From Mary Reeves, a Grassroots Fundraiser … take a read:
Today, 26th April, would have been the day I ran 26 miles in London, so what was I going to do instead… I had an idea…. 26km.
So, this morning did my usual marathon preparations, and set out about the London starting time … 26km in Warwickshire country lanes. During that time, I passed lots of cyclists, a few runners, some walkers- each one passed with a smile and ‘hello’… no high fives as I would have given during a race! At the 7.5-mile mark, of my usual route, I climbed a hill… for me a big one… and at the top… bluebells along the roadside and in the woods. It was an amazing run, throughout blue sky, not one cloud… amazing views, beautiful flowers, birds singing, the smell of the growing rape. (Actually, I think it would have been a very hot marathon in London!) My time…. 2hrs 30mins, but not a race, so able to relax, not chasing a PB! It was my longest run this year, and probably my most enjoyable.
This morning I also read in the paper about social distancing… firstly; it may continue until the end of the year Secondly when running, or cycling, the distance should change to 10m. I put the two together… London marathon October 6th, with 40,000 runners keeping a social distance of 10m… that would be a distance of 250 miles …. Imagine, the social distancing London marathon! Not considering the 2m for the crowds!!! That brought a smile to me. I’m not sure it will even take place…. But I’m continuing to run anyway!
Today has been a day of gratitude; in my morning time with God grateful for so much, in the newspaper an article about the importance of gratitude, even during these times. And as I have spent these weeks in lockdown, not allowed to work (despite having tried various options, ways to work – RCPCH guidelines states, I could work in neonates, but don’t have the NLS – neonatal certificate, and all courses cancelled – first I can find is October!), schools closed so no Lifespace. There have been ups and downs… but I keep going back to what I have got, what I can be thankful for… a home, living in the country where I can go out on my daily exercise, running and cycling, availability of food that I can go and buy, TV and computer which provides so much opportunity to ‘do things’ maybe not as I am used to.. but in new ways. My garden, where I am now sitting, admiring all my tubs of seedlings which have given me joy in growing from seed.
And the coming weeks… who knows… even when lockdown is lightened, I am not sure when I can go out, or even work… This is what I have just read;
‘I have learnt to pay attention to right now… Each moment taken alone was always bearable.’
And that is what I am learning, as someone who always ‘planned’ the days, the weeks, the months, whether that be training, work, mentoring, weekend sports, marathons…. I cannot do that now. But what can I do? … enjoy the ‘now’ – and that is what I am trying to do, taking it a day at a time, enjoying the now, whether that be a run, a cycle, a chat, watching a movie, a visit to Waitrose, weeding my garden … or even just sitting, spending time quiet and still. (Now that really is something new for me!)
Finally, again as part of 26, after hearing about the 2.6 challenge – maybe that’s where the idea of the 26km came from … I remembered I was raising money for children overseas cared for by Grassroots who recently posted about the impact of Covid-19 in those countries; children not receiving their daily meal, no sanitiser, no masks, no medical care, let alone ICU’s and ventilators.
So my 26km will provide support for them… if you would like to support my 26km, please go to the link: grassroots.org.uk/give/
Thinking of you all in ‘Lockdown’
Stay Safe, Take Care!
Thank you so much for continuing your 26km Mary What a STAR you are ! Shining brightly for our God. Just donated £20. What a huge difference we’ll make together.:)