I did it!!!!!  A huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored me, extremely kind of you and much appreciated to raise money for this worthy cause and managed to reach my target for Macmillan - so a huge thanks to all!!

 

I had a fantastic time and amazing experience - despite running 16 miles with blistered toes which throbbed throughout - but continued to run (slowly) to the finish line - finish time of 6hrs 4 mins 32 secs.  Look out for my Marathon Day photos!!!  Every bit of the route was lined with spectators which were truly encouraging and supportive, calling your name and giving you great motivation.  My most favourite spots along the course were Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Embankment - and of course - up to Buckingham Palace and down The Mall (the Finish!!!)

 

I would like to congratulate my running partner Lisa, who ran with me and crossed the finish line together.  It has both our ambition to run the London Marathon and we have both succeeded - well done Lisa!!!!  And will be entering the ballot which opens on 4th May and hope that we can both run this spectatular event again together. xx

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Well this is it!  (in Michael Jackson's words!)- after a few years of talking and wanting to run the London Marathon, I have, after my 1st attempt of applying for a place, been hugely successful and will be running on 25th April 2010 for Macmillan.

I will be running with my friend Lisa Duck, who unfortunately is suffering from cancer herself, but despite her illness and treatment, she too has successfully gained a place with Macmillan to run the marathon with me.  The thought of running over that finishing line on The Mall in London excites me!!!

Many of you will know a friend or family member who has suffered with cancer or even lost them over the years or you may have or are suffering with this illness yourself.  Macmillan works hard to make life as easy as possible for those in need and their families.

I too have lost my Auntie at the age of 41 years and my Mum at the age of 51 years both to cancer and having come to terms with coping with these losses, makes me proud that I can help make a difference.

One inspiring thought - any of you who are aware or heard of the late Jane Tomlinson, who was just a normal everyday woman with a young family, suffered with cancer, amazingly run many marathons, triathlons and cycled Rome to Home and across the States.  I have been reading her books, finished by her husband Mike, which I have found truly emotional but extremely inspirational.  If someone suffering with this illness can put herself under so many extremes and with determination succeed - then for me, with training, it is very achievable.

My friend and I started our training over the summer months and now run 4 times a week with a longer run on Sunday mornings, getting up and going out at 6am Tuesdays/Thursday mornings during these cold, dark winter mornings - not easy but needs must!!  It's amazing what you can achieve when you set your mind to it.  I have just recently run the Dartford 10 mile race on 17th January and will be running the Tunbridge Wells half marathon on 28 February and from then on will be increasing my mileage so that I can run a comfortable and steady paced Marathon - determination not to walk it.

Please donate as much or as little as you would like to help me raise as much as possible.

I would like to thank you kindly for your donation and hope that if you are at a loose end on Sunday 25th April, that you cheer me on to help me achieve one of my ambitions.

Best wishes to you all

 

Sonia

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