Peter Olivier
Peter's Snowdonia Marathon 2013 page
Fundraising for Blood Cancer UK
Story
I set myself a challenge of running a full marathon before I turn 50, which is in December this year.
A 'little' overweight and very unfit at the time, I realised that it would be a long haul to prepare myself for this.
I started training in Jan 12 and ran the Cardiff half marathon in the Oct. I got a real sense of achievement from it, but it still seemed like an impossible dream to run a full marathon.
With a great deal of hard work and massive support from those around me I have gradually improved my fitness.
I've since completed several half marathons and joined the Caerleon Running Club in the summer of this year. The club is super friendly and supportive, and gave me the opportunity to compete in several 10K races throughout the summer.
This weekend I will run the Cardiff half for the second time and hope to complete it in under 2 hours.
I have been very fortunate in getting this place in the Snowdonia Marathon, as it is limited to 2800 people and is very popular, even though it is brutal. A very hilly course with 2 steep climbs, one 2 miles into the race, with a 4 mile climb rising 1200 feet, and then after several little ups and downs we face a 2 mile climb at mile 21 rising a similiar height, this is going to hurt.
Mike Davies, from the running club, kindly donated this place and the entry fee, and I would like to thank him and the club for the opportunity they have given me and for the support in preparing for the event. They have been key to helping me get fit enough to take this on.
Over the last few years I have watched a very close friend battle Leukemia. His strength and courage is inspirational, and will help get me over the finish line.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society believe cancer can be beaten and so do I, and this why I have chosen them to raise funds for. Wish me luck by donating generously and help me make it count.
Let's make a difference!