Preparing for the Marathon

Its a lot for anyone to prepare to participate in such a physical challenge like the London Marathon. Having cerebral palsy means that I always have to put a lot more consideration into what I do then most other people. The London Marathon is no exception! Here are the various things we've done to make sure I'm as prepared as possible:

Discussion Meeting

After discussing the challenge with the team it was decided that in order to actually complete this event I would split the Marathon over a number to days. We worked out that if I attempted to walk 5 miles each day, it's like an able bodied person completing a marathon. We've set out a plan that I try to walk five miles a day for five days, in order to complete the full distance of the marathon.

Medical Meeting

It was essential we had a meeting with my doctor, who has been treating me since I was little, firstly to tell him the news that I wanted to & had the opportunity to take part in the London Marathon and secondly to work out how to do it without doing myself harm. I was very nervous about having this meeting with him. I didn't want him to tell me I couldn't do it. Much to my surprise and total relief he seemed overjoyed by the news and chatted about how amazing the London Marathon is. I could tell that he was genuinely pleased and excited for me by the enormous smile of his face. Once a few finer details about the challenge were discussed, he actually ended the meeting by saying he was very proud of me. He said he wanted to be kept informed, would be happy to talk to anyone that needed his input and even said he would want to sponsor me! I left that appointment on a real high as it felt so positive and made me really believe that this challenge is something I can try to do.

Kit Required

I asked for a lot of advice before I purchased any kit. It all seemed so unreal that I needed information of sports gear because I had never enjoyed sport as I found it extremely difficult. The first thing I needed to buy was trainers that are suitable for a marathon. I had never had to buy trainers like this before so it was a whole new experience for me. My team mate Alex kindly offered to take me along to Runners Need, a specialist running shop, who'd be able to help. After Alex explained what I required and he explained the way I walked to the people in the store, the real process began. First thing I had to do was walk slowly on a treadmill whilst filming my feet. They then put the footage though software that analysed my walk which helped them to determine the correct style of trainer that could fully support my feet to avoid injury. Then I was able to try on several different shoes to decide the size and best fit. Then came what I thought would be the easy part, picking the pattern and colour! There were so many different choices that it was almost impossible to chose! These trainers make a real difference, I can feel the support and comfort. I also need to wear supportive splint and orthotic insoles that are manufactured by my orthopaedic specialist.

My trainers

Trainers done, now it was time for clothes. After discussing with various people of all ages, I bought clothing for all weathers. I have learnt whilst training that layering is the key.

Another very important item I would need was a fitness activity tracker so I could track my progress. I did a lot of research on the internet reading articles and watching YouTube reviews. I finally chose the Misfit Shine 2. The Shine 2 tracks my distance, steps, calories, setting daily target and goals. It's particularly helpful as its sync with my iPhone so my daily data is recorded and it buzzes if I'm not on task!

Equipment Required

One piece of equipment that I have found extremely useful is the treadmill my parents bought as I can train at home and it enables me to walk on a flat even surface at an appropriate speed.It really helps the strengthening of my muscles.

I also use a static training bike to help with my posture and try to build the muscle strength in my legs. Using the static bike is really difficult as I am trying to use a lot of my weaker muscles.

Out training with my dogs

Training

I start my day with my usual Physio programme,  which is needed because cerebral palsy makes my muscles extremely tight plus it also helps to warm them up. After breakfast I walk three or four laps of my garden path. At some point in the day I  try to take my two dogs for a walk for about 45 minutes. I also track my daily activity using the data received from my tracker to remind myself what's needed. It feels really good as this week I've managed to hit my daily target twice. It's a big improvement & a real achievement! I have felt a lot of muscular discomfort so I  have days of rest filled with bathing Epsom salts (which I am told is good for muscle aches) while reading my copy of a runners magazine that my mum has subscribed us to!

Good Luck to all those training, its not easy! 

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