So I have made it this far and only have 1 day until the big event. I am more scared about this then I think I have been about anything in my life. My head does not seem to believe it is possible to complete all 42km and I feel like major panic is setting in.
Yesterday was a major prep day for me as I went down to the Excel centre to register. So I now have my running number to attach to my clothes, my timing tag to attach to my shoes, my kit bag making me good to go.
On then plus side about tomorrow, I am super excited. I cannot quite believe I am going to be running the London Marathon. When I took up running in June I thought that one day it might be good to run a marathon, I'm not sure how I managed to get myself signed up and ready to start so quickly but there you go.
It is such an honour for me to get to run for the Samaritans. The fact that my dad committed suicide and I know first had the damage that can do to a family makes it even more important for me to finish tomorrow. If ever the subject of my dad's death comes up I find it very difficult to put into words exactly what it did to me.
One thing I can say for certain is that it totally changed me, my life and what I want to achieve. When people say something makes them realise how short life is it can sound like a bit of a cliché but honestly having someone you love commit suicide can do that to you.
Unfortunately it is not all positive and I have experienced how suicide can tear a family apart. The deep grief can change others so that you cannot recognise them. For me it was my relationship with my brother that used be solid and super close and is now non existent. I guess that my dad's suicide changed us both in different ways and now there is no longer a bond between us and where his life became all about money and achievement mine took a different route. While I will always love him the friendship we once had is most certainly gone and it is unlikely anything that we will ever be able to resurrect.
Remember you can donate at www.justgiving.com/Mercedes-Aspland
It is because of these unseen consequences that I am raising money for the Samaritans. In all honesty it is not for those that are considering suicide and need help but actually for their families. The ripples of suicide are far reaching and only someone who has lived through it can ever really understand it but every penny you give to support me will help far more people than you can ever realise.
Enough of the heavy stuff and on to marathon day preparation. I am sitting in my room at the moment looking at everything I am going to need for tomorrow:
- Running Gear - obvious
- Warm Clothes - to wear before and have to put on at the end
- Clean Dry Clothes - to change into at the end
- Snacks - I have an oat flapjack for before the race, 4 nakd bars for during the race, 2 9 Bars for the end of the race and a bag of dates for just in case
- Pain Killers - hopefully I won't need them
- Running Belt - for my running snacks, phone, money in case I need it - I know I won't but I like to be prepared!
- Sunglasses - I know the predictions are crap for tomorrow but I live in hope
Sadly I don't have gloves, I left my running ones back in Devon thinking there was no chance I would need them at the end of April but I should be ok.
The only other thing I need to hope for on the day is a lack of pain. I am currently suffering from IT Band Syndrome which is bearable but after long runs can start to get pretty painful. I have been on incentive treatment of running ice cold water down my leg along with glute stabilising exercises so fingers crossed I will be alright. (This is the reason for the pain killers.)
One of the worst things for me is being out for that many hours with no make up! I am channelling my inner yogi to make it something I can cope with.
All that remains really is for me to ask you to put your hands in your pockets and donate. Anything you give will be of help and could stop other families from the experience that my family had.
SUPPORT THE SAMARITANS
And me too!
