Happy Easter everyone, apologies I've been a bit remiss with updating a blog.  To start with what's happening right now, Rosie is at home in the Brecon Beacons Wales, recovering from knee surgery she had two days ago.  The doctors dealt with torn cartilage and fragments floating around in her knee, my sister Eve went over to pick her up from hospital and spent a few days with Rosie bringing her kids Michael and Lucy.

Rosie is doing really well but still on strong painkillers, she is able to move around the caravan with the aid of crutches.  the plan is to recover and when the doctors gave the okay, go back to France and continue her run from Paris to Rome.

Rosie completed the Rome Marathon, it's quite an amazing story, all sorts of obstacles had to be overcome, including being delayed so the marathon route and markings started being dismantled as she was running and she had to run extra hard.  Some of the wardens didn't know she had been delayed and try to stop her because they didn't think she would do it within the seven hour time limit .  However everyone was absolutely fantastic and helpful, Alessio, one of the main organisers was invaluable at one point, which allowed Rosie to continue and complete the marathon with great success. 

I absolutely loved Rome, thought it was a beautiful place full of charming people, can't wait to go again.

All the very best James

Just got this from Rosie this morning. She is pulling Icebird around the course.

                                                Me with Rosie
Hi everyone, sorry for the news blackout, I've been in Rome with my mum Rosie. It's been a very exciting few days. Rosie is all set for the Rome marathon. She is spending the night at the start position for the race tomorrow. As it is the only way she could get close to the event before all the roads were cordoned off.

She has been beset by all sorts of logistical problems getting here with Icebird, and had a wonderful help from so many people. Alessio one of the organisers of the Rome marathon has been fantastic. So to have been the staff at the Villa carpengna hotel where the elite athlete press conference was held. Me and Rosie had a lovely meeting with Rebecca and Sarah from Unilever, who were kind enough to take us out for a lovely dinner in the centre of Rome . A huge thank you to them and Unilever for all the help they have given Rosie, they've been wonderful.

Today the day before the marathon, I went with Rosie to the pharmacy to get a huge great bag of painkillers gels, and knee strapping and tape. she is having terrible trouble with her left knee. She has pieces of bone floating around inside her knee, which is irritating the knee joint. She is going to have an operation when she gets back to England. the specialist told her she probably won't do too much physical harm to the knee if she runs but it might be quite painful. It has fled up really painfully but Rosie is determined to finish the marathon.

I've got some nice pictures which are going to follow shortly, but I wanted to get this up quickly to let everyone know the latest news. Best regards James

                                          Rosie at Rome marathon press conference 

                                             Rebbecca and  Sarah from Unilever

BREAKFAST!!! - LOOKS WORSE THAN IT TASTES!It looks like Alien's  Food or Dr Spock's snack....  Ingrediants: yogurt,spirulina, molasses,hemp oil, wheatgerm ......
  Rosie!

Taken just a few minutes ago... The charming owners and staff at Le Marronner Hotel at Buffon, near Montrard looked after Icebird when I was in UK, and now are doing the same for my car and trailer which I am leaving there, as I run South to Dijon..
 Love to John and Jane. Rosiexx

Hi everyone, here's an update on what Rosie has been up to his last few days. Rosie is back in France after popping back to England for a few days to give a talk for Queens College.  Also she is bringing her car from England to France, she is going to continue her run from Paris to Rome, but because of her knee injury throwing off her schedule, when the time comes, she is going to put a marker down where she and Icebird are, and then drive to Rome for the Rome Marathon.  Afterwards she is going to return to where she left off and continue her run. 

By the way I'm enabling replies on the blog but am going to moderate them first.

All the very best James

Three cheers for French road system.- Managed to drive in right hand side of road, towing trailer in thick last night from Dunkirk to Reims... Made it fine.. As French road signs luckily v good.   Now all fog cleared; and I'm enjoying the wide landscape with bird song everywhere, even in the roadside layby near Reims where I am writing this.  Not far to Icebird now. Excited because ETA for  rendezvous with the Icebird  this evening - Tomorrow, I plan to  set off to run from Montbard to Dijon,  leaving the car and trailer behind with friends in charming canal side village of Buffon.. Logistics are a nightmare, but great people keeping eye out for me turn the impossible into possible.  Rosie

HELLO EVERYBODY - I've made it back to France to continue my run ..

Plan - drive my car to Montbard where ICEBIRD is waiting for me.  Leave car there and run to Unilever at Dijon about 90kms along the canal tow path. Then on for another 100kms. THEN!! I will fetch car and drive to Rome.. I am determined to run the Rome Marathon with Icebird to help cancer awareness as planned.

- Can't fail with all the great encouragement.  SPECIAL THANKS today to the brilliant DFDS FERRIES!!!

  My amazing day  started after a rest after in a layby at 4am and then  early arrival in Dover. The ferry crossing to France was booked for 12 noon and I'd been was racing around getting  all the last mini chores done before going off, and got a  parking ticket...Tried really hard to pretend £35 just a parking charge, and  that I was supporting Dover,   But I  couldn't feel low for long anyway - as wonderful  thing happened next!   When I got to the ferry and  I was  given VIP passage for the old  car and self. Car felt like Cinderella.     This was. SO VVVVV kind of the ferry company - and it made me feel right on top of the world again and bouncing with energy again.. Kindness is the best true human magic. More later. Rosiexx

Dear jimmy - here is my tent up on stage just now - Talk for Queen's College starts at 7pm.  Rosiexx

Dear Dave and Margaret, This pics brings back memories of how wonderful you all were to me. I absolutely loved meeting you. Thank you also for your fabulous hospitality and kindness re the washing..and in EVERY way.

  Just arrived in France.. Parked on roadside before heading back to Icebird near Dijon tomorrow to get on with run..

Love and best wishes,

Rosie

All home comforts inside Icebird! Rtxx

Hi everyone, had a lovely chat with Rosie last night, she is with Icebird near a canal bank absolutely surrounded by fog.  Travelling have been rather tricky because of the poor visibility in relation to other cars on the road so she is having to travel quite a lot in the early hours.  Yesterday she did 17 km which is very good considering her knee.  She said it's no better but no worse, which is a good sign. 

When Rosie popped back to England last week to get her knee checked out she picked up her favourite petrol stove that has been halfway round the world, which is far better than her previous gas model in the cold weather.  She is mainly living off her special recipe of spaghetti olive oil and various supplements. Here are a couple of recent photos.  All the best James.

Thank you wonderful Saucony!!!En route for Rome Marathon despite knee prob..Could not keep going without my magnificent 2D Saucony Grid Hurricanes.  Please follow link: http://rosies-paris-to-rome-run.blogspot.com/
 Dear Jonathan - please send more shoes SOS to my new address:Rosie Swale Pope, TY Menter, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF 45 4SN.
Love abd gratitude. Rosie

Dear Everybody, This is  23 Feb. DAY 1 back on the road.

The geese, sublime in  perfect V formation look so beautiful and are a symbol:  on their journey too; for although the river is still frozen, this is such a happy time (hey are too, returning to France at the start of the eternal spring migration. How many thousands of years has this been happening? Please let's look after the natural world, so the children 1000 years from now will also be able to see this St Florentin is on the migration course v special.... Monsieur Chevance tells me the geese can travel at 100kms an hour with the wind behind them.  They wheel around until they catch the wind's path. 

  

I'm  so happy and appreciate the treatment for knee - feel full of energy and am determined to be as strong as I can. I couldn't have done it without all the fantastic support from all around the world, and the great kindness right here in St Florentin.

This pic and next  pics show wonderful Monsieur et Madame Chevance and  Monsieur Patrick Pasquier on arrival back at St Florentin and Icebird and me just before I set off today I am so grateful to them and to the magnificent Croix Rouge, The Red Cross for helping me so much especially for looking after Icebird while I was in UK. I left  about 5pm. Did 6.69kms.  (I THOUGHT IT WAS 7 MILES - (V OPTIMISTIC!) .BUT THEN. REMEMBERED THAT MY NEW PEDOMETER IS IN KMS, BUT STILL GOOD START ACHIEVED IN ONLY ABOUT ONE HOUR AND A HALF. IT RE PROGRESS/SCHEDULE - IT ALL WILL DEPEND ON HOW THE KNEE REACTS TOMORROW. Great not to be in crutches. More news tomorrow. Rosie

Hi everyone, had a lovely visit from my mum Rosie for a few days.  We spent a lot of time discussing her plans regarding her run from Paris to Rome and entering the Rome Marathon.  And also getting through a massive task list, I have to say it is very good being around her, because she is what you might call a ' can do person'.  One feels one can do anything after spending time with her.  I did get some extra career and studying advice as well. 

She is back in Paris and her plan is to take it gently, but continue her journey from Paris to Rome with Icebird, while seeing how her knee holds up.  Her main aim is not to get the knee inflamed and she has with her a vast array of anti-inflammatory pills and gels.  She is working within what her specialist said she could do, so she's not doing anything irresponsible. 

She has made some great friends at Unilever, who are offering some great support and logistics.  The company has got some very keen runners, big thank you to all those involved.

Regards James

Dear Everybody,  Thank you so much for your fabulous support:  love, Rosie

Hi everyone, mixed news from the scan.  there are some bone fragments and bits of cartilage floating around the knee, so Rosie will need an operation in the near future .  But in the meantime the specialist said moderate use of the knee will not do me much further harm so Rosie is going back to France to continue her journey from Paris to Rome but going along at a gentle pace.

Rosie is visiting evening for a few days, so there will be more info to come.


Regards James

Dear jimmy, I will know fate tomorrow!!!!! Please thank everybody for their wonderful support. Rosiex

Dear jimmy, have just sent you corrected version.  I am now scheduled to have scan at 8.45am tomorrow. Everything depends on this!!!

Meanwhile, I have been saving for the scan by living ouside..camping as usual.. Shall send you pics... 

Love and thank you Jimmy 4 wonderful help and moral support always.  Rosiexxx

Dear Jim, This is latest from Italy! Determined to use head and heart - and 100 per cent focus, to get back on the run asap. Have to have knee scan today. Then will have clearer picture.
This is NOTHING compared to the frostbite in the winter blizzard of the Yukon during world run - I HAD to get treatment then - but was back on the river before the ice broke with my foot still in bandages, but operational. I made it through AND I SHALL DO SO NOW.

I am being treated by Vale Health, the best sports injury facility in Wales, that looks after elite Olympic athletes...recommended by the wonderful physio Elaine Gillies, who saw me in Perth.
This is situation right now:

Ever since I was generously seen by the French Hospital about a week ago - I have continued w crutches. But though I managed about 14 kms a day it took 9 hours each day to achieve it..
I hoped that if I just kept going, the knee would gradually get better. Instead it got more painful.
So when I was flown to Scotland for the marvellous Event in Perth, I knew I had to get knee checked out - in order to go on.
So it all depends on the scan!
IF THERE ISN'T CARTILAGE TEAR, I can get deep tissue treatment and hope very much to be on the road by end of next week with luck!
IF THERE IS A TEAR, THEN I'LL HAVE TO HAVE KEYHOLE OPERATION WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

In the former case - I can run on, check in with some of the great people looking out for me en route and then go w Icebird to Rome by truck, and run Rome Marathon. Then continue running to Rome afterwards
IF I have to have surgery, then I must get Icebird to Rome, where I can join her on 15 March, and fine to do marathon itself after resting and getting treated before.
I AM GOING TO FINISH MY RUN FROM PARIS TO ROME - EVEN IF IT ALL HAS TO BE AFTER THE MARATHON - AND THE TITLE OF MY NEW BOOK IS ..
THE LONGEST ROAD TO ROME - ALL ABOUT MY ADVENTURES, INCLUDING COMING BACK FROM THIS INJURY AND NOT EVER GIVING UP -
YOU CANNOT HELP WHAT HAPPENS ..BUT YOU CAN HELP HOW YOU REACT TO IT..
The way to do is IS Unfortunately that I must get the knee treated - BUT I WILL DO IT..in fact I feel 100 times more determined. It is important to do this for the charities, and I amvvvvv sure that I must go on. The great thing about a bit of a struggle, is that it breeds focus and clarity - and the struggle itself gives the mind extra strength.
I am so sorry that this has happened, after all your kind plans - but I will continue and let you all know later today or Monday, what is result of scan!! PLEASE KEEP ON FOLLOWING ME ON BLOG LINK:http://rosies-paris-to-rome-run.blogspot.com/
I am grateful to everybody for your fabulous support.
Love and best wishes, Rosie

Dear Sophie, Sarah, Maite and all my friends in France, Italy and UK,

Thank you all so much for great kindness and concern.

I am talking at the RSGS Event in Scotland today and shall also be receiving the Honorary Fellowship -just  like Scott and Shackleton and other fabulous explorers compared to whom I am nothing..so it is a VERY, very great, great honour!!!

Also I am taking the opportunity of being here  to get my knee scanned.

It still hurts to walk, but I am nearly off the crutches.  I have spoken to my sports physio down in Bristol and he thinks it is either

1. Muscle problem which can quickly respond to expert deep tissue massage

2 the other more serious possibility is cartilage - but probably the hospital in Fontinbleau wd have found it even though I was only seen by URGENCES (who were very good and kind)

The answer is to TRY to get to Sports injury Clinic tomorrow am. THEN I will know my calendar!

I hope to flt back to France tomorrow pm all being well - and continue slowly w Icebird

Thus;

Giving the life lessons on NOT to give up

Also making all the rest of my body stronger while the knee heals, going slowly and not losing fitness!!

I STRONGLY FEEL IN MYSELF THAT THE I JURY CAN BE OVERCOME.

IF I need more treatment here in UK, CD STAY A FEW MORE DAYS, OR GET TREATMENT IN FRANCE

Icebird is waiting for me at St Fontainen - courtesy of the Mayor, the Red Cross - and other very good people there!

 I hope to continue slowly...  Then when time is right take Icebird to Rome run Marathon - then continue run to Rome after Marathon itself.

So I am sorry I cannot today easily I've times when I shall be somewhere as dear Alessio wishes - but I WILL make it through - also can't wait to see u all in Dijon...

That things do go wrong IS the common ingredient of all high aims and big challenges and goal.  The solution is to KEEP FOCUS AND keep going..and at the same time cure the practical problem!!!

I always say that reaching for your dreams means digging deep, and giving what you care about ALL your strength; always.  I have especially appreciate the kind emails from Paul Polman and from Bruno of Unilever France - this has meant so very much to me.

Love and best wishes to you all,

Rosie

 

Wonderful cybercafé at Gare du Lyon manager Mayess has fixed up Yahoo and Mozilla on my french system AND found me SIM card that is much cheaper -...so can call you more easily - communication is a joy..  Still snowing... Tucked into my  PHD Mustagh jacket  a Great friend from all round the world - it- feels so cozy. And it  is. Definitely VERY best Paris wear/fashion.. Also off painkillers and trying leg out.  Love. Rosie

Dear Everybody,, Hope you are well. I am in the middle of many new adventures - please look at my new Blog organised by my  son James Swale. Many of you already know him famously through his great work with the rosiearoundtheworld website - even keeping in touch somehow when I was in Siberia. That was a hard school and I looked on my present 1,000 run  as just a holiday, but though fun, it is being quite challenging.   

I am proud to have made 1st Checkpoint st Florentin about 150km south of Paris, The left knee is still hurting badly, but I hope to get it scanned over next few days.  I am DETERMINED not to give up because of the injury - you don't give up in a war just because u r in a bit of pain!!!  Love, RosieX. Blog link: http://rosies-paris-to-rome-run.blogspot.com/

Dear Jimmy, Here is pic taken today on arrival at St Florentin. More later.  Thank you for great support. Love, Rosie and Icebirdxxx

I was amused to find my hair frozen to my pillow last night!    I am about 120 miles south of Paris 10 north of a little town called St Florentin - as I'm running from Paris to Rome for cancer charities and do the Rome marathon with it..
 It's only -12, though cold for France.  
  The only problem really is lack of communication - so THANK YOU Yet again so vvvv much my son James Swale for blog and to Paul Bass - James says he will liaise with Paul to get some news up. I am very very grateful. And v appreciate of loving wishes from Eve and family and from Nancy, Patty and Diana in USA, and all my friends everywhere.
   Big problem is my injured knee, It won't go away!!!!!! All I know is that when the chips are down there can be no giving up EVER. It is the only lesson that matters in a battle! Even though this run was meant to be easy and has ended up quite hard, I have been there before and WILL OVERCOME THIS!!!!!!!!! After good treatment in hosp, I am continuing slowly   Many thanks for all the great support
  I SHALL be back in Uk soon, but just for a couple of days for my talkon 7 Feb at the  RSGS h/q in Perth. The RSGS are most WONDERFULLY flying me back from France and also are  going to present me with a Royal Scottish Geographical Society Honorary Fellowship with is a fantastic honour.
   Must get going EVERY MILE COUNTS.  I am being sponsored per mile for charity.  

  THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYBODY.

Rosie. 3 Feb 2012 14kms north of St Florentin en route for Dijon/Lausanne/Turin/Rome!!!!!ALL roads lead to............!!!!xxx
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Dear Everybody, I am determined not to give up. Realism and optimism are same in helping me go forward on this run. I'd thought of running Paris to Rome 100 percent easy, instead it will be a challenge though not as hard as many.  Challenges AWAYS make one stronger if one doesn't give in. 
SO THIS IS PLAN, StATE OF PLAY!! -
I was fortunate to receive excellent treatment at Fontainbleau Hospital - I have crutches, painkillers. Disimflamm medicine.  There is no serious damage to knee, just v painful and needs care .

I CAN continue I am walking and running a liitlew a hour on and hour off day and night (night is when traffic is lighter.  All of me is getting fitter and the knee is not getting worse..just hanging in.so that I shall be on top form for Rome Marathon w Icvebird on 18 Marc:h!!!
I AM STILL ON I apologise for injuring my knee but injuries happen ..

31 Jan - I am 13 kms from Sens
 And about 200 frm Dijon.

 I plan to make best progress I can towards Dijon - Dijon and Unilever Factory in Dijon is my firt big goal. 
5/6 aFeb Whevever I have reached by then, I must leave Icebird with Unilever Dijon or if before, perhapos with police, or farmer, as I NEED to get train express to Paris to get flight to Edinburgh/train to Perth, as Ihave to give speech at  Royal Scottish Geographical Society H/Q in Poerth on 7 Feb 7.30pm, and I am also being presented with Honorary FellowshiP of the RSGS on the evening, which is a huge honour.
8 Feb will be Back to Paris/Dijon and then On the road..  From Dijon.mLausanne.mTurin.. Florence..
  Speed will improve as knee gets better.. At present it is hard to give time timeframe.  BUT I WILL RUN ROME MARATHON for Unilever  Cancer Charity in Rome with Icebird on 18 March. Also, I WILL BE THERE WITH ic ebird for press conference on 15 March.

  Where I am on road to Rome by 12 March, I will stopn make mark on map.mDRIVE icebird from there to Rome, and then run the rest of the way frtom wherever I stopped to ROME!!!!!!!!
  I apologise, I am writing this email inside Icebird by the side of the road to Sens.  I am so grateful for the love and caring of my family in UK, ireland and America, and for all my frtiends everywhere,  and all my very kind allies and supporters at  Unilever France.

Please email me.

Best wishes,
Rosie

Rosie Swale Pope
rosie@rosieswalepope.co.uk
Tel 0781 594 3786
Frech Tel: 0649359073
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Dear Jimmy,  You are fantastic.  Many, many thanks. Hobbling still but managing with just one crutch today.. Lots and lots of hugs and gratitude. Rosiex Only about 150 kilometres to Dijon

Dear friends and family of Rosie,
 
I just spoke with Rosie a few minutes ago. She is ok despite yesterday she hurt her knee, sleeping in Icebird and had had to go to hospital.
She had X rays and left the hospital with two crutsches.
You all know Rosie and she is more energized than ever and determinated to keep on going, walking 10km/day.
 
I have recommended her to stop and rest for a few nights but Rosie is Rosie J
 
So here are the news.
 
She should send you some more info from the hotel tonight as I have really insisted on the fact she had to sleep in a warm and confortable bed at least tonight.
 
Kindest regards
 
Sophie
 

Hello to all,

Here are two new pictures – under Eiffel Tower J

Kind regards.

Maite

23/01/2012
Dear friends of Rosie

The great famous marathon runner Rosie Swale Pope left from Unilever France head office (Rueil) for a two-month run to Rome, in favor of cancer research, last Monday jan 23, in the morning.

Six employees, members of the Unilever internal running team, ran with her to the Eiffel Tower. Nice national press coverage in France.

Rosie is now on the way and has asked me to send you some news, which I am very happy to do.

She is fine, same energy and enthousiasm.

People in France love her enthousiasm, simplicity  and closeness .

Today she is around Fontaibleau, and intends to pass through Dijon where our Amora-Maille (mustard plant) will welcome her with great pleasure.

She will then go to Lausanne where the Olympic Committee stands and will cross French Alpes to join Roma and participate to the Roma marathon.

Kindest regards

Sophie Jayet

Coms Director Unilever France