Story
UPDATE: 27/10/08
I am bitterly disappointed to say that after six months of training I am having to pull out of the New York Marathon with only six days to go. During my run this weekend, I aggravated my hip flexor and my ankle was not holding up well after only seven miles. This turn of events has increased the risk of serious injury if I go ahead with the marathon and so I have reluctantly decided to postpone.I truly appreciate the support you have shown through your existing donations to date - I will run a marathon in support of Willow Foundation whether it be the 2009 New York Marathon or another marathon at an earlier time. As I have mentioned, your donations have not been used in any way to fund my trip to New York as I have paid all of the costs upfront.
I will of course let you know as soon as I have confirmed the details of which marathon I will be running.
Thank you again for all your support.
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Is your donation going to subsidise me to go on holiday?
No. Every pound that you donate will go towards Willow Foundation. This is because I’ve already paid all my costs upfront (incl. entry fee, accommodation and travel) so you won't be subsidising me in anyway.
What on earth was I thinking?
That is a very good question.
Will I be running it in a giant otter costume?
The BBC website tells me that during a marathon, an average runner will lose 2cm in height, 3-5kg in weight and will take 25,000 steps landing with a force of three times your bodyweight.
Being of the vertically challenged variety, I’ll definitely be taking more steps than the average runner and I'll be even shorter than when I started. Great.
So, at present, no I won't be in a giant otter costume. I think I will have enough trouble as it is completing 26 miles and 285 yards.
What is my target time?
Well, it was 4 hours 15 minutes - until I twisted my ankle pretty badly 6 weeks before M-Day. I'm now focusing on getting to the start line fit and getting around the 26 miles.
My chosen charity
Willow Foundation is a registered charity that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of seriously ill young adults aged 16-40 through the provision of special days.
The aim of every special day is to offer time out from treatment and to allow the young adults, their families and friends to spend quality time together whilst pursuing an activity they can all enjoy. Every special day is entirely individual and of the adult's choosing. For some, it provides the opportunity to return some normality back into their lives. For others, it may be their last chance to do something they've always wanted to do.
If you'd like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at tom.ohta@gmail.com or have a look at the website: www.willowfoundation.org.uk/ to see how Willow Foundation helps young adults coping with serious illnesses.
Thank you so much for your support.
Tom