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Christine Martin

Virgin Money London Marathon 2020

This is what it's all about

Kind friends, J & J brought round this delicious reward: an M&S  dribble cake for me to nibble greedily :) 

Effort painted on my face

One more for luck!

In action

I've found myself in the throng of the Marathon crowds, borrowed the images and will share a couple of them. Just in case you thought I had made the whole thing up and had scammed you all, hopefully you will accept this as proof beyond all reasonable doubt that I pounded those pavements, filled buckets of sweat and earned that 26.21 medal!

OMG YOU GUYS!!!

Wow you've done this! You've done much more than I! YOU have raised the average amount of a call out by London's Air Ambulance. We've replaced Peter's cost of rescue making the incredible team able to rescue and repair someone else. I'm more than proud. I might have been awarded the medal, but this was a Total Team Effort!!! Pictures to follow!

All set

Today, my name lettering was applied and runner number pinned onto my London Air Ambulance T-shirt. It seems there is nothing more to be done but to run the distance ... Bring it on!

Run Cam Run

The Virgin Money London Marathon Running Show was fun to look around. Thought this giant-sized instruction was rather inspiring...

Kit Bag handed in, Bib Number received

A very exciting day today. Short training run done and then off to London's Excel for the registration and hand over of the kit bag. My bag is loaded in the crate and packed with the all important medal, t-shirt and drinks. It feels odd to think that bag will be handed back post run with the goodies loaded into it today.
There was a fascinating display of Marathon medals from 1981 to date. The first 'medal' being a small coin!

Final long run dun

Final one hour and final long run of Marathon training completed today. Signs were all fastened to posts for the local half Marathon which was in swing todayl. Mental thank you mouthed to self as I realised I didn't need to run anywhere near 13.1 miles. Small victory!

Runner Number 10872

Crumbs I have my runner number! When the Marathon app is released shortly, it means my whereabouts and progress will be tracked in all its glory. I also have my start time and zone. heading off to the London Excel to get things set up next week. Oh crikey, the what have I done nerves are abound!

Starting to taper training

With tapering underway, I set off on a 90 minute run with optimism that it wouldn't be a big deal. '90 mins is 90 mins,' said my legs and sure enough, they began to ache. Agh I guess this is normal? Hoping for more springiness as tapering continues ... else it'll be a long old Marathon ...

Your donations are truly blowing my mind

While giving my training what for this morning, I had no idea of the generosity running through the veins of those of you who know us. While I do my utmost not to fall over, (nearly went again yesterday) , Peter is busy getting ever better - which is amazing news. My London Air Ambulance Technical t-shirt arrived today! Two things of note: it is size E for enormous and Very Very Long AND I have to iron on 9 individual letters so crowds can shout my name in cheery support. I suppose it won't matter if my name is wonky, but if some letters fall off, it may be that CHIN' or 'CIST' could mean me!

Weather for ducks

As our old colleague Roy Smart would say, weather for ducks today. Still, the training run had to happen, so I took it as good practise to stay upright, with special attention to avoiding wet manhole covers. Those, and slippy crisp packets can be lethal taking a person down faster than a trip over a proud slab (which almost got me on Sunday). It's a jungle out here! 

Wobble Wiggle Waddle

The idea of yesterday's longest run for some reason had me in a bit of a wobble. It had to be done so there was no wiggle out, but conditions in my head weren't right. After 9 miles, I found myself waddling like a goose. Anyhow, that is of no import because there is a job to do here - roads to pound, injuries to airlift and you glorious donators to make proud. And of course Stanhopes to capture. Look at this beaut. Nature has added to the artistry with its unique sprouting through both stone and paintwork.

30 May Peter's Accident

When Peter came off his push bike on the A21 on 30th May this year, it was clear he was in a really bad way. He landed squarely on his face with his head taking the major impact. His injuries were life threatening and we later found out he had around a 30% chance of survival. Fortunately for us, London’s Air Ambulance had picked up this emergency, arriving on scene within 20 lifesaving minutes. An eye-wateringly intense 48 minutes later, he had not only been anaesthetised, intubated and therefore stabilised at roadside, but transported to the A&E of the Royal London Hospital where a team were ready to take over and roll the wheels of recovery into action. Fast forward to today and Peter is up and about … wondering when it’s reasonable to get back on his bike! His recovery so far has been and continues to be a team effort, but nothing short of magic happened on that roadside.

London Air Ambulance's incredible team of specialised trauma care, focussed emergency attention exactly where it was needed and without doubt saved Peter’s life. We can never thank them for this, but I can run this year’s London Marathon on 3rd October to raise funds to allow them to perform these miracles on others. London’s Air Ambulance is a charity relying on the public to raise cash and make donations. Saving lives costs big: on average it costs £2500 to attend a single emergency. Perhaps together we can help to save another life.

Please give what you can to support this amazing charity and help spread the love. Our family thanks you in advance. 
Thanks for reading and for being such great people.

I should say also that I already had my Marathon place so 100% of your donations will go to London's Air Ambulance. Even better!

So near to target, I can smell it

A very happy place right now is being so close to my fundraising  target. I nearly ran today, but decided to swerve it and enjoy the September sunshine. Had a lovely day chilling and chatting to friends. Back to it tomorrow!

New or Old Sign?

By far the more attractive area for the sign!

Hither Green today

A poor night's sleep did not deter my goal of the Hither Green Stanhope today. In fact, like the Catford wall arch artwork, I managed to snap two. I'm not sure if one of the Hither Greens could have been a previous one repositioned and renewed? A reason to return to investigate later perhaps! 

An innocent wasp sting turns hostile

While this is a running blog, it also covers Peter's recovery so when he took a sting from a tired and busy wasp early yesterday evening, it kind of dominated all else. The sting was to the face, right around his surgery stitches. The area swelled, his body broke out in an immediate rash and he was breathing oddly, clutching his chest, face ashen, sweating profusely. High drama. I checked 111 online as the recorded announcement from dialing 111 told me it was too busy to answer. I followed instructions online and imagine mine and Drew's surprise when it advised us to call 999!
Almost 24 hours on, Peter is alright, swollen still, but breathing ok and a happy pink colour with no rash remaining. I believe the shock of the sting caused his recently punctured lung from the cycling accident to react severely. I think we have to be very careful with bites and stings in the near future as Peter's body has been through enough, clearly not enjoying the wasp onslaught. I also think the family need to see a lot LESS ambulances for some considerable time to come. Like yikes!

Tickly Achilles

Agh runners nightmare...I am 'aware' of my Achilles. It was the hills of Chislehurst that did it, though to be fair, the tendon is my arch nemesis. Being aware might not sound that bad, but I have ignored these signs before. My last physio around 5 weeks ago was so intense, I couldn't run for a week. This week, I will be mostly following a religious regime of gentle but consistent icings, stretches, warm ups/cool downs and 3 x daily exercises :(

Snapping up Stanhopes

To give purpose to the long training runs - always have to be killing more than one bird with each stone - I'm running to Stanhope's station sign writings and snapping them. I'm trying to collect the set. Brockley has been updated following the Olympics!

An hour run today

Wow I did not want to do my 60 minutes training today. Legs felt heavy, I was tired, bit windy ... thought I just couldn't do it. I did it anyway and felt Fantastic. In fact, due to a mix up of where I parked the car (I didn't take the car), I ended up overrunning by 15 minutes LOLS

Big Half Marathon Completed

With the Vitality Big Half on Sunday 22 Aug done, training resumes for the real deal in just 6 weeks. I must say, it felt great to be running the streets and sights and more importantly the sounds of London's fine body of people. What a boost to lift the spirits were the DJs, singers, drummers and steel band. Thank you!

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£2,731 + £491.60 GiftAid

My Goal

£1,500

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Thank you to my Sponsors

£31.20

Thomas Hill

£23

Laura Hill

Well done Christine fantastic effort! so proud of you. 💜

£20.80

Stuart Baker

Well done Christine x

£20

Katya Sheath

£52

Moira Mcsweeney

Amazing job Christine! You are a brave and fit woman. Congratulations

£31.20

Katie Black

Congratulations ! Katie (BATM 🌞)

£20

Liza Allen

Well done Christine! Such a wonderful cause! So happy to hear that Peter is doing so well xx

£52

David Williams

Hope all went well and you don’t ache too much!

£10.40

Claire Tyler

Good Luck Christine,you've got this xx

£20.80

Michelle Hammond

So very proud of you Christine, tough tough year for you - you are one of the strongest women I know a true inspiration - lots of love GO GO GO

£10

Peter Faunch

Sending our best for a great day and I’m sure your smash it!

£20.80

Helen Freeman

Go girl 😋I’ll look for your number 👏👏

£20.80

Jan Rawlins

Well done Christine, a great cause! Xx

£20.80

Roger M Marsden

Good luck - I watch every year and remember my doing it twice in the early years - always with a slight tear in the eyes. Roger

£52

Roger Wormald

What a great effort to undertake this challenge Christine. Well done you! Take it easy on the day and enjoy the moment. All the best, Rog, Jo, Cesca & Alex

£10

Linda

You’ve done the training, it’s your time to shine - again! Go Christine! You’re an inspiration. Will be tracking you!

£104

Cathy Haynes

Run like the wind Christine, its an amazing challenge for an incredible cause!! All the very best of luck and enjoy the whole experience! Cathy and Duncan xx

£44.72

Simon Mercer

Good luck and well done Christine ! Enjoy ! Simon

£31.20

Philip Jones

£26

Margaret Bentley

Best of luck and all the best ….thinking of you. (Claire’s mum!)

£52

Julie And David

You are amazing Christine - we will be rooting for you and for Peter's continued recovery.

£31.20

Sharon Oakes

So glad to hear of Peter’s recovery! You will smash the marathon, Christine. Looking forward to hearing all about it xxx

£104

The Costards

Christine, you are an inspiration. You've all been through so much recently and you are now doing such a wonderful thing. We'll be willing you along each step of the way and know you can do it!! xx

£50

The Goldby's

Good Luck Christine! Keep on with the training and this will be a walk in the park!

£50

Patrick Nolan

Good luck Christine . Wish you every success. Patrick x

£50

Peter And Judy Acornley

Good luck Christine, 26 miles, wow! A great organisation to be supporting.

£30

Ashleigh & James

Super good luck with the run Christine! xx

£20

Irina Tiselita

Amazing work.Well done xx

£31.20

Cate Carnduff (whittley)

Great to be back in touch, good luck with the run x

£50

Shirley Edwards

Go girl, you can smash it!!we are so incredibly proud of you. What an inspiration you are to us all, keep up the GREAT work Christine love you lots xxx

£31.20

Penny Furzer

You’ve got this Christine! 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ xx

£52

Victoria

Will be thinking of you Sunday ! With much love Vic, phil, Jim and Soph Eckel

£10.40

Cesca Wormald

Good luck, you’ll be fab!!x

£52

Simi Cooper

Wonderwoman! You are a true inspiration Christine. Wishing you lots of luck. Simi, Daniel, Callum, Sacha & Hugo xx

£11.20

Drew Gatward

We'll all be there to support you, keep on training. Keep going collecting those Stanhopes!!

£10

Sam Storey

£5

Ciaran

Good luck Christine, believing in you! x

£30

Miranda & Sam

Good luck Christine!

£20.80

Lisa Williams

Good luck Christine, you’ll smash it!!!! Xxx

£20.80

The Baizon’s

Good luck with the marathon, it’s an amazing thing that you are doing. We were so sorry to hear about Peter’s accident and hope his road to recovery is a smooth one. Sending best wishes to you all x

£50

The Hills

£30

Nigel Wilkinson

Hi Christine, good luck with the marathon and best of luck to Peter, Sad to hear he’s also fallen our with the insect world! I’m sure you and the family are doing a good job looking after him. Look forward to seeing you all at the appropriate time!

£104

Kevin Grimshaw

Christine,I hope you have a great marathon! to complete one is an epic achievement and You have my upmost respect as I know that I could not do this!god knows how many steps that is on the Fitbit but I'll be thinking of you! K X

£100

Paula Moore

What a shock to read this, Best wishes to you all, especially Peter. Fingers crossed you are well on the road to recovery. So many happy memories from EBA! May the wind be on your back Christine. Sending much love to you all, Paula & Billy

£50

The Whittaker Famiy

Very best of luck Christine - that is an enormous challenge and such a worthwhile cause. Really pleased to hear that Peter is on the mend. xxx

£15.60

Louise Byrne

Very Sorry to hear of Peter’s accident, but delighted his recovery is going so well. Good for you, doing the marathon! Lovely to think we might all be sitting over Beaujolais talking achilles, runners, bikes, Briscoes and bullshit (that’s the sober conversation). Love to you both xx Lou

£20.80

Heather (newcastle)

Wow Christine, that's a shock! Glad to hear Peter's on the mend and you're putting in the miles. I'll look out for you on the telly! ;D Best of luck with the training! x

£20.80

Peter Barratt

Hi Christine. Only found out about Peter’s ‘prang’ yesterday. Must have been a very traumatic time for all of you. So pleased to hear he’s on the mend (and looking forward to getting back on his bike). Best of luck on the Marathon -it’s a great cause. Very much looking forward to Beaujolais Day this year and seeing you both. Give the man my best wishes. Peter B

£50

Stephen Duval

Good luck Christine - I know this cause means a lot to you and Pete.

£20.80

Claire Schartau

Good luck Christine and best wishes to Peter in his recovery. Let’s hope we can all get together for that Beaujolais drink soon! Much love Claire x

£20.80

Graham Jewson

£52

John Charnock

To Peter and Christine - What a great cause ! Lots and lots of best wishes x x

£20.80

The Ritchie Family

Good luck Christine and great to hear Peds is doing well!

£20.80

Sandy Wheatley

£50

Katie Herbert

Run Christine Run ! You're doing brilliantly, so proud of you.

£15

John Whiteley

Good luck Christine - hopefully be on the course (mile 7) marshalling so hope to offer some positive support on your way round!

£50

David Stealey

£104

Danny Christ

Every best wish to you Peter and the family

£208

James And Joan Dawson

Christine, to paraphrase Peter Cetera, you’re an inspiration! Thank goodness for the Air Ambulance and thank goodness for you. It’s good to have Ped back.

£10.40

Jay Gatward

Come on mum!!! We're all behind you

£26

Katherine Newberry

So pleased to hear Peter is ok. Have a great run. I know you’ll smash it.

£20.80

Yvonne

Hi Christine So sorry to hear about the accident but glad to hear Peter is on the mend. I'm really happy to support you and such a good cause. Hope you have a great run :-) X Yvonne

£20.80

Shaun Jex

Wow you truly are a inspiration! I’m so pleased to hear Peter is on the mend that’s such good news. Run Christine run! Go smash it! 🥰

£20.80

Caroline Jackson

Run like the wind Christine. You are all so brave and inspirational. Sending love. Caroline, Georgia, Alexia and Claudia xx

£20.80

Lezanne Welch

Can’t take for granted that one day it just might be you. So immensely relieved to hear Peter is recovering and that you Christine and the boys are a great team. Coffee soon! Leeez xx

£31.20

Sarah Teeluck

You’ve got this !! Most amazing woman I know xxx

£156

Claire Bentley

Go you! Both you and Peter are an inspiration. All the best for the big day …you’ll smash it I know! Keep hanging in there you guys! Cx

£31.20

Sarah Harradine-cardwell

Christine, you're a rock. Keep going and, like Churchill and Bear Gryls say, 'Never never give up'. xxxx

£31.20

Avril Mcnamara

You are amazing

£25

Christine Martin