London marathon ballot success!!

[jacky-f]

I'm just back from holiday and while I was away I was shocked to get an email congratulating me on getting a place in the London marathon. I watched it on telly in April, thought that looks amazing I'm going to enter the ballot. I knew the odds of success are very low so I was looking forward to receiving the running top consolation prize. My plan was to enter the ballot every year and if I didn't get a place before I turned 60 I was going to try for a charity place to celebrate my 60th.

I have completed 3 HMs, all of which left me exhausted and vowing never to do it again! This is the only marathon I will ever do so I will be fully committed to the training over the winter and give it my best shot.

I do feel a bit guilty about getting in on my first attempt when I know loads of people have been trying for years.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Wow! Congrats.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Congratulations, you are the first person on here that I’ve seen successful in the ballot. Something for you to aim for now. 🏃‍♀️👏🏻👏🏻

[TailChaser Marathon]

Oh wow jacky! It’s so good to hear of someone who had a successful ballot - congratulations and all the best for your training!!!

[Colinsmith Half Marathon]

Congratulations Jacky! I’d like to say I’m not jealous, but I like to think I’m an honest man... so I won’t.

It sounds like you’d ACTUALLY prefer the running top though, and I’m very generously prepared to swap mine for your place in the marathon. 😉

Seriously though, well done and good luck with your training.

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon]

Amazing and if you are in it is meant to be. It will be a marathon to remember! I am a little envious but very pleased for you. Enjoy it. And believe that you can do it. X

[R4inbow Ultramarathon]

That's fantastic, don't feel guilty at all. Best of luck with the training over the winter!

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

Oi, Jacky, it’s me, your favourite sister-in-law! 😁 I am so excited that you got in, and have every faith that you will smash it! Looking forward to hearing all about how the training goes - and to having a wee run together once I am over my plethora of injuries 😱 and am back up in Scotland!

[jacky-f Half Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

Hi Sadie. I'm really looking forward to the training, I'm a glutton for punishment!! I've got a couple of 10k events coming up and after that I'll start to increase the distance slowly. Get yourself fit again and we can see if there is a half we can do together in the spring or you can come and join me for the Kilomathon 13k early April.

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon in reply to jacky-f]

I’m a strong believer that you can do anything with the right training, Jacky. And it will be fun to follow a new plan. 👍 I like sound of the Kilomathon, and should be fighting fit by April! That is a nice distance. 😁

[misswobble Marathon]

Don’t be! 😃

Congratulations 🙂. It’s a bit scary though int it in an exciting way Lots to daydream about on those training runs 😃

Never say never about future marathons. I did one for my 60th birthday but enjoyed it so much I did it again. Running my third soon to coincide with my 62nd birthday. One a year for me for as long as possible

Good luck with your training 💪👍😃🏃‍♀️

[jacky-f Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

After my first half I said never again and I've done 3 now, you soon forget the pain and remember the feeling of crossing the finish line instead.

[AnnaKarenina Metric Marathon]

Congratulations! I am doing it too and know well that feeling of being terrified and thrilled simultaneously. I am in no doubt what lies ahead will be hard but I hope ultimately worthwhile. We shall have to keep each other going through those dark winter mornings and nights of training...

[jacky-f Half Marathon in reply to AnnaKarenina]

Good luck with your training too. I am still going from feeling excited to petrified and back again at the moment. I will give it my best shot though. Once the long runs in the freezing cold start I will be needing all the support I can get.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Woohoo!!!!

Don't feel guilty, it's completely fair xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Don' t feel guilty - it will be amazing! Good luck with the training. 🙂👍

[jacky-f Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I know I shouldn't feel guilty, it's the luck of the draw and I'm not usually that lucky so I'll enjoy it this time. And there are plenty experienced people here to help me out when the training gets tough!

[BethMay Half Marathon 10 Miles]

Congratulations!! It’ll be an amazing experience! Let us know how the training goes xx

[GeorgiosA Marathon]

Congratulations! I ran it last year with an unexpected ballot place and it was the experience of a lifetime!

[jacky-f Half Marathon in reply to GeorgiosA]

Really looking forward to it. I found out a week ago and I'm still excited about it. I tell everybody I meet, whether they're interested or not!

[GeorgiosA Marathon in reply to jacky-f]

LOL - I know the feeling!! I;m running it again this year - still haven;t stopped talking about it!