We Run Together
It’s been a day since the London Marathon, and I just couldn’t stop admiring the race medal today. What an incredible day it turned out to be, in every possible way.
Rewinding back to Saturday, I was invited for a live interview on Sky News!
As someone who tends to shy away from little things, accepting this opportunity required a leap of faith. Yet, as the interview unfolded, I couldn't help but feel incredibly proud. This was such a special interview for me, not only in terms of spreading my story and garnering attention for potential sponsorships but also gave me a platform to indirectly shed that light on an issue close to my heart. Through my connections within the community and my research for my PhD, I've encountered a number of individuals unsure if they qualify for a guide dog despite clearly needing that help. My hope that appearing in the media as I am with my guide dog, even if it resonates with just one person, it prompts them to reconsider their eligibility for that furry companion.
Waking abruptly at 4:10am on Sunday, I was gripped by panic, fearing I'd overslept and had only 20 minutes for my coach to London! Thankfully, pre-packed bags saved the day, so just needed to get ready quickly and brushed off the initial anxiety.
Arriving at the bus station, me and Sammar, my sighted guide, shared our biggest smiles, filled with excitement for the day ahead. However, our spirits got dampened quickly when I was told that I can’t take the coach because they were not sure if Bosley is a real guide dog.
Facing this familiar sting of rejection, my heart sank. Out of all the days, I thought today is not the day to experience this. It was so important for me to do the London Marathon! The driver explained that advance notice was necessary for bringing a guide dog onboard, as they'd encountered false claims of assistance animals. I was about to burst into tears thinking how I left my guide dog’s ID at home! In a moment of desperation, I pleaded with him, pointing out the harness as proof.
After a tense exchange and a nerve-wracking wait, we were finally granted passage. At this moment, I realised that maybe today was actually the perfect day to experience this - perhaps this incident served as a poignant reminder of the obstacles we in the visually impaired community face. This is one of many examples why I am documenting my journey to Everest, and fuelling my determination for the race ahead.
Remembering the advice from my coach to at least meditate during the journey and get as much rest as possible before the race. I closed my eyes, seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the pre-race bustle, yet I managed to drift into a light doze. When I woke up, I was greeted by the breathtaking sight of the sun casting its golden rays upon London, infusing the air with a sense of anticipation as people buzzed with excitement in their race attire.
Meeting my friend and journalist at a café, I realised I'd forgotten my running tether, a vital tool for navigating the crowded race. Despite this setback, I improvised with a strap from the event pack, and thought that this should do.
As the race approached, I bid farewell to my friend, entrusting my guide dog to her care. Trying to send messages to loved ones but didn't work due to low signal and data, making me even more uneasy. It really felt like its going to be one of those days where the little things just going to keep going wrong :(
Starting the race with Sammar by my side at 11:13 am, I struggled to muster energy after the multiple setbacks in the morning. Yet, amidst the cheers of spectators and scenic vistas, a glimmer of hope emerged.
Around the 6-mile mark, a familiar face appeared amidst the sea of runners. My friend Abi had promised to be somewhere off the beaten path, away from the bustling crowds, and true to her word, there she was. With my guide dog, Bosley, by her side, her presence filled me with warmth and joy. Bosley, ever the enthusiastic companion, bounded with infectious excitement, drawing admiring gazes from passersby. In that moment, surrounded by the supportive energy of my friend and the endearing antics of Bosley, my spirits soared higher than ever <3
The day unfolded in all its splendor - the vibrant atmosphere, the sun-kissed weather, the captivating sights, and the infectious energy of the cheering crowds and witty signs. Yet, as the clock ticked towards 2pm, a wave of concern washed over me. My phone battery went to 10%, and the thought of not being able to connect with my family, who had traveled all the way from Liverpool to support me, gnawed at my mind. Would they find me amidst the sea of runners and spectators? Had they managed to navigate the event app? With my limited vision, would I overlook their presence? or with my limited hearing and cheers growing louder by the minute, would I miss their calls?
Then, amidst the swirl of doubts, I had a moment of this gut feeling. Was that my name I heard? Could it be? With a quick glance backward, my heart leaped as I beheld a sight that filled me with overwhelming emotion. There they were, my mom and my sister, in bright coloured coats, leaping with uncontainable joy and emitting the loudest cheers I had ever heard. Tears welled in my eyes as I embraced them, swept away by the magnitude of the moment. I couldn’t believe this! Even as a deaf person, their loudest cheer reached my soul, marking an indelible memory of love and support.
With their cheers in my heart, I felt energised to finish strong. Despite some discomfort near the end, memories of their support, along with the camaraderie of other runners and the resilience forged through earlier challenges, this kept me going with ease. With each step, I felt grateful for the journey and the joy of running together.
Here in this moment, gazing at my race medal, a tangible memento of a day filled with triumphs and trials that blended into a tapestry of perfection. The medal itself, adorned with braille, holds a profound significance. Over the past year, I've been learning this tactile language, and as my fingers trace the embossed words, "We Run Together," a wave of emotion washes over me. In that moment, surrounded by fellow visually impaired runners and countless supporters, it becomes abundantly clear - we are not alone in this journey. Each step taken, each hurdle overcome, is a testament to our collective strength and resilience.
What a successful third milestone for the Everest journey! What’s next? The UK's 3 Peaks in 24 Hours challenge awaits!
Follow me on Instagram @DeafBlindEverestProject for updates on my training, connections and everything in between!