Done it!

On one of the hottest days this year in Paris, Andrew and I set off at 8:45ish on Sunday morning with 32,092 other people to run the 26.2 miles round Paris. 31, 169 finished.

It was quite an experience, even pre race, finding where to drop the bags, queuing for that last minute toilet stop, moving to our starting areas, loud music, people cheering, runners preparing and then .... nothing. More waiting while the thousands tried to move half an inch to the start line.


The first 10k was jammed with people (to be expected in an event like this but still a shock) and it reminded me of how the traffic worked in India. See a slight gap and go for it, at the same time as everyone else, no backing out!  At about 10k,  i finally felt like i got into my stride and had the space to run how i wanted to. From 10k to 25 k, i felt good, in control and running around 7 - 7:45 min miles and then the heat got me.

From 28k to 33k, i felt pretty shattered, had used my last energy gel and had started to feel a bit of cramp in my left leg. However, i got some drink, fought the masses for half a banana and limped on to the finish in 3 hours 33minutes and 12 seconds.

I was so glad to start the race with Andrew and gutted not to see him at the end. It was manic and there were cramped up bodies, ambulances and a few smiling people all along the finish avenue. Well done Andrew on your third marathon and i'm not sure if I ask him again next year for another event, what the response might be, but i know we are really thankful to you all for your kind words of encouragement and support.

My highlight of the run was seeing the family by the side of the Seine. Seeing Sam dressed as superman and my father in law shouting GO ON WEST HAM! kept me laughing and amused. 

I will update soon with a total amount raised for the HIV orphans in Zimbabwe, but until then
God Bless,
Rob

2 and a bit days!!!!

Nearly there and very excited now. It's been a good couple of weeks training and the tapering down has...tapered. Ran 9 miles with Andrew last Friday and then had a really busy weekend so did not manage anything else apart from ice cream on the beach with my boys. Did a training session with the Ipswich running club on monday (12 x 300m sprints) and then 4 miles yesterday in the heat!

I think that is all before the race as my legs feel heavy and I need them ready for the 42k on sunday (sounds better than 26 miles).

Thanks to everyone for all the support and for all your money. It has been a worthwhile event to do, even before running and the money raised will make a significant impact to the people in Zimbabwe. I will let you know the final total after the run - but no, as someone asked, - you do not get your money back if it takes a bit longer than 3 and a half hours.

Enjoy the sun this weekend and thanks again - bring it on!!!

I'm a runner

Great clip about what a runner must sound like to the rest of the world. When I watched this, I had that horrible feeling that this is what my conversations have sounded like this over the last few months.

Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw5MHsO-JI8

International runners and encouragement.

How great is this. 
Tamara from North Carolina will be running the Paris Marathon this year, to raise money for the SIM HIV project in Zimbabwe. Tabitha, her friend and who works for SIM, will be there taking photos and giving moral support. Their church already supports the work of Caiphas and have met him when he came to talk about the needs of people in his country. The funds they raise will go to an income generating chicken project under Caiphas's programme. Check out her blog on http://livebirdsprogress.blogspot.com/

Keep on going with that training Tamara!

Also, below is an encouragement from Caiphas himself. Makes me want to go out and run right now, 15 days to go!

How I praise God for the fund raising efforts being done. I am greatly encouraged and at the same time humbled by what our God does. My team and I are certainly praying for Rob, Andrew and Tamara, that God grants them good health and enough strength to fulfil what He has put on their hearts.

All the blessings

Caiphas

Update

Did 20 miles at the weekend (2hrs 35) and felt good for about 5 minutes afterwards - but then had to lie down, felt sick and could not move. Not good but well worth it!
This week's plan - (18 days to go!)
Mon - Rest; Tues - 8 miles ; Wed - Sprints ; Thurs -4 miles ; Fri - Rest ; Sat - 16 - 18 miles ; Sun - 3 mile
Got my race number - 27 910!!!
Have a good week,
Rob

Introducing Caiphas Ngarivhume

SIM has HIV ministries worldwide under the umbrella of HOPE for AIDS. Their vision is to build capacity in the local community to enable them to deal with the AIDS pandemic in the most effective way in each culture.

Zimbabwe’s HIV work is led by Caiphas Ngarivhume. A devoted husband and father of 3 girls, he grew up outside of Muture without many resources. Out of determination, he received his Masters of Education in Sierra Leone and then came back to teach in his home town. Whilst teaching in the college, many of his pupils were dying in their hostels from HIV. The stigma associated with this disease prevented them from coming and asking for help. Caiphas initiated an education programme to reduce the stigma and to prevent people from getting the HIV virus. He now oversees the whole HIV programme, of which this run will raise vital money for one project. 

One person who met him writes 'Caiphas supports the growth of his staff as much as the health of their beneficiaries, he is tireless and dedicated - a man with an infectious laugh and a gentle smile.'

If you wish to listen to an interview with this great man, then follow the link:

http://hopeforaids.org/index.php/content/project-96198 

Please pray for him and his family, that he would have energy and perseverance to continue his work.

Update, Friday 18th March.

Rob & I managed a 20 mile run last weekend. It was quite a struggle, especially towards the end. I went out again on Monday 14th for some track work ... but have been ill since then. As my cold & cough have been getting worse, I've decided to take a week off running. Not ideal timing, but I'm still confident about being able to finish the marathon in Paris. Just three weeks away! Andrew.