UPDATE 26/4/09

I DID IT!!  4h33 - bit slower than hoped but several wilted completely in that heat so I'm happy to have made it round!  Awesone experience - the sun meant spectators were out in force - possibly 1 million people cheering us on.  You can still sponsor me up until 26th June.  Holly and the boys were there at the start, mile 6 and the end so for that and for putting up with all my training runs... Holly - I love you!  Your turn next!  Love to you all,

Ben.

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UPDATE 19/03/09

1 week to go!  Look out for me - I'm number 45031 and will be wearing a red Shelter top!  Thanks to all who've sponsored me - looking forward to getting to the finish line next week.

Ben.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It all started in October when I found out a friend of mine, Dave Cregan, was due to run in London's inaugural half-marathon conveniently in and around Greenwich where I live.  I've always been reasonably fit from cycling and football so despite having only run a handful of times in my life I dragged myself round in the rain in under 2 hours, having found out the previous day I'd been successful in obtaining a Marathon place.

Training's been tough with both my knees reminding me I'm 37 not 27 and preventing me from running at times but appear to be on the mend and I'm beginning to feel that I'll be able to finish the Marathon on 26th April.  If I get close to 4 hours then that's a bonus.

I'm running for Shelter, a national charity that does excellent work for homeless people, a section of the population that often get overlooked by those who take their own shelter for granted.

More info on my training, shelter and general musings soon to be available by blog for those with time on their hands.  In the mean time, sponsor me and wish me luck and come and cheer me on if you live in or near London!

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.  If you have the time check out my mate Dave's page too as he has a more personal reason for raising money - namely for the hospital that looked after his little daughter Scarlett in the first few days and weeks of her life:

http://www.justgiving.com/davecreganlondonmarathon2009

That's all for now.

Ben.

P.S.  Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Shelter gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. 

So please sponsor me now!