Gillibobs' Blog

So then, we did it, our Cancer Research Shine Marathon 2011 is now officially completed. It had highs and lows, but we did it  – well half of it. But more of that in a minute.

We spent the day part of Shine, preparing by pacing nervously around the house doing tidying type things to keep our minds and hands occupied. Eventually it became time to pack our stuff up (no mean feat) and take Peggy-dog to my mum’s which thankfully was stress free.

We got to Manchester at around 19:15 and made our way the GMEX (which is apparently now called the Manchester Central Convention Centre). We were really surprised at just how many people were there – maybe as many as 11,000!!! They were handing out water, reflective strips and snappy glo sticks and the atmosphere was great. What was also great was that Moochy’s mum, dad, sister and her partner Patrick came to see us off – what a a treat. It’s amazing how hugs and “Good Luck’s” make a difference to my nerves.

The walk itself  was great and awful at the same time. The first part of the route took us through Salford Quays, so the views were great, and the miles did seem to be ticked off fairly fast with the surge of people. I was slightly gutted that before that, in fact, after just 1 mile, I started to experience the same hip problems that I had last week. This meant that I was in pain from pretty much mile 1

I really struggled with the decision about what to do, there were two events for Shine, the full marathon (what we signed up for) and the half marathon. Everyone sponsored me for the full thing and one of the reasons that I signed us was because I wanted to actually DO a full marathon…. I swung between going for it and doing that half right up until the pit-stop at 10 miles, when after a 5 minute sit down, I was in bloody agony and could hardly walk up a gangway to get past Manchester United. I kind of knew then there was no way I could walk the full 26 miles without being stupid pain, so I called it.

Even though I was gutted at  not being able to do what I set out to do, I still walked 13 miles and raised over £300 for Cancer Research UK. Even now, the day after I am 80% sure I did the right thing, with just a nagging 20% wondering if I should have just see how I got on. The restless, painful night I had supports the 80%, but you just never know.

Anyway, as usual, we took some photos, but before I share them with you, I have just one last thank you. This goes to my lovey Moochy who only signed up to to Shine so I wouldn’t have to do it alone. We have spent the last 3 months training together and he has been just amazingly supportive  – but over our 7½ years together, I have come to expect nothing less. I don’t often express my love for him publicly as, for the most part, I think these things are private. But he deserves a very special mention for walking and training with me for 3 months, not complaining once, gathering sponsorship and generally being my partner and 100% by my side.

So thank you Michael Keith Lysons, I love you and I couldn’t have done it without you….. xxxxx