Well, I survived. Just. My toes didn’t fall off and despite the pain from 16 miles on I was able to function fairly normally afterwards. Of course it was slow (I told you it would be) and, yes, I was passed by a number of people in full rhino costumes. My preparation can euphemistically be described as being a little underdone so, all in all, it’s a bit of relief to be sitting here with just a few aches and pains and a bit of sunburn to show for me efforts.
Yes, it was the most difficult thing I have ever done, physically. Before Sunday the last time I had taken part in any organised running event was the original Sport Relief run in 1986 and that was only ten kilometres and I was 16. And yet, here I am not massively fit and not massively prepared and still pretty much ok two days after the marathon (mind you, that won’t stop me using my aches as an excuse for general sloth for a few days). Not perhaps a case study in how to train but…
So, I am conscious that the most difficult thing I have ever done pales into insignificance when compared to the physical, psychological and emotional experiences that Refugee Action’s clients go through before they come to the UK in the hope of finding an accepting and welcoming home. It really does still feel like the least I could do.
I am not one of nature’s tin rattlers. I don’t necessarily revel in good works being done in public and I know that not everyone responds well to just the sort of impassioned pleas for support that I am about to make, but here goes.
Refugee Action does incredibly important work with incredibly vulnerable people who have come to our country in the hope that we will be different, that we will be their friend. We should feel honoured that these individuals, with all that they have gone through, identify our home as somewhere that they can place their hope for the future. Refugee Action is one of the very few organisations working actively to make sure that we live up to that hope.
Everyone who has supported me by donating has done something that will make an enormous difference – thank you. If you haven’t yet made a donation but would like to there is still time to make sure that I make the fundraising target I promised to Refugee Action. Please go to www.justgiving.com/refugeeactionmarathon and give what you can.
OK. Sanctimonious bit over. I am going back to complaining about blisters.