Updated on Apr 23rd 2012 at 7:58 PM from the JustGiving API

So I made it... 3hrs 49mins and some sore parts later. Thank you all so much. Really great day.

I am not famed for my physical endurance. School sports afternoons were the last time I was regularly involved in high tempo activity and from 14 years old I took a more voluntary attitude to participation. The following two decades have seen many changes in the world and in me…but my aversion to sweating has been unwavering.

That is until, in the post indulgent haze of a robust Christmas lunch, I attempted to dismiss the disappointingly personal abuse from my four brothers with the muttered line “I’d run a marathon, I’ve simply not gotten around to it…”

From such small seeds, great oaks can grow....

Once the howling stopped… I was trapped… so with a heavy heart I downloaded the iFit Nike app and signed up for the 2012 London Marathon.

I have spent the days and weeks since then honing my ‘built for comfort’ physique into this well-oiled hardened machine that glistens, flexes and coils as I stride from shower to suit each morning. On race day I may well not quite be up with the Kenyan gentlemen but I’ll ensure that whatever happens... on two limbs or four... I will cross the finish line.

Its been an incredible experience getting this far, I’ve picked a great Children’s charity and I would be eternally grateful for any donation you can make in support of what will undoubtedly be a tough day

Please give whatever you can… and for more info about the bin-lids and where your money will go, see below.

Thanks so much in advance for your support,

Giles/Bean