We did it!!!

I am so proud to be saying: 'we did it and it feels great!'. It is not something one does on a daily basis, but my word, what an amazing feeling!!!

Runner number: 42965

Finish time: 04:45:31

Place Overall: 20147

Place Gender: 5368

Place Category: 3309

I remained focused throughout the run, however, there were moments when I couldn't help but feel sad: reading the messages / dedications on the runners' vests; seeing the man on the other side of the road running on springs, as his legs had been amputated; feeling the generousity of the public; hearing the crowds cheer us on; simply being part of the action.

The run was much better than I had imagined, though it certainly was not 'easy'! You soon realise it has a lot to do with concentration and determination to finish the 26.2 miles. It was a welcome sign when I saw the Tate Modern as we appeared from the tunnel. I knew we were not far away from Westminster and the finishing line. It did seem never ending at the final stretch as there were signs indicating: 800 meters to go / 400 meters to go, etc, and that is when I felt like walking! It was down to my persistence that I continued running to the finishing line - what a feeling!! I only started to feel the pain in the legs when I finally stopped, and then I had to step up for the lady to cut of my tracking time tag on my shoe lace - it was almost impossible!

I am feeling very old together as my leg muscles are asking what I have done to them! I know with a lot of rest and continued healthy eating I will be back to normal soon. For now, there will be no cycling for at least a week, so bus pass (very expensive!!) here I come.

Thanks again to you all for your kind support along this incredible journey. Fundraising was the hardest challenge as I am not one for asking when it comes to money, but we all made it happen! The amount raised so far is: £1,520.87p! That is fantastic as Mental Health Foundation is not a large charity so every donation means a lot to them. It was a pleasure meeting the charity members at their after-marathon event.

I am feeling slightly sad that this is the last marathon entry :( ....... unless I decide to continue with more in the future ;)

2 days to go and the target is becoming very possible to reach. Currently the amount raised is at £1,432.87! Only £67.13p to raise in order to meet the minimum target of £1,500!!!

Yesterday Sam and I went to the Excel centre to official become marathon runners. It was a nice experience as it did become very commercial as it felt like we had stepped into an Ideal Home exhibition....stands in all corners trying to sell us running gear! It felt good as we were actually part of the running world!

We saw Michel Roux Jr as we were taking photos of ourselves with our race numbers. I guess we will be spotting a few known people along the route.

Almost there.....

3 days to go before the big day and for me to see if my training really was good enough to make it across the finishing line after 26.2 miles (42km) of running!

Today Sam and I will be heading down to the Excel centre as it is registration day. We will officially be official marathon runners ;)

The marathon vest has been printed with Joy Everley's (work) logo as they are my sponsors. It looks good and I feel like a pro!

Here's my check list for this Sunday:

Trainers (in good condition and semi-clean)
Ultrasport vest (my half marathon top should give me good vibes)
Marathon vest (definately!)
Socks (clean, comfy ones)
Small waist bag (need to store the energy bars..not using gels are very sticky)
Energy snacks (essential)
Running number (cannot run without it)
Map (in case I forget where the start line is!)
Change of clothes and towel (nice warm shower after the run)
Mobile & money (to meet family and friends and to enjoy a good plate of hot food after the run)...
...and that's all I can think of at the moment.

I am still coming to terms with the fact I have been preparing for this day during the last 6 months! I still remember the day (almost a year to this day) when Sam texted me to say it was time to register for the marathon ballot - I was cycling to work through Hyde Park. How time has flown; how much fun I have had in the process; and how I have changed with the whole experience. I would say I have mutured in my thoughts (yes, even more!) and learnt a lot about people and their kindness when it is needed.

It is hard to describe the experience as it is very personal and it certainly is what you make of it as an individual. one thing for sure, I will come out of this experience with a positive attitude and an awareness of the importance of a health mind, and a supportive network in order to overcome any form of issue which may arise in our lives.

Thank you to all my sponsors! There are a few names I am not familiar with and I would like to thnak them too for their donations. We have currently raised £1,327.87! There is still just over £170 to be raised, however, it is an impressive amount for a first timer :)

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimWong

Dedicated to my best mate

The meaning behind our motivation to run the London Marathon is even more important as my best mate's dad has recently passed away. Training is still happening, however the thoughts and feelings are harder to control.

Each run follows with the recognisition of how lucky we are to be who we are; to be able to do the things we want to do without much limitation; to love those close to us without boundaries; and to be happy. These are things we often take for granted.

I dedicate my London Marathon challenge to my mum, my best friend's dad and to all those who have experienced / are experiencing mental health issues.

Thank you to all those behind us on this adventure!

Much love.

Please go to the following link if you wish to sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimWong

Back to familiar roads

It was not easy getting out of bed - I think I am still catching up the sleep I had lost during my 24hr journey back to London - but I did it as I had been motivated to go for a long run ever since yesterday during my cycle to work. It would seem everyone is preparing for the marathon which is only 3 weeks away!!

Today I have completed my longest run to date: 3 hours covering a distance of approx. 18 miles!

The run was relatively painless, however I did notice a bit of soreness in my right knee after almost 2 hours of running. Towards the end I was feeling slightly bored! A strange thing to say but true! I spoke to Sam and she mentioned the same thing when she had gone for her long run earlier in the week. It is very much a mental thing so I will need to work on that aspect. I suppose on the actual day there will be thousands of other runners and spectators so that should help. I enjoyed not having music as I appreciated my surroundings and was able to focus on my breathing without being distracted. After 6 months of training you begin to understand yourself a lot more and realise what is most suitable when it comes to completing a good run.

My route started in Acton and continued towards the centre through Hyde Park and eventually to our dear Queen's residency and back again. I was starting to feel like Forrest Gump! I just have to do that run all over again plus approx. 1.5hr - 2hrs more of running on the actual day! With each run I am feeling more positive about the event.

As there is only 3 weeks to go, I am asking for as much help as possible with the donations as I am still short of the required minimum sponsorship of £1,500! I am currently on £817 so every pound definately counts at this stage. Just imagine how much the charity, Mental Health Foundation will be able to help with raising awareness to the mental health issue. It can happen to any of us at any time.

Please go to the following link if you wish to sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimWong

You may also wish to forward the link onto friends who may be interested to help a great cause.

Thanks!!!

Yesterday was my official first proper run since the half marathon. I tried last week but only managed to do 20mins and then a further 20mins walking as it was the only way to get home! I put it down to my body being tired. I felt good during yesterday's run. As always, the first 30mins is the hardest and then I feel great!

I ran with my new trainers which are be the ones I will be wearing during the London Marathon. Just under 5 weeks to go!!! How time flies! I am starting to miss the town already even though I still have 9 days before I return to London. It has been a great adventure training here as the terrain has been completely different to that of the streets of London, and the weather has been fab. I have also enjoyed the fresh air and the beautiful landscapes on offer in (and around) the town.

The only one from London!

In the overall results for the 20km run on Sunday, I came 72nd out of 129 runners with a time of 2:15:46! In the 'under 34 ladies' group I came 6th out of 12! So, overall, I am very happy with what was achieved over the weekend! Let the training continue!

http://www.ultrasport.com.ar/imagenes/editor/File/2011/Etapa1/R20k.htm

Check out the official Ultrasport photos of the race and pay attention to photo number 101 out of 119..you should spot me and Diego as we crossed the finishing line ;)

http://www.ultrasport.com.ar/index.php?put=novedad-amp&id_novedad=105

After a day of rest and a massage, I am feeling recovered and almost ready to start running again. It is good to stay active and try different activities so yesterday we did a bit of rock trekking (another way to cross rivers!) and hill walking in a lovely place called Villa Alpina (www.villaalpinacordoba.com.ar). This place is ideal for being outdoors with nature. It is especially lovely now as it is low season so you virtually have the place to yourself. We completed the adventure with a bbq along the river and, of course, a siesta! Rest is also part of the training!

I still need to raise £700 in order to reach the minimum sponsorship of £1,500! There are still 45 days remaining before race day on Sunday 17th April. Please help by sponsoring me via my page:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimWong