In the news!

It’s hard work being a celebrity *swish*

At least I’d guess so, maintaining those forced smiles at the Oscars probably took some dedicated training.

I, of course, am not a celebrity. But I have had a little bit more exposure since the last time I posted.

I’ve been in the local paper. FRONT COVER!! I wasn’t expecting that at all, and I can’t say it was a nice surprise to see my mug staring back up at me from my doormat last Friday morning. The full page spread was also unexpected, but as it was all for a good cause I put my unease to one side.

The article was very nice, and the response from it was lovely. Lots of people had some very kind words for me, and some made very generous donations. I would never consider myself as anything special, so to be called inspirational didn’t sit well with my natural instinct of keeping my head down and trying not to draw attention. But it was a bit nice to read such lovely responses J  

The article was intended to raise the profile of VICTA and the work they do, and hopefully enthuse kind-hearted readers to make a donation to my fundraising.

VICTA is only a small charity. Most of their funds come from that raised by people running the London marathon on their behalf. They aren’t high profile, or well known, and as such probably (definitely…) don’t get the attention or support that larger charities can demand.

So if you haven’t heard of them before now’s an opportunity to branch out in your charitable giving! The funds VICTA raises are used to help blind and partially sighted children and young adults to live, learn and enjoy the world around them, to achieve their full potential and experience the same opportunities as everyone else.

If you can (please, please, please!) make a donation, no matter how small (or large if you feel inclined!) – it will make a difference to a child who has been born without sight. It will make a difference to me (fundraising is stressful!). It will make a difference to you – think how warm and fuzzy you’ll feel for doing something so nice J

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahMartinRD

Worry less, run more

This week hasn’t gone to plan. 

It was bound to happen – things don’t always go swimmingly. Not in my experience anyway!

My calf has been sore, but with rest and liberal use of the foam roller it’s been improving. I ran on Monday, and all seemed well, which was encouraging.

On Tuesday evening my Mum told me she wasn’t feeling well. Wednesday morning she was in A&E. Thursday evening I drove the 100 mile trip to the hospital, arriving 5 minutes before the end of visiting. This provided an unexpected opportunity for some speed work as I sprinted through the hospital, thinking that if I was in before closing time at least I’d get to see my Mum that evening.

I did get in on time, and what I found didn’t settle my worries at all. My lovely Mum looked pretty rough. She was in an awful lot of pain, and sounded hoarse and exhausted. Things got worse when they brought round her evening medication and she had a bad reaction to it. Soon the bed was surrounded by nurses, doctors and various bits of medical equipment. It was very stressful and very scary. I didn’t leave the hospital until nearly 11pm and I was confident enough that things were stable.  

Fortunately my Mum is recovering. She’s been dosed up on drugs that have made her say some odd things (apparently I’m having a baby and she’ll be making a pink dress for its arrival…), but she’s improving day by day and my stress levels are gradually going down.

My training though…Nowt much has happened for a good couple of weeks now. And receiving the “12 weeks to go!” race-day countdown email from VICTA… my stress levels might still be higher than they should be!

Back to it though. That marathon isn’t going to run itself!  

Click to spend a penny and donate to the wonderful VICTA!