Marathon update

Back home in Manchester now after my adventure in Brighton,and I did think of it as an adventure. Alot hillier than I expected but so much to do.Brighton Rocks!Gorgeous view of the sea and the pier from our hotel and I got to see a fair bit of the place on my run. Fantastic to meet Joe at last and her lovely other half and sweet daughter. We all spent a wonderful evening together. Thank you very much to Joe and Starfish for the most beautiful t-shirt ever I wore it with pride and it is rather salty now but I shall wash it gently and put it in my treasure trove. Well I did it, I completed a marathon and although it didn't go exactly according to plan I am very happy to have done this. I thoroughly enjoyed the run,the atmos was terrific as it always is at these events I was doing brilliantly, I was running well and was making good time for the first half, 13 miles. Then at mile 15 developed pain in the back of my left leg,this got progressively worse throughout both of my legs with the odd twinge of cramp. I knew what it was straight away, salt depletion and I knew I would be walking most of the rest of the way by mile 21 I couldn't run at all and my fingers had all swollen up so I went to the nearby paramedics who gave me a couple of salty drinks then I was on my way again,keeping my hands in the air as advised. I managed to run the last 50 metres over the finish line to lots of cheers. Got unexpectedly emotional because after all my training, efforts etc I had hoped to do this in 4.5 hours not the full 6.Britain has been in a heatwave this past week and I just cannot run in the sun, just as I struggle to swim in warm water.All has to be cool-ish for me. However I did it and got my medal damn it! There were some poor souls worse off than me. My fingers were normal size again by 8.30 ish after a meal. Thanks to our lovely hotel staff for putting on an early breakfast for us. Thanks to Joe and her family for coming along to meet and support me. I hope your journey home was fine and didn't take too long. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored and supported me, it really does mean alot to me and does make a difference. At mile 16 a lady with a tannoy stopped me and gave a shout out for Starfish So thats phase 1 complete, now for the more important phase 2,collecting  sponsorship. So now I'm at the recovery and rebuilding of the body stage. Lots of rest, fluids and sleep.
        You can  visit our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Sarah-and-Joes-Brighton-Marathon-April-2011/120777117978635

To see an example of the  inititaives our fundraising helps, please visit Starfish   here:

 http://www.rutgerhauer.org/rutgerhauer.org/adoption/ldaproject.php

  Thank you so much for sponsoring me, I look forward to hearing from you  in the   future. We do make a difference together. xxx

One week to go......

This time next saturday I will be on my way to Brighton ;) I am traveling by train with my other half and we shall be staying there for 2 nights. I am really excited about the marathon and cannot wait! A good friend is traveling down to see me and offer her support. I am excited about that too as I haven't seen her in such a long while. Unfortunately there is some sad news I will be a lone runner in this race. Joe has had to postpone her race until next year. She has had various health issues which have mean't that she hasn't been able to train as she should for this year. I am sad for her but wish her all the luck for next year. Its a shame we can't be running together, her health has to come first and she is still coming to Brighton to meet me. I look forward to that. Take care Joe. So this weekend I shall collect all the things together I need to take with me so that I don't forget anything. My race number is 6369 and I am in the green wave. If you want to help HIV+ kids throughout the world and help me to help them please do sponsor me. I can't express how much I appreciate it and how much it is still needed. Thank you xxx Also yesterday I did my first vlog which is experimental and now on YouTube. I enjoyed it and hope to make it a regular thing. It could get addictive


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzlxcDKdcww

Have a good weekend everyone and keep smiling

Lots of Love Sarah xxx