Marathon Training - last week until London. Happy birthday to me-49 + 1. There is a storm coming.....

[suzybenj]

Hi All - yes today is my birthday- Happy birthday to me. I have been so focussed on the Marathon training I have not really engaged with my birthday. Playing it all very low key - not wanting the fuss and attention - not really wanting to acknowledge that I have really reached a half century. (What the flip!!).

This morning was ghastly- fog - heavy rain- Mr SB asked what I was going to do - 'I am going to the gym then running"- so I toddled off for a few hours - great session in gym and a completely brilliant strong run - I feel invincible and on top of the world.

When i got back - a pile of pressies that were overwhelming- thanks friends and family for reminding me that I am worth some effort and appreciation. In no particular order - a weekend at claridges, a dining experience at Michel Roux Jr-la Gavorche. Some fantastic jewellery. Shopping at my fav boutique. Made special by all the collaborative effort and alliance of friends and family. The two best pressies were the simplest- a framed photo of me when I was 8 - -all gawky and clueless. And a mug printed up with old family photos from the past - including my lovely old Grandad sitting in a flat cap, with his walking stick and a pint- bought instant and unexpected tears. How kind and thoughtful- things I never thought I would have wanted.

So where does that leave me - feeling grateful and loved- but also hugely motivated in terms of valuing myself and what next week will be bring. People have been so generous in their support. I now feel a STORM is brewing in my heart for next week- I feel strong and confident. I have the complete backing, confidence and faith of dear family and friends. Today has given me such a huge boost - I feel I could fly- and I will :-). I have the music playlist of my life, fantastic 'video clips' in my head and all of you- Fantastic. So BRING IT ON!!!!!!

[Khrissy Graduate]

Happy Birthday! What a lovely post and good luck for the marathon x

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Khrissy]

Thank you for your good wishes

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Happy birthday You sound so positive Good luck for London

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Fitfor60]

Yep - Thank you -All that positive energy is raging through me

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Go Suzi! Happy birthday and good luck for the marathon!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you so much

[notbad Graduate]

Wonderful, what a lovely blog - bring it on indeed, you sound more than ready for it.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to notbad]

Thank you -Ready as is- whatever it brings

[Hidden]

Happy Birthday SuzyBenj!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Hidden]

thank you - have a mild hangover this morn- and still another celebration to look fwd to at lunchtime- I can't keep up the party pace

[c4ts Graduate]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - glad you have had a lovely day. BEST BEST WISHES for next Sunday, we will all be thinking of you and trying to spot you somewhere on the TV coverage!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to c4ts]

Thank you- I will be right behind Mo farah

[Rockette]

Happy birthday & all the best for your marathon

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Rockette]

thank you for your good wishes

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Happy birthday. What a positive note to welcome In Your new year. Your going to have so much fun next weekend you'll be talking about it for years to come.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I hope it is fun-I am certainly in the zone at the moment

[misswobble Graduate]

Many happy returns of the day Suzy. With all the love of your family and friends, and the bonhomie and support of all here at C25k you'll nail that jaunt next weekend. Nae bother!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks Miss W- I will have all of that in my head

[Hules Graduate]

Happy Birthday! Yes you are ready, all the hard preparation is done and you know we are all here behind you wishing you a great marathon experience - BRING IT ON!!!!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Hules]

Thanks Hules- thinking of the C25k marathon runners today...wondering how they will get on

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Happy Birthday - and all the positive vibes you could ever want for next Sunday. Linda

[caj62 Graduate]

Happy birthday. Do you have your running number? We could track your progress next week. All the very best. You have worked so hard you are already a champion!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to caj62]

Thanks for your support and good wishes

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Only just seen you post ( wierd isn't it, they don't all appear...). Anyway...Darling Marathon Queen...Happy late birthday....what an amazing thing to be doing at this point in life...you are totally inspirational. I am sitting here soooo jealous...a trip to MRJ's place...I have always wanted to go there but mostly because he is so HOT, I would love a glimpse of all that power and thrust going on in the kitchen!!!!What was it like????? Darling Marathon Queen...good luck, the panther will be right with you growling at you to push on, and I will be glued to the tele to look for you!!!!

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks for your good wishes. MRJ still to come - probably June to coincide with wedding anniversary- and yes I do think he he is fab. But first I have to get next weekend out of the way- and I do feel like roaring - so i am in a good place

[Windswept1 Graduate]

People that have done it tell me London is amazing so go you and have fun.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Windswept1]

Thank you - I am trying to have that perspective- and ignoring the nervous twitter in my head

[Hidden]

A very happy belated birthday wish to you. As to the marathon; you'e done all the hard work so go out there and enjoy a successful day in London. Good luck and very best wishes.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you- with less than a week to go - feeling nervous today

[misswobble Graduate]

You going to his restaurant then? How amazingly posh or what!!!! Gawd I'm so envious.

I wondered how come Michel was so slender. Now I know!

I watched the programme he made with the young folks he was training as waiters.Very interesting indeed. He is a very hard-working, friendly guy isn't he

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to misswobble]

thanks - i can't quite believe I will be going - The reviews are amazing. So a June treat to look fwd to

[TurboTortoise Graduate]

Happy happy birthday to you for yesterday. We share the same birthday! I spent the morning of mine running my first-ever 10k race, it's funny how this running thing gets a hold of you. I am in awe of anyone doing a marathon, all the very best for yours next week, you've put in the training so I am certain you'll reap the rewards.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to TurboTortoise]

Belated happy birthday to you. This marathon thing I just need to get out of my system. 10k races are great - I am looking fwd to doing some this year.

[OldNed Graduate]

Happy Birthday!!!!! Sounds as though you've had a lovely day and it's set you up nicely for the London M. Go You, we'll be looking out for you.

[suzybenj Graduate in reply to OldNed]

Thanks for that. Had a great birthday weekend - now got this weekend and the big race in my sights