The NYC marathon!!

[Rach] Well.. what can I say.. it has taken me 3 weeks to get round to writing this, the final chapter of what has been a fantastic experience from start to finish, probably because I don't have the literary talent to do it justice.

To take part in the New York Marathon was a truly breath-taking experience. New York takes it's marathon very seriously and it shows. This year there were 44,000 runners and 2 million spectators - and I am still overwhelmed to have been a part of it. The runners were friendly, relaxed, supportive and excited! The spectators were inspiring - I now believe that Americans make the best marathon supporters because if there is a time when you can completely appreciate such in-your-face, gushing positivity, then this was it for me! "Looking hot Rach! Rock out Rach! Go Rach Go Rach, looking gooood Rach!!" It was a fantastic and never-ending boost and by the end it was my cheek muscles that were aching, not my legs :-)

Thank you thank you thank you...

Over and above the 2 million spectators for me, was the remote support team cheering us on from home via text and the magic tracking system. Clare took the helm at the control centre, and co-ordinated information and messages from friends and family! Special thanks to Paul, Deb, Rod, Welsh, Kirst, Nick, Vicky, Tory, Ed, Erica (from America!), Steph, Lettie, Nicola, Adam, Stewie, Hannah, Ali, Ben and Kath! I've never had so many texts in one day or felt like such a star!



We were also lucky enough to have supporters with us in New York - I would like to thank Sam, Claire, Mum and Gillian for their fantastic support cheering us on along the route on the day, and much much more. You can't beat it!!

Of course, we had so many more supporters that I haven't mentioned here, namely everyone who sponsored us - THANK YOU - astonishingly only 6000 of the 44,000 runners were running for charity, so we felt even more special that we were able to do this amazing thing for such a great cause, and raise so much money!

Of course, it's not too late to sponsor us still... sponsor Rach or sponsor Leroy...

For me...

My most repeated description and lasting memory of the experience is of genuinely loving every second of it - and I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone! The training was a challenge, but it taught me the meaning of commitment and discipline and the rewards it can bring!

New York itself never fails to disappoint. It's a city like no other, with endless interest and entertainment - I can't wait to go back already!

After the race we went straight to a restaurant on the Upper West Side before strolling back across Central Park at sunset - the perfect end to a perfect day!



If you would like to check out our photos, they are now online:

Rach's photos
Mum's photos
Leroy?

1 week to go!!

[Rach] The last 2 weeks have been a slow wind-down.. 15 painful miles last weekend, and just 10 yesterday along a very refreshing wet and windy autumnal trail along the docks and up through Leigh Woods.

We're flying out on Tuesday morning for a few days of sight-seeing (and shopping!) before the big day! I'm feeling particularly nervous tonight after an unexpected send off from friends and an email from a veteran NYC marathon runner with some interesting advice...

"Suggest to take some toilet paper with you, because you have never seen anything quite like the toilets at the start precinct! If they are the same toilets year in year out get ready for a shock!

Don't take risks with clothing or preparation. Wear cloths / shoes you have run in before. Tape your nipples. Vasoline under arms, between thighs and anywhere else that rubs. Take some of your own energy gels. Take a couple of Tylanole is case you experience pain out on course.
Just make sure you are ready for anything!

Be prepared for a fair walk at the finish! It really is the pinnacle of Marathon Running, so just get into a good rhythm and let the crowd sweep you along!"

I've also heard that Halloween is massive in NYC so the night before the race may be exciting as well...

Sounds amazing, so I really can't wait... wish us luck :-)

a HUGE milestone in our training ...

[Leroy] Last Sunday we set ourselves our final challenge before the big day .. a massive 22 mile run! .. and as we enjoyed the canal run so much the weekend before we decided to tackle it in the other direction, heading towards Marlborough. And we made it! in fact we did 23 miles in the end and all under 4 hours!

A big thanks to Sue (Rachel's mum) for providing us with some much needed drinks and bananas halfway through the run and making us a lovely recovery meal at the end.

With only 2 weeks to go its all focus on fundraising for us both, so please encourage anyone you know to sponsor either me or Rachel .. its all for a good cause!