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I started running in May 2009 with the incentive of running the Bristol Half Marathon in September of that year, I soon fell in love with the sport and quickly entered the Cardiff Half Marathon knocking 15 minutes off my Bristol time.  My friend Rachael saw the potential to create a monster and somehow persuaded me to enter a marathon.  As someone who had originally struggled with running 1 mile I grabbed the challenge by the horns and entered Brighton.

Anyone who knows me will know I have 3 big loves in my life, Jamie/family/friends, running and dogs so what better way to combine all three than by running a marathon with Jamie, some fabulous friends and in aid of dogs.

I ran just over 17 miles yesterday and felt such a sense of achievement I can't imagine how I'm going to feel when I cross that finish line in April, and to know that I can bring some love and affection to dogs less lucky than our own Boris will make it even more special.

Many people are struggling financially in the current climate and some have to give up their dogs as they just can't afford to care for them properly, others just lose interest and many of these pooches end up with The Dogs Trust who do an amazing job of caring for and hopefully re-homing many of them.

Please give what you can to help these dogs and think of me on the cold early-morning training runs when you are still snuggled up in bed.  Will keep you updated with my progress, thanks for all your help.

20/2/10 - Well, it's been almost a week since I launched my page and already so many of my fabulous friends and family have donated.  Thank you so much for you generosity.  Will run 14 miles for you tomorrow!!

15/3/10 - Have run the Bath Half Marathon since my last entry, and Jamie and I went for a 20 mile training run on Saturday so feel confident that I can make it round in one piece (albeit a bit broken!).  Looking forward to the Reading Half this Sunday should all be good training for the big day.  Once again, thanks to everyone who's sponsored me, it means such a lot to me to have so much support.

22/3/10 - Ran the Reading Half Marathon yesterday and did 2hours 3 minutes so was a bit disappointed didn't get under 2 hours, but it was hot and hilly so I let myself off!!  Training is still going well but the marathon is looming ever-closer and I'm getting a wee bit nervous, but I know that all my hard work will pay off on the day and the fact that everyone has been so generous is really helping me to keep motivated so thanks again.

28/3/10 - Ran the San Domenico 20, was really really hilly, Reading was nothing compared to this, but we did it, hold on to your breakfast cause Jamie and I crossed the finish line holding hands (don't say I didn't warn you!!), it was fab and we did it in 3hrs 26 so was quite happy with that.  Getting excited about the big day now and so grateful to everyone who has so generously donated.  Thanks x

16/4/10 - Well, the training has been done, the carbs have been eaten, the booze and sex has been avoided so all there is to do now is run the 26.2 miles!!  Wish me luck, see you on the other side!!

Well, we did it in 4hrs 47 and only missed out on our 4 1/2hr target due to unforeseen circumstances!!  Enjoyed most of it and will definitely do another marathon.  Thanks so much to all who have sponsored me so far, your generosity made it all worthwhile.  There's still time to donate as my page will remain active for 3 months so now I've proved I could do it please keep on giving.  Thanks a million.

Lots of Love Deb x