My updates
I've done it!
Monday 28th Apr It was even tougher than I expected but I made it across the line yesterday! David and Joe covered the last 7 miles with me and we ecrossed the line together
Winding down
Wednesday 23rd Apr I can't believe there only 4 days to go! I'm now doing as little as possible relaxing as much as possible and eating as much as possible! After a lovely weekend with David's family in Wales, Humboldt and I went to see the bluebells yesterday with my friend Clare. New features below. Share
Tapering down a bit faster than I intended!
Sunday 13th Apr Well, in theory, I had another big run to do and a couple of short ones too. I had a very nice run to Guarlford, with my friend Jen on Wednesday, however, a very sore muscle has made me realise i need to prioritise getting to the start line so I'm going to take it very cautiously especially as there are only only two weeks to go Share
Gloucester half marathon
Sunday 30th Mar Thirteen miles of 1/2 marathon, is less distance. than my recent long runs but the crowds bring their own challenge! However i wss pleased it all went well and I finished in just over three hours of run/walk Of course.I'll have to do two of those on april 27! Share
Mist in the lake district
Sunday 30th Mar My planned 3 mile run changed into a 5 mile, walk up-and-down a Wainwright in the wonderful company of my cousin Robin and her friend ( and ours) Evelyn and of course David and Humboldt too! The weather was not perfect as you will see in the picture below but it could have been a whole lot worse! It looks as if Humboldt has found his new forever friend! Share
Over two thirds of the way there!
Monday 24th Mar After a couple of shorter runs on the hills this week, yesterday it was more of a challenge - 18 miles (or 29km) round Malvern. Everything considered it went pretty well - mainly 1 min walk/ 2 mins run with a slight hiatus in the middle until I took some extra energy on board! What's more after a nice hot bath yesterday I haven't been too stiff and the infamous hamstring hasn't caused me any problems . No nice photos this week except for some Shetland Ponies by the golf club! Share
I bet you never knew this!
Wednesday 19th Mar Rudyard Kipling was named after the village and lake Rudyard, near Leek in Staffordshire. We were staying near there with friends last weekend and I needed to cover sixteen miles to continue my marathon training. Happily a good path round the lake is around 5.3 miles long so three times round was just right. It's a beautiful place and some of my friends, kindly volunteered to cover some of the route with me which made it much more fun- thank you Jill Sandie and Paul.
Beautiful lake district
Thursday 13th Mar What a beautiful place to go running! Fourteen miles sounded a daunting distance to cover but in such beautiful scenery and pretty good weather it wasn't as tough as I expected. Mind you.The fact I kept on stopping to take pictures probably helped.. Share
Another one bites the dust
Thursday 6th Mar A slight hitch as I managed to acquire some bruised ribs which made running a bit sore. Hence, yesterday's run became a five mile walk (quite vigorous at times and more than a little gusty!)up and down Bakestall, one of the 214 lakeland fells chosen by Alfred Wainwright as being of particular interest. We like many others before us, are aiming to get to the top of all of. 188 down and 26 to go! The ribs feel better now so hopefully Iwill be up for fourteen miles on Sunday-watch this space! Share
When the sun shines...
Wednesday 26th Feb
Walking companions
Wednesday 26th Feb One of the lovely things about training for the marathon has been doing some longer walks with good company. Of course Humboldt is he best company - after all he doesn't mind the weather and always does what I say..
I did a half marathon!
Wednesday 26th Feb I did a half marathon! Well to be precise I walked/,ran 13.1 miles round Malvern but it felt good.
It's good to have company
Tuesday 11th Feb A lovely weekend away in Herefordshire & lots of company for my walk Share
This is more like it
Wednesday 5th Feb On Sunday David Humboldt and I got the train Ledbury and walked back. This time the sun shone and the birds tweeted. See picture by Evendine Well. Share
So is Humboldt being helpful?
Wednesday 29th Jan Many of you will recognise our lovely dog Humboldt In the picture below. He likes to be involved in everything and here he's trying to help me with my online Pilates class: I'm trying to make sure my foot is straight in a lunge and he is trying to go to sleep on my mat! Share
Well no one said it would be easy!
Tuesday 28th Jan The plan - a gentle 9 mile jog along the magnificent River Severn in lovely winter sunshine...
I have a plan!
Tuesday 17th Dec I have now got a daily plan counting down to Marathon Day, prepared for me by my physio so i have no excuse not to exercise! Share
Why am I running the London Marathon again when I swore I wouldn't ??!
Thursday 28th NovI ran the London Marathon in 2002 and swore I would never do anything so daft again, so I'm a bit surprised to find myself once more preparing to line up again! Taking into account 24 years and a Parkinson's diagnosis 10 years ago (a bit of a shock to say the least), it must be total madness! However I love a challenge and when my cousin Susan said she was hoping to run for Parkinson's UK in the London Marathon, a little germ of an idea began to grow in my mind. A few months later, after four park runs, one disastrous 10K and one rather better one (at least I didn't come 2nd last!) here I am with a confirmed place in 2025. I am also determined to prove that exercise is good for you especially if you have Parkinson's! I have always loved running but I must admit in the last few years Humboldt (our ten and a half year old dog) and I have got slower whilst my son Joe has got a lot faster!
However the really important thing is to raise funds for Parkinson's UK . They do a great job providing support for people with Parkinson's and funding research into improving treatments, but of course there is always more that can be done with more money. Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Many of you probably know people who have the condition - some of you knew my mother Sylvia who had to deal with Parkinson's for the last 10 years of her life. So please give what you can - and if you happen to be in London on 27th of April 2025 come and cheer me on. I'll probably need all the help I can get
ShareThank you to my sponsors
£250
Amanda Gould
£20
Rachel Street
Good luck to the amazing Catherine for running the London Marathon.
£20
Angela & Nigel Hales
Massive good luck wishes, Catherine - we’re full of admiration!
£100
Ben Allman
Good luck Catherine!
£100
Joe Oliver
Good luck! We'll be cheering!
£100
David And Judith
Go Girl Go All the very best.
£100
Isobel Oliver Frances Oliver
Go Catherine Go!
£20
Heather Williamson
Go Catherine!
£20
Jan Anderson
Robin has told us about your anazing challenge, Good luck!
£50
Sue Adeney
£50
Evelyn
Wishing you all the best Catherine - you are such an inspiration!
£20
David Qnd Marna Gowan
Good luck from Marna!
£20
Nigel Morris
Wishing you lots of luck from the Rhubarb Malvern team.x
£20
Andrew James Vaughan
We'll be cheering you on!
£25
Abigail Stocco
Very best wishes for Sunday Catherine Love liz and Roberto
£30
Robin Andrew
I will be cheering you on from afar!
£100
Katy Lambert
Go Cathy, Go!! Love Katy and Sam
£20
Simon Callaghan
Good luck!
£50
Michael And Valerie Tweedie
Good luck and our best wishes Catherine!
£20
Charlotte Hale
Your courage and determination is admirable. I hope you enjoy the marathon despite the enormity of the challenge. I will be thinking of you!
£10
Carolyn Mciver
£50
Alison Hunka
£20
Fernando
£100
Simon And Anita
Good luck Catherine
£20
Sarah Doyle
£20
Anonymous
Go, go, go, Catherine! Enjoy the day. So pleased to support both you and Parkinson's UK.
£30
Jane Hil
All the best for the big run Catherine - you are a star!!
£20
Emma Richardson
On yersel' Catherine! You got this, girl!
£20
Elizabeth Gait
Good luck Catherine xx
£10
Elizabeth Boocock
£50
Alison, Tim & Rebekah Morton
We're right behind you Catherine (at least 26 miles!)
£30
Susan Norcross
After all your careful training, Catherine, I do hope you will be feeling at your fittest on Marathon Day and will manage to achieve your target. You certainly deserve to see your efforts well rewarded.
£30
Gwen Elliott (french Group)
Please do not post any lierature as our postal sevice is very patchy. Thank you.
£30
The Thicketts
Less than a week to go! We are in awe of all you have achieved already, and will be cheering you on to the finish line on Sunday! Lots of love x
£30
Ben Lloyd
Best of luck Catherine, you are amazing x
£25
Bill Culshaw
Wonderful Catherine! Good luck on the day
£10
Helen Lyons
£24.50
Boooks Sold At Revival - Thank You Everyone!
£20
Robbie Phillips
Good luck Catherine
£50
Elizabeth Vaughan
An outstanding ambition which I am sure you will achieve. Good luck!
£5
Mary Pillon
Go Catherine Go! Xx
£10
Kate Ainsworth
£30
Elizabeth Gray
Good luck Catherine
£10
Anonymous
£20
Peter Luff
I’ll be thinking of you all the way round, wishing you success
£100
Doug & Sam
Love and Best Wishes from Doug and Sam
£50
Robin & Vicci Johnson
Good luck Cathy, we’ll be wishing you along the route.
£20
Teresa
Very best wishes for the marathon Catherine. You're brilliant!
£30
Sandie Reader
Go for it Catherine! I know you can do it.
£20
Linda & Dave Jackson
Lovely plodding alongside you and sharing Percy pigs 🥰on the Gloucester half - exercise is medicinal and the best project you can work on is you! Go Catherine Go! Hope to see you in London or venture out onto the Malvern hills - as a post marathon shake out! 😊
£20
Linda And David Jackson
Great to meet you on the Gloucester Half Marathon today! Well done and all the best for London! 👏
£30
Masi
Amazing stuff aunty catherine!! Good luck xx
£50
Bernard
The best of luck, Catherine - you deserve it.
£15
Zab Oliver
Keep smashing it!!! Looking forward to cheering you on <33
£20
Jan Birtle
Amazing woman Catherine
£50
David & Sian
Massively impressed with your attitude! Hope the sun shines for you. Good luck!
£50
Gaynor Hammond
Best of luck Catherine, you'll smash it 💪
£50
Craig Howarth
Good luck Catherine!
£20
Anonymous
£10
Choir Mfc
£68.94
Catherine Oliver- Book Sale
£20
Richard And Louise Rosoman
You are amazing. Good luck with the marathon. You're a winner for doing it.
£20
Delia Oliver
Good luck
£30
Margaret Fox-mills
Am in awe of you! What a challenge! Good luck .
£20
Philip
enjoy the race
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Linda Copping
Wishing you good luck on the day Catherine xx
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Barbara Moss
The best of luck Catherine.
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John Bloggs
£30
Anonymous
£20
Phil Hanson
Good luck, a great charity to support too, Phil (from MFC)
£50
Anonymous
What an amazing thing to do! The very best of luck, Catherine. It’s such a worthy and important cause. - A fellow singer
£50
Anonymous
You must be mad! Wonderfully so. I hope the training stops being painful and the running inspires and helps lots of people.
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Suki Pallett
£20
Antonia
Good luck Catherine! I have family affected by PD too so very pleased to support
£20
Joy Black
Good for you Catherine! Happy to donate to such a worthwhile cause.
£20
Rachel Hubbold
Amazing Catherine, just the training alone is a challenge so well done you! Very best of luck!
£50
John & Janet Waring
Good Luck Enjoy the day
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Anonymous
£20
Anonymous
£30
Anonymous
£20
Calissa & Ellery
Good luck Catherine!
£20
Joe Thickett
£20
George Thickett
Good luck Catherine!
£20
K.a. Thickett
£50
Jaye
I’m in awe of you, what a goal. Hope it goes well.
£50
Alison Draper
Go Catherine! Luv A n P 😘🐘
£100
Michael Brennan
Good luck Catherine!!
£10
Felicity Siviter
Happy to support you Catherine! X
£30
Anonymous
£16
Well Dressed Gal
£10
Mandy Burton
£10
Sarah Parkinson
I am in awe of you Catherine and wish you the very best of luck in your endeavor.
£20
Di Hefferan
Well done Catherine, just for even signing up! This is a tremendous feat and you'll be brilliant. Will be cheering for you on the day!
£10
Nicola Gilbert
Good Luck Catherine!
£20
Jane Beach
You are an inspiration Catherine! Good luck, you will smash it 😊
£10
Heather Osborne
£100
Helen Abbott
£10
Val Taylor
Good Luck Catherine x
£10
Sue Young
Great cause and one close to my heart.
£20
Marianne Baker Choir
Amazing Catherine !!
£20
Sue Evans
Such a big challenge - good luck Catherine
£20
Dawn Brooker
Good luck Catherine!
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Anonymous
£50
Revival Health And Wellbeing Centre
Goodluck Catherine! You truly are an inspiration. The team at Revival are all supporting you and the remarkable charity that is Parkinson's UK.
£10
Christine Fretwell
£20
Anonymous
Good luck to you on the day & in your training. You’re a wonderful inspiration.
£26
Linda And Allan Foulds
Good luck Catherine!
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Elly Harrison
Wasn’t at choir today but have just read your post . You are inspiring. 🥳good luck xx
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Jo Henley
Good luck for such a great cause 🤩
£26
Rock Choir Steve
Well done Catherine - really inspiring and brilliant to have the handsome Humboldt as a training partner. Sing yourself to the finish line!
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Marie Clear
Hi Catherine, wishing you good weather for practice and a great marathon!
£50
Morella Wiggin
£30
James Roberts
£30
Paul Grubb
£100
Julian Hedley
Good luck Catherine
£50
Val And Andy
Best of Luck! Val and Andy
£50
Hilary Holmes
£100
Chris Badcock
£20
Tanya Pardoe
£20
Louise Gray
Wishing you luck with what must be a huge emotional and physical challenge for you. X
£100
Amanda Gould
You are an inspiration. Good luck !
£26
Well Dressed Dude
£110
Literary Contributors
£100
Jen Williamson
Good luck with marathon. You are amazing!
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Liz Kilburn
£100
Anonymous
Girl Run Good!
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John & Judi Holdsworth
Go Catherine!
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Mark
Amazing Catherine. Good luck.
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Catherine Oliver
£50
Clare Davison
Catherine my friend I salute your spirit. Enjoy your run 🥰❤️🥰
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Caroline & George
What a fantastic challenge! So impressed, Go like the wind! Lots of love, Caroline, George & the girls
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Diane Stevenson
Good luck - You’re incredible!
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Tim And Sheila
Go for it as far asyou can
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Heather And Ian
Cathy, You are an inspiration!! Good luck with your run.
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Andrew & Lucy
You are amazing !!
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Jillian Lowrey
Go for it, Catherine! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Cathy
Run, wee Catherine!
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Jane And Jon
All power to your elbow, Catherine. And to your legs!
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Gill Lambert
Well done Cathy, we are so impressed . Good luck with the training and on the day. Love Gill & Steve xx
£50
David Oliver
Run like the wind
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Rocky Mountie
Go Catherine - you can do this
Catherine ... Congratulations ... you are a warrior and true inspiration. Thank you.