11th October 2011 Job Done :)

What a day, free to admit I was nervous as hell right up to the start, great to finally take part. Fantastic support all around the course even on the small country roads from the locals who cheered and rallied around everyone. Felt fantastic at the half way point and on target for 4:20. However the powers that be thought they'd have fun with me at the 16MIle marker and onwards. By the 21st mile my left thigh felt like locking up and i had to take it easy for a mile or so until i felt i could run again. The relief to hit the city limits and the start of the crowds was enough to jeer me on and run all the way up to the finishing line at Chester Racecourse. Finished in a respectabale 4:41:12 and proud of myself to achieve this.

I would like to say a massive Thank You to all that have sponsored me, encouraged me and even jibed at my athletic prowess. You all got me to the finish line.

Sean xx

 

3 days to go , please sponsor me for the Chester Marathon on Sunday :)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running the Chester Marathon in aid of The British Heart Foundation and I am appealling to your generous nature, to sponsor me in this event. Below is a blog of what I've been up to and why I am putting myself through this.

July 2011

Some people may say it's a mid life crisis, some people may say I was talked into it, either way I am doing the Chester Marathon on Sun 9th October 2011. Deciding to run on behalf of the BHF is not just another motivational tool, it's a personal belief that I am doing something to help others, who knows maybe even myself one day.

 Infact experiencing chest pains a few years ago the GP had no hesitation sending me straight to A&E for tests due to my family history. Fortunately for me thats all it was, probably too much chili sauce on a kebab the previous night. Sadly though my family and friends have suffered with heart illness and it does have a devastating impact on normal life.

Anyone who knows me may be amazed I am taking up this challenge, as I have never had the physique of a racing snake. Through all my years in the armed forces I had never failed a fitness test, and since leaving 11 yrs ago I have still kept a moderate level of fitness, wether hill walking with the dog, jogging, cycling or chasing my kids around the house to do there homework and tidy their rooms!

I am determined to complete this marathon, hopefully in under 4:30hrs. I hope that all who read this will sponsor me and give me their support, maybe some words of wisdom but above all a few quid to go to this cause.

August 2011

After a nice break with the family its back to work and back to training. With less than two months to go, its time to put on my running shoes and get back into the routine. Can't say its easy as there seem to be more days now when i think about just having a night off and sitting watching tv. I can't and i won't. I am now back on my programme, and pounding the streets around Hawarden and Chester, ( yes you can probaby feel the vibrations on the pavement). Thanks to my wife for washing all my sweaty sports gear and I have to apologise to my daughter as i dont get that hug any more when I return from a run,  she says im too wet and stinky, hehe cant argue cos I am pushing myself a little more each time. This means alot to me and I hope i can count on family friends and  anyone, to keep me going by sponsoring me. Having now come to the end of August I am happy to say that on completing just over 19 miles without any dramas i am greatly optimistic of completing the event in under 4:30 hours. However i am not devoid of all common sense and know full well what the last 7 miles will do to my body, Finishing is my real target and not letting any of my sponsors down.

September / October 2011

As per usual in the Robertson household, the family and running encountered a saga, the poor wifey has found that she has broken a few bones in her foot and is now on crutches. A few hospital visits later and taking on the role as the dominant parent has caused my training to slip. All's well eventually, Kate is home kicking my ass with her crutches and thankfully I've  been able to get in a few long runs so I am more or less back on schedule. I have at last broken my 20 mile duck in a reasonable time of 3hrs 20 min on a warm sunny afternoon, which gives me plenty of time to hobble the last 6 mile if needs be :) So i guess its all down hill from here. I dont feel any discomfort any more doing a half marathon which is a good sign, but I still have it all to do. With rumours that family and friends are gonna turn up on the day to cheer me on,  the butterflies in my stomach are now in full flight. I know I can do it and would like to thank all who have supported, encouraged and sponsored me so far.

With days to go and I would like to ask all my family, friends, colleagues, strangers, friends of friends to sponsor me and help me raise as much money as i can for this good cause.

Please dont leave it to the last minute, its surprising how encouraging the first sponsorships were, cheers fellas for yoru donations :)

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.

Sean..