I have many fond childhood memories of going up to watch the London Marathon with my dad. Standing on Tower Bridge marvelling at the runners in fancy dress and my dad giving out glucose tablets to the exhausted on the mall. I've also watched it countless times as an adult, cheering on friends and family. Anyone who's watched the marathon can't fail to be swept up in the exhilaration of the day, the massive human achievement and the temptation to do it yourself!

So every year I've thought "I'd love to do that" but since I've never been able to run past the end of the road, never thought it would happen. In 2017 after struggling to find any exercise that I could fit in around 2 children, I decided I would have to try and give running a go. I struggled through a Couch to 5K programme with the aim of being able to try running ParkRuns. 5K seemed an impossible target for so long but as I got closer I got talked into signing up for The Great South Run. As I was now training to run 10 miles I may as well throw my name in the hat for the marathon too, obviously I'd never get a place the first year I'd entered....

When that congratulations letter came through the door six months later I felt sick! After a lot of swearing from me, and laughter from everyone I told, the news sank in and it was time to start marathon training!

One of the main decisions was who to run for. It was an easy choice. I can't think about the marathon without thinking about my dad, who sadly died in 2009. My dad lost his sight when I was one due to Type 1 diabetes. RNIB were a great practical support to him over the years. They gave him magnifying equipment which enabled him to continue running his own business. He received audiobook tapes through the post for free and learnt to use a computer on one of their courses. 

The marathon is going to be yet another milestone that my dad was not around to share with me, but by running in his name he will be there with me every step of the way. Trust me, it's a hell of a lot of bloody steps!!