Here I am doing the London Marathon for the fourth time, the difference is that I am fourteen years older and a good stone....heavier.  I had wanted to run another marathon in my 50th year but life got in the way and I took a break.

I find myself running again, perhaps not as gazelle like or as nimble on my feet as before but it keeps me in shape and sane. It takes more effort and determination but thanks to my running buddies it is enjoyable and believe or not good fun.  Check out the pic opposite, an eight mile training run and the water was freezing.

I have chosen to raise money for Connect, a national charity that supports people with aphasia.  Aphasia is a communication disability and is commonly caused by a stroke, it affects people in various ways and to different degrees.  I had not heard of Connect until recently and I am sure many other people have not heard of them either, so I thought I would take this opportunity to raise their profile as well as raising some money for them.

I am extrememly nervous, 26 miles a very long way especially on foot.  I am going to need all the encouragement, support and kind words you can find and I also need you to DIG DEEP particularly down the sides of the sofa, in your pockets, handbags, rucksacks, under the bed, in the penny jars and those squares of plastic. 

Thank you for your support

Jan

I finished, a little disapointed with my time but I got over the finishing line in just over 5 hours.  The weather was great for the spectators but I found it a little too hot and I was so grateful for the showers on route. The crowds were amazing as always and the atmosphere is next to none.  Complete strangers urging me on, telling me to keep going, the kids wanting high 5's.  There were people offering orange slices, which I really enjoyed, jelly babies, jaffa cakes, lollipops, mini mars bars and haribos being handed out throughout the course.

Needless to say I slept well and apart from feeling tired with a few aches here and there I feel fine. 

Will I do another one.....................watch this space.  Most of you know that I like a challenge but I wonder whether I should stick to half marathons, 10 milers, 10k.  It was an experience.

Thanks to everyone for sponsoring me and wishing me well.