16 April:

So there are only a few days to go and the nerves are definitely setting in.  I'm now not just worried about making it all the way round (which is, of course, my biggest fear), but now about all sorts of other factors:

1. Being overtaken by a womble, or someone in a deep sea diving suit (particularly whilst crossing the finish line and therefore in what should have been a glorious photo moment).  

2. Injury: suddenly every twinge is a potential marathon-ruining nightmare and has me googling within seconds

3. The weather: having done all my training in single digit temperatures (often on the wrong side of zero) I've not been quite as happy as some to see the lovely British sun coming out over the last few days.  (this is also partly because I won't be wearing sandles any time soon.  See 4 and 5 below).

4.  Blisters.   Comes with the territory apparently.  Doesn't make them any more pleasant.  I am now an expert in the classic to-pop-or-not-to-pop dilemma 

5.  Losing a toenail.   Please, no.  This is going too far.

6.  The middle bit.   The first third I am expecting I might actually enjoy a bit; it's exciting, there will be a bit of adrenaline and I'll probably be kidding myself that it would be as bad as all that.  For the last third, at least I'll know that the majority is out the way and that the finish line is getting near.   But the middle bit - that's just plain depressing.

The training's been really tough but it's all feeling a bit surreal at the moment, particularly as I've been 'tapering' (i.e. not doing much at all) for the last couple of weeks.  At the end of the day though, if I can make it to the end in a half decent time, collect a nice shiny medal, keep all my toenails and raise a few thousand pounds to make a real difference for some people who really need it, then it'll all be worth it. 

 

Jan 2013:

After years of standing cheering on the sidelines with a pint or two, this year I am running the London marathon for Oxfam.

Preparation for this daunting task is currently involving a lot of time spent outdoors in the cold, wet, dark London winter... the plus side is that I am working my way through my leftover Christmas chocolate with a little less guilt than usual!  I have however, also become slightly obsessive over checking the weather forecast and my social life now revolves around my running schedule for the week.

Oxfam is a charity that I have supported for years, due to the truly amazing work they do around the world.  They are present at major natural disasters, such as the Haiti earthquake, providing life saving essentials such as safe water and hygiene kits.  They also fund long term work allowing local people to use their own ideas and skills to fight poverty in their communities.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.