Breaking through the Wall

Time: 3:32:11

Participating in the 36th Real, BERLIN MARATHON meant a lot more than just running the same together with the fastest athletes in the world. It was also about a heroic effort of all those who challenged the impossible - whether it was running on insulin or with artificial limbs, to mention just a few. I would probably spend hours talking through all the emotions and pains on the way, but I am going to be concise this time.

It was a very inspiring and unforgettable experience with fantastic atmosphere along the course, through the Brandenburg Gate, up to the finish line. And though I was not even close to blowing the magical three hours, I managed to complete the race in quite a good time.

The Berlin Marathon is all but history now. However, the fight for HOPE FOR CHILDREN will go on and on, forever! Let me tell you just one thing - whilst all charity donations make a difference - charities like Hope for Children do not get much publicity and as such get marginalized. Therefore, a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who are helping me to support them in any way you can!

My time was 3:32:11, and they say it’s not bad at all for the first marathon. Well, yeah, but that’s not what I was hoping for, so I am a bit disappointed! The marathon was very fast and everything was absolutely fine till the 32k mark. Up to that point I was still  running strong and on pretty good time with just to go. Unfortunately, I experienced some massive problems with my stomach then. It went all upside down and I was forced to stop twice in the bushes (for the obvious reasons)… And as it was a bit tough to catch up with the previous pace after the first “pit stop” :), it hit me even harder after the second one. “The internal difficulties”  slowed me down significantly and I couldn’t really do much about it. Every now and then, when I gave it a go and tried to run faster, I had a feeling that my stomach was to explode again. All I was left with, for the rest of the race, was a gentle jogging pace for the last 6k - what cost me extra 20minutes!

Whilst running the last kilometer, with the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Marathon finish line on the horizon, which btw seemed to be the longest 1000m ever ;), I had a feeling that I had some unfinished business in Berlin, and I hope to be back there rather sooner than later to fight again for sub-3!

For more information about the Berlin Marathon please visit the official website here

and all the official pics from the race can be found @

http://www.real-berlin-marathon.com/_media/eventgal.php?events_id=179&event=200909-berlin_marathon&limit=1

All the best,

Paweł

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

Dear All,

As some of you may know I’m running the Berlin Marathon this year. I'm raising money for HOPE for Children, as I really want to make it count for those less fortunate than myself. I guarantee to sweat and toil to run this marathon madness under 3hours! It is a tough challenge, but I believe the bell should be answered, regardless of the odds in the round ahead!

Let’s together make a real difference to the lives of some of the world’s most disadvantaged children! I am aiming to raise whopping £2500 through sponsorship. Any contributions, no matter how small, are much appreciated and every penny of my fundraising will go directly towards Hope's fantastic work!

 

HOPE is an international children’s charity working with disabled, orphaned and exploited children in thirty countries worldwide. The majority of their work is in Africa and although they also work inEurope. Examples of HOPE’s work include providing prosthetic limbs to children disabled by landmines in Sri Lanka, special equipment for disabled children in the UK and funding for street children centres in Zambia, India, Zimbabwe and the Philippines. For inspiration and further examples of their work please visit their website http://www.hope-for-children.org/.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Hope for Children gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

If I can reach my target I am sure it will spur me on to cross the finish line when everything else physically and mentally is telling me to give up.

THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH and please pass onto anyone you know who may want to contribute / come and watch me on 20^th September.

Paweł