Everyone who knows me will appreciate that I am incredibly lazy.  I drIve everywhere, even to the corner shop.  I watch films like 'Back to the Future'; 'KickAss'; or 'Ironman2' and want a hoverboard, jet pack or Ironman suit to get around, rather than walk anywhere.  The idea of running a marathon, then, was a crazy goal for someone like me to have.  And, I'm pushing 40. 

But I have always admired other people who have the dedication to go out pounding the streets in all weathers, going out late at night and at Christmas etc.  I never thought I could be like them, but I secretly wished I was a bit more like that.

In January 2011, another New Year dawned.  I had some Amazon vouchers to use up.  I decided to get fitter and looked on Amazon for some books.  I came across 'The Non-Runners Marathon Trainer' and decided to buy it, and a pair of trainers.  The book reviews said the first thing the authors told you to do was to sign up for a marathon at least 5 months away.  Edinburgh was my nearest city marathon and, luckily, was 5 months away!  So of course, I signed up.

The book eventually came and I was dismayed to discover that their idea of a "Non-runner" was someone who could run non-stop for 3 miles!!!  I couldn't even walk that in January.  But I'd paid my marathon entry fee and it was non-returnable and I had a new pair of trainers...so I got busy.

I managed to get up to running 10 miles (not non-stop, mind you, but mostly running with a few walk breaks), then disaster struck and I got a knee injury.  I had to let my knee recover but I could not afford to miss any of the minimum 18 week training programme, so I resorted to walking instead.  And, weeks later, knee better, I'm still walking!

I have forgotted how to run and it's so tiring now, but I am determined to attempt the marathon, even if it is only to walk the 26.2 miles - with a few jogs in here or there.  People on the course might laugh at me, walking along, and I might not qualify for a finisher's medal, because the course closes 6 and a half hours after it starts, so that's really brisk walking for those 6+ hours!  But I will still try my best to finish before the race closes.

My dear wee granny died last year.  Sadly, we all lost a bright, fiesty, wonderul woman a few years before that due to her dementia.  Although it was not caused by Alzheimers', Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s leading specialist dementia charity and works to improve the lives of everyone affected by dementia. Dementia affects so many people nowadays and it's devasting to have to lose the person you love to such an illness and such hard work to care for someone with dementia.  That made it an easy choice of charity to support.

I wasn't going to fundraise at all, but thanks to the generous donations of some lovely friends, a start has been made!  I just hope that a finish can also be made by me at the marathon (and within the allocated time).

With special thanks to my "roadie", John, who is arranging all the logistists on the day and giving up his time to make sure I get to the start line and who has agreed to wait on me at the end.  I think I've been roped into some Scouts 5k as payback :}

I might not finish the 26.2 miles, but Alzheimer Scotland is a fantastic charity and would be grateful for your donations, however small - they all add up!

Thanks.