दिसप्पोंत्मेंत ब्य बिग बेन

Disappointment by Big Ben

Unfortunately, after training for 4and a half months rigorously, I only happen to be a few days away from the marathon when I caught an infection due to acute allergies, and got to london in an unfit state to run it. :-(

Here is the email I wrote to everyone who has been supporting me non-stop since the start. I owe my marathon experience to them still and I promise to run one to put the funds they helped me raise to good use before end of this year:

Dear All,

Hello. First of all, I would like to thank you all with all my gratitude. Thanks for supporting my running training all through the last few months, for the lovely thoughts and wishes you sent and for keeping my spirits going.

Unfortunately, in the mid last week, I have caught a bad throat infection, which has led to inflammation of my tonsils and sides of the food pipe which means I cannot swallow liquids/food with easy or breathe - two things I may need to do during the marathon. I am on a serious anti-biotic course, but still running temperature every few hours - which means I have had to pull out of the marathon and give my spot.

As most of you have known, for the last 4 months, my life has revolved around the marathon and the training leading up to it, and am very dissappointed that I cannot run the distance tomorrow despite of being in London!

BUT, I assure you, your good intentions and support are not wasted. Oxfam has agreed to transfer the funds to another marathon event that I can take part till end of 2008. I am hoping to be able to run the Chicago marathon - and shall update you all soon.

Once again, thank you, and I shall keep you updated. I am still planning on going to watch the marathon and cheer the several (50,000+) people running it tomorrow.

My best regards.
Bee