dragon2000 Posted April 4, 2010 Posted April 4, 2010 (edited) https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/andrewwilson Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of TPR! Let me introduce myself - my name is Andrew, and though you probably haven't heard much from shy little me on the boards, believe me when I say I've been avidly reading your posts for many years. Recently I've been inspired by fellow member "nay"'s fantastic reports from her many running events. And so I'd love to tell you all about my quest to run the London Marathon 2010... Entering the ballot... Whilst growing up I've always watched the London Marathon on TV, thinking to myself - "One day I'd love to do that!". I was never particularly good at sport at school but running a marathon just seemed like such an amazing lifetime experience and had a 'buzz' to it that enticed me in... And so upon hitting 18 I decided to finally enter my name into the ballot. This is easier said than done however, as only 1 in 5 applicants get a ballot place. Result -> 2008 = Rejected, 2009 = Rejected I had already started my training in 2009, and so to ease my disappointment, I decided to instead run the 'sister' race of the London Marathon - the Silverstone Half Marathon... Silverstone Half Marathon 2009 The race was to take place on the 15th March 2009 - and I would be joining aproximately 10,000 other runners over the 13.2 mile distance. It takes place along the famous Silverstone motor racing track, although there was no way I'd be going as fast as some of the famous drivers do! I chose to run on behalf of Cancer Research UK - which I'm sure you will agree is a fantastic cause. In 2007, 7.6 million people died from cancer (accounting for about 13% of deaths). And I therefore felt it was vital to support the charity and the work they do, including: -Researching the causes and treatments of cancer -Supporting cancer patients & their families Here's how it went...: Having arrived, going through pre-race checks (aka shoe-lace tying!) From my Dad's spectator viewpoint - looking towards the back of the pack... ...and looking towards the front. You can see the start line to the far left of the picture Can you see where I am? Here, I helped you out! And so the race begins, off we run! After 13 miles of running, approaching the finish line My official finish line photo - such an amazing feeling to have run 13 miles & raised so much money One relieved and exhausted Andrew, complete with medal I completed the half marathon in a time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 58 seconds Thanks to my friends and family who sponsored me, I ended up raising £323.14 for Cancer Research UK! London Marathon 2010 Shortly after I had run the Silverstone Half Marathon, the ballot for the 2010 London Marathon opened. Once again I applied - the question is...could I get a place this year......... YES!! Finally, the saying 'third time lucky' had come true - I was able to run the marathon So here I am today - I want to take this opportunity to raise money for charity once again. As a young(ish!) person myself, I felt that a charity for children might be most appropriate. And so I am going to be running the Virgin London Marathon 2010 on behalf of VICTA - Visually Impaired Children Taking Action About VICTA Started in 1987, VICTA - Visually Impaired Children Taking Action, has grown and developed into a charity that now operates across the UK to support visually impaired & blind children and their families. The funds which VICTA allocates are aimed at assisting visually impaired children in reaching their full potential both socially and educationally. The charity give a wide range of grants to individual children to help to improve their social and educational prospects in life. For example - the specialist equipment (such as software, braillers and computers) that VICTA provide can help visually impaired children to be more independent in a technologically based world; while the specialist holidays VICTA fund can allow them to meet others with similar conditions, while helping to build their confidence in a safe environment. Funds are also allocated for scientific research. About the London Marathon Since its first year in 1981, the London Marathon has been run annually, growing in popularity and achieving the title for being the largest annual fund raising event in the world. Along the 26 miles distance, runners wind their way through the city streets, passing world famous iconic buildings such as: The Houses of Parliament Tower Bridge Canary Wharf And the London Eye This year the race takes place on Sunday 25th April 2010. The London Marathon differs from many other 'races' around the world, as it is a fun, family event in which many runners will put on costumes or simply run for charity. To date, more than £315 million has been raised through the race for charity. So as well as cheering on the runners, spectators get to see funny costumes worn by everyday people, plus world famous runners who are competing for the prize of first place. Celebrities from television, film, other sports, and more, also come out in their droves for this event. How to sponsor me! I'd really love it if you could spare some money and sponsor me. I have the aim of raising £1000 for VICTA, so every little bit really will help! With your help we can hopefully bring a little bit more happiness & lots of support to blind & partially sighted kids across the UK! Please visit: https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/andrewwilson Or if you use American Express: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/andrewwilson Thank you, from Andrew Current Total: Edited April 21, 2010 by dragon2000
Sir Clinksalot Posted April 5, 2010 Posted April 5, 2010 That's awesome Andrew. Good time too. I'm running a 1/2 Marathon in september, but it's not really for a good cause, it's the Disneyland 1/2. Maybe someday I'll do a race for a cause.
dragon2000 Posted April 5, 2010 Author Posted April 5, 2010 ^ Haha, thanks! I'd love to do one of the Disney runs (or all of them!) one day too. Just need to get some money to get over the pond In fact, I'd love to do a road trip of the entire US, and finally get to ride some of the awesome coasters I see so much of here...
Sir Clinksalot Posted April 5, 2010 Posted April 5, 2010 We should start an "enthusiast exchange program" as I'd LOVE to get out to the UK and ride some of the coasters out there.
nay Posted April 5, 2010 Posted April 5, 2010 Congrats on being accepted into the London marathon! I know how frustrating it can be entering the marathon lotteries. I'll find out if I've been accepted into this year's NYC marathon in a few days, eek! It looks like you've been doing great so far - good luck!!
moinab Posted April 5, 2010 Posted April 5, 2010 Congrats on your 1/2 finish! I ran my first two half marathons (National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer, in February, and the Disney Princess 1/2, in March,) this year. My lofty goal is to run Boston, which I always dreamed of, growing up in Massachusetts, watching the marathon, every year. I hope you will post a report on your experience with the London Marathon! Best of luck!
dragon2000 Posted April 6, 2010 Author Posted April 6, 2010 Congrats on being accepted into the London marathon! I know how frustrating it can be entering the marathon lotteries. I'll find out if I've been accepted into this year's NYC marathon in a few days, eek! It looks like you've been doing great so far - good luck!! Thanks! Good luck for your NYC entry too Congrats on your 1/2 finish! I ran my first two half marathons (National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer, in February, and the Disney Princess 1/2, in March,) this year. My lofty goal is to run Boston, which I always dreamed of, growing up in Massachusetts, watching the marathon, every year. I hope you will post a report on your experience with the London Marathon! Best of luck! Thanks again, I'll definitely be posting a report on the marathon. 3 weeks to go - time to get nervous...
dragon2000 Posted April 20, 2010 Author Posted April 20, 2010 Hey Guys, Sorry I haven't posted an update in a while. It's all been going a bit crazy here as I relocated from University one side of the country back to home on the other side for the Easter holidays! With only 5 days to go until the big day, my nerves are building - but I'm equally as excited about taking part in such a big race with so much history and seeing it whilst growing up. Tomorrow I'm travelling into London to the London Marathon Expo which runs over the next four days. All the runners have to visit the Expo on one day to complete their registration, and to pick up their running number, kit bag, and timing chip. I'm also on the lookout for a souvenir or two, and expect I'll probably be bombarded with assorted leaflets too! Full photo report to come... Whilst away at University (and so waiting for me on my return back home) I've also received my T-Shirts and swanky running vest - so I'll get some pictures of those for you up tomorrow hopefully too. Catch up with you soon, from Andrew
Groteslurf Posted April 21, 2010 Posted April 21, 2010 Good luck Andrew. My boss is also running in London on Sunday.
dragon2000 Posted April 21, 2010 Author Posted April 21, 2010 Good luck Andrew!! Thank you Gregg! Good luck Andrew. My boss is also running in London on Sunday. Thanks Benny - give your boss a big "Good luck" from me! And hopefully all the transport networks are back to normal from this volcano drama. I have to catch the first train of the day at 5.55am to make it to the start line on time Ok, so here's my update from today... London Marathon Expo 2010 So the London Marathon Expo runs from today (Wednesday) through to Saturday evening. All the runners have to visit in order to complete their registrations - picking up their running number, final instructions, kit bag, timing chip, etc. There are also hundreds of exhibitors at the expo; some companies trying to sell you their latest running technology, some charities advertising for places in next years marathon. I have to say I took advantage of the huge section dedicated to souvenirs - they must see me coming . Here's the photographic diary of my day: Seeing as London has a congestion charge, and its roads always seem to be packed, I would be travelling via public transport... My train journey would start from my local station - Southampton Airport My train pulling into the station Arriving in Central London - Waterloo Station Time to head below the surface - onto the Jubilee Line Underground Getting off the Underground at Canning Town "Bye-bye Underground train"... ..."Hello Docklands Light Railway (DLR) train!" Arriving at the ExCel centre - I guess I better follow the banners... Here it is - The ExCel Centre Yay - finally at the entrance to the expo! Time to pick up more marathon paperwork - there's a lot of it! A big thanks to the kind member of staff who offered to take my photo All the registration desks for different running numbers The clothing/souvenir section of the expo One of the big Adidas displays More of the opening show floor Everyone got the chance to write a message onto these walls Lots of awesome and touching personal messages The main show floor was a maze of exhibitors It was also very busy! People and products everywhere And to wrap up this update - FOOD! London Marathon Pasta Party, with stage presentations in the background Stay tuned for another update tomorrow... Including photos of all the junk (and important stuff!) I managed to bag at the expo today. I think I have my very own "Bag O' Crap" to rival TPR's
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