Sunday 4 May 2014
Here we go again!
I am still in shock about just how much amazing support I have had over these last few months. Thank you all so much. However, in raising so much money and training for the marathon, I have most definitely got the running bug! After a short break, I am planning to start again soon. CLIC Sargent is a wonderful charity, and although I am not planning on taking on another of their charity places, I will still be raising money for them in any races I do, in memory, of course, of the lovely Richard Moon. Richard was such an inspirational friend who never gave up, and so in his memory, I will never give up trying to better my time! I will not be asking for donations, but if I am ever speaking of running and anybody wants to donate, I will keep this page going so we can raise as much money as possible. So far, I have entered the ballot for the London Marathon 2015 and the Dartford Half Marathon this July, 2014 - my first ever half! Wish me luck!
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Richard
To date, and incredible £8,364.90 has been raised in Richard's memory for two amazing charities - CLIC Sargent and Hospice in the Weald, who supported Rich and his family throughout his battle.
You can see a summary of the money raised here: http://www.justgiving.com/remember/86362/Richard-Moon
We are sure Richard has been looking down on us all, laughing at us, supporting us when we're struggling and reminding us that he'll always be here.
You can see a summary of the money raised here: http://www.justgiving.com/remember/86362/Richard-Moon
We are sure Richard has been looking down on us all, laughing at us, supporting us when we're struggling and reminding us that he'll always be here.
Even more thank yous!
Thanks to your generous donations, I have now raised ... £2,502.40!
A huge thank you for the last minute donations from
My family;
Ian, Cath and Mattie Creates
Alan and Ginni Hamer
My friends;
Liz Murnaghan
Jenn Benett
Ellen Davis
Pauline and Trevor Cordrey
Richard's family;
Jamie and Suzie Marshall
Thank you all so much! You can still donate until the 13th of July, at which point my page will be closed down.
A huge thank you for the last minute donations from
My family;
Ian, Cath and Mattie Creates
Alan and Ginni Hamer
My friends;
Liz Murnaghan
Jenn Benett
Ellen Davis
Pauline and Trevor Cordrey
Richard's family;
Jamie and Suzie Marshall
Thank you all so much! You can still donate until the 13th of July, at which point my page will be closed down.
What an amazing day!
It's taken me a while to get around to writing this post as I still can't believe it's real ... I RAN A MARATHON!
I finished in 5 hours, 49 mins and 2 seconds ... okay, so not the quickest of times, but all I was aiming to do was finish. And for someone who went from level-zero fitness to completing a marathon in 7 months, I don't think that's bad! I am so proud of myself just for finishing, and it gives me something to work on if I ever do another!
The atmosphere on the day was immense! Despite potential difficulties in pronouncing my name, there wasn't a moment on the course where there wasn't someone cheering me on - either a friend, family member, or complete stranger! I got shouts of 'Come on Chiara, you're beautiful' and 'You're doing amazing, Chiara, keep going' - and when you hear those, you have no choice but to keep on running!
There were so many bands playing music along the route which really spurred me along. The children watching were all holding their hands out for high-fives and giving out sweets which was adorable! I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the costumes, and admire those runners even more ... I could never have run the marathon with a fridge on my back, in a gorilla suit or singing karaoke the whole time!
I want to say a high thank you to everyone who came to cheer me on:
Mum, Dad and Yolanda
Peter and Sue Smyth
Ellie Allford
Hannah Cordrey and Tom Metcalfe
Katherine Archer and Simon Lumb
Helen Barton
Lata Nobes
Caroline, Tash and Georgia Nokes (even if I didn't see you!)
... you're all amazing!
I got to the half way point fairly quickly, in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. In hindsight, I probably set out a little too quickly as I found the second half incredibly difficult. Just before mile 16, I hit the wall and it was horrible. I felt really sick and I was so dizzy I couldn't see anything. I had to sit down with the St. John's Ambulance for 5-10 mins, which really was the best thing I could have done. When I headed off again, I was still struggling but felt a lot better. What really helped me was the kind supporters handing out half bananas and orange segments ... you saved me so thank you!
It was a beautiful day, and the temperatures reached around 18 degrees celcius ... lovely for the supporters, but it threw all the runners as we had no idea how much liquid to take on, plus I sunburnt!
The sights of London were amazing, particularly running across Tower Bridge ... what an experience!
My only criticism of the day was the hugely long walk from the finish line to the meet and greet area. I thought I was going to collapse! I did finally make it to see everyone and collapsed into their arms!
In the evening, a group of us went to the pub to celebrate. It was the perfect end to the day!
I finished in 5 hours, 49 mins and 2 seconds ... okay, so not the quickest of times, but all I was aiming to do was finish. And for someone who went from level-zero fitness to completing a marathon in 7 months, I don't think that's bad! I am so proud of myself just for finishing, and it gives me something to work on if I ever do another!
The atmosphere on the day was immense! Despite potential difficulties in pronouncing my name, there wasn't a moment on the course where there wasn't someone cheering me on - either a friend, family member, or complete stranger! I got shouts of 'Come on Chiara, you're beautiful' and 'You're doing amazing, Chiara, keep going' - and when you hear those, you have no choice but to keep on running!
There were so many bands playing music along the route which really spurred me along. The children watching were all holding their hands out for high-fives and giving out sweets which was adorable! I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the costumes, and admire those runners even more ... I could never have run the marathon with a fridge on my back, in a gorilla suit or singing karaoke the whole time!
I want to say a high thank you to everyone who came to cheer me on:
Mum, Dad and Yolanda
Peter and Sue Smyth
Ellie Allford
Hannah Cordrey and Tom Metcalfe
Katherine Archer and Simon Lumb
Helen Barton
Lata Nobes
Caroline, Tash and Georgia Nokes (even if I didn't see you!)
... you're all amazing!
I got to the half way point fairly quickly, in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. In hindsight, I probably set out a little too quickly as I found the second half incredibly difficult. Just before mile 16, I hit the wall and it was horrible. I felt really sick and I was so dizzy I couldn't see anything. I had to sit down with the St. John's Ambulance for 5-10 mins, which really was the best thing I could have done. When I headed off again, I was still struggling but felt a lot better. What really helped me was the kind supporters handing out half bananas and orange segments ... you saved me so thank you!
It was a beautiful day, and the temperatures reached around 18 degrees celcius ... lovely for the supporters, but it threw all the runners as we had no idea how much liquid to take on, plus I sunburnt!
The sights of London were amazing, particularly running across Tower Bridge ... what an experience!
My only criticism of the day was the hugely long walk from the finish line to the meet and greet area. I thought I was going to collapse! I did finally make it to see everyone and collapsed into their arms!
In the evening, a group of us went to the pub to celebrate. It was the perfect end to the day!
The crowds in Pen 9 at the start line!
When we finally got to the start line, at 10:22am!
During the first half ...
I am in there somewhere!
Running through Canary Wharf ...
My legs wouldn't hold me any more but I had just enough energy to hold up my medal at the end!
Eventually someone made me stand up!
With my amazing Mum and sisters and incredible banner which helped me spot them amongst the crowds!
My celebratory gifts, thanks to the Moons and to George
Saturday 12 April 2014
Friday 11 April 2014
Thursday 10 April 2014
The Expo!
Today I went to the Virgin Money London Marathon Expo at ExCel Exhibition Centre in London. It was an amazing afternoon and my sister and I had almost too much fun! Everyone was very friendly and very supportive!
I got my race number, my tracking tag and some important information right at the start, and after that, it was all fun! We visited CLIC Sargent's stall where we collected lots of cheering props, including t-shirts, hats, cheer sticks and stickers.
We also spotted my tweets on 3 out of 4 of the #extramile display boards which was really exciting! We also had fun in the photo booths, beating the world record for the quickest ever marathon and nibbling at all the tasters on the different stalls!
I got my race number, my tracking tag and some important information right at the start, and after that, it was all fun! We visited CLIC Sargent's stall where we collected lots of cheering props, including t-shirts, hats, cheer sticks and stickers.
We also spotted my tweets on 3 out of 4 of the #extramile display boards which was really exciting! We also had fun in the photo booths, beating the world record for the quickest ever marathon and nibbling at all the tasters on the different stalls!
Collecting our numbers ...
A waterfall of steam ...
My new best friend ...
A speaker who said the medal this year is one of the nicest ever!!
CLIC Sargent's message board ... and a note from my sister!
Can you see me? (Hint: top right ...)
Claim to fame ...
A closer view ...
My horrible feet ...
My lovely trainers ...
More messages of good luck!
My footprint with my estimated time ...
I MADE A NEW WORLD RECORD!!
In the Photo Booth ...
All my freebies!
Hopefully the weather will stay like this for Sunday!
So many free things!
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