It started with a conversation over an americano in Café 95 and ended after 27.74 miles(!) on the streets of London.
I’ve always said I’m up for a challenge and have no regrets, having raised over £10,000 for the amazing Teenage Cancer Trust, which was always the main reason for doing this and kept me going throughout the training, physio and race day.
When training began in January, I picked up an injury almost immediately which required weekly visits to Newcastle Physiotherapy, a massive thanks to Darren Wigg for even getting me to the start line.
On reflection getting injured so early was probably a blessing as Darren helped me with a program of stretching (I have never warmed up or down for any exercise previously) and a tailored training program to nurse my ageing joints through to London.
On arriving in London, it became noticeable that the atmosphere was very different to normal, an almost carnival feel, it was also very apparent that the training temperatures of sub 5 degrees wouldn’t be present on race day!
As it turned out the thermometer hit 25 degrees to be officially the hottest London Marathon ever, you really couldn’t make it up.
In amongst the mix of much more experienced runners and fancy dress (Batman, a tree, Big Ben, numerous fairies etc) at the start area, nervous excitement was building and after what seemed like an age we were off.
All went pretty well to 20 miles, in just under 3 hours, after that the wheels pretty much came off, I totally underestimated the mental challenge of seeing other runners collapsing due to heat exhaustion.
Having walked for a couple of miles to gather myself for the sprint finish(!), I crossed the line in 4 hours 22 minutes, acceptable for a nearly 50 year old first time marathon runner in pretty brutal conditions.
In all this the massive result has been in the charity fundraising, to be honest coercing people for sponsorship has taken me out of my comfort zone way more than the running or training, but I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received so a massive thank you to everyone who has contributed.
Any further donations would continue to make a huge difference to the lives of teenagers suffering with this terrible disease.
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PAULHARDINGHAM2
If I get offered a place next year, is anyone up for the challenge? Whilst it was an amazing experience I’m certain it’s not one I will be repeating any time soon…so its back to the more mundane world of mortgages for me.
As part of the fund raising we have been making a contribution of £50 per mortgage completion to the sponsorship total, who knew that taking mortgage advice could also give something back?
Many thanks again for your support!
Paul Hardingham and Tony Ibson are Mortgage and Protection Advisers at Innovate Mortgages and Loans. Both have over 20 years of experience advising individuals and businesses across the North East of England. They can be contacted for bespoke advice at paul@innovateml.co.uk or tony@innovateml.co.uk or call 0191 223 3514.
