So, I started this blog months and months ago to give me motivation to do this marathon. I knew if I said 'I'll do it', I probably wouldn't. Hence the reason for doing it for charity, updating blog etc. I said I wanted to reach a target weight and a target waist size. I haven't reached them yet BUT I am fitter and stronger than I was when I started the blog. So, although I haven't achieved THESE goals, I HAVE achieved the main one.
Can I complete a marathon with 30 weeks training? Yes I can and I did.
Now the important thing here is for me to say it wasn't easy, there were times in my training and on the day (at the start line), that I didn't think it was possible. It would have been a ridiculous task had it not been for the support I've had from my friends, family, workmates and random people in the street. My motivation was Garry and Lee - http://www.breakingstrain.co.uk/ but that changed seeing Big Pete and Stevie S putting in the training (and Jeff), I also saw guys I'd known for years, who I had never trained with, volunteering to train with me and new friends I met through boxing, work etc putting in time to help me train. The net result is that everyone got more motivated.
The guys I was doing the marathon with, along with me, have a background in physical activity/competition to a high level but we had let ourselves get fat, tired and boring (me, Stevie S and Pete that is). Apologies guys but its true. Life, love and family gets in the way and in all honesty, I have never seen these guys happier. I know it was hard for them to find the time to train. Jamie pitched in late to say he was doing it too. Now, what I had was 5 people I admire the most committed to the cause.
To be honest, I cant remember my 5 hrs 49 mins out there. I can't remember the pain. I can't remember the dehydration, the scenery, the banter, the weather, the ambulances or anything. It's like a vague dream. I feel it happened but thats it. I do remember Garry and Lee running the last 200m with me with big cheesy grins and seeing Pete, Stevie, Jamie and L at the end and then Vick, Mia, Laura, and Cat but thats it.
What I'm trying to say is that this was an achievement for me but I used everyone and everything I could for motivation but the bottom line is - IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN. I don't just mean completing a marathon, I mean ANYTHING. Set your own goals. I'm still overweight and not nearly as fit as I could be, but I'm a helluva lot better off now than I was 30 weeks ago. I'm happier, healthier and have a new found respect for myself and the people around me.
Thank you everyone.
'It only seems impossible until its done' - Nelson Mandela via Garry Mackay
