Well 2010 came around quickly didn't it! 

Training for a marathon is an interesting thing. It takes over your whole life for six months (or more, if you get obsessed!) and becomes quite literally all you can think about. So it was actually quite heartbreaking when I injured myself badly and had to defer just before the big day last year. I'd done all the hard work, the early mornings, the late nights, the oh-my-god-I-have-to-run-10-miles-in-the-snow training, but never got to do the final lap of honour. Gutted doesn't quite begin to cover it.

For those of you that don't know my history and have just followed a link to this page, here's the backstory. I was forced to pull out just a few weeks before last year's marathon - my first - because not only am I hyperflexible (yes boys, it sounds like fun, but just as every cloud has a silver lining, so every silver lining apparently comes with added cloud, whether you like it or not) I also have 'wonky' knee bones and am, as the physio so kindly put it: "just not designed for running."

Obviously I ignored that and, along with regular physio sessions and a lot of extra exercises, I continued to train. But unfortunately I got a little overexcited, and trained far too hard. Even after limping round the Silverstone half marathon with one leg held straight while begging the marshalls for ibuprofen gel I still thought I might be able to do it. Eventually, though, it got to the point where I couldn't even run to the end of my road and I reluctantly admitted defeat. 

But for once in my life I have actually learnt from my mistakes, and you'll be pleased to know that I have spent the whole of the summer strengthening my poor pathetic little legs. 

This year is going to be VERY different. 

And yes, I'm asking for sponsorship again. I must stress, this is not about me running hard for one day. This is not a mere  bungee jump of a turn-up-and-do-it sponsored event. This is about something I am not naturally very good at and which hurts *a lot* taking over the next six months of my life. And that is why every single last penny is so gratefully received, and anything you can spare will be wonderful. 

The charity I am running for is WSPA. As a charity, WSPA is pretty amazing. It has been promoting animal welfare for more than 25 years, and concentrate in regions of the world where few, if any, measures exist to protect animals. The difference between animal conservation and welfare is that where conservation focuses on populations and habitats, welfare focuses on the individual animal. Animal welfare is good if the individual is fit, healthy and free from suffering. It gets more complicated, but basically, anything you can give me will help WSPA to work towards better welfare for animals the world over. 

By sponsoring me, you can assuage that slightly nagging feeling of guilt that crops up when you see the dancing bear adverts on TV - you know, the ones that make you cry. (I mean, obviously a monthly direct debit would be better, but one step at a time, eh?) You will also help to give me the confidence, determination and sheer bloody-minded stubborness I am going to need to get through the training, never mind the actual race. 

I'm not a natural athlete by any means, but if I can raise a decent amount of money then I'll be able to hold my head high whatever my final time is. As long as I get in before the street sweepers.

Thank you all so much for reading this far, and thank you for any support you can give me - no matter how small. Please forward this link to anyone you know who might be interested in supporting me, or just has a few quid burning a hole in their pocket. I'll gladly take it off their hands!

x

THE IMPORTANT FINANCIAL STUFF: Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: World Society For The Protection Of Animals 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. See, that wasn't too painful, was it.