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UPDATE 10 Nov 2013
Here is now the detailed update – in Sue’s own words – describing the gales encountered towards the finish – with 2 new photos:
“We drove to Portsmouth with some trepidation, knowing the worst storm in 20 years had been predicted and it was going to hit the South coast first. When we got to Portsmouth, it was dry but very windy. There was a short shower before we started but we managed to shelter and stayed dry!
After a mass warm up with all the other runners, we set off. The runners soon spread out and we settled into our pace. The route took us past the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Victory and several bands played along the way. The crowd were great and we saw my dad waving us on at the half way point.
I managed to run 8 miles non-stop which is the longest I have run continuously, even in training. But then I hit the final 2 miles which were along the seafront heading directly into the wind. I had to slow down but I managed to do intervals of running and walking for the remaining 2 miles. A handful of jelly babies and the fantastic support from the crowd that were brave enough to stand in the wind kept me going. I then sprinted the last 300 metres to the finish. I did the run in 2 hours 2 minutes.
As he had a bad back, Colin walked at a good pace round the course with our friend Helen and they came in at 2 hours 33 minutes. He managed to run the last few metres having bought an ice cream en route!
We then met the rest of our friends that were running and came home to have tea and cakes and celebrate our achievement.
It was a great day and we are so pleased to have raised so much money for MDS UK Support Group. But if anyone would like to donate to our site, it will remain open for several weeks yet.”
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SueandColinSheath
Thank you so much Sue and Colin for going ahead with the run – despite this awful storm!
We are so glad to hear that you still had a fun time – and outdid yourself in terms of running!
Hope you have both recovered well now – and your friend Helen too!
And thank you of course for raising over £800! Well done.
UPDATE – 28 Oct 2013!
Sue run a great marathon in a great time – despite the horrendous weather!
She persevered, and faced with the winds and gales along the Portsmouth sea-front had to switch to walking the last 300 metres to the finishing lines – the winds were that strong!
Colin – despite a back injury – was determined to participate and walked the entire way – and managed to finish in 2 hours and 31 minutes. Well done both of them!
Sue has promised us a quick summary of the day – including photos. We look forward to that and will announce the final sum they managed to raise.
Sue’s Dad, who had MDS was there too and encouraged the runners!
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On 27 October 2013, Sue and Colin Sheath will be running the BUPA Great South Run in aid of MDS UK Patient Support Group.
Sue told us:
“My dad was diagnosed 2 years ago with MDS and has really benefited from the support group meetings and the online forum. We also met a lovely family at the London event 2 years ago and keep in touch with them regularly. So we want to give something back to the charity.”
Dear Sue – thank you very much for your kind words. This is what we are here for – and always very glad we could be of assistance to your family – especially at that diagnosis stage – which usually causes most people quite a shock.
Sue adds:
“We did the Great South Run 4 years ago and really enjoyed it although 4 years on, the training feels a lot tougher. We live in a hilly part of Hampshire so running on the flat at Southsea is going to feel much easier when we get there!
We have set up a website, so if you would like to sponsor us, please go to:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SueandColinSheath“
Sue’s Dad was diagnosed with MDS 2 years ago and has been receiving treatment ever since.
Dear Sue and Colin – thank you so much for being willing to undergo another Great South Run – just for us!
Warmest greetings to your Dad – and best of luck to you and Colin with training and the actual event on the 27th October!
We look forward to photos and an update on your running time.
Thanks again.
