Tag Archives: Marathon

Mile Twenty-Five

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My Mum (Liz, Elizabeth and Grandma), died on Wednesday 29th Dec. Only three months before, she had run in the London marathon but was pulled off the course at mile 19 – as we later found out she had advanced cancer in her bones. We have so much to be thankful for; she taught us how to be kind and somehow made everyone she met feel like royalty. We had precious time at home with her in her last three weeks. I am at peace that she is now at peace with Jesus, but it really aches. The tears are seasoned with gratitude. I wrote the following just before she died..

Mile Twenty-Five

Marathon Mum at mile twenty-five
Stopping to embrace the grandchildren
Asking the time of fellow runners
Glistening with care and a royal radiance

You set the pace and the tone
Treating everyone with grace
Seeing beyond schooling and position
Welcoming all with tea and time to listen

You had space for crying and craft
Home perfected by sticky glue and Swiss cows
Elegantly dressed with pearls, a blouse and muddy boots
Ready for adventures held in jars with string

You were scarcely frivolous but always generous
Budget pasties on the green, felt like a feast
Yet you couldn’t get enough sofas, sheep or little draws
And collected photos collated our lives

You have lived and taught us kindness
Rarely angry and always cross inspired
Full of thankyous, nothing too much
People first, kettle always warm

Elite Elizabeth, the final mile,
Still breaking your stride you care for us
Endurance Mum, last run home
Along The Mall and then your crown

Mum running the London Marathon 2021 at mile six. She was pulled off at mile 19 and shortly afterwards diagnosed with late-stage cancer in her bones. She died on 29 Dec 2021.

No more prep, race day tomorrow.

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There comes a time when the training’s done and the running almost begun. Some last minute checks on the gear. Attaching numbers to vests and tags to shoes. Buying post run snack and pre run energy drinks.

One more sleep, if I can. Then an early train. The usual waiting and pacing before the off. But really there is nothing left todo. Just show up and run.

I am so grateful for all the encouragement and the huge generosity of every supporter. CUF do such great work in some of the poorest communities, thanks for helping change lives.

It will be amazing to run tomorrow, the cheer of the London crowd leaves a precious mark on the heart. But more than that, it is such a privilege to run with my brother (almost 50) and mum who is 75! Some how she manages to look almost regal, even after 26.2 miles.

Someone sent me this verse from the bible:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us!

So apt for a marathon, just wish I could have lay aside a little more weight, then I would stand a chance of running a little faster. But it’s even more true of life. We have to leave some things behind and run the race before us.

If you have not yet had the chance to sponsor me, there is still time:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/marksearlelondon2018

CUF Transforming Lives

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The food crisis is real and growing. But crucially we are seeing lives transformed, here’s Paul’s story…

Paul’s early years were troubled. Brought up by an alcoholic father, he fell into alcohol abuse, as well as selling and taking drugs for over 20 years. He ended up rebellious, with no respect for authority, in a cycle of being in and out of prison.

Paul became abusive towards his family. It got to the point where he wanted to end it all. He took a drugs overdose, but miraculously he was found in time. He decided it was time for a change.

After giving up drug dealing, Paul found himself penniless for the rst time in his life. He was given some food vouchers and went to a foodbank.

Paul went to rehab and realised there was something missing in his life. He decided to go to church. Straight away he felt a sense of belonging. God came into his life.

He started to volunteer and found himself helping out at the foodbank.

Paul is now reunited with his children, now works part time, and is planning to start his own business.

‘I felt very depressed, I had low self-esteem; I didn’t know where life was going to go or what I should do. I felt embarrassed and shy about coming to the foodbank; I’d never been in that position before. I never thought I’d be coming back.

‘Without the foodbank, I don’t know where I’d be. Volunteering here is a must for me. They’re like my family here. Whenever I see people here they always ask how I’m doing and they’ll help me with anything I need help with.’

Please sponsor me for the London Marathon 2018 for CUF https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/marksearlelondon2018

Church Urban Fund https://www.cuf.org.uk

8 miles on the cliff path + dogs

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Today’s run: 8 miles on the wet and muddy cliff paths. Gracie the 13 week old beagle managed the first 1.5 miles and Cookie the choc lab ran the lot.

The hills slowed me down a bit.

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The training begins tomorrow…

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I have a place for the 2015 London Marathon running for a great charity called Hospiscare in Exeter.

My brother (46) and my Mum (71) will also be running.

This will be my 3rd marathon (London in 2008 and Milton Keynes 2011) and I am hoping to do sub 4 hours.

The posts here will update training and fitness levels as well as tap people for as much money as possible for Hospiscare. More tomorrow after a 10k to mark fitness level.
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