Story
I'm happy to inform you all that I DID IT - I ran that marathon! And I've managed to achieve all my personal goals: avoid injuries and finish within a satisfying time (4:05:46 for 42,2 km).
Thank you all for your generous support!
Maria
My story from the start:
As I watched the runners in the London Marathon last year, I thought, "Hey, I could actually do that as well!"
The London Virgin Marathon on the 25th of April 2010 will be my first marathon and I am very grateful to the most local of the Marathon charities, The Dockland Settlements, for accepting my application to run for them. Dockland Settlements has been working in East London for just over a hundred years. Despite recent economic development, East London remains one of the most socially deprived areas in London and the work of Dockland Settlements remains vital to the area. The Dockland Settlements have three centres that provide facilities for youth work, counselling, organised sports (including cricket training) and social activities to low-income families and the elderly. This video gives you good idea about the charity and their work: http://www.docklandsettlements.org.uk/video.php.
If you can give to this worthy cause, you will not only make a lasting difference to people's lives but you will also have my gratitude (as I have pledged to raise £1200).
Sincerely, and with many thanks for your support,
Maria
Update as of 24th of February
There are only eight weeks left until the London Marathon so I thought I should give you all a brief update.
Last Wednesday I went to the Stratford centre, which is one of the three community centres supported by The Dockland Settlements (my charity). Stratford is one of the poorest areas of London, located on the edge of the 2012 Olympics construction zone. Stratford centre provides care for young children, collecting them by bus after school and looking after them for the rest of the day while their parents are at work. This care is not only vital in providing children with an alternative to a life of gangs and street crime, but it also provides their parents (who may themselves have come from difficult backgrounds) with invaluable childcare support. Due to the school holiday last week the centre was busy from the early morning; I spent some time with the kids making crowns from cartons and playing running games.
The Dockland Settlements activities require significant funding and I really appreciate all the support you have given / can give!
In the meantime I’ve been running a few half-marathons and have increased the length of my runs to 25 km. During the next few weeks I will continue with intense training, trying to push myself up to around 30km in a couple of training runs. I’ll keep you updated!
With many thanks for your support,
Maria
Note: Donating through my fundraising site is simple, fast and totally secure. Deutsche Bank will match all contributions made by UK employees. If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.