LONDON (2018)

How much I was dreading it... a 35km training run in preparation for the London Marathon on 22 April 2018, and Noëlle's train trip to Groningen with her friend (read: without parents).

Just as I was slowly getting used to independent outings to Utrecht, Groningen suddenly felt very far away. But Noëlle is growing up, and so is her independence. And perhaps that's exactly what Turner is teaching us — that growth doesn't always follow the expected path, but it does come.

The 35km training run goes well. Better than expected. My body knows what to do; I just have to trust it. And London is calling.

London Marathon. One of the most iconic races in the world. The streets are lined with spectators as far as the eye can see. The atmosphere is indescribable. I run in my Aloha outfit — grass skirt, flower crown — and the crowd loves it. 'ALOHA LISETTE!' The cheers push me forward.

The course passes landmarks that I know from films and dreams: the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben. Running through London feels like running through history. Every step is special.

I finish in 4:18:23. A time to be proud of. But more than the time, I'm proud of what this marathon represents: another step in the journey for Turner awareness. For Noelle. For all the women and girls who live with Turner syndrome every day.