Right, back when I originally decided to do the New York Marathon, and consequently write a blog, this was always going to be the most significant entry. Until Monday morning it was going to be filled with stories how I was finally ready to do this huge challenge I'd set myself and thanking people for all there support. That is still the case, however, Hurricane Sandy and all the chaos and uncertainly it has caused over the past 72 hours means there is an additional element and 'twist' (pardon the pun!) to the story. So here goes...
Firstly, let me set the scene of where I am writing this. I am on my flight to New York, currently flying over the west coast of Canada and needless to say will be uploading it later when I land and locate a WiFi hotspot. It made me think of the other places I have found myself writing entries for this blog and most notably when I was in Mumbai a year ago. Wow, that seems a long time ago!
Anyway, on with the story...
On Sunday I met up with Dan, who is the guy I've been put in contact with through my mate Toby. It was great chatting through everything with him, where we could meet up and what we could do in the time we have whilst we are there. Having discussed all that and shared our tales of the times we've been to NYC before (shout out to Ging here, the infamous bag incident at Macey's and his uncle that probably never forgave us - but that's another story) I left feeling for the first time ready and truly excited about going. Then Hurricane Sandy hit...
Originally I wasn't that concerned and thought it probably won't be that bad and it would have all been sorted by the time I fly out. However, as more and more people asked me about it and I followed the story on the news I realised just how serious it was. At this point I was still trying to be positive but the tipping point came when I was asked to speak live on BBC H&W drive time show about it. Added to that the increasing about people that were telling me 'there is no way it's going to happen' my once positive attitude to it all was starting to waver.
It put me in a difficult position as I still had to believe it was going ahead despite all the news coverage and amount of comments I was now receiving. If I wasn't registered to take part in the marathon I probably would have shared that opinion, but I needed to keep telling myself I was going as I still had a lot to do (packing, changing money etc...). The whole reason as to why I was doing all this in the first place was now starting to weigh very heavy and I couldn't believe it could be coming to this, having been planning it for 18 months. It did at one point lead me down the path of thinking if it was to be cancelled I would still go out and be a volunteer helping with the clean up as I was determined to do something in Jo's memory.
It was only when I went to sleep last night (Wednesday 31st Oct) that I finally knew I would definitely be getting on the plane, as up to that point flights had been grounded in and out of JFK airport. However, I still didn't 100% know if the marathon would be going ahead. I had a good idea but was still difficult to get your head round. Thankfully everything now seems to back on track. Some of the other events leading up to the marathon, like the opening ceremony and 5km run in Central Park, have been cancelled and I've been told the transport plans to get everyone to the start line may be different. To be honest, I'm just glad it's going ahead and I still get to do this for Jo and in aid of The Joanna Brown Trust.
It has also been difficult and stressful for my wife Katie and my mum. I'd like to take this opportunity to simultaneously thank and apologies to them for supporting me right from the start. I know they are worried about me. There are some many reason and motivations for me to think about when I am doing the race and I think I'll need them. As although I keep saying I know it's going to be difficult I think I don't / can't comprehend just how hard it will be. Obviously I will be thinking of Jo but also my best friend Mark and his family are going through some really difficult times at the moment so will also be thinking of them. The thought of being able to phone my mum and Katie at the end to say I have done it, that I have done it for Brownie, makes me cry (sorry to get all emotional on you!). The race as a whole has taken a different complexion due to Hurricane Sandy, so imagine it will be a very emotional, special occasional that I feel very lucky to be apart of.
Firstly, let me set the scene of where I am writing this. I am on my flight to New York, currently flying over the west coast of Canada and needless to say will be uploading it later when I land and locate a WiFi hotspot. It made me think of the other places I have found myself writing entries for this blog and most notably when I was in Mumbai a year ago. Wow, that seems a long time ago!
Anyway, on with the story...
On Sunday I met up with Dan, who is the guy I've been put in contact with through my mate Toby. It was great chatting through everything with him, where we could meet up and what we could do in the time we have whilst we are there. Having discussed all that and shared our tales of the times we've been to NYC before (shout out to Ging here, the infamous bag incident at Macey's and his uncle that probably never forgave us - but that's another story) I left feeling for the first time ready and truly excited about going. Then Hurricane Sandy hit...
Originally I wasn't that concerned and thought it probably won't be that bad and it would have all been sorted by the time I fly out. However, as more and more people asked me about it and I followed the story on the news I realised just how serious it was. At this point I was still trying to be positive but the tipping point came when I was asked to speak live on BBC H&W drive time show about it. Added to that the increasing about people that were telling me 'there is no way it's going to happen' my once positive attitude to it all was starting to waver.
It put me in a difficult position as I still had to believe it was going ahead despite all the news coverage and amount of comments I was now receiving. If I wasn't registered to take part in the marathon I probably would have shared that opinion, but I needed to keep telling myself I was going as I still had a lot to do (packing, changing money etc...). The whole reason as to why I was doing all this in the first place was now starting to weigh very heavy and I couldn't believe it could be coming to this, having been planning it for 18 months. It did at one point lead me down the path of thinking if it was to be cancelled I would still go out and be a volunteer helping with the clean up as I was determined to do something in Jo's memory.
It was only when I went to sleep last night (Wednesday 31st Oct) that I finally knew I would definitely be getting on the plane, as up to that point flights had been grounded in and out of JFK airport. However, I still didn't 100% know if the marathon would be going ahead. I had a good idea but was still difficult to get your head round. Thankfully everything now seems to back on track. Some of the other events leading up to the marathon, like the opening ceremony and 5km run in Central Park, have been cancelled and I've been told the transport plans to get everyone to the start line may be different. To be honest, I'm just glad it's going ahead and I still get to do this for Jo and in aid of The Joanna Brown Trust.
It has also been difficult and stressful for my wife Katie and my mum. I'd like to take this opportunity to simultaneously thank and apologies to them for supporting me right from the start. I know they are worried about me. There are some many reason and motivations for me to think about when I am doing the race and I think I'll need them. As although I keep saying I know it's going to be difficult I think I don't / can't comprehend just how hard it will be. Obviously I will be thinking of Jo but also my best friend Mark and his family are going through some really difficult times at the moment so will also be thinking of them. The thought of being able to phone my mum and Katie at the end to say I have done it, that I have done it for Brownie, makes me cry (sorry to get all emotional on you!). The race as a whole has taken a different complexion due to Hurricane Sandy, so imagine it will be a very emotional, special occasional that I feel very lucky to be apart of.
Well I think I best go, oh but before I do, I went to see the new James Bond film a few days ago (I thought it was very good if anyone is interested) so I only feel it right to end this blog with the following....
Richard Brown will return in 'Return of a Fat Lad'.
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