My favourite medal is my second marathon medal at the 2007 Paris marathon. The medal in itself is amazing. It is thick, weighs a lot and part of the marathon route is engraved on the medal.
Aside from how glamorous the medal is, this race meant a lot to me. This is when I really fell in love with running, particularly marathon running. My first marathon (in Paris the previous year) was fun but serious.
For this second marathon I relaxed and took time to enjoy the views (the previous year I didn’t even see the Eiffel Tower as I was concentrating too much!). I discovered running camaraderie: a random runner seeing me struggling offered me his water, he didn’t even know me, I couldn’t believe it!
This race started my quest towards 100 marathons. I am taking my time as I have now run 51 marathons but I am thoroughly enjoying this quest full of friendship, passion and adventures.
50 marathons, a celebration as it took me 11 years!
Val's running blog 
Relaxed and enjoyable is exactly how long distance running should be! Great medal too
Thank you!
Great achievement. Great bling!
Thank you very much! 😊