{"id":156,"date":"2025-10-22T15:04:51","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T15:04:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ridesstridesandvibes.co.uk\/?page_id=156"},"modified":"2025-11-09T15:18:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T15:18:29","slug":"%f0%9f%8f%83%e2%99%80%ef%b8%8f-elodies-marathon-month-powered-by-ice-cream-and-determination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ridesstridesandvibes.co.uk\/?page_id=156","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Elodie\u2019s Marathon Month: Powered by Ice Cream and Determination"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As you probably know, Paula and I are running the London Marathon again next year for Sense<\/strong>. If you didn\u2019t know\u2014Tutt Tutt\u2014go read the page. It\u2019s got drama, fundraising, and probably a photo of me looking sweaty and confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this post isn\u2019t about us. It\u2019s about Elodie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elodie, Paula\u2019s grandchild (age four and a half), decided she wanted to help raise money for Sense. Last year, she was our charity sidekick\u2014rattling tubs, collecting coins, and charming the crowds. But this year? She wanted her own mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, with the help of her mum (Roxy), the family, and a small army of friends, we launched Elodie\u2019s Marathon Month<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcc5 The Plan: One Mile a Day for 26 Days<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Her task? Run one mile every day for 26 days in August. A full marathon, spread out like jam on toast. Sensible. Achievable. Slightly bonkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She\u2019d already been running Bude Marshes parkrun every Sunday\u2014a solid 2K\u2014so she wasn\u2019t new to the game. We set up a JustGiving page, made posters, launched a Facebook page, and told anyone who would listen. We even sent a plea to Heart Radio, aimed at Amanda Holden (whose mum lives nearby), hoping for a shoutout or a surprise visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing. Shame on you, Heart Radio. Elodie deserved airtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Day One: The Housing Estate Hustle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 1st arrived. Elodie smashed it\u2014running with Nanny, Mummy, and me around the housing estate. We all quietly thought she\u2019d get bored after a few days. She fell a few times, thanks to pavements that were clearly designed by someone who hates ankles. But she brushed herself off and carried on. Mile one: done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Week after week, she ran. Different places. Different people. Friends. Friends\u2019 parents. Each mile was followed by a reward\u2014usually ice cream or something sugar-based and celebratory. She became a local legend. A four-year-old mini machine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83c\udf0a The Final Mile: Coastal Path Glory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On day 26, Elodie picked the route: up over the coastal path, around, and back into Crocklets for the grand finale ice cream. Nanny went first, running with Elodie while Roxy and I followed\u2014panting up the hill, trying to keep pace with a child who apparently runs on rocket fuel and optimism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We took turns running with her. She did the full 26 miles\u2014and the extra 0.2 for good measure. Job done. Time to celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her fundraising goal was \u00a3200. She smashed it. \u00a3350 raised<\/strong> at last count. Not bad for someone who still needs help tying her shoelaces.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udc4f Elodie: Still Running, Still Smashing It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

She\u2019s still going strong\u2014running every Sunday at Bude Canal parkrun. Clapped in by crowds. Cheered on by strangers. Powered by ice cream and pure determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well done, Elodie.<\/strong> You\u2019re officially the youngest marathoner in our crew\u2014and possibly the only one who finishes with a smile and a sprinkle cone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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