How do I start this message ~ to say I am totally 'gutted and upset' just does not cover it!
I have had to withdraw from the 2012 London Marathon. I will however automatically receive a place for 2013.........am I going to do it!!! YOU BET I AM!!!!!!!!
Running this marathon means more to me than the physical challenge, yes it is the need to become fitter and healthier but also to allow myself time to contemplate my life and all the great things in it!
On the 5th March I was on target with my training plan with a 15 mile run, after completing the run and sitting at home I had pain in my left ankle...... to cut a long story short, I then sought advice, but continued to run and a week later completed the Silverstone half Marathon strapped up, but the pain continued.
In the past 4 weeks I have seen a Sports Therapist, Physiotherapist and Orthopaedic Consultant, after an x-ray and a snazzy MRI scan it is confirmed as a 'stress fracture' in my left fibula ~ no running for 3 months and an aircast boot for 5 weeks to repair the damage!!!!
I had hoped that this year, after 3 failed attempts to gain a ballot place previous years, I would be doing the Marathon..... I had already begun training back in August 2011 just to be prepared.
So here we are 17 days to go before the London Marathon 2012 and I can't run!
However, I would like to thank all the lovely fantastic people who have sponsored me so far! I have raised a total of
£1661.20
Whilst all your fundraising has already gone to the respective charities I appreciate that I did not complete the 2012 challenge so wanted to say that I can claim any money back if you would like to contact me. However, if you are happy for the money to roll to 2013 London Marathon fundraising page (open soon) there is no need to do anything, your message and donation will already be on there.....
I would like to share with you however, what for me is the massive achievement on getting to this stage, I have by no means been half-hearted with the training I have spent many, many hours (82 hours to be exact) of running the 379 miles to get ready for the big day. I am massively upset at getting so close and not being able to complete this challenge this year.
August 2011 - 00h:00m and 00 miles
March 2012 - 82h: 23m and 379 miles
So I plotted it out.... its the equivalent of running from London to Edinburgh via the M1/A1........ I tell you I would definitely take a car next time!!
I'm not a natural born runner! The thought of having to do all of this again in preparation for 2013 is a little daunting but is something I am determined to achieve...........
I have found training hard, and not just hard in terms of fitting it all in to my family and working life. Its hard to train all over the winter, to go for a run Christmas eve, to not drink at many a party and to run with an injury..... its all hard work.
Why will I complete this Marathon in 2013?..... simple.... my motivation to run for my daughters memory and the money it will raise. There is a lot of time to think when you are out for a 3 hour run. I am pleased that we can have a big say in how the money is spent at the Horton hospital Maternity wing. I have thought a great deal about what I could do to help people in our situation - there is nothing I can do to replace the loss they will have or to help them grieve any easier. What I can do is to help them have more lasting memories of the all to brief time they have with their child. The money you have been donating will go towards 'hand and foot' castings, I wish this had been offered to us...
here is an example:
However, No amount of photographs or footprints or castings are ever enough, but we cherish what we have, this was our baby.
