Our athletes – our heroes: Debra's story

By:  Greg  Sunday 09 May 2010

Debra was one of three members of the ADSHG – all with Addison’s – who took part in marathons in April 2010.  Here, they tell their stories.

“You looked like a little girl on her first day at school as you walked away”

Those were my husband’s words on my mobile as I sat waiting for the London Marathon 2010 to begin. I was sitting in Greenwich Park, soaking up the atmosphere and eating my final carbohydrate meal - hot cross bun and banana - before lining up at the start. I had dreamt of this day for four and a half years, only to have it interrupted by an Addison’s diagnosis in 2006.  In 2005 I had power-walked the New York marathon in 6 hours 13 minutes 21 seconds; my intention had then been to do London in 2006.  However, I became ill with Addison’s, an experience that will be familiar to most of you. After my diagnosis in October 2006 I was told my marathon days were over  - mostly by my family who were worried I’d overdo it.  But I vowed that I would do just one more when I was well enough. Well, this was the day. Just for a minute, as the family dropped me off that morning, I doubted my ability to do it.

I had indicated on the entry form that I expected to complete in six and a half hours, so was placed at the start accordingly, near the back. It took 22 minutes to cross the start line. I found myself in the middle of the runners so jogged across the line until I could get to the side of the road, as I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way. We were off.

The crowd was amazing; people were cheering and shouting our names and encouraging us on. At the side of the road there were bands of all sorts, church choirs, pubs done up as pirate ships, radio stations and loads of people. I had memorised the route and knew where to expect water, lucozade sport, gel, showers and toilets. The next marker in my mind was the Cutty Sark, between mile 6 & 7. I followed spotted my family just around the corner; they waved, cheered and high-fived me. I didn’t stop but grinned widely as I passed. My next marker was Tower Bridge, nearly half way. Different bits of me were aching by this time but I knew from experience that the discomfort moves on. One minute your hips hurt, then it’s your thighs, bottom or ankles. Before I started I’d taken a slow release painkiller and anti-inflammatory tablet along with an extra 10mg hydrocortisone. My normal dose is 10 mg hydrocortisone on waking, 5 mg five hours later then 5 mg five hours later again.  On marathon day I took 10 mg at 6am, 10 mg at 9am, 10 mg at noon, 5 mg at 4pm.  The following day I tapered my dose to 12.5 mg on waking, 7.5 mg five hours later, then 5 mg five hours after that.

At mile 14 my family reappeared – talking to Nadia Sawalha - and my husband handed me a bag of small pretzels. These are great to snack on as they are salt loaded, so I tucked them into my bum bag and carried on. Nadia Sawalha and I spent the rest of the course passing each other; she jogged a bit then walked while I kept up a fast walking pace. All along the route spectators were handing out jelly beans, jelly babies, flapjacks, bananas and orange quarters. The more obscure things I was offered were a can of John Smith’s and a sandwich. I remember thinking, I’ve eaten my way round this course. 

At the Isle of Dogs the residents were lining the streets and were some of the noisiest supporters I came across all day. They were camped by the side of the road having picnics, not just there for the running elite but supporting the tail-enders like me. I spotted celebrities in the crowd drinking champagne and all this entertainment helped the miles pass by. I had a salt-loaded Power Gel to take at mile 18 and followed my plan. I knew my family would be at about mile 21 but missed them because they were on the other side of the road. Eight of them were screaming at me and yet other runners had to tap me on the shoulder and alert me to their presence.  I felt guilty for missing them and not stopping but I was in “the zone”, having realised that if I could speed up a little, I’d beat my NY time.

The last five miles were soon done and before I knew it I saw the 800m sign, then 600m, 400m, 200m and finally the emotional moment of crossing the line. It was done, I’d done it, a dream realised and a personal goal achieved. Despite the Addison’s I’d beaten my NY time, I had done it in 6 hours 4 minutes 47 seconds.

After you go through the finishing gantry someone removes your shoe chip, then you are handed your medal followed by a goody bag. You then collect your stowed bag and try to find your family. All of the above were done with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. When I reached the family, I just cried. 

I never hit that wall, thanks in the main to my training, my family and the wonderful crowds who made it an absolute pleasure to be doing the marathon representing the ADSHG. Thank you for letting me represent you.

Debra

May 2010