View all Virgin London Marathon blogs

Overview

Well.. here we are. What a week this has been. This all started in truth many years ago watching the London Marathon on the telly with the niggling voice at the back of my head (let's call him Bernard) shouting "You should really do that, think of that sense of worth and achievement, of crossing that line, having raised all that money and then being wrapped like an oven ready chicken in silver foil" (didn't really think about the last bit, that was comedy) which brings me to my sense of humour, and the very large one I think I'm going to need over the coming months as I turn in to an athletic God.   All my natural instincts are telling me (or should that be Bernard) oh have another cuppa and put Dave on for another Top Gear.. What's that ? It's not on ? Oh wait an hour there'll be another one very soon. However, these last years, Bernard's voice has got louder, and with the onset of mddle age, Bernard was joined by a small clock, tick.... tock..... tick..... tock...until this year after watching it on the telly again, I gathered myself, on that Sunday afternoon. I considered long and hard about what I was about to say, and, to be honest, having not been the best role model in the world to my two kids, it was this that spurred me on, I wanted to do something that would make not just me, but them fiercely proud of me too. It was then the words spilled from my mouth, Bernard, now deafening, "That's it. I'm going to run The London Marathon next year".. that was it.  I'd said it. Bernard had shut up, and so had that clock. This was met with answers of, "really Dad, honest ??" "well, yeah", Aw Dad, I'll be dead proud of you" came back my 13 year old son. It was worth it. Already, he was onboard.  I went and logged on to the site with my new found enthusiasm and registered in the ballot, and then had a look at the various charities. Having two kids I thought it important that I raise money for kids who are not as lucky as my own. I looked and considered several very worth causes, but have to say the one that moved me most was  The Rainbow Trust. There were video links of familes having stayed at their respite home in Surrey, and within a minute, I was a basket case. I can't recall sitting in front of any computer and crying before, Bernard now saying, "this is a first". Oh.... shut up Bernard.

That was it. I applied for them all those months ago. I have to admit I did apply for two more, but Rainbow is the only one I kept badgering. My several emails beginning with.. "Sorry to be a pain in the arse but...." Until this Tuesday I had the email from Paul at Rainbow and his opening line was "Hi Gerard, so sorry for the delay.  I'm afraid I'm going to have to say YES!!!  Nothing to do with your badgering at all...just great to see how keen you are". I had read this at work on the computer we can use in our break, and let out a "WOO HOO - YEEEEESSSS", which attracted some stares, but who cared. I was in. I announced it to the Facebook world, and soon had lots of good luck messages. My family were all really excited for me.

Now the training to start. And some trainers to find. Having looked on several sites, have gone with Asics GT2140, and must say. THEY ARE FANTASTIC ! However, went out on my first jog yesterday, nd as I live in the country, went down the lanes, and the second corner I turned there in the middle of the road were six full size geese. "Run faster" shouted Bernard, my legs wouldn't answer though. So there I was on my first run out, being chased for 40 yards by 6 angry geese, giving it the full hissing thing at me. Cars I thought wolud be my no. 1 hazard. I hadn't figured on geese. Still, made it home in one piece.

To be continued... 

NOW HAVE MY FUND RAISING WEB PAGE UP AND RUNNING FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY FOR WHATEVER REASON CHOOSE TO DONATE AS FOLLOWS www.justgiving.com/gunnfunrun

Blog Views: 649     Total Posts: 38     Total Post Comments: 61