WE DID IT!

So, … we made it! All 26.2 miles of it….in the bag! It’s still quite hard for me to believe I actually completed it! I was so nervous, stressed, even slightly unwell the week before. Even though I couldn’t wait to get going, I don’t think I fully understood what I was taking on, let alone whether or not I was capable of it! And it didn’t matter that Peter and many more of you told me I could, I didn’t believe it because I couldn’t really feel it! I reached half way with some still left in the tank and that felt spectacular! But around 30K the wheels began to come off, 1 by 1!

I began to walk and run, and ask Peter over and over again if I’d make it. My steps became laboured…it wasn’t pretty! And when I met family at mile 24, I cried and told them all I couldn’t make it! It’s amazing how long 2.2 miles becomes after you’ve done 24 of them! But we made it, and the joy, the celebration, the disbelief of that is something I’ll never forget!

 

Running a marathon is by far and away the toughest thing I’ve ever done, but its also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever completed and by far my proudest achievement!

Nik and I had coffee this week and we talked about this a lot. What is it that makes running a marathon so special? We’ve both run halves completing GNR together and we both ran a marathon. We agreed that the training and the events themselves are another level entirely!

I think this is to do with the intensity, the hard work and the fact that while you are participating in a race, you are ultimately running against yourself. You’re raising the bar for yourself. Regardless of what you might prove to the world, what the marathon is really giving you is that space inside yourself. That space where you face the fact that you trained to become one of that very exclusive 1% club…the 1% who have completed a marathon! You worked and cried and pushed to finish when every cell of your being wanted to stop!

It took me about 30 minutes to stop crying when I finished; I was tired, emotional, cold, overwhelmed, and so utterly proud of myself. As I sat there eating chips through floods of tears, it was Nadiya Hussain that came to mind. Her beautiful victory speech on bake off where she says ‘I’ll never again say something is too hard, that I won’t, or I can’t, because I can, and I will’!

This marathon feels like a life altering event somehow, and I’ll treasure every last memory of it.  From the people we met, the laughs and deep chats Peter and I had on our training runs, all our fundraising missions, all those who supported us (before, during and after the event), you have all contributed to something so incredibly special for me.

If anyone had told me after my first parkrun that I’d run a marathon one day, I’d have laughed silly and probably not come back! But that is the magic of our parkrun family/community and I am truly blessed to be a part of it. Thank you Peter, from the bottom of my heart, for being my eyes for 16 weeks, and for giving me such an effortless, easy run that I didn’t have to think about! You are a true legend and a beautiful soul that I’m blessed to call a friend.

 

Lots of you have been asking ‘what next? Well, I’m quite happy to stick to parkruns and cake for a while (my physio says it’s all part of my recovery!) only, …, while I was finishing off an Easter Egg earlier, I discovered a few guide runners in the South West who support ultras …, #JustSaying

Who knows what’s next; for now; I’m just blissed out wearing my medal with pride and milking the magic of Brighton for as long as I can! Thank you all for tracking us, supporting us, and sending the love, your energy, prayers and kindness all carried us over the line and contributed to an incredible day that I’ll never, ever forget!

 

Reflections on the wall (and how to get over it!).

 

This one goes out to all those of you who are training for, or even contemplating a marathon at the moment.

Marathons are tough (no surprise there, I know!), but one thing people don’t always tell you is, while the physical training is super important, it maybe accounts for 40% of the work you need to do. The remaining 60% is all about mental strength! As a yoga student, I know all too well how powerful the mind is, and how good it is at telling us stories! It will tell you that you’re not strong enough, not disciplined enough, not slim enough, not this, that or the other enough, to complete the challenge, and as it repeats these stories on a loop, they sometimes take route!

Its important to challenge these stories before they take hold of you. The best way I find to do that, is challenge them head-on, and with a pro-active approach.

 

When I began my marathon training, I started to have pain in my left leg. Some of you will remember, I got an injury just before the Great North Run in 2022. In my mind, this pain was the re-activation of that injury, and I wouldn’t be able to run at all! Thankfully though, while rehabilitating that injury, I had the support of Heather over at @next_level_performancegla

While Heather still offers physio, her focus is much more on preventative techniques. When looking at the pain in my left leg, she helped me realise it was less about stimulating an old injury, and more about building strength on the left side, following a movement pattern that had contributed to weakness there.

 

Over the subsequent weeks, we began undertaking strength and conditioning work. Its been tough, and the pain hasn’t fully gone, but it has reduced, and strength has grown. I’ve learned how to manage my energy, and balance different forms of cross-training in order to maximise my runs, and overall well-being. I think its easy to watch social media, and think that, if you adapt your approach to mirror another person’s running technique, or follow the same training programme as someone you admire etc, that you’ll have the magic bullet. The truth is, we’re all different, and we bring our physical and emotional histories to the challenges we undertake. We can either see them as obstacles we need to ditch or change, or we can view them as assets, or at least, core parts of our complete being to work with. It is certainly possible that my lack of sight has lead me to over-compensate for a physical weakness I sense, on one side of my body. I can either get hung up on that, or see It for what it is, and gently challenge the movement pattern to build strength, and alternative muscle memory. I can also be hugely grateful to the body I have, that intuitively works to keep me safe in every situation; how cool is that!

 

Heather is keen to support any readers of @vision2run who would like to explore physio or movement challenges of their own! So, if this feels like something that might serve you, do connect with her, and don’t let the great wall of marathon take over your mindset. Any obstacle along the way is just a challenge, waiting to be overcome.

It’s the final countdown!

 

7 days to go!

 

With the last long training run done and the final countdown in full swing, Its fair to say I’m spending most of my time torn between major excitement, and cold, fearful sweats! Can I do this? Will the wheels come off? Will I make it within the 8-hour cut-off? .., we’ll soon find out!

Until we do, lots of you have been asking me questions about our marathon effort, from the deep to the practical! So, I thought I’d cover some of them here, in case they offer wisdom (or even a few laughs), to anyone else embarking on a marathon journey of their own!

 

Q: why Brighton?

 

A: Well; that was my cousin Drew’s fault (bless him!). Like most marathon hopefuls, I stuck my name in the London ballot, and didn’t get in. When Drew heard, he suggested Brighton. We had planned to run it together, however we quickly realised that wasn’t going to work, given we’re at opposite ends of the country, with busy jobs and lives, making joint training almost impossible. I probably would have dropped out at that point, but the amazing Peter Williams stepped in; and we’re running it together! We’re excited though; Brighton has an amazing vibe, so we’re hoping for seaside breezes, great music, banter and crowds to get us through the course (and some great food at the other side!).

 

Q: Can anyone guide run a marathon?

 

A: In theory, yes! But ideally, you’d want to know each other, be able to practise together in advance to build the trust and partnership you need to get through a marathon. I’d also suggest doing some larger races together in order to get used to running in crowded spaces. Also, while it may seem obvious, but your level of fitness needs to be somewhat in sync. A guide runner might be fitter/stronger than you (definitely true in my case!), but you both need to be able to cover the marathon distance, and agree how you’re comfortable doing that (running/walking, combination of both etc).

 

Q: what have been the best/worst parts of marathon training?

 

A: everyone says marathon training is tough, but nothing prepares you for how tough it is! Training takes over your life, you’re exhausted, sore, and if you’re not running, you’re working! I’d say that’s been the toughest part about it, having to run in wind, rain, snow, run when you have nothing in the tank, run when all you want to do is lay in bed with a chocolate cake! However the flipside is you discover strength and resolve you didn’t know you had. Seeing my strength grow and my parkrun times improve has been a tremendous boost and really helps me believe we’ll make it, along with the incredible support of all the parkrun family and all those who have donated to us, it’s a trust and a responsibility I take really seriously, and want to make them all proud.

 

Q: what’s something no one told you about marathon training that you think others should know?

 

A: Your female bits hurt! Amazingly so after a long run! (can’t comment on male bits for obvious reasons!), not much you can do about this, other than buy yourself buckets of Vaseline and bathe in it!

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to after the race?

 

I know it’s a cliché, but there is nothing like crossing the finish line! I know we’ll be tired, drained, cold, filthy and overwhelmed, but the joy of knowing we made it and the relief of being done will be so special. That is closely followed by the joy of the pizza we’ll hoover as soon as we’ve recovered!

 

Q: Do you think you’ll do another marathon?

 

That’s quite easy to answer: in short, no!! mind you, like any savvy media person, I say no with a caveat! While I can’t see myself doing another one, if @stevehellercornwall ever wants to run the Eden marathon as my guide, I’d be 200% up for it! I think running around Cornwall singing some of his Cornish bangers would be a perfect fit for my Cornish language journey and overall madness, and a great way to raise funds for a good cause, but that really is the only exception! Its just such hard work; and I’ll be more than happy to enjoy my local parkruns for the time being, with the odd bit of touristing and 10K events thrown in.

The next challenge: vision2run returns!

 

Well hello there, 

 Here we are again… I never quite thought I’d be here! (and for anyone not yet in the know, here is just weeks away from the start line of my first marathon)!

 

You might be wondering how that happened; I know I am!! Lets rewind; all the way back to the Great North Run! Along with team Rikabel and a group of amazing parkrun pals; we completed that challenge! We had an amazing, fun, emotional weekend that I can never forget, and an incredible journey getting there! It was tough though, the training, the injuries, the self-doubt, and I had no plans to do anything like it again; my parkruns and the odd 10K would do!

But just weeks later, on my 40th birthday, the amazing Nik and the parkrun family organised a beautiful surprise birthday party for me (my first surprise party as it goes!). Among the beautiful and deeply personal gifts they gave me was a Notch bracelet already marked up to reflect all my runs so far! As I wore it, loving the tactile nature of the notches on it, the fact there wasn’t a marathon on there began to eat away at me! Would I ever have one? Could I do it? Would I be brave enough to try?

Over the year that followed, my studies ramped up, and I had to focus more on work and less on the fun stuff, but I watched friends take on new challenges (Nik succeed at her very first Marathon in Manchester with an incredible time!), and the challenge continued to call to me!

Later that year, I did what anyone with Marathon ambitions does and stuck my name in the London ballot (I didn’t get in of course!). Soon after that, my cousin asked me if I’d consider doing the Brighton Marathon with him. He lives there and fancied a bit of a challenge himself! I agreed but he quickly did the sensible thing and decided it was a bit too much/not the right time etc. I could have done that, however, I mentioned it to the parkrun family, and was quickly met by willing volunteers from all sides! To my delight, among those volunteers was Peter Williams! Peter ran my first ever parkrun with me, and given his wealth of pro running experience and a multitude of marathons to his name, not to mention his extensive guide running experience, I felt completing a marathon with him would be a dream! His wife gave us the green light (partners of runners put up with al lot!), and the rest, as they say; is a work in progress!

 

Right now, we are 7 weeks away from the big day and I’m terrified! But I have a great guide beside me and the wider parkrun family supporting our every step! Team Rikabel remains at centre stage, with Isobel taking me to spin classes for cross training, and Nik updating the social media channels for us! So, over the next few weeks, we’ll keep you updated on our triumphs, PBs (there have been a few at parkrun lately!), blisters, chafing, cakes; the full marathon experience!

 

Finally, as with our GNR challenge, it remains very important to me to try to give back to the blind community I’m part of so for this challenge, I’m getting behind Blind Veterans UK, who do incredible work supporting service men and women rebuild their lives after sight loss, whether in active service or beyond it. These are difficult times for all of us, and so there is absolutely no pressure to donate, but if you can help, anything you can spare will make a massive difference to this amazing cause: do give what you can, and share the link as wide as you can too!

https://2024brightonmarathonweekend.enthuse.com/pf/ruth-forrest

 

Most of all, keep us in your thoughts, prayers, and surround us with good vibes, this is the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on, but its definitely exciting; especially seeing how strength and endurance really start to build. I’ll share more about that over the next few weeks; but for now,  many thanks; and wish us luck!

Reflecting on the year that was 2022

My parkrun Birthday (yes, it IS a thing!)

Great North Run - Ruth’s reflection

So, the dream that began on my sofa watching the Great North Run culminated in us running our race on Sunday 11 September…finishing it. Thinking back over such a momentous weekend, it’s hard to find the words to express what completing GNR means to me and how much this entire journey has shifted my perspective.

 

Despite all the training and preparation, GNR seemed to creep up on me and I did not feel prepared. I’d been busy with work, I’d had exams and I got injured. Although my physio told me I could participate, I still had to be careful. I had to tape my achilles and walk portions of the run. I felt I hadn’t trained much and I was nervous. Add to that the Queen’s passing and for a moment, we wondered if the race would even go ahead. All of this made me anxious but the real route of my nerves was born out of a fear of not finishing. 

I was fine about walking, fine about the crowds and, if anything, quite excited about the event. But what if I couldn’t finish? What if I had to face all those who had given so much to us in donations and tell them I’d jumped on the bus at mile 6 and hadn’t completed the race? 

 

We travelled down to Newcastle full of laughs and anticipation. It was a joy to be sharing the weekend with Sam and Katy who had both been such a huge part of my journey along-side the other 2 forces that make up the dream Team Rikobel. We were joined  by my husband who was pretty strong and stoic in the face of 5 uber-expressive women. We had a wonderful 2 day race prep attending local parkruns and enjoying great food, company and laughs. Yet I didn’t dare express my real nerves. I texted a few friends back home silently admitting that I was worried about not finishing. Then I just prayed and hoped for the best. 

 

The morning of the race flashed by in a blur; dropping our bags, finding our start line and just like that Team Rikobel were on our way. As we crossed the line, Nik said,

‘this is what dream realisation feels like Ruth, you are realising your dream!’

And she was right.  I knew then that whatever happened, I had to finish this race; it was the real lap of honour following all our hard work.

 

People tell you about the magic of GNR, they tell you about the crowds, the live bands, the love, the positive energy, the masses shouting your name, the incredible sights and stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for charity and those they love. People tell you all that but nothing prepares you for the true wonder of GNR; you just have to drown in it for yourself. People screamed my name and, through smiles and tears, I screamed thanks back cheering them on, lapping up the love and feeding it forward. The cheers became wings on my feet and, though the injury niggled, I kept surging forward. The day became hot unbearably so at times but our incredibly Issy kept us cool. Rushing to collect ice poles from bystanders and  chucking ice water over me at each water station (I did tell her to, honest),

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know I’ve never really gained a working understanding of distance. So, given that and the injury issues, I’d asked the team not to tell me about mile/KM markers, ignorance was bliss in my view.  But, I knew the guide dog bus was at mile 6; when we reached it the tears began to flow. My biggest worry had been that I’d reach the half-way point with nothing left in the tank.  Instead, I reached the half-way point feeling like I could go on;  I started to believe I could finish.

The miles rolled on, I did tire and, as predicted, I had to walk. Isobel’s stride training meant I was able to keep the walks energised and strong, using long strides that made it easier to stretch out the injury and move back into running again when it loosened up.

8 miles became 9, then 10, then 11, and then we turned that famous corner that you see on TV, when the runners run down the hill and the sea finally comes into view. The breeze carried the salt air to me along with an even larger cheer from the crowd; the scent of a BBQ hung in the air- I was going to do this. Then, within what felt like seconds, we had crossed the line. We stood on the grass at the finish, in tears, overwhelmed crying and smiling from ear to ear. None of us had words, we just held each other in a group hug realising we had made it. Sam and Katy finished their run and we all spent a beautiful evening soaking up the energy in South Shields, sharing a fantastic meal and lots of celebratory vibes with Guide Dogs UK our chosen charity. 

 

I could write pages about the magic of the day- the people we met, the costumes we saw and the amazing laughs we enjoyed. If you are at parkrun over the next few weeks, you’ll hear it all from us 1000 times over. Ultimately, it comes down to exactly what Nik said to me at the start - dream realisation.

This incredible journey has taught me something I thought I knew, that dreams really can come true.  If you have a goal in mind and are prepared to work on it, anything is possible.  We all know this but dreams feel easy to realise when you are young. Perhaps, with age, we lose the confidence to follow our dreams and our hearts.  Perhaps we lose the certainty to believe in our gut, to believe that we have what it takes to change our own destiny. The moment that medal was hung around my neck, I realised it was true and made a new commitment to do exactly that. I also realised that it is critical for us to keep on raising the bar for ourselves in life, even more so if we have a disability, as society will never do that for us.

 

Most of all I realised that we truly are interdependent. The wonder of my journey is not what I achieved but the beauty of the component parts that brought it all together. From Andrea telling her co-worker about parkrun, who reached out to Moira and put us in touch. To everyone at Strathclyde parkrun who welcomed me into such a loving, passionate and inclusive community. To everyone who has guided me on my runs (we counted 14 at the last count and its growing all the time), everyone who has volunteered and cheered me over the line, to all those who donated to our page and shared our story far and wide. Before this journey, I tended to compartmentalise my connections never getting too close to anyone for fear of not really being seen or accepted. The parkrun family gave me an equal and affirming space in which I could simply be myself, that has been the biggest miracle/light on the path.

 

Most of all, I owe the biggest thanks to Nik and Isobel for everything they did to make this dream a reality. Their kindness, support, organisation, logistical planning (because I have absolutely none), and their unshaken belief in me is truly humbling and inspiring. My thanks to Nik for being an amazing friend, for her patience and passion on the journey, for all the late night runs after work, for all the deep chats, the hugs, the coffee and the laughs - you are a friend for life.

To Issy, for being an inspiring guide, for giving me back my childhood love of free running, for being a great baker, for being all round ‘mum’ to our group and keeping us right and being an utterly phenomenal wing woman on Sunday- we could not have done it without you!

 

Some of you might be asking so what next? Up till now, I’d always truly believed that GNR was my goal and once done I’d be happy to revert back to my spectator sport of watching runs from the comfort of my sofa; both Nik and I agree that vision2run can’t end here. We don’t know exactly what next; I need to rehabilitate the injury and pass my finals.  We do know we want to do some awareness raising work, especially among visually impaired children and families. We want to share the joy of running I’ve discovered with so many others. We want to continue the blog and I, for one, want to cash in on Nik’s exceptional marketing skills demonstrated all over our socials.  Also …, I might have signed up for the GNR Ballot reminder service for 2023 … ya know, … for information purposes only!

We don’t know exactly what’s on the horizon but we know there is more to do.  I know for sure that parkrun has been the best part of my journey and will be a key part of my life forever.

Thank you each and everyone of you for making my dream come true. You are all beautiful people and I could not have done this without you.