Hi 200 minutes
I'm just on there as my full name which is Denise Clayton as I've never bothered to change the profile thing.
I've seen your name about on there...are you doing FLM? (can't remember) apologies if it's on this forum haven't gone back to check!
Yes nearly there, I'm having a few days break this week as off to barcelona, so I think that will do me good, going out for a long run tomorrow as I have the day off, that will make me feel better when I'm sitting drinking wine, He! then one week and let the tapering begin!! Really looking forward to it, but I think I'll get emotional on the Mall thinking of my dad. (I get emotional just watching it on TV) I just think it shows so much good in the world when there is so much bad news and most people are running for something or someone!
How about you 200, are you running for MCF?
Hope you are well.
Take care
Dee

Hi 200
Apologies I've just gone back and read the previous posts, so answered my question.
You are running FLM and recovering from cancer, incredible, that is really wonderful. I wish you all the best. Will think of you
take care
Dee

My run was going so well yesterday. I was really happy with my pace then I nearly feel into a post hole in a field and had to cut short my run, which was very annoying as it was on my 20 miler. I did 17 miles and felt that I could have easily done the other 3 miles if I hadn't done that.

It looks like there's no permanent damage and I've got another 20 miler plan the weekend after next so providing I don't have any mishaps on that I should be okay.

Dee & HY4
Looks like you're both going very well!
I did my last 20 miler on Sunday, having a blast at the Taunton Half next Sunday. Then I'm having a warm weather taper in Cyprus.
Not doing FLM for MCF as the Great West Run is only 2 weeks afterwards & I always run that for WaterAid - there is a limit to how often you can seek sponsorship!
Are either of you at the Blue Start for FLM?

Hi Dee
Just read a few of your posts - how is your Dad now?
His weight loss is astonishing - I lost about 21 lbs & have so far got about 7lbs back - aim to stay where I am now if possible! I finished R/T in November & couldn't gain weight at all for about 6 weeks.

200 Minutes,

I'm not doing FLM I'm doing the Shakespeare Marathon which is the weekend after FLM.

I knew I wouldn't be able to get into FLM and wanted to one which had online entry on the Runner's World website. The only thing I have to worry about with the Shakespeare Marathon is the first cut of time which is either 2hrs 15 or 2hrs 25 for 11.85 miles (the first lap). I don't think I'll have too many problems making the final cut of time which is about 6 hrs.

I did do a half marathon last year in 2hrs 22 so I should be okay for the first cut of time.

Hi 200, HY4
Sorry only just replying been in barcelona for a few days, no running, did a long run before I went and then relaxed, so a couple of runs over the weekend now I'm back.
I'm on the blue start, not sure what pen I'll be in somewhere in the middle i think?
yes my dads weight loss is alot. What happened was he was trying to eat and literally choking even just swallowing liquid morphine, the docs discovered that due to the large amount of swelling inside the throat are some food and fluid was going down to his lungs!! Which caused a chest infection, by this point he had already dropped to 9 and a half st and was taken into hospital, he then developed pneumonia and was very critical, but fortunately fought that as well!
They put the feeding peg in when he went back into hospital but it was only put in after the dramatic weight loss, at the moment he is still nil by mouth so is only relying on the peg, so weight gain is going to take a while, however he is doing ok and his mind is very strong which I think is very important, as you yourself will know all about.
Hope the rest of your training is going well, I will do one more longish one this week and then its the taper, yeah! Tapering in Cyprus sounds nice, is that a holiday.
Take care
Dee

Dee & 200 Minutes,

Just think, when you've crossed the line I'll still have mine to do. And I'm really envious of you guys.

With the new job, house move etc I've found it really difficult to train properly for it. The normal week's training has been just one long run per week if I've been lucky I've been able to get 2 runs in!

I'm only going to do the one marathon, although Chris (my partner) has said that I can do the FLM as I won't have to worry about cut off times.

Hi Dee
I'm also at the Blue Start. We're attempting a rendezvous with others from the RW Forum at a little church which you walk past on the way from the train station to the Blue Start. It is on the edge of the Blackheath open space. I'll be wearing my bright yellow SWRR Club Vest with "200" written on it, although it may be covered up with other layers depending on the weather. I can also be spotted by the tell-tale surgical scars if you get close enough... Either way, pop by & say hello if you have time. No idea what pen I'll be in but I put 3:20 on the entry form (looks like I'll be 7-10 mins slower!)
Regarding your Dad's weight loss, I never really got round to gaining much until I could start eating stuff like bread. When he can start taking food & drink, I found cold milk a real help - both with meals & on its own. Very soothing & good food intake at the same time.

Hi 200
You are looking at a good time!! I'm hoping for a cub 4hr which I'm on tarfet for, fingers crossed, just hope we don't get a hot day!
Not sure what colour I'm running in as yet, I will look out for everyone by the church, the last time I did FLM I was on the red start so change of scenery!
yes thats the problem wth my dad's weight gain right now as the feed is just sustaining him with the right amount of protien etc, ao don't think we will see any gain until he can eat properly, unfortunately he has had the superbug C Diff, abreviation don't know the full name, he is now negative for that but positive for MRSA, unbelievable, so he has suffered weight loss as a reault of those too...but he kees soldiering on. i just keep praying, he beat it 20 years ago...so hopefully this time too, he is 67!
Take care
Dee

Wow, your Dad is have a run of rough luck. I'm 50 now, about the same as your Dad was first time around, and last year was tough enough at times.
I have every admiration for you Dad battling it out at 67!

Hope to see you at the church, if not - have a great marathon.

Hi 200
thanks for your reply, just read my post think my fingers were slipping on the key boards, lost of mistakes, ha never mind!
Yeah my dad has had a very bad run of luck, you name it, it's been chucked at him and he keeps booting them away!!, he was 47 initially, and yeah to see him soldiering on now, although 67 isn't old, old, he isn't a spring chicken anymore either. He's an incredible man and if I need any inspiration to keep me going in the FLM, it's definitely my dad whom I love with all my heart!

have you finished all your LSR's now?
Nice thought to be on the downhill phase until 22nd.
Bye for now
Take care
Dee

Hi Everyone (Especially Dee,HY4 & 200)

I’ve just been reading your entries and thought I would take the opportunity to introduce myself. I too am running the FLM to raise money for the MCF. This is my first ever marathon – so it’s all a bit daunting!

I was diagnosed with Mouth cancer on my tongue in September 2003 my treatment has so far been successful – but having read a number of the stories on the web site – I feel like I was particularly lucky catching things early and not having to go through quite the same level of surgery as some.

I didn’t know about the MCF until I decided to try and raise money for a worthy cause through running the marathon (may as well start with London!) so I did a search and found the site – I was quite impressed and my mind was made up.

I‘ve been with you all on the ups and downs of training – getting shin splints at the end of January. These have improved and training over the last few weeks has been good – did my second 20 Mile run this Saturday so feeling like it’s a bit closer now. I am aiming for a sub 4.00 hours if all goes to plan – but will be happy to complete!

May I take this opportunity to wish all of you the very best in your runs.

Kindest Regards

Ian Murray

Hi Ian
Welcome to the site.
Glad your recovery is going well and that you are strong enough to take on the challenge of the FLM. This will only be my 2nd time and I am hoping for a sub 4 too, so you never know we may see eachother somewhere in the throng of people! I'm going to try and find the 9 min mile RW pacer group, guaranteed to get you home in under 4.
Do you know about the pacer bands you can pick up from the Lucozade stand at the expo, supposed to be good to keep you on target.
Anyhow the main thing is to enjoy it and have fun. Your training sounds like it has gone well1 Is that the end of your Long runs now, just the shorter ones in te taper.
I wish you all the best for the run and most of all with your recovery and future health.
Take care
Dee

Runners World also do a pace band. However I'm going to make up my own and write on it when I'm due to have some of the kendal mint cake I've been using to help fuel me.

You guys will have to put your numbers on here so that if I spot you on tv I'll let you know.

I've had my number & timing chip today for the Shakespeare Marathon and it seems more real now.