Chapter One - The Story Begins
Something very strange has happened. I have a place in the London Marathon. I’m not sure how it came to pass, and I’m wavering between elation and terror. I’m also wondering what happened to the old Liz Jones, who thought running was what water did, and whose personal commitment to exercise was strictly spectating only.
One thing I know – a blog is obligatory (oblogatory?). If I work really hard at it, then a blog is the only training I need to do. It’s like gardening – if you watch enough gardening programmes, you don’t actually have to go outside and mow the lawn yourself. So here we are – Chapter One – the story begins…
April 2010
Watch Chris run the VLM, and think, “Yeah, I’d quite like a go, but not yet”. Enter the ballot with no expectation of success, and little concern either way. Get on with my life.
October 2010
Chris gets in – I don’t. Am seriously disappointed – and shock myself by realising that I really, really want to do it. Decide to go for a club place, and plan all sorts of horrible ways of fixing the result (if necessary, kill people).
Look up charity places as a backstop in case I don’t bump off enough Hyde Park Harriers. Realise that most of them have already allocated their places and start to panic. Dash off an application to Age UK on the basis that a) I’ve supported them for years via Payroll Giving, so I’ve got previous, and b) I intend to be old one day.
Less than 24 hours later – I’m in. I have to raise £1,500 (on top of the £100 I’ve paid as a bond) and I have to train as well. I need a plan…
Hey Liz,
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting adventure :) Can't wait to read all about it,
T x
So proud Liz! It's fantastic. Now, take a photograph of how nice your feet look, they may never be the same again!! Can't wait to watch your progress.
ReplyDeleteH xx
I wondered why the grass in my back garden was so long, my husband must watch the same programmes!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck, I'll be avidly following your (and Chris') progress!