In case anyone gets here and hasn't heard yet I just wanted to update on the situation. Up until the end of Feb all was going to plan, with a training session of 14 miles followed by my first competitive race a week later – the Eastbourne Half Marathon which I finished in a very respectable 2 hours, 12 minutes and 16 seconds. 

It seems however, that all the long-distance and a fall in training has un-earthed a problem with my hip which is causing me a lot of pain in my thigh when I walk and, subsequently, when I run. I’ve been having physiotherapy three times a week to try and sort out the problem but, it is with the heaviest of hearts, that I have had to make one of my hardest decisions. I’ve tried everything I can to avoid this but I’ve had to make the decision to defer my entry for this year’s marathon. 

To say that I’m absolutely gutted that I’ve had to drop out with only a few weeks to go doesn’t begin to explain how I feel to be honest and I don’t mind sharing with you all that there’s been more than a few tears shed over this – and not just due to the pain! It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly but I’ve weighed up all the options and decided that I’m not confident enough to finish with my injury as it is and my physio has suggested I could even do myself long-term damage if I do run.

For those of you that have sponsored me, I appreciate that you have sponsored me to run the marathon but can I suggest that your sponsorship still goes to Crisis in support of me finishing my half-marathon? Crisis is still a deserving charity that needs your cash and fundraising is fundraising at the end of the day. I’ll also remember that you’ve already sponsored me when I come to run in 2008! 

I fully intend to get back to my training when I’m fit and am guaranteed a place in the 2008 Marathon so hope that you’ll all still be keen to support me then. And for those of you who didn’t get round to sponsoring me, you can always sponsor me to run the Square Mile Run in June (email to follow soon) and/or make a donation to Crisis anyway http://www.crisis.org.uk/ so there’s no reason to miss out on supporting me for something this year!

I’m sorry to let you all down this year but hope you understand. I’ll keep you updated on progress and don’t forget to keep an eye out for my begging email next year! 

Sarah xxx