I DID IT!!! 

4 hours and 38 minutes!!

A long 4 months of training paid off -- on Sunday, April 25th I learned the true meaning of 'dig deep' -- as I was able to really put into practice all that I'd learned from my months of training as well as draw inspiration from all the incredible messages of support I've received.

I did my best not to get too emotional as I began the run and eventually crossed the finishline. I have a tendency to hyperventilate if I do start tearing up while running -- so I swapped that with a smile and thought about how lucky I was to be running with so many amazing people backing me.

Today (Tuesday, April 26th) I received a wonderful note from a woman named Ulla who I've met through Afghanaid.  She sent me a post card with a caricature of a family visiting Paavo Nurmi's statue at the Olympic Stadium in Finland.  On the postcard she wrote, "Dear Amanda, Paavo Nurmi ran for Finland after our independence in 1917.  Now you are running for Afghanistan so that they could live independent lives." 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way -- I am overwhelmed by your generosity and kind sentiments.  There is so much good being done by charities like Afghanaid around the world and I appreciate that you've taken the time to recognise Afghanaid's vital efforts through my challenge. 

I am nearly to my target of £3000 so THANK YOU THANK YOU!

More about Afghanaid:

women's literacy, health education & vocational training farmer training and agricultural production community governance councils child literacy, education and rights microfinance programmes basic veterinary workers