April 13 looms large. The training has been going well, apart from the usual sore muscles, black toenails, and sweaty day-glo lycra (not a pretty sight, really). I'm in the taper zone  now - after 14 weeks' training, it's time to ease off on the running, relax, and eat as much pasta as I can force down.

If all goes well (i.e. I don't oversleep and miss the marathon bus, take a wrong turning at Tower Bridge, hit the wall at mile 22, etc.), I'm hoping to improve on my previous (and only) marathon time of 3:49:47. However, just finishing would be fine, too.

Look out for me on TV or on the results page of the website - I'll be wearing number 24012!

I'm running to raise money for Asylum Welcome, an Oxford-based charity, and it would be fantastic if you could sponsor me, no matter how small your donation.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Asylum Welcome will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many, many thanks for your support.

Antoinette