Well... here I am, running my first ever marathon.  I must be mad!

Many of you will know my motivation for entering.  Sadly, last Apil I lost a friend who was out running and had an an aneurysm.  Whenever I am out training, and it gets tough, I always think how fortunate I am to be able to do this.

The training itself has been a massive commitment - not being a 'natural' runner, I have found it a real challenge, but I am so determined to do it, and will finish, even if I have to crawl over the finish line!

Just to update people... I ran my first half marathon distance today (21st Feb) I did ok, but my knees are quite sore, and the prospect of running twice as far is immensely daunting! Oh well...I'll keep pushing!!

As a further update... I completed the Milton Keynes half marathon on Sunday 8th March - 2hours and 11 minutes. The wind was howling, but at least I finished in one piece! I am running 16 miles on Sat 14th March!

Here goes with another update... I hit the proverbial 'wall' on Sat 28th March. My legs just didn't want to work... after a few tears , I have pulled myself together and am now ready to rattle 20 miles off on Sat 4th April... then just a little r & r before the big day! 

Well, here I am, a few days before the BIG day. I write this on 23rd April.  I completed my longest run (21miles) on 5th April, and have tapered my training since then.  No-one warned me about the dull aching I would have in my legs - that worried me a bit until I spoke to others who were exactly the same!

I will be appearing in the local press this weekend, and maybe on BBC Hereford and Worcester radio on Monday morning - so please tune in!

I DID IT!!!!! 4hrs 47minutes! I write this on Monday 27th (the day after). I have never felt pain like it before! The atmosphere was amazing, and I am so grateful to everyone for their support. Thank you all so much! x x x (i'll start training for next year in a few weeks!)

I am raising money for a charity who work with people with learning disabilities called SpeakEasy NOW.  They are hoping to raise enough money for their own website.  The charity is based in Droitwich, and 100% of the pledges will go straight to them, without any funds being taken up in administration.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: SpeakEasy NOW gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please dig deep and sponsor me!

Thank you for your support!