My name is Jamie Flanagan. This year I have ran in the Rome marathon and will be running in the Dundee and Berlin Marathon's raising money for Vasculitis UK. I am a Wegener's Granulomatosis patient and am looking forward to raising money and awareness to help beat this disease. There is a big announcement for 2013 in this blog, so keep reading! You can read more about me at my Just giving page's below:
A big thanks to everyone who has donated, you're in my thoughts during the runs!
Here is blog number 6:
3/04/2012
So a Scotsman, an Englishman, a Norwegian and a Frenchman are in an Irish pub in Rome discussing long distance running... No punchline! That's exactly how my Rome marathon day ended, and what a day it was.
I was aiming for 4 hours 30, and rocked up in 4:29.22 (and litirally rolled across the finish line!!). Delighted! Even pushed out 5 miles the day after, and 10 miles the day after that! As far as marathon tourism goes, this has to go down as the best yet. Paris was amazing, but Rome just taken the biscotti! Starting at the Colosseum was a sight to behold; where many a Gladiator had fought for their lives and Julius Cesar ruled mercilessly. It seems only fitting that Rome hosts a tough marathon.
Cobbles... One thing the Romans didn't get right. Great for building roads, not so great for running on. Definitely pain staking on the toenails (those of them that are still attached to my toes!). However, what they did get right was a truly beautiful city. Although it is my second visit to Rome, the sights are still something to behold. The Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps, the Vatican, the women!!!!! If only my Italian chat up lines were any good. “Just one Cornetto” didn't exactly cut it!
Every minute of every mile was a joy, and I can truly say I am made for running. There were times where it was tough, but thinking of every single person who had donated to the cause kept me going. It's amazing how knowing that other people appreciate what you are doing inspires you so much, and it makes it so worth while. It's a bit like pushing through the trials and tribulations of fighting Vasculitis, and knowing there is a finish line ahead. There is not a single person on the course willing you to fail. They are all cheering you on and willing you to keep strong.
I hope that in some way, my crazy running is proof that nothing is impossible. I used to be an overweight, unhealthy, ill person. Now, I am a healthy and fit person that happens to have a passenger called Wegener's Granulomatosis.
Next up is Plymouth half marathon in June. I'm going to be running with a friend who is aiming to get a sub 2 hour half marathon. Will be a fun day and I'm looking forward to it. After that I'm going for a DRAM! Not the alcoholic type, the Dundee Running Adventure Marathon in July!! Going to be a very tough 26.2 miles in the Scorching Scottish summer. Trail shoes and Camelback at the ready!
Thanks again to everyone. Next donation of £40 or more gets the last place on the tattoo. Come on! I need to get this tattoo started!!!
PS. The pic is taken on the final 1/4 mile of the marathon. Woo!
