In 2015 I was lucky enough to get a place in the 2016 London marathon ballot. I must admit when I entered the ballot I did not expect anything, and when the text came to say I was in I was quite taken aback. It came at a particularly busy time in my life when I was working full time, and just started on a full time MSc programme with one day a week during term time to attend lectures and study etc. My first thought was that I would defer. But anything can happen at any time. Maybe the following year something else would come up… so – carpe diem! The training would just have to fit in around the rest of my life.
It was hard to squeeze it all in, given there are only 24 hours in a day. I was up very early most mornings, and had to prioritise study, work and running. There was not much time for a social life! The marathon itself was just such an amazing thing to do. Painful, wonderful and uplifting. Running among thousands of other people who have also done those long runs through winter, sacrificing Sunday morning lie-ins in warm beds to run for 2-3 hours in the freezing rain. Running among thousands of people who have cajoled and begged friends and family (and complete strangers!) for sponsorship. It was very emotional.
Anyway – when it was all over I vowed I’d never do it again! I never have – yet 😉 Instead I’m doing 12 half marathons in 12 months.
I just love running. On Thursday evening I did my weekly long run, that I usually do on Sunday morning. I wasn’t too sure about doing 2 hours after work, but actually it’s good to mix things up – it was a fantastic run.
The weather was perfect. The canal side, woods and parks were in their finest spring beauty. Bluebells in the woods, and leaves on the trees still with that bright lime green freshness.
In 2016 I raised £2010 for JDRF and I would like to do the same this year (or even better!). You can sponsor me here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmilyBishop1
Many thanks everyone who has already donated! Good luck to everyone running tomorrow in the London Marathon 2019, especially the JDRF team.
Eat Cake And Run 