Friday 10th Feb 2012

Back in May 2010, we both promised Dad that we run the Brighton Marathon in aid of Dorothy House hospice.We never thought that this would actually be one of the last things we would ever say to him.

Dorothy House meant so much to Dad, offering him care, friendship and an environment of peace and calm, whilst all the time helping him and others to come to terms with his terrible illness.

Dad found it extremely funny that both of us were going to attempt to run 26 miles, especially as both of us hate running and had never actually run more than 2 miles! We were supposed to be running in 2011, but deferred the place, as we were scattering Dads ashes in the Alps when last years Marathon was taking place

Nearly two years later, here we both are, only 9 weeks away from attempting to run 26.2 miles! We are currently at 15 miles in our training, and apart from Ria's body falling apart, marathon preparation is going well.

We will keep you posted over the next few months, so please follow our journey and keep your fingers crossed for both of us.

lots of love

Jon and Ria xx

Mon 13th Feb 2012

16 miles was yesterdays big run, and Jon is aching this morning! He has just booked 8 weeks worth of Physio at his work to cover the next two months. Running is just not good for you!

Mon 20th Feb 2012

17 miles was painful last Sunday! Time to take it a bit easier! Both Jon and Ria have been told by their physios to cut back on the training for this week as both of their bodies are saying 'slow down'. Best to take it easy to allow the body to repair itself. The worst thing that could happen now is to get injured resulting in having to pull out of the actual event! 

Mon 27th Feb 2012

A much calmer week, with the miles being covered in smaller runs but both still have some aches and pains. Acupuncture for Jon and chiropractic visits for Ria.

Mon 5th March 2012

Both Ria and Jon are feeling much better. The easier fortnight has definately helped. Roll on 20 miles this forthcoming Sunday, which is the biggest run we will be doing in any our training! We are a little nervous but at least the mid week runs are shorter!

Mon 12th March

Ouch......two hobbling runners this morning! However, we both made the 20 miles, Jon in 2hrs 50 and Ria just over 3 hrs 10. Littlehamton to Hove is quite a run! We now have a good few weeks to recover from this, so lots of rest and treatments for both of us.

Mon 19th March

An easy week from both of us as we are still feeling the effects of the 20 mile run, so best to take care of our bodies and to keep the runs short and sweet.

Mon 26th March

Back to full training this week, so numerous short runs, lots of strength work, foam rolling and now an increasing stretching programme. My god...its getting close now! Our race numbers have arrived and we have our last group run this Sunday of just 10 miles. We are both hoping our bodies have recovered sufficienlty for this run?! We have also received our running vests which look great with pictures of Dad and Dorothy House on them and also our names, so people can cheer us on.

Mon 9th April

After some light training, with lots of rolling and stretching, both of us are as ready as we can be. We are both a little worried about some niggles but i am sure that the atmosphere will over ride these on the day. Fingers crossed for us both!

Mon 16th April

We are both now marathon runners!

Wow, what a feeling!

Ria completed the 26.2 miles in 4 hrs 15 and Jon completed the marathon in 3hrs 53, so we are both over the moon with our times.

Many thanks to everyone for sponsoring us. Reaching 1000 pounds before we started running was such a boost.

Also, a huge thank you must go to our friends and family who helped us on the day. Without your support, we would not have been able to complete it.

Time for some rest now!