A couple of weeks ago I had one of the best days yet - on Sunday the 4th October I ran 26.2 miles at the Bournemouth marathon. It was a perfect day for running - clear blue skies, warm and dry - so beautiful to run through the town I grew up in, and along the stunning coastline. I think I enjoyed this marathon even more than the London! My parents and youngest sister came to support me at regular mile points -helping me keep focus as to when I'd next see them. It was a lot more hilly than I had anticipated, but I didn't mind that, however I had to slow right down at about mile 20 as got seriously worried my heart may give way, I just focused on finishing the race alive, and without having a heart attack. It was the longest few miles of my life, until ......
.......a couple of miles to go, where the crowds were few, and motivation was dying, my uncle and aunty came running towards me with a fresh burst of energy and enthusiasm. They ran alongside me and I found myself picking up speed to keep up with them. This was honestly the best thing that happened throughout the race. They stayed with me, encouraging me and chatting and making me laugh, right til the crowds picked up again - by which time I could keep up the pace as the finish line was in sight.
I finished the race (alive) in 4h23m - knocking off 9 minutes from my London marathon time. So pleased.
After the race, my family met me in the runners village, where it was nice to catch up and treat myself to a massage! Then we all relaxed together over a late lunch and family time :-) I like those kind of days. Brilliant :-)
I did not however enjoy the following days quite so much, I wasn't stiff or achy as much as I could have been, but I had to go straight back to work the day after, to do a long twelve day shift, with six 13 hour days on call #I'dratherberunning
Can I just say a very sincere thank you to everyone who sponsored me for the two marathons I ran this year, and everyone who has donated to the Cambodia dentaid trip in general. You helped me raise £2951.15 !!!!!!!
So in three weeks I will be travelling to Cambodia to volunteer with the charities dentaid and one-2-one. We will be providing dental treatment to those less fortunate than ourselves - who cannot access basic healthcare where they live. The money you helped me raise will go towards this trip, helping about 1000 Cambodians to receive pain relieving dental treatment - something we all to often take for granted.
Vaccination boosters done this morning. Antimalarial tablets bought last week. Head torch (lack of electricity in outreach clinics in Cambodia) delivered. Dental masks ordered. But still a few bits to get sorted. Eg donations of dental materials and equipment to take with us.........
Not long to go now!
