£5024 - Marathon fundraising total

A whopping total has been raised over the last few months - exceeding £5000. Diabetes UK will be receiving £2500, a £500+ donation is being made to Diabetes UK Northampton Branch, with £2000 already having been forwarded to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Funds were split - with the majority going to the charity Claire ran the London Marathon for (Diabetes UK) - once we'd discovered the JDRF charity. These specialise in funding research into Type 1 Diabetes, the type son Charlie suffers from, and the type primarily striking young children more prevalently now.

We have kept a donation page live for JDRF, so please feel free to donate to JDRF at any time (or even join them to continue supporting this important charity) using the links on this page.

Thank you again to all who donated during Claire's build up to the 2007 London Marathon.

New York 2010 !!!

Having originally said that she'd never run another Marathon, Claire took just 3 days to change her mind. Now she's achieved her initial ambition, she has decided that it has to be abroad for the next one so has chosen to run New York Marathon in 3 years time. Apparently this delay is to give her loving husband a break from the demands of her training. At last she's back behind the ironing board!

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) will be the beneficiaries of the next event.

Fantastic and Proud !!

Claire finished her first and (apparently) only Marathon in London yesterday when she ran over the line in an impressive 4 hrs 45 mins 9 seconds. We're all immensely proud of Claire's achievement, even more so given the extreme temperatures.

Having trained for a sub-4 hour run, Claire revised her plans when it was clear that the heat could otherwise cause problems. Sensibly she decided that rather than keep to the 8.5 minute mile she'd been running in training, she would slow to 10+. This was a very wise precaution and ensured she was able to complete the event in relatively good condition, and far better than some of the competitors who could not make the finishing line.

Cheered on by a very supportive family, Claire managed to briefly stop on a number of occasions to say hello! Both myself (Dan) and the main group were carrying large banners that enabled Claire to pick us all out - otherwise we would easily have missed her within the masses.

Thank you to all who made the journey to London in support of Claire - and to those who were avidly watching the TV trying to spot her.

I'll be asking Claire to write a few words in the next day or so, but at the moment she's resting her little legs. Well done Claire - I am very proud of you.

Claire writes, "It was an amazing experience and something that I will remember for the rest of my life. There are so many people to thank, who without I wouldn't have even made it to the start line. Through 5 months of preparation, training 6 days a week, my husband Dan never once complained when I went out the door as he came in from work, leaving him to sort the kids and make my dinner. Every Saturday I would disappear, sometimes for hours at a time, and Sunday was the only day I wasn't at the gym or out running - he's making me pay now though!!! No seriously, I couldn't have done it without him and I love him very much.

There were times when I needed Dan to come along (on his bike of course) to carry water and gels for me, and it was here that Anne, Pam and parents came to the rescue looking after the kids. Also there were times when Dan couldn't come with me and here's where my buddy Dave stepped in. A huge thank you for your support along the way and for believing in me.

Also I must thank Ruth and Gavin, not forgetting the gorgeous Izzy who travelled to see me run the marathon, they made an amazing banner which said 'Charlie's Angel Go'. It was a fab banner and really stood out in the crowds. Also thanks to Matthew, Steve and Alice, my lovely in-laws Anthea and Ian, and my buddy Dave in his silly hat!!! Of course I mustn't forget Dan and my wonderful children Megan and Charlie who were in my thoughts along the way and kept me going. They made the experience a little less painful although I did end up running 26.8 miles - instead of 26.2 - as I was doing rather alot of zig-zagging looking for them!!

Thanks also to everyone who sponsored me, I don't know the exact total yet but I'm confident it will exceed £4,000. Once again thanks to all, I couldn't have done it without you and I really could not begin to describe the feeling when I crossed the finish line, and Dave there's only one way to find out!!

I'll be back next year - but as a spectator."

Today, Diabetes UK have used my picture on their website!!

Should we banner?

No, that wouldn't be fair at this stage, but at least we can wave this (see pic) and cheer.

Final preparations for the big day are under way, and this has included making the banner that will hopefully enable Claire to spot us more easily amongst the throngs lining the streets of London on Sunday. 13 of the Clayton Clan (plus Claire of course) intend to be there to support Claire's fantastic efforts along the way. Strategically placed in numerous spots, we're all hoping to see her at least 3 times each during the race.

Nerves are beginning to set in a little but we know she has put in tremendous commitment with training and cannot have done more to achieve her objective of finishing. Hopefully she'll complete the course in under 4 hours, though this will largely depend on the congestion around the start.

Sponsorship keeps coming in and we're now nearing £4000 (including pledges). If anyone else wishes to sponsor, please use the JDRF donation page - this amount comes off the overall target shown on the Diabetes UK page.

Anyone who won't be there, keep an eye out for 38138 and shout your encouragement at the TV!!

A Wright Hassall...

...but Claire managed to complete the Leamington Spa 6.2 mile (10km) race - sponsored by solicitors Wright Hassall - to the sun this morning in 50 minutes 35 seconds, despite finishing in 21 degrees heat! She's now praying for a break in the weather for next Sunday.

Claire says congratulations to Dave who knocked an amazing 9 minutes off his personal best for the distance. Dan is not intending to run next year!

Cracked it...and ready!

Claire completed the longest training run in her schedule yesterday, prior to The London Marathon in 3 weeks time. She completed the 20 miles in 3 hours 1 minute, a fantastic time, and putting her in the frame to complete a sub-4 hour Marathon.

Running from Daventry to Draycote Reservoir near Rugby, followed by 2 (and a bit) laps around the water, it was a superb effort - even more so considering she was suffering from an upset stomach - and is very grateful for friend Dave in riding alongside to encourage her, particularly over the last 4 miles.

Gearing up for 20 miles...

Claire takes on her longest run in the training plan tomorrow when she sets off on a 20 miler. She'll be running from Daventry to Draycote Reservoir near Rugby, followed by approximately 3 laps around the water.

The next time she reaches this distance will be on the big day - in just 3 weeks.

Please continue to pledge your support upto the Marathon on 22 April. Thank you.

Thanks Karen

Many thanks to Karen Ball for helping raise £81.92 at her birthday party last night. The bucket on the bar was a resounding success and we're touched by the generosity of the people who attended the party - many of whom didn't even know us - and we greatly appreciate Karen's idea to help raise funds. This amount goes to the JDRF collection.

...18 miles !!!

Saturday morning and the roads were awash with sunlight, and the birds were clinging for dear life to the hedgerows. Blustery conditions met Claire on her longest training challenge yet, but this time she was meant to be accompanied by husband Dan for the entire run. However, I had gone to drop the car off at Draycote so that we could both return in comfort following the run, but Claire set off from home before I was back. I was returning in another car when I passed her in Braunston - 2 miles from home! This was going to be my challenge - catching her up - as I was there as watercarrier and provider of energy drinks.

Clearly by the time I departed from home on my mountain bike, Claire had run 4 miles so in the extreme wind it was going to be tough. Not exactly used to pushing myself over this distance, I caught up with Claire after 9 miles - work that one out! I was exhausted, let alone Claire, but at least now I could cycle beside her at running pace, with friend Dave along for the ride too.

Claire looked comfortable throughout the run and there is great hope for the Marathon now, after some doubts perhaps began to creep in when she was picking up injuries. In 2 hours 42 minutes, Claire completed the 18 miles. Excellent!

Now there's just one more long run (amongst many shorter efforts) before the big day.

Longest Run Yet - Again!!

Yesterday saw Claire reach her furthest distance to date with completion of a 16 mile training run. Conditions were blustery, which led to a slower pace than anticipated yet nonetheless still impressive - 2 hours 25 minutes - around Draycote Water.

With just 6 weeks to go before the big day, 18 and 20 mile runs loom just ahead. Next Saturday Claire plans to complete the 18 mile run with Dan in tow (on his bike), though she is battling against injuries to knees and back as the miles take their toll.

Mileage to date...257.6 in 38 hours on the road, with an additional 30 hours in the gym.

Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated!! Please provide comments on this site...

Kelmarsh race cancelled

Sunday's 15 mile race in Kelmarsh has been cancelled by the organisers. Claire had intended to use the event as part of her training plan in the build up towards the London Marathon on 22 April. However, recent heavy rain has led to waterlogged fields used for parking and the start/finish area (see pic showing the Kelmarsh Estate Manager), and subsequently cancellation on safety grounds.

Claire will continue her training with a run elsewhere, as the event has actually been postponed until May. She is coming back well from a back injury that prevented her hitting the roads last week, but after seeking medical treatment she appears to be back on track.

Any messages of support will be gratefully received as she is putting in some great effort in order to achieve her objective of sub-4 hours.

Please also feel free to continue sponsorship to either of our nominated charities, from this page. It would be helpful if you would forward the address of this page to anyone who may be interested. Thank you.

Longest Run Yet !!

Claire completed her longest run yet on Saturday morning. Running in cold, bleak conditions, a time just shy of 2 hours was pretty convincing. 3 laps around Draycote Reservoir near Rugby, accompanied by Charlie and Dan (for 1 of them), totalled 14 miles but it was with relief that she reached the cafe for a well earned cappuccino!

Charlie had already mingled between the cheap gifts and clothing within the cafe shop, while Dan was sat chilling (literally) with a pot of tea, when Claire returned. A nice tea cake for herself, as Dan looked on, was irresistible but credit was due.

Next record is the Kelmarsh 15 mile race on 4 March. Now we just need some accommodation for the Marathon...

Races planned

Claire is to compete in the Kelmarsh 15 mile race in Leicestershire on 4 March, followed by the Leamington 'Wright Hassall' 10km on 15 April, just a week before the Big Event!

(Picture) Completion of the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon in September

Claire's marathon effort is running up funds

Here's Claire looking almost exhausted!

How can she be smiling after running for an hour this morning? She's putting in great effort since beginning full training on 4 December for the London Marathon on 22 April.

Look out for number 38138 !!!!

She's aiming for sub-4 hours!! Let us know what you predict...maybe we can coax you for more money if she beats your prediction?!

To date Claire has completed 179.6 miles in 27 hours 20 mins, and has trained at the gym for an additional 23 hours since 4 December. Scary!