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.