My first half

[SlimmingEagle]

Two years ago, following a long recovery from open-heart surgery and many other cardiac procedures, I dreamt a dream of completing a half.

I fulfilled that dream on Sunday 29th at the Ealing Half Marathon.

It was not easy but I persevered despite many obstacles along the way.

My time of 3:45:25 is not fast by any stretch of the imagination but, with the support of many, I ran every inch of the way. I still ache all over but it was worth it.

Achieving dreams is possible. Go on, I challenge you to achieve yours.

Eddie.

[Vengie77 Half Marathon]

Well done. You proved to us all that great thoughts and mind set leads to great achievements. Thanks for the inspiration.

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Vengie77]

Thanks Vengie,

having had 2 open-heart procedures; 1966 and 2013, means my cardiac output is diminished. However, since taking up running I feel fitter now than at anytime during my life despite still needing to lose a few pounds!

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon]

Huge respect, SE !

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to HeavyFoot]

Thanks HF. Your handle suggest how I felt for the last 2 miles.

I was lucky enough to have a support runner and the NHS standing by.

In fact, the NHS enquired about me 6 times along the route to ensure I was still alive although at times I thought I wasn't, especilly up the hills.

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon in reply to SlimmingEagle]

That’s very good backup SE.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Congratulations, it proves it’s never to late to become a runner.

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. Started running Oct, 2017 at 59 years young!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That's absolutely brilliant! Huge congratulations 👏👏👏🥇

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda. I enjoyed every mile - I think !

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Brilliant Eddie! You made it your goal and you did it! So very well done 👍🏻😁💪🏻

Enjoy that buzz!

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks GG_Jo. The problem with achieving a dream/goal is having to raise the bar! VLM next.....

[Mumpark Half Marathon]

Wow Eddie

You are a fantastic inspiration to us all.

I’ll think of you when running and imagining every little twinge is the end of running for me.

Well done and what a brilliant photo.

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Mumpark]

Ha. I have a lot of twinges.

There is no such thing as a failed or bad run.

No matter the distance, no matter the pace, a run is still a run.

When things didn't go as I planned, I would just get up, dust myself off and go again.

[Mumpark Half Marathon in reply to SlimmingEagle]

Me too.

All weathers 3 days in the week and then Parkrun on Saturday.

I love it really I say to my daughters I don’t want to do a half marathon but I would love to do that distance I’ve got to 14K.

My youngest says never say never.

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Mumpark]

Your youngest is correct. Considering you are at 14k, sign up for a 10 Miler (16k), then you have only 2 miles to find. The last mile you can do on the day of your Half.

Most important thing is hydration and a food strategy depending on your pace.

[backintime 10 Miles]

who cares about pace - you went and did it against the odds - really well done.

Kudos and congratulations!

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

Thanks BiT. 3:45:25. Not fast but finished.

Who actually works the hardest? Somebody giving 100% for 1 hour or somebody giving 100% for nearly 4 hours?

Besides, I got to enjoy the event longer and got the loudest cheer at the end.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to SlimmingEagle]

Anyone who completes a half no matter what time deserves a cheer as far as I'm concerned, irrespective of pace - it's a looong way.

You are right though, you got to enjoy it for longer than the faster runners!!

[Irish-John Marathon]

You Sir, are an inspiration!

Well done. Very well done indeed! 👍

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

Thanks I-J. Funny, I saw a sign just after the start that said "Nearly there, just 13 miles to go!"

Bloody comedians lol

[MikeJones68 Half Marathon]

Fantastic achievement

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to MikeJones68]

Thanks MJ68. It is only just sinking in what I have achieved considering 2 years ago I couldn't even run a bath!

[MikeJones68 Half Marathon in reply to SlimmingEagle]

Same here. I started C25k exactly 2 years ago, but I haven't had the setbacks that you have and I still haven't got around to doing HM distance!

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to MikeJones68]

You'r not that far off it though. Just an extra parkrun to find.

[Hidden]

This will be so inspiring for anyone with heart problems. Well done.

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flick,

I needed 2 cardiac procedures during my training, the last being in April.

Sure, they were setbacks, but life is like that, they are hurdles to overcome along the way.

I was not even sure I would complete the Half until I reached Mile 11 then the magnetism of the finishing line took hold and reeled me in.

For 60 years people have been telling me I would never be able to run.

I ran the Half not to prove people wrong but to prove to myself that anything is possible with desire, determination and support of others.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Well done Eddie! Huge congratulations on achieving this massive goal! I have also just assigned your Half Marathon forum badge.

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker, I wear my badge with pride.

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

So well done! You wanted it, you did it. Bravo! 👏👏👏

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks Sadie. 2 years in the making!

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon]

I have a dream - By SlimmingEagle

==========================

With my heart and my soul

And all that I be

I will keep a promise

I made to me

I will go beyond my limits

And beyond my strengths

And conquer my fears

At any lengths

I'll give it my best

Of that I am sure

I will run and run

I will endure

And at the finish

When I cross the line

I will raise my arms

Victory will be mine

And when I reminisce

In years to come

I'll smile to myself and say

I ran the Ealing Half Marathon

[Megbird in reply to SlimmingEagle]

What a wonderful poem. 😍🏃‍♂️ keep going.

[Megbird]

Hello SlimmingEagle, lovely name by the way. Many congratulations from me. You are an inspirational. Thanks. Meg

[Hidden]

This is just brilliant - and I love your poem! You are truly an inspiration

[Wainwright22]

What a fantastic achievement and a very inspiring story. I have only managed 10k twice, both with a mix of running and walking but def want to try and up my game now after reading your post. Well done! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Fantastic effort well done Eddie!😊

[SlimmingEagle Half Marathon]

Thabks all - I am now training for a marathon attempt in 2021.