Rich and Gail's Marathon challenge

[p]Hello, thank you for taking the time to visit our page.[/p][p]Let me introduce ourselves.[/p][p]I’m Gail and this is my second London Marathon. I’m not as fit as I was back in 2017, so it’s going to be a huge challenge both physically and mentally.[/p][p] The knowledge of what’s to come isn’t always a benefit, but just knowing the route and toilet stops is an advantage![/p][p]Rich is my partner in this ‘marathon’ challenge. He’s the husband of my very close friend, Ange who works for our chosen charity.[/p][p]Rich is a seasoned runner, so I’m sure he’ll cope with the training, with ease and finesse ( although he may not feel this at the moment).[/p][p]We are proud to be running for a small charity based at Mount Vernon Hospital called CTRT ( Cancer Treatment and Research Trust). The funds we raise will help continue the vital research for new cancer treatments, that we hope will lead to improved quality of care and life for the patients.[/p][p][br][/p][p]19.1.20[/p][p]Training is well and truly underway, we’ve both completed our first two weeks and the miles are racking up nicely, covering just under 70 miles between us ( although Rich has covered a little more than a half Marathon more than me!!).[/p][p]With the looming expectation of longer runs, as big a challenge is finding both suitable and interesting routes.Today the canal path offered both distance and beauty on a bright frosty morning.[/p][p]22.03.2020[/p][p]What a shame, training was going so well. As you're probably aware, the 40th London Marathon has now been postponed until the 4th October 2020. Not a problem, we'll just scale back our training for now to 2 or 3 runs a week and then hit it hard again in Mid June ready for October. Many, many thanks for the donations that we've received so far, your support for this great charity is truly appreciated. Quick message for Colin 'The caterpillar', we're really looking forward to meeting you and shaking your hand at the finish line!![/p][p]28.09.2020[/p][p]It's all starting to feel very real. Only 5 days to go before we run the 40th 'Virtual' London Marathon!!! Our running numbers arrived in the post this week and we're currently waiting for the Virtual Marathon app to be released this week. We're as prepared as we'll ever be and we are both looking forward to Sunday 4th October. Training through the summer has been going well, reaching a peak of 20 miles, about 2/3 weeks ago. We'll be running the 26.2 miles in and around Leighton Buzzard, starting off from the running track at Astral Park, making our way through the town before joining the Grand Union Canal path (near the back of Cedars Upper School) before heading towards Simpson in Milton Keynes. When we reach Simpson, we'll turn around and head back towards Leighton Buzzard before finishing at Tiddenfoot Waterside Park (next to Cedars Upper School, Leighton Buzzard), phew!!! Again, many, many thanks to all of you that have supported us so far. We look forward to sharing a post marathon update, including photographic evidence, on the 5th October (the day after the 40th 'Virtual' London Marathon). Best wishes, Gail and Rich.[/p][p]05.10.2020[/p][p]Well, we did it! We ran the marathon, completing all 26.2 miles of it. What an amazing experience. We've been completely overwhelmed with your messages of support, donations and with the willingness of people to stand out in the cold and rain to support us along yesterdays virtual marathon route. Thank you and thank you so much for helping us to support the great work of our charity, The Cancer Treatment and Research Trust. Your support has been and continues to be truly amazing!! [/p]