The Final Entry

So I woke up at 6am last Monday morning and systematically began preparing for the marathon. I cooked up some baked potatoes which I consequently couldn't eat because potatoes for breakfast is just bleugh! Swapped those for some Weetabix and jelly babies and began psyching myself up. My big sister got up early with me and we giggled and got nervous together and tried not to burn up too much energy. We walked into town with all the cars staring at me in my bright orange tshirt and marathon bib. At the line up I met with my friend Christopher who was running the first leg of the relay and we waited for the announcement to start running. I have never been so nervous, the adrenaline was pumping, my stomach was in knots and I was trying very hard to relax.

Once we got on the road I loosened up a bit and by mile 6 I no longer had that energy boosting adrenaline on my side. I left Christopher at his checkpoint and began the long lonely run around Belfast City. Just after mile 6 I felt my hip start to hurt. It pops out sometimes and causes me some considerable back pain but its been happening for so long I wasn't going to let it put me off. Coming up to the tenth mile I spotted some friends who topped me up with energy drinks and promised to be at the next checkpoint with painkillers. Angels from Heaven I swear! I kept on plugging away reluctant to walk until absolutely necessary. I could feel myself starting to weaken shortly after but then I spotted my aunt Teresa, cousin Sharon and her husband Stephen, my aunt Pat and uncle Tommy waving this huge banner (pictures attached) and it really boosted me, I knew I had to keep going.

I realised at mile 15 that my breathing wasn't as regular as before and I was really struggling. I stopped to walk for a bit and regulate myself but I found I couldn't really concentrate on what I was doing. I would focus on my breathing for about 10 seconds and my mind would wander somewhere else. I began to get frustrated with myself and got really discouraged, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get into a regular breathing pattern.

I got to Gideons Green which cheered me up as I knew I was onto my last 10 miles. However, the run from Gideons Green to the checkpoint where my mum and Christopher would rejoin me for the last leg was the most hateful run I could have imagined. It was one long straight stretch of cycle path which seemed endless. I actually began crying at one point because no matter how I ran I didn't seem to be getting anywhere, it was like going the wrong way on a conveyor belt. At the 19 mile mark I saw Eoin's family again with all the kids cheering me on and I began to think of Meabh and how I was doing this for her and couldn't give up. I could feel the burning pain in my hip and back and I was so tired but I knew that if Meabh could be doing this she would and hopefully someday she will. So I kept going.

I met my mum and Christopher and by this time I was practically delirious. I couldn't stop singing at the top of my lungs and got this intense fear of the dreaded mini bus that picks people up who didn't finish the run within 6 hours. Every time I saw a mini bus I sped up and burnt out. At one point I could have sworn I was going to pass out, all I could see were stars and blackness. I kept stopping to walk then sprinting randomly. By the time I was almost at the finish line I really didn't think I was going to make it. Fortunately Christopher and my mum boosted me and kept me going. Running up the final stretch my mum told me to wave to my dad at the sideline. I couldn't see him and my mind was so fatigued I thought she was lying and he wasn't there. Eventually I saw the arm stretch out from the crowd and seeing my dad so proud gave me that final burst of energy to sprint over the finish. Apparently they called out my name over the intercom...I didn't hear it. I met my family and friends who all congratulated me and told me how proud they were.It was a great feeling and I realised that it didn't really matter how tired and sore I was, I ran a marathon!!! The pain would pass but that feeling would be with me for the rest of my life.

The money is still being counted but it is estimated that we raised just under £1000 for Meabh which may be going towards getting a piece of equipment to teach her to walk. Hopefully in the future we may be able to run the marathon together. Thinking of how every day must be like a marathon for Meabh and her family gave me the motivation to complete this run and has inspired me for the rest of my life. I am so proud to know each and every one of them and I hope I have been able to make some small difference to their lives.

Thank you to every one who helped out either by raising money, supporting me during the race, putting up with me complaining throughout training and helping me keep the faith.

Thank you to everyone who donated money.

Thank you to Christopher who went out of his way to make sure I crossed that finish line even if it did mean giving me a shove!

Thank you to Rosaleen and Bethany who kept me in supply of drugs, energy drinks and most of all support.

Thank you to Teresa, Sharon, Stephen, Pat, Tommy, Eileen for my awesome banner and your cheers which helped me climb my wall.

To John, Suzanne, Nora, Dee, Brian, Pearse, Donal and Darragh for the high fives, cheers, Lucozade and motivation.

Thank you to my mum for helping me out run the mini bus. You have been an inspiration all of your own.

Thank you to my dad for being at the finish line and for shedding some tears for my achievement.

Thank you to Laura and Dean who drove all the way from Dublin to meet me at the finish then drive me all the way back down to see The Kooks!

Thank you to The Kooks! My future husband Luke will be proud of my achievement when we finally meet. His music kept my spirits up.

Thank you to my wonderful sisters for mentally slapping me every time I didn't want to train, every time I whined about my injuries and who knew really that I would do it all along.

Thank you to Dave who purposefully told me I couldn't do it knowing rightly that that would only spur me on more. You still owe me money Dave!

Thank you to Eoin who always knew the right thing to say at the right time to stop me freaking out. You're my rock.

And finally, thank you to Meabh. You have opened my eyes to the important things in life and you will always be a treasure to me.

If I have left anyone out I apologise. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

We came, we saw, we conquered!

TEAM MARATHON, ROCK, ROCK ON!

The night before...

OH CRAP!

That is all.

x

Marathon Route

Marathon Route 2008

Belfast City Hall
Chichester Street
Turn right
Victoria Street
Turn left
May Street
Turn right
Oxford Street
Turn left
East Bridge Street
Albertbridge Road
Turn right
Newtownards Road
Turn left
Holywood Road
Blanchflower Stadium
Turn left
Sydenham Bypass
Bridge End
Queen's Bridge
Ann Street
Turn right
Victoria Street
Turn left
High Street
Castle Junction
Castle Street
Divis Street
Falls Leisure Centre
Falls Road
Turn right
Clonard Street
Clonard Gardens
Turn left
Cupar Street
Turn right
Springfield Road
Turn right
Lanark Way
Turn right
Shankill Road
Turn left
Tennent Street
Cross Crumlin Road
Hillview Road 2
Turn left
Oldpark Road
Cliftonville Circus
Cliftonville Road
Turn right
Westland Road
Cavehill Road
Hughenden Avenue
Salisbury Avenue
Turn left
Antrim Road
Turn right
Floral Road
Whitewell Road
Turn left
Arthur Bridge
Arthur Road
Mill Road
Turn left
Shore Road
Turn right
Whitehouse Park (now the 2nd entrance which is after the traffic lights/junction with Doagh Road)
Gideon's Green 3
Cycle path
Turn left onto Dargan Road
Dargan Road
Turn right
Dargan Crescent
Turn left
Duncrue Road
Turn right at roundabout
Duncrue Street
Whitla Street
Garmoyle Street
Corporation Street 4
Donegall Quay
Oxford Street
Turn left
Lanyon Place (Hilton Hotel is on the left)
Under railway bridge
Turn right
May's Meadow
Side gate, Maysfield Leisure Centre
Towpath
Turn left
Ormeau Bridge
Ormeau Road
Apex with Ravenhill Road
Ravenhill Road
Turn left
Ormeau Embankment
Turn left
Driveway to Indoor Tennis Arena and Ozone Complex

ARGH!

Ok seriously, it is getting beyond ridiculous! Felt so good after my 8 mile run last Tuesday and all geared up for my final week of intensive training before the big wind down. Woke up on Wednesday morning with the godamn flu! Not just a cold, no, that would be too easy. I didn't sleep at all on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday night, slept all of Saturday day and today is the first day that I've felt semi-normal although my chest is still all wheezy and tickly and this cough is irritating as hell. To top it all off I took a major cramp in my calf muscle yesterday morning which I swear was worse than childbirth (I assume) and now my muscle is pulled and I've been limping about like some sort of Heather Mills impersonator! I cannot tell you how long I've sat here crying my eyes out. I'm so frustrated!! I have been trying really hard with this marathon and thought I was finally over all this illness/injury crap and now two weeks before the big day I'm stranded again. I'm really freaking out. I really think someone up there doesn't want me to run. Well, too bad! I swear if I have to walk on my hands to do it I will. I am NOT backing down now. But I'm very very scared!! This is not what I need right now and I don't want to let everyone down. I just hope that on the day I can hold it together and hopefully not injure myself any further. My plan for this week is rest my leg tomorrow and wear a support for a run on Tuesday and Wednesday. I really won't feel comfortable until I have done one more endurance run so on Saturday I'm going to attempt the 20 miles (however if I feel the slightest niggle I will stop, don't want to aggravate anything). The following week will be spent hydrating, carbing and resting with just a few short runs to keep myself limber and then the big day!

EEK! I think I'm going to throw up

Tip of the Day: DON'T GET CRAMPS! DON'T HANG AROUND SICK PEOPLE, EVEN IF THEY LIVE WITH YOU!

Wish me luck!

Michelle

And I'm Back in the Game!

Ok so got back from Dublin on Sunday after some realignment and acupuncture therapy. I also got a good telling off from my aunt for over-working my body when injured. All in all my body felt great and I went for my first run today...8 miles! Not bad I thought although Dopey Dinah here forgot her iPod sensor so I cant upload it. My big sis came with me though so she's a witness that it actually took place.

Today's run was strange. I felt really positive and energetic and at the end I felt the need to keep on running, I wasn't tired at all. When I stopped though my ankle was hurting quite badly and has begun to bruise again. This is worrying because I thought I was all better and I'm not sure why this keeps happening. I am wondering if its my shoes but I don't think it is. The bones on the inside of my left ankle feel like they are grinding together and its quite painful now. Going to rest it tonight and see how I go on tomorrow's run. My aunt will kill me but I really cannot afford to miss anymore training. This is my last week of intensive runs before the big countdown and I'll make sure I rest plenty after this week.

I watched part of the London Marathon on Sunday as well and I feel a bit more confident. I understand that my inability to train these past few weeks will put me at a disadvantage and I will probably survive the marathon rather than enjoy it but I am confident I will cross the finish line at least. Besides, I'll be in Dublin for some repair work straight after so hopefully my recovery won't be too bad.

Thought of the Day: 20 days to go! OH SHIT!

Tip of the Day: Epsom salts in your bath makes your muscles wonderfully relaxed :)

Love Michelle

Woe is me!

Ok so the picture included is of the bruising starting to appear on my ankle after my 16.5 mile run last week. The fact that I have been laid up in bed all week with a sore back (currently being treated for a kidney infection) means the stress levels are high and I can hear the clock ticking. Despite the back pain from the kidney infection I think some of the pain may be from running awkwardly last time. My ankle took a real pounding and I felt immobile afterwards with pain in my back so this leads me to believe that once again my hip is out (this is something I have always suffered with). Fortunately my wonderful aunt in Dublin is a genius at patching me up so expect training to continue soon.

I understand that alot of this blog appears to be me complaining about being ill or injured and you couldn't be blamed for thinking I was making excuses and backing out. I honestly am not. I am totally dedicated to completed this marathon and if anything the set backs are freaking me out. I could easily have left all of this out of my blog but I want this to be an honest account that others may be able to take inspiration from if they find themselves in a situation where the odds seem stacked against them and they feel the won't be able to cross that finish line. I intend to even if I have to crawl there.

So on a finishing note, bring yourselves to the marathon on 5th May 2008, Ormeau Park Belfast and watch this once unfit, unmotivated flaky girl follow through on something and achieve greatness!

AND GET SPONSORING! NOW!

Love ya

Michelle

And this is the beautiful rainbow



This picture was taken just after the storm when it was still raining quite heavily. Note my skizzles at taking photos while running :)

Phew! I'm Alive

So as you can probably see I surpassed the 16 mile mark. I am very proud of myself but at the same time OMG! I got just over the half way mark and the pain in my back became excruciating. I managed to push myself through it a bit further but ended up walking a good part towards the end. I don't mind having to walk if I need to although I'm hoping on the bi day my back will be better. I really don't know what the problem is, after I stopped running I felt like I Had whiplash and couldn't move my head or neck and had a throbbing pain from the base of my spine to the back of my skull. After a sit down, a shower and some painkillers though its not so bad. I'm making an appointment to see a chiropractor though to see if there is anyway to alleviate it.

My biggest challenges today were: I thunderstorm I ran through, the pain, the bloody jack russell with the very large branch that I had to keep jumping over, keeping my mind distracted and seeing the other faster runners overtake me.

My biggest rewards were: the awesome rainbow after the storm (pictures coming up), the lovely nike plus graph saying how awesome I am, the motivational message from my cuz once I had finished the run, the thought of Dave wetting himself when he realises I'm actually going to do this and take all his money and being able to put a tick beside my first major endurance run (even if it is a little late). The best thing though is knowing that even when I'm sore and sick I can still push my boundaries and overcome my limits.

Tip of the Day: Have a willing nurse at the ready when you get home to spoon feed you pills and make you laugh at your pain (love you Daddy, giggity giggity alright!)

Random thought whilst running: "Sure its only my spine, it'll grow back"

Love Michelle
x

EEK!

16 miles with gallstones and a sore back...I am NOT looking forward to this!!! Just about to prepare for my longest run yet and I am absolutely crapping myself. I haven't been able to eat much lately due to my stomach problems and just about managed 2 slices of toast for breakfast so I'm probably not fuelled to the optimum level. I'm hoping that Powerade will keep me going throughout my run since its the only thing my body doesnt seem to reject these days. My biggest concern though is that my recent illness has left me feeling weak and my back is very sore all up the right side. I'll log my run tonight when I get back and we can see how well I did.

Right now I'm trying not to focus on things that can hinder me. I think I put limits on myself which I know I can push so my goal today is to push through any discomfort I feel and get these 16 done. If I can do that...WHEN I do that, I will feel a better more confident about the actual marathon itself.

EEK!

Wednesday 26th March 2008

Tuesday 25th March 2008

St Patricks Day - I Was Sick :(

Update

OK so after a hellish 2 weeks I have finally managed to get out of the house and run again (runs to be updated later) and completed a 6 mile and an 8 mile and plan more this week. Gonna give up my rest days in an attempt to catch up so expect pictures of blisters and tears!!

As for my stomach,I can finally eat again yippee! although the reflux murders me and running with a mouthful of bile is not fun. I have an appointment with the doc tomorrow to discuss our plan of action.

The mood surrounding marathon day is mixed. On one hand I am confident I can make it (even if it does take me 13 hours!) but on the other hand the lack of training has me seriously stressed. I also accidentally bought tickets for the Kooks not realising it was the evening of the marathon so as soon as I cross the finish line and assuming I'm still alive I have to speed home, shower and get to the train station to head for Dublin. I really hope I can make the gig, I've been waiting 2 years for these guys to come and it would be a major downer to miss them now. I'm using this as my motivation to complete the marathon in under 5 hours.

Fingers crossed!

Tip of the Day: Wear a proper sports bra if you're well-endowed like me...running with basketballs bouncing around under your shirt is not clever...you WILL get black eyes!

Toodle-pip

Michelle
x

Uh Oh

Why is it that there is always one hiccup? Just as training was going so well I ended up in hospital with possible gallstones. I've been in absolute agony for almost a week now and haven't been able to eat or sleep. I attempted to run on Monday and only made it 2.5 miles before almost passing out. I haven't been able to go to work either so I've been bored out of my mind convalescing at home :(

I'm really stressing out because this is crunch time with training. I only have a few weeks left of training and really want to give it my all but with my stomach in the state its in I'm going to be seriously hindered.

Here's to catching up!!

Goals and Resolutions

12th March

8th March

6th March

5th March

26th February

12th February

I'm Back!

OK so here's the recent developments. My main problem these past few weeks is my iPod keeps crashing on me randomly which has resulted in a few runs being lost and me not being able to upload the runs it did manage to store. I've have finally been able to get these uploaded and they will be displayed now :)

My second thing is the doctor told me yesterday that I am suffering from sciatica resulting from misalignment in my hips and spine. I woke up with this burning ache all down one side of my back and it even hurts to breathe. I didn't run yesterday because of it but forced myself to run today as I am totally crapping myself as the deadline approaches. It probably wasn't my best idea as I am now very uncomfortable and sore. I am going to explore my options to sort this out and I'm thinking about enlisting a personal trainer to help me with my footstrike and alignment so hopefully that will help.

Fundraising still continues but there is still plenty of time to donate, so if you haven't, get moving! Details on the homepage.

Love you all

Michelle

Don't Worry

I haven't stopped training, just a technical hitch. Runs being updated realy soon :)

Saturday 26th January 2008

Thursday 24th January 2008

Wednesday 23rd January 2008

Tuesday 22nd January 2008

Sunday 20th January 2008

Running Stats - Wednesday 16th January

Running Stats - Tuesday 15th January

Sponsorship Update!!

OK people, the grand total for sponsorship now stands at £325!!! I would like to say a huge thank you to Chad Steele and Andrew Irvine, our latest contributors for their generosity. You guys rock!

As for the running, my cold finally got the better of me and I was laid up all weekend. I was very disappointed to miss my 10 mile run as I thought it was gonna really challenge me but I got back on the road yesterday (run stats will be updated tomorrow).

I have another run tonight and tomorrow and I'm feeling very enthusiastic! I'm in great running form this week and I've been able to take out all my pent up frustrations on the road.

Challenges: Niggly pain in left leg but ignoring it so far

Achievements: I survived my cold!!! A mountain if ever I climbed one!

Mood: Hyper, enthusiastic

Tip of the Day: Take the sticker off your new track bottoms when you go running in them for the first time. Trés embarrassed!

Michelle

Run Number 3

OK so today the boredom really got to me. I once again managed my four miles (as dictated by the marathon training schedule) and was quite proud of myself. I knew I could run four miles after yesterday's effort but I didn't think I could do it 2 days in a row. I have now breached my 10 mile mark altogether this week. I have got my breathing down (although that first mile is still a killer) and once I get into a steady rhythym my legs go on automtic pilot so long as have something to think about. Last night I reached my 2nd mile and my mind went blank.I had analysed and over-thunk (sp?) everything I could and then nothing. All I could think about was the tired muscles, the sweat itch, the sore knee and how I still had 2 miles to go. On top of all that I have a cold and I'm all mucous-y and horrible. I'm such a girl, if this is what I'm like with 4 miles what will I be like with 26!?!

Here's my run stats from today:



Mood: Grumpy that my run wasn't more pleasurable

Challenges: The cold (again), the cold (as in the sicky one which I now have), rain, boredom

Achievements: Another four miles now bringing my weekly total to over 10 miles, dragging my ass outta the house even though I'm sick.

Motivations: Hot whiskey in the pub to help with my cold :)

PS Does anyone know how to stop heat itch? Once I stop running I get this insane itch!!! Its driving me mad!

Love Michelle

Run Number 2

I ran four miles on Tuesday. It was the first time in a while that I actually ran for an extended period of time. My biggest issue this week is with the cold! It is so difficult to leave the house when its 2 degrees outside and usually lashing with rain. I also find that the first mile is the hardest. It takes me a while to get into my swing and getting my breathing in a regular pattern so this part of the journey is just about tolerable. The second mile was easier and the last two were a gift as I really found my stride and the run was quite comfortable. I find if I drift off into a reverie its much easier. Note to self: create some drama on marathon day so I have plenty to think about!!!

I'm really loving my Nike+ trainers with the iPod link. As you can see below it tracks all my runs and times and because you can't input run times manually there is no cheating (damnit!) so all the stats you see here are 100% authentic. Go me!

Here's my latest run:



PS: Thank you to my friend Dave for telling me I can't do this. I am determined to prove him wrong!

Mood: Quietly confident although I'm bricking myself about the 10 mile run on Sunday!! EEK!

Challenges: The cold, the boredom, the first mile

Acheivements: 4 non-stop miles without collapsing

Love Michelle

FUNDRAISING

Ok people, the time is fast approaching, just 16 weeks to go and I need your help! I have set myself a target of £1500 to raise for the marathon run and its time to get sponsoring!

You can donate money by:

Visiting www.paypal.com and sending a payment to michelle.corr@gmail.com using your credit or debit card. This is a really secure site you can trust!

Sending a cheque or postal order to 73 Lansdowne Park, Belfast, BT15 4AG

If you wish to pay by an alternative method please drop me an email at michelle.corr@gmail.com and we can arrange something.

I will also be doing football sweeps and hopefully a charity evening in March.

Every penny you give goes towards helping a very special little girl. Please be generous!

Thank you so much for your support!

Michelle

Check out my runs

Thanks to my groovy new iPod shoes you guys can all check out my run stats online.

Formal Training has thus begun

Today marked a new dawn for me...the beginning of proper formal training for the marathon. I got my Nike+ trainers and sensor for Christmas so I am well chuffed and excited to be out on the road again. According to my training schedule I was to run 4 miles tonight. I ran 4.2 miles! Go me! Feeling motivated despite the bitter cold outside and my friend Dave is appealing to my stubborn side by not having faith in me, therefore making me more determined to finish to wipe the smile off his face! Love ya Dave!

Biggest challenges today include learning to breathe through my mouth to stop the icy air drying out my nose, getting my hair to stay in one place so I can stop looking like a complete muppet running down the road and learning to look both ways when crossing the road.

Tip of the Day: When you start to itch (insanely) after running DO NOT SCRATCH!! It makes it sooo much worse! My legs are on fire!

New aim: Encourage someone to buy me some cute new sweats to fit my ever decreasing waist size! Running rocks!

Mood: Itchy, sweaty, irritable, sore but bloody happy I can still walk :)

Loves you

Michelle
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