Update - 18/04/11 - And relax...

So that's it. The marathon's over. How did it go?

 

I finished, which is the most important thing; unfortunately just not as quickly as I would have liked.

I got off to a great start with 10m50s splits for the first 6 miles or so but then the heat started to get to me so my pace dropped off but was still doing 11m45s or thereabouts so was on for a 5h finish. I buggered my knee as I ran up a kerb at about 10 miles though and pretty much hobbled the next 16 or so, except for the sprint finish which, with hindsight, wasn't the greatest idea I've ever had...

 

Any ill effects? My knee is quite sore, my hip's quite painful, shoulders ache, and I've got a few quite nasy blisters but there's nothing that won't heal up in a few weeks or so.

 

Would I do it again? Absolutely - I had a really enjoyable day, it was a great environment and a fantastic experience.

 

To all those who have sponsored me to date - thank you, your money is very much appreciated.

For anyone who has yet to sponsor me you can still donate using the link below, so please be generous and help me reach my target of £2,000.

 

 

In the beginning...

As you all should know by now I'm running the London marathon on Sunday 17th April, raising funds for Carers UK. Not only that but I'm targeting a time of 4h30. Yes, seriously...

 

Update - 14/04/11:

So the big day approaches. Training has wound down. Running number has been collected. Carb loading is underway. I like carb loading... mmm... pasta....

 

To those who have sponsored me so far - thank you.

To those who have been meaning to do it and haven't yet got around to it - and you know who you are - please make sure to donate below.

 

I could do with all the support possible on Sunday so if you're able to make it into town then it'd be great to see some friendly faces to cheer me on. Obviously I won't be able to stop for a chat if I do see you but your presence will be much appreciated...

If you want to bring some jelly beans for me to snack on then that would be even better...

 

My running number is 36376 for anyone who wants to keep an eye out for me - although it might just be easier to feel for the vibrations as I approach...

 

Update - 19/02/11:

With just under 2 months to go until the big day I'm training a few times a week alternating 1 hour and 90 minute runs, and am fitting in 2 hour runs at the weekends as time and work permits. Mechanically I'm still in one piece, occasional knee aches and the odd bit of chafing being the worst damage so far.

 

To everyone who has sponsored me to date, thank you.

To everyone who has yet to sponsor me, please check Carers site to look at some of the great work they do and then head back here to hand over your heard earned.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Update: January 2011

Answers to some of the common questions I've been asked:

1. Yes, I know a marathon is 26 miles.

2. No, I haven't run a marathon before.

3. Yes, I have seen myself in a mirror.

4. Yes, I know I can't cycle the course.

5. Yes, I know that 4h30 is quite a target given my answers to the above.

6. Yes, I am aware that I won't be able to eat whilst I'm running.

 

I've been in training for a couple of months now and I'm currently up to 2 hours at race pace, and adding 15 minutes per week. Not only that but I don't need medical intervention when I finish and I can move the next day without impersonating John Wayne. All in all, it's going well...

So, now the questions are out of the way and you realise that I'm serious about this it's time to ask for your money. I appreciate it's after Christmas and everyone is feeling a bit hard up. I appreciate that we are, according to our esteemed media, in the middle of an economic nightmare. However it's also very true that the vast majority of us are incredibly fortunate.

 

So why am I doing this?

There are millions of people caring for an elderly relative, a sick friend or a disabled family member. They do it unpaid and often without support. Children caring for parents; wives caring for husbands; friends caring for friends.

Carers UK is the voice of carers and aims to improve carer’s lives by providing practical advice; information and support, including a free-phone helpline; sitting and listening services to give carers a much needed break; and campaigns for change to support carers.

 

When you realise the sacrifices many carers make on a day-to-day basis do we really have it that hard? Not really... so please donate now.

 

Work out how much you spend on a Friday night out. Have an evening in and donate what you'd have normally spent. Forget buying that new top in the sales - the top you don't really need anyway - and donate the money instead. Empty the loose change box you've got in your drawer.

 

You'll be surprised how much you can spare when you think about it, so please dig deep and donate now.

 

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 if you're a UK taxpayer they'll make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation. It’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

Thank you.