Here I am, sitting in my chair, munching on a piece of cake (triple chocolate piece of heaven) and thinking about running 26.2 miles in Chicago (one of the six World Major Marathons) on 7 October 2018. That's in less than 7 weeks.

I'm so not ready for this. My training log for the past month shows a disgraceful 30 miles in total. I thought I would be fine because I already did it once and survived, so I know that, in theory, it's kind of possible. I've had a busy summer, I'm not a consistent runner, I've done enough half-marathons all over Europe and I ticked the marathon accomplishment box last year on a hot April day in Paris, so I really couldn't find a good enough reason to persist with training. Honestly, at this point it's easier to cancel my entry and have a relaxing holiday in the US in October instead.

One thing that will keep me going, and that motivates me so much, in fact, that I am asking for your support in this journey, is learning about the amazing work that the local Oxford Kurdish and Syrian Association (charity number 1169977). They are a new Oxford charity and they do great work with very modest means to help displaced people in Syria and Oxford. Having always lived a safe and stable environment, I can hardly imagine the tragedies people in war zones go through when they lose their home or family members in a heartbeat, that is why I admire the work OKSA does in helping people find their ground by providing admin and financial support, language skills workshops, clothes and counselling. All charity members are volunteers who work hard in their spare time to make our city's diverse community better for all of us.

I will be very grateful for any donation, as each single one will make me put the trainers on and get out for a run. I may even make a cake to say thank you. OK, who am I kidding about baking, but I will be sure to tell you over a cup of coffee and dessert about how Chicago city was amazing and Mile 24 of the marathon was hell (I know it's going to hurt).