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Laura SHRIMPTON

TCS London Marathon 2023

London Marathon Completed!

📣 London Marathon - 26.2 miles/42.2km - COMPLETED in 3:56:01 🤩🎉🚁📣 for the AMAZING @londonsairambulance !! Together, we have exceeded my fundraising target, and with gift aid raised over £3000! 🥹❤️ THANK YOU isn’t enough for each and every one of you lovely people who donated, sent me messages of encouragement, cheered me on! Honestly, INCREDIBLE. Thank you so so much for all your support! ❤️ donation link will remain open for anyone who still wishes to donate/was waiting for me to actually cross that finish line! 🤣

I am ELATED!! (And currently, at time of writing, unable to summon more than a hobble around the flat! 🤣). It has been SUCH an emotional and physical journey to get to this point (no running May-Dec last year due to injury, only allowed to start jogging for 1 minute in January, not allowed to run longer than a half mara in training to mara, picking up an ankle injury 5 weeks ago, being prescribed iron & Vit D a month ago, as so low in both I don’t know how I was functioning, fell over last week, and trying to plan a wedding all at the same time) SO to run a marathon, and a sub 4, blows my mind. 

The last week, I had been so anxious about it. I gave myself a little pep talk before to remember to ultimately take it all in, enjoy it (the crowds will be amazing they say) and SMILE throughout 😃

So that’s what I did. I ran the whole way with a massive smile on my face (apart from when I was crying seeing loved ones!), partly knowing it would tell my brain that this is “good” and “enjoyable” 🤪, partly because I was actually enjoying it & partly knowing it would encourage supporters to cheer me on even more to help me on my merry way😅. I smiled, hi-fived kids outstretched hands, fist pumped the air (lol) when people cheered my name. It is true what they say, the crowds & atmosphere really do carry you. It’s indescribable & amazing.

Despite noticing achy lower body at halfway, I didn’t hit that infamously dreaded wall at any point (!). Yes, it was tough and it’s long, but I told myself pain is only temporary and my body is tougher and with correct fuelling, it seemed to work🎉🤩

Chuffed beyond words!!! Shout out to my cheer squad!!🥇❤️

Half Mara done and on track for London Mara!!😁

A little medal today with a big, long story behind it and lots of emotion intertwined 🥹

This morning, I completed my longest run in 12 months. A half marathon. 🎉 half the distance I should be running in 5 weeks for @londonsairambulance at @londonmarathon 😁 

Coming back from a long and slow hamstring injury/recovery which stopped me running last May-Dec (cue tears)…and 
swamped any hopes of October’s London Marathon (more tears shed). I couldn’t even walk at one point without pain. I remember having to “run” for a train to go watch the London Marathon that I should’ve been running in and the pain. And then the tears at the frustration and uncertainty of if and when I’d be able to run again. 

Physio finally gave green light to start back running in Jan, with 1 min jog and 1 min walk for 10mins. (I got overexcited at one point, overdid it running for 4 mins (!) and was banished from running again for a week).

On Wednesday, after a *year* of physio, I finally got discharged (cue tears of joy at getting to this point).

This morning I ran for 1hr 55mins to complete 13.1 miles/21kms, essentially pain free! 🥲

Sam ran alongside me the whole way 🥹❤️ absolute legend. He got up at the crack of dawn to cycle in the pouring rain with me to the race, got soaked, had to wear my clothes (!) and the only person I know who starts running a half marathon with a cup of tea in hand 🤣

I felt so mentally strong and determined when running today. It felt so good to be running with a group of people again. Got my nutrition right and did a little sprint finish. Got all emotional (again) thinking of the journey to date and the disbelief that I think this means I’m back (!) and…

On track for the London Marathon in 5 weeks!!!! Mixture of terrifying and exciting as I have to do double what I ran today!! 🤯 the next month will be a balance of getting the miles in and time on legs but not getting injured again. I’m not where I was fitness wise pre- injury but I’m running and I’ll wholeheartedly take that 🎉

Running is funny. I never thought I’d ever enjoy it. Not being able to last year has just increased my appreciation for it and my body being able to. What a privilege. 💖

xx LONDON MARATHON UPDATE - LONDON AIR AMBULANCE xx

ONE WEEK TO GO (not for me)

London Marathon race day has nearly arrived - next week!! 🏃🏻‍♀️ However, for those who don’t know yet, I won’t be running next Sunday. I have a hamstring injury and have been forced to defer until April’s marathon, when I hope to have fully recovered. 
Injuries suck, especially when it prevents you from doing something you enjoy; that makes you feel good both physically and mentally. I’ve been keeping up fitness with swimming, cycling and strength workouts (plus my physio exercises) and hope to get back to running soon. 

In the meantime, a HUGE thank you for everyone who has donated so far to London Air Ambulance via my fundraising page (link in bio). The charity has already received these funds. We have raised nearly £1500 already, and I am set on raising a further £1000 by April when I will run the 26.2 miles. 

I don’t have a running video to share of me as I haven’t been running 😔but on my commute home Friday night caught the LAA taking off which felt special and a nice reminder for me of the bigger picture. 

xxx

8 weeks to go!! 🚁

2 months to go. Eek slightly terrifying. 

For those interested in my journey and where I’m at now:
I saw the physio yesterday (as I have every week for the last 3 weeks). He specialises in elite athletes and has worked at the Olympics and Commonwealth games so I’m in very good hands. I’ve been suffering for several months (well, actually a niggle since Feb which I ignored and pushed through when I got my 10km PB in May - 46:02) with hamstring pain in my right leg. Turns out that it is due to having very poor hip extensions (how far your leg can go behind you) and that has caused my hamstring to be overloaded and thus feel pain. 

The detail:
The physio measured the degree (?) to which my legs can extend and for someone my age, it should be 15. At least 8 to function properly. 3 weeks ago, my good leg was +6 and my bad leg was -3(!!!). Was given exercises to do 3 times per day (!) and 2 weeks ago my good leg managed to measure from +6 to +10 and my bad leg from -3 to +4. Another week on, yesterday, my good leg from +10 to +14 (yippee!) and my bad leg from +4 to +6. Boo. Diminishing returns. No where near the progression required. Very frustrating as I’ve spent 2 hours in total this week in a stretch, for it to only increase by +2. Just very stubborn. 

SO, where does this leave me?
I’ve been sent away with modified exercise to intensify the stretch to see more improvement and will see him in a month. That will then be 1 month to the mara. Hmm. And for someone who hasn’t been able to run for 2 months or do any training, sounds rather ridiculous to still hope to do the marathon in Oct. However, stranger things have happened and the physio says I’d be able to complete it, but depends on whether I’d rather defer to April when I’ll really be able to race it having fully prepared and can aim for a good time. 

SO, I still have my sights on Oct and still have a glimmer of hope to carry me through a little further and whether I defer or not- I’ll make that decision closer to the time. 

For now, I’m keeping up my fitness and strength by swimming, spinning, cycling, strength workouts and focused on getting donations for this wonderful charity.  

Thanks all for you support x

10 weeks until race day - injury journey

Today marks 10 weeks until the London Marathon when I will be racing! For those who don’t know, I’ve been struggling with an injury the past few months which has really affected my training. It’s been a real rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve seen a few different physios and finally had a really positive one yesterday - positive in terms of they are confident I can be back running pain free in the next week or so [shed a few tears of relief]. I’ll have an update next week once I see them again. For now, I am still focused on Oct and getting myself back to full health as soon as possible. Please keep your donations coming in - your support of my journey and this charity are really so appreciated. Thank you 💖

BIG NEWS!! Just received my London Air Ambulance Charity T-shirt!! 🌟🚁🎉🏃🏻‍♀️

Welcome to those that have just joined my journey! 

I’ve decided to run a wild 26.2 miles/42.2km (and I’m still scarred from Year 3 sports day having to run the 800m race!!!) at London Marathon this October and I need your support!!!! 😅❤️

I’ve got a target of £2500 for this amazing charity and would love if you would donate to this cause via my fundraising link!

This charity is close to my heart as it combines an emergency service and aviation - both are careers that my parents were in for a combined 47 years (firefighter and cabin crew)! Being London based myself, makes it even closer to home - literally. If any of us Londoners/M25 dwellers would ever in the unfortunate circumstance need to use their services, it would be there for us and could save our lives!

Despite the fact that it is a vital resource for saving lives here in London and within the M25 - reaching patients within 10 mins - it is not fully funded by the government!! It isn’t an NHS organisation. Crazy! The LAA has responded to the main London crises we’ve seen here in the capital - 7/7 bombings; Grenfell Tower; Borough Market and Westminster Bridge stabbings to name a few. In fact, at the 7/7 bombings in 2005, LAA dispatched 18 teams and flew medical supplies to the bomb sites across London, providing help to over 700 patients. 🌟 JUST AMAZING.

BASICALLY, if you would like to support me in this crazy challenge, and support this wonderful charity, then PLEASE DONATE. 

Thank you thank you thank you ❤️

A personal note - London Air Ambulance x London Marathon October 2022

I first saw the amazing work of the London Air Ambulance in 2004, when I was in year 6 or 7 and the TV documentary "Trauma" was aired on TV. I found it fascinating, probably given the fact that the emergency services has, in some regards, always been a part of my life, with my Dad being an Airport Firefighter for 27 years. Looking up to my Dad as a hero, ready to help others when needed, gave me a lot of respect for the courageous work of those in the emergency services. 

My Mum, being a Stewardess for 20 years, has meant that my world has also revolved around aviation and flying. 

London Air Ambulance combines both of my parents’ worlds  - flying and emergency services -  and by default, mine.

Discovering that the LAA is a CHARITY, and not an NHS organisation completely funded by the government, blew my mind considering it is so relied upon here in London. It has been heavily depended upon for major London crises - such as the 2005 7/7 bombings, the Grenfell Tower disaster and all of the terrorist attacks in London that we have seen of late, such as the Borough Market stabbings and Westminster Bridge attack.

Living in the borough of Wandsworth, London, and finding out it was actually one of the busiest boroughs for the LAA in March this year, makes this charity even more pertinent to me.

To be able to combine my love of running, pushing myself and rising to a challenge, with raising funds for such an AMAZING charity here on home soil in London, at a world-famous event, will be super special.

I am excited (and quite daunted) by the thought of running 26.2 miles (!) in October, which at the time of writing this, will be the furthest I have ever run. EEk!

I am so proud to be running the London Marathon for such an amazing cause and hope that we can, together, raise money to meet my target of £2500.  Thank you!!


I'm fundraising for...

I'm running to help save lives in London

London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously injured patients. Your donation will help save more lives by keeping the helicopter in the air and the rapid response cars on the road, ready for when they are needed most. By providing intervention as quickly as possible after injury, London’s Air Ambulance Charity aims to give patients the best chance of survival, and best quality of life, after trauma.

I will be taking part in the TCS London Marathon 2022 running with the London's Air Ambulance Charity Team. Please give what you can to help save lives in London.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£2,772 + £538.65 GiftAid

My Goal

£2,500

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Thank you to my Sponsors

£10.40

Jason Snelling

Life saving work so important. Sorry fo past

£20

Jo And Martin Lawrence

£20

Sharon H

Well done Laura. I had every confidence in you that you would do exceedingly, abundantly above all anyone could imagine. You are such an inspiration to me. Keep going as the sky is your limit. Lots of love and blessings my dear. 🙏🏽♥️

£20.80

Zoe H

Congratulations on this incredible achievement Laura!

£11.44

J. Cornish

Congratulations on completing the marathon last week and overcoming the difficulties on the way.

£10.40

Heather George-lunn

Well done Laura x

£31.20

Jane Sykes-brown

£31.20

Jane

Well done Laura!

£26

The Foulds

Big love , lil Shrimp , from all of us xx

£26

Lisa & Richard Field

Congratulations Laura. An amazing achievement.

£10

Alex Paul

Well done Laura! Smashed it!! 💪🙌

£10.40

Emily Marsh

£10.40

Anonymous

£20.80

Tim & Ilona X

Well done today Laura - awesome running!!!

£50

Anonymous

Keep on running. Xxxx

£20.80

Riva Kapoor

Good luck Laura!!

£20.80

Pedro Goncalves

Well done

£20

Andrew Rubio

Best of luck with the marathon!!

£20

Jess Blackburn

Go Laura! So proud of you!!

£10.40

Ralph

Good luck tomorrow Laura!!

£15

Lola

Best of luck Laura! x

£104

Sophie

Run, Shrimpy, Run!

£31.20

Jan

Proud of you, Shrimperoo!! xXx

£10.40

Elleni

Well done Laura!

£10.40

Mel Evans

Good luck lovely, you can do it 🤗

£10

Elizabeth Day

Good luck Laura! Congrats on the fundraising xxx

£10.40

Josh Robinson

Wooo good luck!

£20.80

Paddy & Lynne

Good Luck!

£20.80

Dyna Dreer

Break a leg Laura! 🥰

£10.40

Rebecca Alexander

So so proud of you for taking on a whole marathon!! Cheering you on from NL xx

£52

Hannah B

Laura you are AMAZING! I know you have got this as you have shown such patience and determination to do this. I am incredibly proud and feel so lucky to be able to cheer you on from the track. Lots of love Shrimps 🍤 xxxx

£10.40

Chloe Watling

Good Luck Laura! All the Pens/Watlings are rooting for you 👏🏽 x

£5.20

Ebed-melech Gebreselassie

Good luck!!

£260

Anonymous

£72

Samuel Gebreselassie

Go Laura!!! Your journey to London Marathon is inspirational and a testament to your fortitude, resilience and commitment to a key cause - the mission to save lives!

£20.80

Millie, Andy & Nancy

Well done gorgeous girl! So, so proud!

£40

Jonny And Rhiannon

Awesome charity to run for! All the very best for next Sunday - we’ll be cheering you on (virtually).

£10.40

Laura Wells

Go go go Shrimpy! Best of luck, you’re doing an amazing thing for an amazing cause xx

£20.80

Laura

You will smash it!!! Good luck and keep going!

£20.80

Emily Cole

Good luck! X

£31.20

A Fellow Shrimp

Good luck Laura! X

£10.40

Zaina Ahmed

You are amazing & inspiring! Such a brilliant cause you are fundraising for. You got this! xxx

£20.80

Sally Manhire

Trev and I are so proud of you - your determination for such a worthy cause. Sending so much love for a safe run xxxx

£50

‘the Sisterhood’

A special birthday donation xxxx

£71.76

Henryshrimpton