Almost Athletes

[p]We did it! On cold wet Sunday 4th October, we ran 26.2 miles. We started at London Luton Airport and ran 5 different laps around Luton. Despite the weather, the support on route from family, friends and locals was fantastic and certainly helped us complete the marathon with smiles on our faces (Liz & Rachel's first marathon). Those of you who know us, won't be surprised that we popped into a few local pubs / clubs for essential refuelling and they generously sponsored us too - win win. It was a really brilliant day, and we were so thrilled to complete the marathon for Action for Children. [/p][p]Coming up to winter we will keep our running ticking over. In 2021 we will begin training in earnest as we are running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 11th April and have had our places confirmed for London Marathon, October 3rd 2021, running both for Action for Children. Huge thank you to everyone who has supported us in any way, we really do appreciate it. [/p][p]UPDATE - VIRTUAL LONDON MARATHON[/p][p]We hope to run the real London Marathon in 2021, but now we are looking forward to a fun day running around our local area and hopefully adding to our growing total. Look out for us in Stopsley & Wigmore, Luton on Sunday 4th October, wearing our Action for Children tops and red tutus. We will still complete the 26.2 miles, but with no time pressures and we're aiming for fun and fundraising.[/p][p][br][/p][p]Thank you very much for visiting our Virgin Money Giving page for [b]Action for Children[/b].[/p][p]After one of our infamous ‘social evenings’, Amanda and I thought it would be a good idea to enter the London Marathon ballot and we pledged to train together whatever the outcome.[/p][p]We were quite relieved when we were both rejected from the main ballot but there was a little part of us that was really disappointed. This led to us both trying for one of two places allocated to our running club. Amanda was successful – I was so thrilled for her and very excited. She, on the other hand, expressed her feelings slightly differently “*@*$*%!” was uttered more than once![/p][p] As promised, we began our training on January 1st, not letting the weather deter us. Following another ‘social evening’ we decided to apply for a charity place for me. We researched the London Marathon list and the one that jumped out to us was [b]Action for Children[/b]. So I applied and the very next day I was rendered almost speechless by a phone call out of the blue. I had a place – in [b]THE LONDON MARATHON 2020[/b]! [/p][p]Amanda and I are absolutely delighted to be given this fantastic opportunity to run together, raising funds for such a wonderful charity that means so much. [/p][p]Please read the info below about the essential work the charity does and follow our posts to see our marathon journey.[/p][p]Liz & Amanda [/p][p]Ps. Is it really 26.2 miles??????[/p][p]1.2.20 Training going well but tough. Thank you for your donations. It keeps us going![/p][p]20.01.2020. Week 3 training completed. Enjoyed the Fred Hughes 10 mile run on Sunday, in glorious sunshine. [/p][p]26.04.20 Training had gone well, with a few long runs completed, 12, 16 and 17 miles. My knee had been troublesome so I'd been advised by a physio to take it easy for a few weeks, "Better to get to marathon day slightly under trained but fit, than fully trained but injured."[/p][p]Then, 23rd March, everything changed. Due to Covid 19 the UK went into lockdown, with restrictions and social distancing. The London Marathon had been postponed to 4th October and we were left limbo.[/p][p]Since then, we've been out for regular shorter solo runs, it's just not the same running on our own. Running long distances is not advised due to the impact on our immune systems, so we've had to adjust. [/p][p]I would still like to complete a challenge on 26th April so have based it on 2.6 & will wear my Action for Children t-shirt to complete 6 different exercises. 1. Bicep curl 2k weights 6 x 6 reps. 2. Hula Hoop for 26 minutes (I may drop the hoop a couple of times). 3. Balance on 1 leg for 2 min 6 sec. 4. Score 62 basketball hoops (goals). 5. Play table tennis for 62 mins. I'll then go out for my daily exercise. 6. Walk 6.2 miles. [/p][p]If you are able to donate to Action for Children it would mean a great deal to us especially in these strange times. Stay safe, thank you. [/p][p][br][/p][p]From before they are born until they are into their twenties, Action for Children help disadvantaged children across the UK – through practical services and programmes that are proven to work. They help children through fostering or adoption. They intervene early to stop neglect and abuse. They support young carers. They make life better for children with disabilities. They steer young people away from trouble, into training and employment. They influence policy and advocate for change. Their 7,000 staff and volunteers run over 600 services; from family centres to intensive support services, youth work to residential care homes. Together, they make a difference to the lives of 370,000 babies, children, teenagers, parents and carers every year. But their work depends on public support. Without people like you supporting, they simply wouldn’t be here. Without people like you supporting, the children and families they care for wouldn’t receive their help. By joining the Action for Children fundraising family, we will form an essential part of the charity. Thank you for your support.[/p][p]Find out more at [url=http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/]www.actionforchildren.org.uk[/url][/p][p][br][/p][p][br][/p][p][br][/p][p][br][/p]