Story
<p>Hello hello</p>
<p>Many of you may well have heard me whinge, moan and groan about it, but its true, I am running the 2012 London Marathon! The non-runner amongst us somehow received a ballot place. </p>
<p>In 2007 I visited my cousin Robby, in Mbale, Uganda and was completely moved by the work that he and the amazing charity Jenga are doing for local people. Working with the poorest communities providing water, goats, education for children, literacy education for women, and local health projects. It wasn't a difficult choice to choose Jenga to run for.</p>
<p>I will keep this updated as a training blog, so you too can share the moment I loose my toe nails, take that first training run in the snow, and generally be updated on how far I am running each week.</p>
<p>I do hope you will be able to help towards this fabulous charity.</p>
<p>Charley xxx</p>
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<p>Slight disaster after Bali in that it was impossible to run whilst there, which has put me 3 weeks behind schedule. Aaarrrggghh. It was so sweaty, with such high humdity that I couldn't breath when I ran. I kept on trying and after the worse case of runners rash as my thighs met each other for the first time since last summer. It didn't go well with me walking like John Wayne for a week.</p>
<p>However came home from Bali and managed to run from Islington, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Deptford, Lewisham, Catford, Sydenham and Anerley to crawl up my stairs. It was just under 16 miles at 15.88, I will be honest as I couldn't walk or handle stairs for a few days afterwards! </p>
<p>However did 16.5 miles yesterday which I found really disappointing, not just because it was the hottest day of the year so far, so every tourist and their great aunt all took a slow walk along the river, but mainly from the fact I only managed 16.5 miles and walked/jogged the last 2. I think I sweated my body weight twice over, so needless to say I will not be looking pretty on the 22nd... </p>
<p>Very disappointed with myself as I was hoping for 18 miles which meant I would feel more confident about tapering down the schedule. When I run and look at everyone else as they pass me (which they always do as I am so slow) no one actually looks happy! I am also wondering now whether this is because they will be crossing the starting line with me in 3 weeks?!</p>
<p>Am astounded by the amazing donations, so huge thanks all round!</p>