So I went to Paris and I ran a marathon. So did my daughter Jessie. It was my seventh and definitely last marathon. It was Jessie’s first and she says it was definitely her last. I’m proud of her, she did brilliantly.
First the facts and figures. I finished in 4 hours and 31 minutes, Jessie in 4 hours 53. Between us we raised some £2500 for two good causes, Tree House and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. If anyone’s still feeling generous go to either http://www.justgiving.com/johnsimmons or http://www.justgiving.com/jessie-simmons But many thanks to everyone who gave so generously – more than anything it was your donations that kept us going.
There were times when I would have cheerfully given up. At around 15 miles going through a long, dark, narrow road tunnel alongside the Seine, for example. Then someone started chanting “On n’est pas fatigué” and everyone joined in, the noise filling the tunnel, turning a low point into a high one. And there were other moments like that, when it would have been easier to stop than to go on. But I finished, and at the end it was hard even to lift a foot for the chip recording time to be cut off my shoe laces. Next day climbing stairs felt like the last steps to the summit of Everest. We shuffled along the pavements, calling ourselves “les pingouins de Paris” because that was our new walking style.
We stayed at a Parisian apartement with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Jessie had bought the DVD of Chariots of Fire to watch on the evening before the marathon. I’d not seen the film for nearly thirty years and had forgotten that those Olympic races took place in Paris. The film was strangely dated – perhaps it was even in 1981 – but it was a good one to watch before a marathon. We weren’t quite as fast or successful as Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, but the music in our heads helped us get around, and we got our gold medals as did 32,000 other runners. Why did I do it? Eric Liddell said: “I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it.” I take that, without the missionary message.
Would I do it again? No. Was it worth it? Yes. Thanks to everyone who gave me support and encouragement.
Il n’y a qu’un mot pour ca, Monsieur Simmons – formidable!
Hello John
I’m Caroline’s husband. Well done I was very envious when Caroline told me of your adventure with yourself. I’ve done three, two Londons. It’s not a breeze. That low spot is impossible to describe, as is the last two or three miles. It’s miserable but amazing for having beaten the feeling just to collapse in a heap. The man who started the chant must have been a life saver. Isn’t the mind wonderful?
I saw my cardiologist today and asked him if I could start jogging. Caroline says no way am I doing a marathon but you may have started something going. Our neighbour is training for an endurance event across Corsica and it is inspiring to watch him with his weights on his back. And he has retired!
So thanks for the inspiration. I hope your daughter changes her mind and tries to beat your time.
Regards
Guy
That terrace looks like a nice place to sit with a notepad and contemplate taking part in a race. Imagine actually doing it…
Well done John & Jessie – I think you are both very brave, and as a parent of an Autistic child I want to thank you for caring.
I’m impressed. Very. Took up running by accident last May; found myself doing a half in October. It was one of the most extraordinary things I never expected to achieve, and helped me get through a very bleak time. But a full 26-er – I’m still saying ‘Non, mais no’. But it’s tempting…