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.
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SlimmingEagle Half Marathon
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Well done. You proved to us all that great thoughts and mind set leads to great achievements. Thanks for the inspiration.
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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!
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Huge respect, SE !
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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.
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That’s very good backup SE.
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Congratulations, it proves it’s never to late to become a runner.
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Thanks Dexy. Started running Oct, 2017 at 59 years young!
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That's absolutely brilliant! Huge congratulations 👏👏👏🥇
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Thanks Linda. I enjoyed every mile - I think !
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Brilliant Eddie! You made it your goal and you did it! So very well done 👍🏻😁💪🏻
Enjoy that buzz!
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Thanks GG_Jo. The problem with achieving a dream/goal is having to raise the bar! VLM next.....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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who cares about pace - you went and did it against the odds - really well done.
Kudos and congratulations!
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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.
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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!!
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You Sir, are an inspiration!
Well done. Very well done indeed! 👍
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Thanks I-J. Funny, I saw a sign just after the start that said "Nearly there, just 13 miles to go!"
Bloody comedians lol
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Fantastic achievement
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Thanks MJ68. It is only just sinking in what I have achieved considering 2 years ago I couldn't even run a bath!
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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!
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You'r not that far off it though. Just an extra parkrun to find.
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Hidden 5 years ago
This will be so inspiring for anyone with heart problems. Well done.
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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.
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Decker Ultramarathon 5 years ago Well done Eddie! Huge congratulations on achieving this massive goal! I have also just assigned your Half Marathon forum badge.
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Thanks Decker, I wear my badge with pride.
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So well done! You wanted it, you did it. Bravo! 👏👏👏
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Thanks Sadie. 2 years in the making!
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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
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What a wonderful poem. 😍🏃♂️ keep going.
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Hello SlimmingEagle, lovely name by the way. Many congratulations from me. You are an inspirational. Thanks. Meg
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Hidden 5 years ago
This is just brilliant - and I love your poem! You are truly an inspiration
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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! 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
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Fantastic effort well done Eddie!😊
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Thabks all - I am now training for a marathon attempt in 2021.
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