Update:
Well, that was hard work.
After months of anticipation, I finally ran the London Marathon this Sunday. I did it.
I've had some injury issues these last few weeks, and it's played merry havoc with my training. The longest run of my life up to now was 13 miles. But I got to a point where I just thought - stuff it, I'm running anyway. How bad can it be?
The London Marathon is an amazing experience and quite unlike anything I've encountered before. The crowd was simply unbelievable. The cheering, the clapping, the shouting, the singing, the shrieking - it didn't let up the whole day long. My ears are still ringing with it.
My knees and I parted company somewhere around the 17 mile mark. I developed a blister on my right heel the size of Berkshire. From then on, running became exquisitely painful. Like having nails systematically hammered underneath your kneecaps.
But you try telling that to the crowd. They didn't let up with the cheering. Every time someone yelled my name I felt myself yanked forward, lurching like Rocky after 12 rounds with Apollo Creed.
It ended well, at least. Teeth gritted and eyes bulging, I partnered with a Womble (Uncle Bulgaria, I think) and ground out the hardest, most painful mile of my entire life, crossing the line after a statesman-like five and a half hours.
It wasn't fast. It wasn't pretty. But I did it.
One nice thing. After I'd picked up my medal and shuffled off the course, I was met by a crowd of grinning Oxfam volunteers. They escorted me in to the British Academy, where a reception committee stood and applauded me in. At the time I felt elated, like a conquering hero. Now, writing about it, I feel the tears. Because I'm not a hero. I'm just someone who has been enormously blessed in life, and who wants to show a little solidarity with the poor, to do something - be it ever so small - for those in greatest need.
I didn't do this to fulfil an ambition. I didn't do this to prove a point. I didn't do this for the thrill.
I did it to make a difference.
Thanks to everyone for your support and generosity. You're the heroes in this story.
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How in the world did I get here? The very thing I swore never, ever to do. Yet here I am, running The London Marathon on April 25th to raise money for the work of Oxfam.
Right now Oxfam is one of the leading agencies bringing relief and development to the victims of the Haiti earthquake, as well as other situations of desperate global need. Please help me support their amazing work.
I'm putting my body on the line for what will easily be the biggest challenge of my life. The London Marathon is a once in a lifetime deal for me, and I'd like to raise at least £2,000.
Please support me by giving as generously as you can. How about sponsoring me a pound a mile? That's just £26 - but it will make a huge difference in situations of poverty and despair. Many of you, of course, will want to give more. Go for it. Now, more than ever, it's a time to be generous.
Thank you so much.
Philip.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
