got to the point of an ache you knew you could run off, and that we did.
Friday 16th Feb - Left home with hubby (also my valentine!) ...........the same one .....not another!!!
Left home 4:45pm and did a 2hours 26 min run. Northumberland Heath, Bexleyheath, Bexley, Blackfen, Falconwood, Welling Way, Central Ave, to home.
Dont laugh!! I know i am slow, but i was pleased with the 12 miles i did and nearly didnt manage. Did get to the 6 mile point and legs were hurting like i had done 13. Fil offered a short route home via Danson Park but i didnt want to cheat myself. We carried on through Blackfen to Cemetry (that was tempting....nearly stopped there for a lye down!), Welling Way to home. Did my legs and feet hurt????? Tried some dettox patches on my feet from Avon, not sure if they worked but they were black and 'orrible in the morning. I felt better that some badness must have been removed.?
But, just shows its all in the mind. Saturday and Sunday- not an ache!
Thanks for your comments on my blogs too. Really helps to know others going through similar things.
Kate T-Yes, I do think our lost Mum's and Dad's will be there at the end and with us all the way. They will be so proud. Trouble is I believe or hope I will see him at the end too, and if I dont I might just keep running til I find him................you started me off again........ooops....but in my heart I do know it wont happen. Reality isnt always the world I am in.
Anyway, chin up......... Went running with Crook Log running club on Monday 19th Feb and did 5 miles.
Tues 20th went circuit training, encouraged by my running coach. I nearly turned away as there were so many there and it scared me. But it was really good fun.
Thurs 22 Feb - I can feel my buttocks! Cant sit on them. Hubby said nothing like a run to loosen them up and it worked. We both we running and it did hurt for the first couple of miles but loosened up (Muscularly!) and fine for the last 3.
Sat 23 Feb. Phil away, son in bed. So up and out 0845 and ran, (on the main roads) for 11 miles. Its still such hard work, and I am STILL SO slow! 2 hours 10 mins. Ankles hurt now, but a few hours of ironing will sort that out.
Mon 26 Feb 07-Crook Log running club a 5 1/2 run around Danson, Blackfen and Sidcup.
Wed 28 Feb - Thought i had a night in, as not delivering Avon tonight. But Phil woke me up at 830pm and made me, YES, made me go for a short run!!! Okay, it was only 3 miles, but i just wanted to curl up on the road side and shut my eyes and go to sleep. Infact, i thought i was running in a dream and it showed, even slower than usual.
Thurs 1 Mar - I was prepared for the 3 mile run tonight, with hubby and whilst only a few minutes quicker than last night, it was a lot easier.
Fri 2 Mar - An emotional day, my nephew got his 11+ results and passed with flying colours, has got into Beths. I was so pleased i sobbed and then rang my Mum and Sister who couldnt tell it was me on the other end of the phone for distressed noises. I am so proud of him-well done Louis!!!!!
Phil came home from work early and we went for a long run. I had eaten oats for breakfast and remembered to eat lunch (jacket potatoe) and banana just before we left at 4:15pm, Ran to Erith, uphill to North Heath & waved to Alan (our mate)in the hairdressers, Bexleyheath, Bexley, Blackfen, Welling Way - saw the arrival of emergency services to a nasty accident + hope the poor person under the car survived!, and then home. 14 miles in 2hrs 43 mins. The last hour was in the rain, which whilst cold, i preferred it. Lovely bath, left Phil with no hot water, which was a good ploy cos he went out and got a kebab each...yummmmmmmmm.
So sad, a 13yr girl from my sons school was killed in the accident we passed on Friday, Her poor parents and friends. Life can be so unfair.
Up Saturday morning, legs ok, foot and ankle hurt but will put loads of heat on it later. Celebrating in Pizza Express with all the family for Nephews success.
Mon 5th March- Went with Crook Log out for a 5 miles run, thanks to Jane a fitness guru, who sticks with me at the back...bless, much appreciated! Something pinged in my calf, felt like a bit of elastic from calf to ankle, didnt hurt too much just worried me and was a bit uncomforable. Thought it might be a ham string, but hubby said its in the wrong place and i would know and feelt the pain of anything serious, probably just a cheesy string!!
Calf discomfort moving towards ankle????
Thurs 8th March-Wanted to go for a run to see if ankle ok (discomfort not in calf now??) Ran 4 miles fine, then last one got uncomfortable and ran with a limp.
Getting scared i might not be able to run on Sunday for Hastings Half marathon. Am applying ice and heat and lavender........ Hopefully will just go for it and not cause something worse to happen. Getting nervous though, not sure if worried about running or more worried about not running.
Friday 9th March- felt really nervous, ankle hurt lots and was going red and blotchy where i had put so much ice and heat on it, but was determined to fix it.
Then a little night time mishap....On way to bed i grabbed a tin of deep heat from the kitchen and in the dark sprayed my leg. Thought it strange i could see the lines, BUT when i turned on the light, my leg was red and stripy!!! Argh! I had grabbed the RED NOSE Day Red Hair spray!! I panicked-would it come off? Would I have to run with stripy legs! I couldn’t stop laughing and my son couldnt believe i had done it. Moral of this I told him was - Do not apply medication without a responsible adult present! .......It came off, easily, thankfully!
Sunday 11th March HASTINGS HALF MARATHON
Was frightened to get out of bed but ankle was fine. Fiona from Crook Log Running club and her beautiful new baby picked me up at 8am and off to Hastings . Wow! What a day it was so nice every other man and his dog had turned out and we couldnt get parked. In the end i had to jump out of the car and run for the 1030 the start. I just caught the end of the runners going through, 4 minutes late. But was busting for the loo, so within 1/4 of a mile i dashed into the nearest pub. When i came out, there were no runners to be seen...It took me 5 mins (embarrassing) to catch up with the end of the walkers but confidence built as i managed to pass walkers and some runners.
Hastings is full of hills, and they only seem to go up! But i never stopped and kept at my own steady slow pace. Well i managed to pass at least 450 and that didnt include the non finishers.
I loved it, the people cheering everyone on was lovely, Infact, i started clapping them for clapping us. There were bands, choirs and lots of noisy people with instruments spurring us on, it really helped.
At 10 miles the sea breeze kicked in thankful it was getting to hot (not something people usually hear me say). At 11 miles my friend Alison and her boys cheered me on and I had to wait while she sorted her camera out for a photo. At 12 miles saw Sacha and family and then I could see the finish line `THE LIGHT ITS SO BEAUTIFUL`. I dashed under the finish to get under 2 hrs 32, and my actual time was 2 hrs 26 mins, I was really chuffed. Fiona was there at the end, thus the piccy of me just after I collected my medal (horse brass).
Thanks to everyone that text me on route, I was able to multi task and reply to most, they really helped me on. Thanks to for those that came out to support me and for Fiona who usually runs it herself but couldn’t as babe is only about 8 weeks old.
Well done to Sarah and Nikki from Crook Log that ran a good time at the Fleet half marathon, and to all of you other half marathoners!
It was a fantastic day, I am still on a high, just imagine what the FLM will feel like?
Thursday 15th March - Went for a run with hubby for 5 miles, did ok, felt fun.
But Friday 16th, we both left 4:45pm, wanted to do a 14 miler, as need to get to my 16 mile target. I had eaten and drank plenty of fluid and felt mentally fine. But my legs were not playing. I really struggled, by 8 miles my legs hurt all over, and felt like i had run 18.
I insisted we didnt cut so short that it be 10 miles, so we headed for Blackfen and cut through to Welling. I was so disappointed, i checked on route planner and it was just under 12 miles.
There are loads of hills around Bexley, maybe tonight was just too much. I am really questioning my ability to do 26 now. As know i couldnt have walked any further than we ran.
Monday 19th March - P A N I C !!!!!!!!
I thought it was a dream (nightmare), but my magazine and number came through (51195 Red start). Why cant i get off the page that talks about hitting the wall. My dreams get me to 20 miles, my legs dont, and i drag myself the last 6 miles and wish i had spent more money on knee pads!!
AM i going mad??? Yes, got half way to Crook Log and remembered it wasnt on til Wednesday!!! Went home and just could not face a run. I feel physically shattered, and am so glad some of you feel the same reading your blogs. I went to bed 8pm, was woken at 9pm by Phil as he had brought me a cup of tea at 8:45 and balanced a chocolate biscuit on my mouth and couldnt believe i was that close to chocolate and hadnt woken up. I didnt have the ability to stay awake to drink the whole cup, but did eat the biccy, then fell asleep until 7am. Must of needed it!
Lets hope Wednesday run is ok.
Wed 21 March-Went out last night with Crook Log club (got the right night). Naomi took us on an 8 miler round Bexley, Sidcup and Blackfen. Not easy but got on fine. Would love to do a run where i get home and feel i could do it all over again.
My friend Lou, is back in training after numerous injuries. Both she and I are excited that she maybe back in the running for the marathon. Good Luck Lou!
Will have a little 3 mile run tonight, and then want to try a 16 mile at the weekend. Hubby not around so might just run to my friend at Pettswood.(8 miles). Wont stop for lunch this time, and will wear waterproof mascara!!! Thought would have a cuppa and a banana and then run home.
Got Paddock Wood half marathon on 1st April, anyone on that? Just proves we are foooools! Good luck with all the long runs this weekend and hope all the injuries start going.
Sat 24 March - 0820 start, sun shining bit too warm for me. On my own as Phil away working. I wanted to combat that mental block of sixteen miles. Its in my head that if I get to that point I might, just might, make 26 miles on the day!
So set off from Welling to Petts Wood. Past Danson Park, towards Sidcup, down Sidcup Hill, under the bypass at B&Q,Orpington Bypass, then the hill of hills that never ends St Pauls something or other. My head was filled with silly songs, that mixed up songs from Peter Pan and Sound of music, the one that says 'think of a wonder thought' and ends up with 'snowflakes, and kittens' and all sorts of strange things that rhymed, that included all the kids I know and all the things I like(which does incl the kids!!) .....but it gets me up those hills!
A few more hills and then I hit Petts Wood. Actually ran into another runner too. A big macho one as well, I know how to pick them! As we turned a corner, obviously both a bit disorientated, neither of us could decide in that split second whether to pass on the left or right. So we didnt. We hit straight on, well he caught me, it did make us laugh and as professional as we both were, we kept going in opposite directions. Gave me a bit of a lift anway!
Stopped at Alisons for a quick wee, tea oh and hot cross bun. Does that count as carbohydrate?? and half hour later left for the journey home.
Going back was uneventful, songs got worse, needed the loo and poo featured in my rhymes rather too much. I said today was a mental feat, and I think I have gone mental. Got to Danson and thought I would take a slightly longer route and ran through the park and then up Brampton Rd. Stopped off at the newsagents for my lottery tickets and told them I had just run 16.5 miles to get there. They said they thought I was local, I said I was, I lived 5 minutes away! I thought it was funny, they looked glazed! As most people do when I talk???
Home, 3 hours 5 mins!!!! Yeah! I do feel proud. Plus I really admire all of you even more for completing greater distances than that. Injuries-well ankles hurt, legs fine. but got a nasty sore from new sports bra just above my tummy. Bought same size as before just different colour and oouch! its obviously slightly bigger. Will stick with my other one for the big day. (Laura know how you feel now!).
Mon 26 March 07 - Crook Log running club, Naomi took us on a 7 mile run, down to Erith and upto Bexleyheath via North Humberland Heath. a hilly one but got to the end....
Tues 27 March - Went Crook Log, did circuit training which is hard work but good fun. that is when there isnt a fire alarm, but only spent 15 mins in a field and did run around it 3 times.
Sunday 1st April - Paddock Wood (whose the fool?) Bib no. 1318 Phil 1549.
Took my Mum as one of our supporters and both Phil and I ran. Met up with friends at the start, Andrew Mortlock was running, his sister, my friend Alison was there with her family. She got so excited when i passed her.....look there's Denise she cheered.........at the start line..... The men left me within in seconds of crossing the line, but I knew that and was quite happy.
Another hot and sunny day, but beautiful scenery, not that my legs were fussed on what it looked like. It was a hard run, i thought it would have been lots easier than Hastings but you had to work the whole way round. Evan though hills are hard at least you have to come down them at some point and does give you a little rest.
There were not that many supporters out, but the ones that were helped and when the music did blare out it was a relief.
I struggled at first as managed to run 3 miles without talking to anyone at this point i was bursting and luckily a birthday girl ran past with a banner wrapped around her, so i could let off some verbal energy. Unlike Hastings, most people over took me, that included a sunflower and a fire engine. Thanks, really helped with the morale. I did manage to pass about 10 people, 3 were the same person who kept starting and stopping and one was on a stretcher.
I kept looking behind to check i wasnt last, and i wasnt!!
Hubby text me at 3,6, 9 and finished in 1 hour 53 mins, Andrew in 1 hr 54. I needed more time to text people so pulled in at 2 hrs 21mins. I was elated at finishing and not just late!
But my poor leggies, they really did not like that run, i did wonder if I would get to the end. Phil after finishing came back for me at the 12 mile mark and ran the last mile with me, which was a big help.
We all got a beautiful crystal block with 3d runners etched into it and with a plaque on, how nice is that! My one and only trophy, for anything.....
Thanks to the support of Mum, and the Mortlock crowd, it lifted my spirits. I did have a wobbly lip moment in the car on the way home. Just cant see how i can do another 13 miles if my legs felt like today.
Phil reckons the crowds will pull me along, i think it might be the stretcher!!! Am excited as he may have a place in the marathon now, so will be at the start with me, although he maybe on the blue start. Hopefully Lou will be with me at the start on the red route.
So a rum and coke down and i am now feeling alot better, lets see what tomorrow holds. Keep smiling!!!!
Mon 2nd April - Legs felt fine after Paddock Wood run, so must have all been in the mind.
Tues 3rd April- Went to ITV studios and saw Loose Women being filmed, those girls are lovely, Coleen, Andrea, Jane, & Carol and just as relaxed as you see on tv, their guest was Gill Halfpenny who was lovely, then there was Macie Gray, ummm, who was on something???
Drove to Gorseinon and the Gower in Wales, with my Mum and son on Wednesday, for a very close family friends funeral on Thursday. Uncle Graham, taken by cancer aged 73. He used to be in the Welsh Guards and played basket ball for Wales and loved sport of all sorts, I looked to him as another Dad. He has such a lovely family, life is so unkind. I hold so many happy memories of staying in Wales each year with him and Auntie Rose, Wales will never be the same but i am thankful for the memories i do have. It was a lovely funeral, if you can say that, and a throat clencher when they played a welsh hymm sung by the welsh choir, and gradually everyone in the room started to join in.......whoah!
Good Friday-Phil, Paul, my sister Helen, her hubby Paul and 3 kids and me. Cycled from Woolwich Arsenal to Greenwich and back. Stopped for an Easter Egg hunt in the Naval college, an icecream a tea, a wee (sorry), picnic lunch-although had eaten most of it when we stopped at the Thames Barrier. Total 12 miles. Legs fine. Bum ??
So running? Did a 5 miles on Saturday morning with Phil. Then although i shouldnt, i was determined to do 16+ miles on Monday, so i could rule out my bad run at Paddock Wood.
Mon 9th April - Another hot sunny morning. Phil and I hit Welling, Erith, Bexley, Blackfen- where i submisively asked a cafe owner to top up our bottle with water, and he did. Eltham and then ..........my knee hurt. It felt better running up hill but as we got to Shooters Hill at 14 miles, i just had to walk some as ran out of umph! I was, looking forward to the rest whilst running down, but my knee was agony and felt like it would give way, so I hobbled and cried instead! The rest of the way home was stop and start, it was fine to walk but hurt running.
So it did not help my confidence, and I cried even more thinking there is no way i am going to be able to finish on the day and I need to do it for my Dad and Uncle and everyone that is supporting me. Its bloody hard to run and cry and my throat was so closed up I had to pull myself together. So passing a neighbour and giving a wave and a smile slapped me backed into control. We did 17 miles in 3 hours 20. Maybe i should just try the tin diver outfit and then no one will mind if i take a week?
Friday 13th April 2007 -
Im getting good with my lotions and potions, Tuesday smelt of Deep Heat(the real thing not red hair spray, like before), Wednesday was lavender, yesterday was my microwave wheat bean bag and today low and behold a new seafish potion from my Mum, I will try it on my knee tonight and if it works, rub it in everywhere that has ever hurt.
Went to the gym today and did 5 gentle miles on the tread mill, knee not too bad, but did hurt if i did a down hill bit. So just, didnt! Put it to flat and slight incline and seemed to be ok. If thats how it will be I should be okay on the day except for the rampy bit the otherside of Tower bridge, so not as worried as i was.
My friend Lou, who had hoped to be running, looks like too many injuries have prevailed. She has tried so much to get fit and has been physio twice a week since Christmas. At least she has tried, it looks as if its not to be this year. But at least if she does do another year I can cheer her on. Love & hugs Lou xxx Your Mum will be proud you tried so hard!!
Shopping tomorrow to stock up on the pasta, rice etc. My hubby Phil is definately running, but from the blue start, he will be finished in 4 hours, said he will run back to me and help me on....show off. So thankful for all his support and taking me out running, i couldnt have done it with out him. Love you!
Mon 16th April - Driving to work in Woolwich this morning after a lovely Easter Break...........argh!!! There were yellow signs referring to road closures for the FLORA Marathon. So its official....It really will happen this coming SUNDAY!!!
Guess What? My maths teacher rang me, yes, at home! How lovely of him (Mr Pidgeon) to ring and wish me luck. He remembered I was never sporty at school and is going to shock my old PE teacher by telling her what I`m upto. He remembered a little note i put in his Christmas card saying i was running. I left school 25 years ago, and have kept in touch the last 5 since his retirement from my old school. Wow. I was so chuffed.
So, Sunday morning 9am up and out for another 5 miler on the roads. Just me on my own, Phil away working. Did our Woolwich Road, Nuxley Road, Brampton Rd circuit. My knee was the only thing that didnt niggle. The rest, well i can ignore, they`ve hurt before and go off. So I am quite happy that I will make Sunday as long as it is not as hot as Sunday! Not sure on finishing but I will be there at the start. I did a trial run in my turquoise Cancer Relief vest and felt really proud showing it off. (i did have shorts on too-dont worry). Mind you, once i have my name ironed on and my running number you wont see the cancer relief bit. I am no 51195 probably will be in the 5 .5hour section, so at the back of the red start!!!!
Wonder how long it will take to get to the start line??
Monday- Crook Log running club, Fiona was back after having her baby. So her, Steve & Dave took the lead. Jane, Naomi and me the rear. Oh! how naked did I feel? I was running without my pedometer and my knee supports! Not sure which is worse, was worried as didnt want to upset my knees but they held out. We went from Crook Log up Shooters Hill and down the otherside and back! Me. Hills. It still doesnt go! Nor did my legs, did have to pull back and walk the last up bits, and Naomi stayed with me. Felt great coming down hill and home so that ruled out last weeks bad run. Thank goodness! Was still impressed by the large, dark, magnum advert on the bus stops and it did spur me on. Ummmm!
Had 2 sleepless nights now so hoping the rest of the week i will feel so tired i WILL sleep. Glad to know i am not the only one though reading your blogs.
Got interview today for another job, feel relaxed about it, got too many other worries on my mind. An interview can only let myself down, Sunday is another story.
Thurday 19th April 2007:-
Well, today I register at Expo, and cant wait. I have had 4 sleepless nights, cant seem to keep the pasta inside me. Think i am more in need of cornflour than jelly babies! (Dont ask! just work it out!). Had a job interview yesterday, which was the least of my worries, and the people were so nice, if i dont get the job, i cant even say i didnt want to work there. I am an emotional wreck and loosing water fast need corks for my tear ducts.
Some of you have put your apt songs on, i think mine will be Holding back the tears - by Simple Red
Or for when i hit the wall, the one that goes, 'Get yourself up, brush yourself off, and start all over again.....'
and of course i shall be singing my own worded medley of ' think of a wonderful thought '- from Peter Pan mixed in with 'snowbells, and kittens' from The Sound of Music.
Well, this maybe my last blog before the big day. so good luck to all of you. Will read about your achievements next week. Sorry Lou, this isnt your year, but I will be there for you next year!!
Here go my thanks, apologies for missing anyone out:-
Thanks to Derek Kelsey who secured my place in the marathon.
Biggest thanks to my wonderful, heroic hubby Phil who has encouraged me and ensured i keep up all my training, and is now fitter than me (he always was tho) as he has done loads of running with me. Thankfully he too is running now. Good luck, stick the kettle on you'll be in a few hours before me! love you.x (notice the khaki colours, I've picked!)
Big hugs to our lovely 15 yr old son, Paul, who has also done some runs with me to and even cycled with me when Phil hasnt been around, to keep me safe!
Thanks to Mum, Sister Helen, Paul, Louis, Joe & Tean for their support and listening to ongoing injuries etc and cheering us on.
Thanks to all other family members, all our friends, work friends, my avon customers, & neighbours & the Crook Log Running team who have encouraged, and listened and read my training blogs, and for all those who have also helped raise money for Cancer Relief and contributed to the jelly baby collection.
You have put the pressure on me now!
But I will do this! Mission not complete until medal presented - (or was it something about a fat lady? trouble is, she would have gone home by the time I get to the end!)
The reason why i am doing this:-
Because - I can, and to help those that cant.
Because - Life is too short to keep thinking about doing something- go and do it now!
Because - Everyone should accomplish at least one impossible in their lifetime
Because - I miss my Dad
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
This is my little sign that will be pinned on my back :-
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To everyone that has lost someone special - KEEP SMILING!
Remember the good times! There were many!
April 22nd 2007
Its all over.............6:13:58 hrs minus 15 mins, loo queue.
5hrs 58
..and what a hot one. Phil was in pen 4 ahead of me, I was in pen 9 near the back. Cried on way out of Greenwich park and through start. A bumble bee landed on the pink, blue and white fluffy bobbles i had in my hair. The girls behind me waved it off and I knew it was my Dad. I then cried again in Woolwich when I saw Mum, Sis,Karen and co, then Lou and Linda from work at Maze Hill, then Mum,Helen & Tean at 23 miles, my Paul and bruv inlaw Paul and nephews at 25, everytime i got a txt, and when i got my medal. I sobbed that even the winner infront of me turned round and hugged me.
But yes, i did enjoy it, and smiled the rest of the way. Gave loud Whoops everytime someone shouted my name and sang to every song that was played out loud. I asked the fireman to get their hoses out! and when they did i enjoyed it. People had their garden hoses spraying over us too and there were some mist car wash things to run through. lovely. People came out of their houses with sprinklers and hoses to keep us cool. How often can you go to London and get free drink and food on route? People had trays of sweets, cut up bananas, mars bars. Some of the water stations had run out of water by the time i got to them. Luckily i had my running bottle and kept filling it up and had given a spare one to Mum, which she handed over to me at 23 miles plus i could refil my bum bag with jelly babies.
Made a running buddy at the start as we had the same Cancer Research vests on and started chatting, we then ended up helping each other all the way through it. She was a doctor but threw up at 7 miles ish and struggled the rest. Luckily, as per normal, I was prepared and had tissues, wet wipes, pain killers and plasters should anyone require assistance. She needed to run and walk a fair bit, and I had to give her lots of encouragement and at times grab her hand to pull her along. I had to keep convincing her we were fantastic for getting up and having a go, that we had a medal to collect and an end to get to. She hurt all over. I think that made me stronger and helped me get round. I would have pushed myself harder if on my own and may have ended up not getting to the end cos of the heat. So we were good for each other. I did have to stop for a loo and queue for 15 mins, Suzie walked on, and it took me nearly 3/4 hour before i found her again.
Kids had their hands out to give them five, and i did that too. But made the mistake of doing it to a St Johns Ambulance man who had his hand out with gloves on? Urgh! he had vaseline on his hand for you to rub into your chaffs. yukkkk! I didnt do that again!!
What a fantastic feeling, i cant believe it, so many people so much to take in. Other than my right hip/thigh joint hurting i was fine, no lack of energy or heavy legs. I did asked Dad to help with my legs, if he had made it pain free it would have been too obvious.
Would I do it again? Well, if I just had to do yesterday, then Yes. But I could not go through another year of training, and I found the training runs a lot harder than the day. Plus, this last week has been so hard, nerves did get the better of me, and my pasta intake was not held onto for long.
We had trouble getting home as London Transport decided that although Marathon runners should have free travel until 6pm (I don’t think that’s late enough anyway) that they would not let us on without purchasing a ticket. There were loads of us arguing but they would not give in, so we all had to miss our train whilst we borrowed money to purchase some.
I did get onto Capital Radio on Saturday around 1:30 ish with Matt Brown, I sent in a good luck message for all runners and they ended up calling me back and recording our chat to put on air.
Phil found it hard going and felt faint at the half mark, but he had done a time of 4:40 so pushed himself more than me. He is suffering today though. But in true Brit style nothing stops us and he and I are both at work.
Thanks to everyone for your support, your txts on route, and the cheerer oners and banners on route too. Thanks for being great friends and supporting me and a great charity.
Love and hugs
Den x
Quote by one of my sponsors which i think sums it all up:-
The sense of achivement is something that only those who have pushed themselves can ever understand
Monday 23rd April
Phil is shattered and stiff, he pushed himself a bit too much. Having read some blogs, sounds like lots of people did and they were ill and feel rough today. Me........luckily, didnt push myself to far. Feel fine, legs a bit achey but got to work no probs. Just started to stiffen through the day. But Helen treated to a massage at Reynolds gym. I was worried, the girl started on my back, and my god did it hurt. She said my muscles were really tight and did i hurt, i hadnt till she started!!! I was worried what she would do to my legs as they were tender to start with. But, i enjoyed that bit and felt eased.
I met up with some of the running club at Crook Log that night and Lou, and we went for a welcomed drink. Rum and coke at last! ummm!
Tuesday 24th - Got into work to a reception of balloons and banners, how lovely. Thanks girls! Legs ok but got stiffer again, but feel fine, still buzzing. Phil still doesnt feel so good, but has gone work and TA as usual. Maybe its because he is so much older than me? Heeee Heeeee!
Was really touched by the amount of sponsors that have supported Phil and me, even my brother in laws bosses, how kind. Looks like we have made well ove £1000, thanks so much.
Photos are starting to appear on the London Marathon site, we will try and send them to you when we buy them. Had to laugh at mine, I said I was laughing or crying, and there are some cheese grins in my photos.
So do i feel proud now? Not really, i was proud whilst running, now I feel proud of Phil for completing his 2nd marathon, and proud to be part of a husband and wife team that both completed a marathon on the same day. But, I am pleased with myself for accomplishing something, I didnt think i would ever be able to achieve. Just proves, if you set your heart on something you can do it!
This time last year I couldnt run for a bus..............and I'm in the same boat the day after the marathon!!! Ha Ha!
Dont think about it, DO IT! Life is too short!
Well this is probably it for my blogs, thanks for being a part of my training and coming into Den's world-its a scary place for most but it keeps me going AND SMILING!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
May 2007.
Cant believe it, we have raised £1700 for Cancer Research, and its all thanks to all of you.
Thanks for all the cards, calls, txts, and messages of congratualations. Cant believe I have done it. Think Phil wishes he hadnt.
My poor running partner, Suzie, has since informed me that she has a stress fracture in her tibia. I feel bad for dragging her round now!
Here is a card made by one of my Avon customers, I was so chuffed with it, I wanted to share it with you.
Thanks. I have still been running, but only once a week, the odd twice, but its not the same now. Will slowly slip back into an early to bed girl.(too sleep!).
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my email address : dendavis@coolgaff.fsnet.co.uk
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