<p>I've always liked the idea of running a marathon - or maybe I should say I've always liked the idea of being able to say I <em>have run</em> a marathon!&nbsp; Having finally found a flat course with less than 10,000 runners within a hundred miles of home, MK2012 is likely to be the best opportunity I get to try.</p> <p>A week into my planned training, having run more miles in a week than I'd managed before, and at 15 miles, further than I'd ever run, it started to sink in that this was very different to preparing for a half marathon, and something I'm not likely to make a habit of.</p> <p>So, short version, this time it seems like a big enough, once off deal that I can ask for sponsors, partly to motivate me to keep this daft level of training up for another 15 weeks!</p> <p>Rather than go for an 'easy' charity that lots of people will identify with and give out of habit, I want to see how many friends and acquaintances can be persuaded to give to something nearer to my heart - so the Border Collie Trust GB seems like a good place to start.</p> <p>Our collies are the most amazing dogs, and while we haven't yet plucked up the courage to adopt a rescue dog, it's good to know there's someone out there making this possible.</p> <p>Times are hard, so I'm hoping I can persuade lots of people to give a little - the good news is that I'm not likely to make a habit of marathon running or fund raising - so hopefully asking once isn't too much of a presumption.</p> <p>Many thanks for your support</p> <p>Ian</p>