THE END, April 28 2009.

Well we did it. Just. Between us raising over £4,000 for the NSPCC and getting round the 26.2 miles of London.

The race day itself was half amazing. Half horrible. The crowds were simply the best thing I've ever seen or heard. From Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs;  from Canary Wharf to the East End; from Embankment and the Palace they were phenomenal. I'll be there next year. With a beer.

Without them I'm not sure I would have made it. I had some pretty bad cramps starting on mile 13, which resulted in many stops and more hobbling than running for the second half of the race. I think this was down more to the weather than lack of preparation, the heat was something else, but it was still pretty upsetting to have what would have been a four hour something run turn into a 5.35. I'm taking consolation in making it round to the Mall, though. Running partner Dan did it in a brilliant 4.22, so a big well done to him.

The money we'd already raised was the main thing that kept me going so, once more, a HUGE thank you to all those who've donated. It's been really special to witness all your generosity. I owe you all drinks. Lots.

So what have I learned?

1) I'm no long distance runner.
2) You're all brill.

Thank you all so much
Will

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Hello friends, countrymen and Roman Abramovich,

This April I'm inexplicably running the London Marathon. Those of you who know me well will know that the furthest I've ever run before is from Pizza Hut to the pub, so if I finish all 26 and a bit miles without losing a lung, it'll be all the more impressive.

(UPDATE: Feb 2009) We've been running for about six months now and training properly since the new year. We're at about 14/15 miles now and aim to get up to about 20 before slowing back down in time for the actual race. It's been fairly hard, but I'm now significantly less lardy and I reckon about 99% likely to make it to Buckingham Palace without collapsing in a heap.

(UPDATE: Mar 2009) I've just ran my first proper half marathon around Silverstone. It was hot, busy a bit boring and hard, apart from the bits where the crowd were. I struggled round in two hours dreading the marathon proper. Oh and I got beaten by a shoe, some bananas and a Thunderbird. Hopefully some instense training in the next few weeks and the London crowds will drag us round.

I'm running on behalf of NSPCC with my housemate Dan. It's obviously a great cause, raising money to protect children who've been subjected to abuse as well as funding great initiatives like Childline. So we want to raise as much as we possibly can.

Here's what your money can help the NSPCC do:
Fund the NSPCC helpline and Childline.
Fund treatment and therapeutic services for children who've been abused and neglected.
Help families and children recover from the effects of domestic abuse.
Fund schools counselling teams.
Help young witnesses in court cases.
Fund young people's centres.
And much more.

If we can both get to the £1800 target we'll probably dress up as something ridiculous for good measure (suggestions welcome). So, not only will it be painful, we'll look stupid too. What better reason to donate, eh?

Here's some handy info regarding Gift Aid:

"Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: NSPCC 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, please sponsor me and make the pain worth it. Thanks!
Will