Three Girls in a Yaris and a the Bearded Lady!!!

The Yaris held a disposable camera which is now recording the weekend 😂. Natalie arrived bright and early then it was off to meet Lizzy in Kent. Lizzie kindly took the wheel while Natalie and I relaxed :-)). 5 hours later we arrived at the Yeo Dale Hotel which has the quaintest car park :-)). Of course into town for the first drink 👏👏

Yay I DID IT!!!!!!

It is with mixed emotions I write this blog.  I am so proud that I have achieved something that I never thought I could however I am now feeling a bit sad and tearful that this blog will be finishing my journey :-).  This last week especially has been a pretty emotional time and speaking to people yesterday at the marathon made me realise that that seems to be normal.

Well what a day.  I was up at 5am, made sure I had a good amount of porridge and got myself ready.  Although I had everything ready the night before I still seemed to be taking my time to sort myself out.  I think the nerves and excitement had set in.  We arrived at Little Havens to be on the coaches by 6.50 am and left shortly after.

At Little Havens before getting on the coach.

Simone saying goodbye before getting on the coach :-).

I travelled up with Tracy which was great as we intended to run together, which we did.  I don't think we stopped talking for most of the journey.  We arrived at around 8 am

The sun was shining but it was a little chilly when we arrived however it soon warmed up.  I think we used the loo about 3 times before we headed to start line.  Actually we pretty much got to the start line and I decided I had to make sure and go again.  Bladders empty, water in hand we headed back to the start line.  The air was buzzing and people just randomly talking to each other. Emotions were high.  It is amazing just how many charities people are running for.  The fancy dress costumes were great and added to the atmosphere.

Just before 10 o'clock the whistle blew and we had the planned 30 second silence for Boston.  It was so touching and emotional.  The sound went from loud talking, laughter and hub bub to silence. A very poignant moment.  I can not remember seeing anyone without their black ribbon! The silence was broken with another whistle blowing and a loud cheer and I am sure many tears and lumps in throats.  I can't find the right words to give that moment the respect it deserves.  It was a moment of sadness but also sheer determination.

10 o'clock came and we were off.  It took us 23 minutes to get to the start line and then we were able to start our run - a fantastic moment :-).  The first few miles seemed comfortable and were clocking up.  The atmosphere was electric and exciting.  People were cheering and the bands were playing.  It is so difficult to take it in but one point I really remember is coming around the corner and seeing the Cutty Sark seeming to just loom over you.

Dave had travelled up with Simone, Dan, Ross, Louise and Karen and had planned to be at 5 miles.  They had also planned to meet some other friends during the day too.  Although we had planned where Dave and co would be there was no guarantee that I would see them so it was with great joy that I saw Simone waving at me and quite overwhelming that there was a crowd of people there for me chanting my name and cheering us on.

The arch of balloons was mile 5 -you can just see me in the background with the yellow cap.  I think I was telling Tracy that I could see Dave :-)

Its amazing how having that support can spur you on.  I will be forever grateful.  The next time I would see them would be at 12.5 miles and that felt an age away but doable.  We have done this mileage before but it soon became difficult and at about 9-10 miles I was finding it tough.  It was hot, it was probably the worse weather those of us who were running could have.  We had been training in the cold and snow.  This was alien to us and very draining.  It was difficult to know how much fluid to take on.  It can be dangerous having too little and it can be dangerous having too much.  The magazine went to great lengths to tell you not to drink too much as it can cause major problems so it was hard to judge it.  The same with the lucozade and the gels.  To little and your energy levels were in your boots, too much and you could find yourself running to the loo!  When I trained it didn't just involve running it was getting used to how much water to take on board and how many gels to have.  This weather threw that out of the window.  It was a beautiful day but not what we had trained in.  It was around 10-12 miles that I started to wonder if I would make it to the end.  I was suffering physically and psychologically.  I had to give myself a few talks and remember why I was doing it.  My patients gave me the inspiration to do my run and remembering that spurred me on during some very low points.  I also had to complete it to ensure I got over that line for Boston as for everyone of us that finished Virgin are donating £2 to the charity for the victims of the bombing.

It started to become a bit of roller coaster but we were soon running across Tower Bridge to the 12.5 marker where the first Havens Hospices post was along with my friends and family.  Again an amazing feeling to see them.

Just come across Tower Bridge

Saying hi to the family and friends :-)

Now for the longest treck before we see them as they were going to be at the 23-24 mile mark.  At times we were now having to walk as it was tough going.  We were however going to finish this.  It was hurting and it was hot.  At one time I was dropping behind Tracy and said for her to go ahead but she never and she stayed with me which I was grateful for.  Throughout other parts of the run it was my turn to encourage Tracy on and together we worked as a team.  It would have been easy to carry on walking but when we did walk after a short while one of us would get the running going again. The crowds were great and encouraging as were the marshals and the people giving out the drinks and gels.  When you felt it was hard there was someone there to encourage you on.  The next meeting point was either 23 or 24 miles and there was no way I wanted to be seen by my friends and family walking so we had to push through those miles.  We past the 23 miles and then the 24 and I thought maybe I had missed them but as we came out of the underpass I heard Dan shouting at me and he told us that the others were a bit further up.  I was so glad that we ran up that underpass :-).  Dan then ran off back to the others.  It wasn't long and we were back with our supporters.  A great feeling and not much further to go.

Saying hi to Simone before getting to Dave and friends.

Our final meeting and not far to go now :-)

We carried on running and then walked for a bit until we nearly reached 25 and we decided we were going to try and run it the rest of the way from here.  We go to about 600 metres (or was it yards??) left to go and had to walk for a short while, there was a bridge with 385 metres (or yards oops can't remember) on it and we ran from here.  As we turned we saw the finish line and then it was time to get to that line and cross it which we did at 6 hours and 26 seconds :-). It was an absolutely amazing and emotional feeling.  To have finished it with Tracy was great and to have completed something I never in my wildest dreams would have thought I could do a few months ago is indescribable.  A very very proud moment.  Our tags were taken off and our medals received.  Wow wow wow.  We got our kit bags and our goodie bags and then was off to meet the family, friends and supporters from Havens.

Hey we're back, we've just been out for a little run :-)

Shattered but proud!

Eating out pink lady apples.

Thanks Tracy, I couldn't have done it without you :-)

All that hard work, commitment and training was for the above.  What a wonderful journey and experience.  Not only have I completed something I could only dream of but I have met some wonderful people along the way and made new friends.

At the moment pretty much everywhere aches but that is just a reminder of what a fabulous journey this has been.  So many people have supported and encouraged me that I can't even begin to list them but I want to thank each and every one of you.  Thank you.

A final parting message.  I was inspired by my patients to take on this challenge and the worthy cause I have done it for is Havens Hospices.  I have reached my target however they need every penny they can get to continue the work they do to help children and adults with life limiting illnesses.  If you would like to make a donation, please visit my fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Colly-Wilks.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your suport.

Love a very proud and chuffed Colette xx

Race number collected and Excel visit.

An exciting day yesterday.  I went to the Excel with Dave and Simone to collect my race number.  It does make things seem very real now and exciting.  It was lovely as the the cubicle I went to to collect my number was being manned by people who had previously ran the marathon for Havens Hospices.

My race number - wahoo :-)

I had my last training run on Tuesday and ran 4 miles. It was lovely as Dave and Simone were able to come out with me so I had my last training run with them which was very special.  Now it's just trying to relax and wait for Sunday.  It's not that easy when you have got into the habit of going out running.  Although I know it all gives my muscles time to recover I feel as if I should be going out.  

Sunday is going to be a pretty emotional day I think especially in view of the bombings in Boston.  Virgin have given us all black ribbons to wear which I shall wear with pride.  They will be having a period of silence as a sign of respect prior to the race start and they have announced today that they shall be donating £2 for each runner that crosses the finish line to the official Boston charity which will go towards helping the victims.  It sickens me to think that at such a wonderful time when people are at an event raising money for charity and doing nothing but good they are targeted by terrorists.  I am sure I speak for many when I say it makes us all the more determined to run.  Of course from an individual point of view I shall be thinking of those who have inspired me to run which includes my patients, my family and my friends.

I am pleased and excited to say I have pretty much reached my £1500 target if not exceded it however it would be great to see that balance continue to grow so if you would like to add to my fundraising and donate to Havens Hospices then please visit my page at www.justgiving.com/Colly-Wilks.

Many thanks.

Next time I catch you hopefully I will have my medal.  Thanks for your ongoing support,

Colette :-)

One week left - on count down!!!!

Wahooo, only one week left!!!! In fact this time next week it will all be over and hopefully I will be celebrating somewhere.  It has been very strange tapering, I almost feel as if I have been cheating as I have not run so much :-).  Weirdly though I have felt more tired and psychologically I have really had to fight to get myself out and about.

Now however the excitement has set in.  Thursday saw me down at Little Havens having a more than needed sports massage.  I have had these regularly throughout my training and personally feel they have been a great help.  A huge thank you has to go to Chris, Louise and Matthew who give their time to carry out the massages and all the funds raised go to Havens.  A special thank you has to go to Judy and her team who have done a great job at organising all of this.

Yesterday Tracy and I went to London to run/view the end of the route.  We ran 4 miles from Tower Hill and arrived roughly where we think the finish will be.  It was a great to do and the excitement started.  Notices have already gone up to let people know the roads will be closed next week and barriers are already evident.  The run was finished off with a coffee (decaff I hasten to add!!!) before heading back to Fenchurch Street to come home.  It was also great to catch up with Tracy as she ran the Milan marathon last week - what a star :-)

Today we met again at Little Havens for our final team run before the marathon.  We are continuing to reduce our miles and we ran 6 and half miles today.  We have been advised to run 3-4 miles on Tuesday and then rest the last part of the week.  It feels pretty alien not to be running so much and is going to take some discipline not to go out for a last minute run.  The Echo arrived to take some photos and Havens also took some shots.  The sun was shining today and I feel pretty happy and I have to say quite proud.

Well that's it for now.  I may touch in on Tuesday or later in the week but I'm not sure yet, otherwise I shall be catching up after the big day.  I do feel I need to wrap myself in cotton wool though as I am scared I may do something silly and injure myself :-).

Oh before I go a big thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me in my journey which has been pretty amazing and it is not over yet!!  Although I have received lots of support your continued support is greatly appreciated.  If anyone would like to make a donation please visit my fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Colly-Wilks.  Thank you so much :-).

Photo taken today by Havens at Little Havens.
The lovely lady (with Tracy on her top) standing in front of me has been my great running buddy, support and encouragement on our long runs :-)

Only two weeks left to go!!!

I can't believe that this time in two weeks it will all be over and hopefully I will be celebrating. I went out for a run today and did 10 miles. It's strange how I have been saying "I only ran 10 miles today".

It was a beautiful day to run. The sun was shining and it felt like spring was in the air. Dave joined me for the first couple of miles and then I was off on my own. I ran down to the river in Hullbridge and then along the river for about a mile. It was lovely. People were fishing, feeding the swans and walking their dogs; everyone seemed to be in a happy mood and smiling which seems to come with the sun shining. I think it's the first time I've ran without my hat and coat in ages and seemed much more comfortable :).

It really didn't seem that long and I was home again. My feet seem to be aching a bit lately, but my knees felt fine and I didn't seem to be aching in my legs so overall a great run. Of course had the mandatory stretching and a relaxing bath. Now to see what the next two weeks bring :-).

Thanks for all your ongoing support.
I'll be back soon,
Colette :-) x

20 MILES!!!

Well well well, I ran 20 miles on Sunday, I really can't believe it.  I was just about coming to terms with the fact I had achieved 18 miles last week and now I have hit 20.  It stills seems strange that only a few weeks ago I wasn't really running and could not even think how I would achieve the higher numbers.

The day started early, Tracy and I met at 6 however the clocks had gone forward an hour so our body clocks really thought it was 5am and I had got up at 5am so on any other weekend it would have been 4am.  It was still dark as we started off but didn't take long for the sun to be up and we were met by a lovely sunrise.  The sun always adds to the good spirits.  It was still cold though however nowhere near as cold as last week and no snow to speak of this week which was a refreshing change.

As we arrived back to our cars both Tracy and I had big grins on our faces, it was an overwhelming sense of achievement.  I have to say that grin stayed on my face all the way home and for quite a while afterwards.  Of course none of this comes without aches and pains so stretching and a hot bath were the order of the day for me, although I have since found out that a hot bath is not the best thing to do after a long run.  For me though it is lovely and not something I couldn't easily give up :-).  My knee seems to be holding up and although irritating and aching at times seems to have improved and has certainly not go any worse so I am hoping it continues that way.

So 20 miles have been completed and now is the time for tapering.  That is the longest run I will do now before the marathon.  It feels strange and a bit scary that the next really big run will be the big day on 21st April.  So now is the time to reduce the intensity without getting too complacent and hopefully keeping injuries away.

It is now the time to be excited and I really am :-)

That's it for now.
I'll be back soon.

18 miles today, wahoo.

Today was a tough day to run but a great milestone.  I went out with my running buddy Tracy and we managed to clock up 18 miles.  It wasn't the easiest run in the world but we go there.  We met up just after 6.30 and headed out in the snow and wind.  Initially I thought I might not get far, my knee has been playing up and I was worried it was going to cause a problem however after the first couple of miles I got into my pace, my knee settled down and we faced the weather.  Often along the way we questioned our madness however soon realised we wasn't on our own when we passed several runners (we didn't overtake pass them, they were running in the opposite direction!!).  The ground was slippery in places so a careful step was needed.  Although it was difficult we soon (well it felt like soon) reached 9 miles and turned around to head back.  Some of the return run felt easier but some felt harder and some roads felt like they had grown.  The snow stopped for short time but kept on coming but we soon reached the final two miles and as usual these were the hardest but we kept going and finally reached our target of 18 miles.  I have to thank Tracy again at this stage as I am sure I wouldn't have done it without her company and support.  I have to say initially saying 18 miles was just a number however it soon sunk in how far we had run and how much we have achieved over the weeks.  I for one was more than chuffed and still can't believe I have managed to get that far :-).

We arrived back at the car, cleared the snow and headed back home.  I phoned my daughter before arriving back and asked her to start running a bath.  After stretching a relax in a hot bath was just the ticket.

Next week we are hoping to run 20 miles, lets hope it's a success.

The training, let alone the Marathon, has been a real challenge, if you would like to sponsor me please go to my fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Colly-Wilks  - money raised will go to +Havenshospices (http://www.havenshospices.org.uk/) which is not only a great cause but a cause that is close to my heart.

I would also at this stage like to thank my wonderful husband Dave who initially started training with me however due to injury had to pull out.  He is now getting back to running however feels quite despondent that he hasn't been able to run with me and support me. He has however been a massive support, encouraging me all the way and saying the right words when I am moaning because I ache :-). I have missed running with him and will be glad when we can get back to running together.

Thanks for reading and your support.
Catch up soon, Colette :-)