*UPDATE - As you all know, Run to the Beat was hampered by an inhuman chest infection. I'm on the mend now but disappointed about the race. To make up for it, I have signed up for the Hampshire Half Marathon on Sunday 17th November where I will be competitively racing this time!* 

Thanks for all of the donations so far - with Sky Sports fund-matching, we've raised £610.00 so far. Let's use the next 2 weeks to up this even more! 

xx

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Now, this is the first time I've ever done the whole begging-for-donations thing, so bear with me.

Unlike a lot of people who seem to be signing up for marathons in flocks thanks to Olympic inspirations this year (which itself is totally admirable), I signed up for this half-marathon well before London 2012-mania hit the nation.

Those that know me well, know that 2012 has been a fairly life-changing year for me - to say it mildly. I decided to cap the year off by proving to myself that I can run a half-marathon. Maybe not a big feat for some, but 4 months ago, I had never attempted a run in my life. Or, I would try, get bored, get uncomfortable, and go to the pub, or even better, the Pasty shop (mmmm...).

This experience has taught me the importance of an active lifestyle on physical and mental health (I even have little mini abs forming, yes, underneath that flab - watch out Ennis). I've learnt how to examine what I eat, how to exercise and how to push my own limits.

3 months ago, I couldn't get through a mile. I now run 4 miles every second day. And though the 14.2 miles in this marathon still strikes the fear in me, and I'll probably place somewhere between 400th and 500th place, I'm incredibly proud of what I've done so far.

So if you are to, and have a spare fiver, please sponsor me so that I can support the wonderful charity that is OXFAM.

Even better, because I work for the kind-of amazing Sky Sports, their match-funding programme means that for every £1 I raise, they'll throw in £1 of their own. Awesome. 

If you donate, thank you so very very much. :)