"This month, I ran my first ever double (back-to-back) marathon, 2 within 7 days of each other! This isn’t something I went out to do, it just happened - and I'm so glad it did! 

Some of you reading this may well have seen previous blogs of mine - maybe even all 6 - one from each of my major marathons over the years. But this most recent challenge had a different meaning and purpose, and my reason for sharing it today, is that I hope it will inspire all those wanna'be runners who struggle to believe that running a marathon (or two) can be enjoyable, whatever the motivation behind it. 

Securing a GFA (good for age) place for London for the third year in a row, I found it very difficult to refuse the place this year, (knowing just how many runners apply for the ballot and get disappointed) even though I knew that it would be a real test for my injured Achilles. So, when my very good friend Sacha declared that she was planning to run her first marathon, it didn’t take much thought for me to offer to run it with her for charity. It was not long after signing on the dotted line, that I realised that the London Marathon was just 1 week after the Manchester Marathon which I had also signed up to and agreed to run with my husband!

Sacha has a very lovely but sad story behind wanting to run for Parkinson's UK, as it is something that is very real and is affecting her and her family right now. Stuart, her husband (and Henry's Dad - Henry is in U6) was diagnosed 6 years ago. Those of you who may have been paying attention, may remember that I ran Tokyo marathon Mrs Hill Runs Tokyo Marathon - Norwich School (norwich-school.org.uk) in 2019 for Parkinson's UK for the same reason - and Sacha and Stu even managed to time a holiday so that they were there with me on the finish line - just like Stephen and Stu (plus other incredible family members) were there for us on Sunday.

I am so very proud of both of my marathon running partners, but especially Sacha, as she had prepared so hard for the day, rigidly following her training plan and could not have done more to ensure that she did all of her very generous sponsors justice. It will come as no surprise to hear that, the 26.2 miles did not pass without various challenges, but none of these were too great for Sacha - she is a true champion. Together, we just kept putting one foot in front of the other and made it happen. 

I want to share with you a few words from Sacha:

“Running a marathon was a hugely daunting prospect for me, I am not a natural athlete! However I stepped out of my comfort zone in order to do something difficult and to raise money for Parkinson's UK, even though it could not possibly measure up to the daily challenges that Stuart has to face. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, so incredibly emotional, but also completely mind blowing, the whole experience is one that will remain with me forever. Running with Nicola made it doubly special; I have no doubt sharing the joy and the pain got me across that finish line with I think a smile on my face!"

Before, during and after the marathon, donations have been piling in and between us we have raised nearly £4000...but our fundraising pages are still open - see below:

https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraiser/SachaJenkinson

https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/nicolahill

I've always appreciated that running is such a sociable sport, but this new chapter has taught me that it can be just as enjoyable being alongside others as they achieve their goals as it is to achieve your own.

Well done to everyone who has ever completed a marathon for charity - the ballot is open for London 2025 - are you in?"

- Mrs Hill