Hey! Thanks to you all who have sponsored me here and those off line. I feel so good for having completed the marathon in 4 hours and 42 minutes. I must say, that it was not my best run and demanded a lot of will power just to keep going, but that seemed to give me enormous satisfaction when finished. It gave me immense pleasure (if a bit strange) to be fit and able to teach the next morning at 8am (with make up and everything!). And no blisters or lost toenails this time, hurray!!!!

Thanks to you all for your support and words of encouragement! I am both terrified and excited. Keep dreaming that I get lost, my legs won't move and that I have to run up very steep sandy hills!! Must remind myself I am running in London!

Easter hols

Managed some good runs, including final 13 mile on Sunday. Beginning to feel okay, could do with another month of training, though. Anyone know a good mind coach (I can run that far, I can run that far...!).

Cranleigh 15/21 Sun 28th March

Never mind 15 miles, went for 21 and feel surprisingly okay!! Legs v stiff for last 3 miles, but otherwise good. Bring it on!!!

I am running the marathon this year for the Snowdon Award Scheme; a charity that provides grants to students who have physical or sensory disabilities. These grants can change people's lives, as they help to fund essential provision, such as specialised software for laptops or mobility equipment, amongst others. Students are then able to access education and training and enjoy a level of independence that would not otherwise be possible. Find out more by clicking here.

I am hoping to run a good time this year, but given my late entry and the inclement weather, the odds are stacked! I love a good challenge!! Last time round I kept going by singing 'Just Keep Running' ( my own version of Dorie's song in Finding Nemo). Hopefully I'll find a more inspirational way of keeping those feet pounding on.

Training so far has been a mixed bag, but I am managing a good 13 miles. One weekend it was pouring down and snow and ice was thawing out from the fields onto along flooded roads. Nearing the end of this 11m run, a car caught me in a head-to-toe bow-wave of ice cold water! Another weekend I found black ice everywhere and at one point went over and found myself lying in the middle of a country lane. I managed to quickly scramble to the side though and then ran home. It's eventful this year!! Bring back the easy, sunny training weekends of 2004!

Please support me by donating here. Not only will you be supporting a worthy cause, but be motivating me to train harder and run faster! It is simple, fast and totally secure. 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.

Thank you very much, your interest and kindness is very much appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Ursula