This is my first ever marathon!! Several people have assured me that it's really quite straightforward: you go for a few jogs then turn up for the race and thrash around the course. Seems simple ...

Having completed the first 6 weeks of training, the 'few jogs' have not exactly been plain sailing. Unless of course you consider slipping and sliding around the icy streets of Manchester in the dark, sporting a less than flattering pair of 'black tights', in temperatures often below zero for 25-30 miles a week as simple!

Please make 4.5 months of hard graft and the small matter of running 26.2 miles in one go worth it by giving generously! 

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