Update 11/05/09:

Phew - finished in 3:59:47 in 204th place overall (out of about 600 I think)

I now know what 'the wall' is which I hit at 20 miles and also how far 6 miles can seem when you just want to stop.

But in a strange way, I still enjoyed it and may do another when my legs work again.

Thanks to everyone for supporting me and Isabels and achieving the target and then some - you are all very generous.

Cheers all,

Chris.

Hi all, .

Since starting running a year ago, I have been gradually building my fitness up in order to attempt a marathon. I was thinking of waiting until later on in the year but have decided to stop messing about and go for it and have entered the Halstead and Essex Marathon on the 10th May. No going back now even though later research has unearthed the facts that the course is described as 'very undulating' (not one flat section in 26.2 miles by the looks of it!) and last years event was run on a scorching hot day - doh!

Over the last year I have managed to run a couple of 10ks then 3 half marathons but have held off sponsorship until the big one as I didnt want to overwhelm people with sponsorship requests. This may be a one off event for me as I can not yet imagine running 26 miles - and how to get through the dreaded 'wall' around 20 miles?!

My chosen charity is the Isabel Hospice, caring for terminally ill adults and children in East Herts - http://www.isabelhospice.org.uk

They need to raise £2m per year after NHS funding in order to keep going and these, like all other hospices, are struggling to meet their target particularly given the current financial climate as they depend heavily on local business donations.

I am really grateful for any donations you are able to make to support this worthy cause and I will let you know how I get on on 10th May.

Many, many thanks,

Chris

.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Isabel Hospice Limited gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!