I'm running the London Marathon on 17th April 2011

Why run a marathon? Running the London Marathon has been on my "things I want to achieve" list for some time but I never quite got round to gettting organised. As the big "Four Oh" is looming I thought this was a good time to get off the sofa and into my running shoes. So this is it - my official midlife crisis.

Why the Children's Trust? Places for the London Marathon are like gold dust and I was determined to run it this year. When I looked around for a charity I would like to support, I wanted something that was related to children and, if possible, local so that I could see for myself what impact the charity has. The Children's Trust is based in Tadworth and provides provides care, education, therapy and rehabilitation to children with multiple disabilities, complex health needs and acquired brain injury. Sarah thankfully has never had any problems but if she ever did need support, I'd be ever so grateful for the support the CT provides. Check out their website for more info.

What's going to be the hardest thing? Training on a regular basis. Once I'm out there, I quite like it actually but getting away from the computer or off the sofa in the first place is the tough bit. So I need all the support you can give to keep me going

26 miles is an awful long way....It is!!! This is why I am breaking it down in small chunks. To give you confidence that I'm on track (and me something to aim for) - I have chosen a few test races along the way: Brighton 10K (did this a couple of weeks ago), Tadworth 10m (2nd Jan); Tunbridge Wells Half-marathon (27th Feb); Cranleigh 21m and finally the Marathon on 17th April.

Can I track your progress? Of course - in the era of social networking you can find me on facebook (not a Twitter fan I'm afraid) and I regularly post my training runs on it. So check it out!

How can I support you?First of all - moral supoprt is invaluable and very much appreciated. But I also have a steep fundraising target to hit so please please donate - no amount too small. If everybody contributes a few pounds, we shall hit (and hopefully exceed) the target together.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Ruth