Run RIBBIT Run!

4 weeks 4 days to go!

If someone had asked me to choose between another day's training or diving head-first into a pond full of frogspawn, there have been occasions when the frogspawn seemed a more attractive option.

However, as Trevor and I participated in the Silverstone Half-Marathon on 15th March, I was hugely relieved that we chose the training. We were certainly prepared for the 13.1 mile run round this famous motor racing circuit, and it was invigorating!

Out of 6801 runners, we reached the finish line in positions 5479/5480 in 2 hours, 22 minutes. To some, it may not sound impressive, but there were 1321 runners slower than us, according the 'timing chip' results after the race. We didn't spot many middle-agedies like us either, as we were surrounded by youngsters. I have ordered some photos taken by the official photographers and expect to receive them next week.

A brilliant day and not a frog in sight.

Last Saturday we completed a 15-mile run, our furthest so far, and we're planning 18 miles this weekend. Getting close to the Big One now.........

I didn't Slip, I Wasn't Pushed, I Fell

6 Weeks 6 Days to Go!!

Already we have reached Week 18 of our 24-week marathon plan and in less than 7 weeks it'll all be over!

At the time of writing we have raised over £800, thanks to the generosity of our friends, family and colleagues - we will be eternally grateful. We still have a way to go to reach the £3000 target, but we'll do our best!

We continue to have 'mishaps' and I'm praying that we will make it in one piece to the marathon on 26th April. A couple of weeks ago, whilst out running, Trevor got his foot caught in some wire and he ended up flat on his face. He didn't sustain too much damage, other than a slight shoulder-strain...oh, and his pride, because it happened on a very busy road!

I badly bruised my knee on 6th February after slipping on ice and was just starting to feel a little less pain today when I had another fall! I tripped on an uneven pavement, and now have two grazed and bruised knees and a black swollen hand. Sigh, such is life. Doris Day's 1950 song, "I Didn't Slip, I Wasn't Pushed, I Fell" came to my mind and I'd like to take you through some of the lyrics (in blue italics, with my thoughts in black)

I didn't slip, I wasn't pushed, I fell, oh yes
Right into the middle of a warm caress
(No such luck, Trevor was next to me but the caress didn't come until after an undignified crash onto the hard ground)

I didn't slip, I wasn't tripped, I fell, and how
I'll be glad to speak of that adventure now
(Glad? Yeah very glad, it was SUCH an adventure, right)

We'd like to speak of that adventure now
(Oh wouldn't we just? This is more thrilling than the big rides at Alton Towers)

There I was, mindin' my own business and thinkin' that love
Was only a juvenile pastime
Then I fell head over heels onto love
(Well I DID fall head over heels in love with Trevor but not at that precise moment)

And now I know that I'm going down for the last time
(Hang on a minute, I've got a marathon to run yet!)

I didn't slip, I wasn't pushed, I fell, you bet
And if you hadn't caught me in your arms
Why I'd be fallin' yet
(If Trevor HAD caught me in his arms I wouldn't have grazed knees and a black swollen hand! Never mind, he does everything else for me. Er...Trev... Trevor! I wouldn't mind another one of those warm caresses now if you don't mind.....)

We're participating in the Silverstone Half-Marathon on Sunday 15th March and I will report on that next week. In meantime, here's the Doris Day song for your enjoyment....

God bless xx