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The spirit of marathon running

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Today is the day before the day of the London marathon has dawned. The sun is shining. Thousands of people will be thinking as I am: this time tomorrow we’ll be there. On the start line. Filled with excitement and dread. Hoping we’ve done enough. Praying we’ll get round ok. There will be half a minute’s silence before the off in memory of those affected by the Boston marathon bombs. That will knit us even more tightly together. We will be wearing the black ribbons that were put hastily into our registration bags earlier this week. A symbol of our collective will to carry on and remember Boston. I have read many of the posts written by fellow London marathon participants about their determination to continue, not to be cowed into dropping out in the face of worry over security. It never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t participate. Neither was I someone who worried about getting on a tube in the days following the London Underground bombings in July 2005. Call it stubbornness if you like. I call it optimism and a refusal to change the way I live my life in the face of atrocious acts of terror committed by disaffected men. I am heartened that so many feel the same. Running is the most private, self-obsessed and lonely pastime – and on days like tomorrow the most sociable, wonderful, chaotic and inspiring. It is the world’s biggest fundraising event and I have been touched by how very generous people have been with their financial support. I have had donations from some unexpected corners and they are somehow more heart-warming than those from people I hoped and anticipated would support me. Human nature certainly is a curious beast. I am delighted that Claire House is going to receive every penny of what I have raised. Tomorrow I have precious family and friends who are making the effort to come and cheer me and others on and I hope I spot them all in the crowds. It is going to be an amazing day. I am filled with trepidation but I know that whatever happens, I have raised some money that others need and whether I finish within my target time or not, it matters little. I am going to be a part of a wonderfully disparate, colourful group of people running, for the most part, to help others who need people like us to raise money for such amazing causes. I look forward to seeing the crowds along the way and thank you in advance for turning up at all. It means the world to us.

Thanks for reading

Sarah xx


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