Yes I know: another bloody JustGiving page...

I'm running my first marathon in France on the 8th November. The  Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes : http://www.marathon06.com/AN/index.htm

Below are 2 sections. The first is the corporate, right-on message: the kind "The Man" (and JustGiving) wants you to write.The second is a more honest account of how I ended up doing this. 

"The Bumf"

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. So please dig deep and donate now.

"The Truth"

I started running on the 4th January 2008. This was a couple of months after my dad had his heart attack (he's fine now). His cadiologist recommended that my brother and I visit a doctor as it turns out we Cecchis have only a bit of blood in our Cholesterol systems. After being told by the doctor that I was "...not Peter Pan..." I grudgingly laced up my Nike Air Pegasus (last worn at university) and went for a 4km run. The next day I walked like a man who had recently arrived in a Turkish prison. However, I persevered. In August 2008 I ran my first 10km race, then in October my first half marathon.

Early in 2009 I went for dinner with my old chum Anthony Riley. He treated to to a sumptious Italian feast at Tentatzioni. (I heartily recommend  the tasting menu paired with the wines by the way: http://www.tentazioni.co.uk/restaurant.htm). Near the end of the meal when I was well-oiled and open to suggestion, he mentioned this marathon that went from Nice to Cannes. "Brilliant!" I cried, "Let's DO IT." I had probably signed up before I'd even sobered up.

Back then November was a million miles away, but time is merciless and I thus began taking it seriously (or "shitting myself") round about August. I have tried to run 4 times a week ever since then (I have failed many times). With this being my first marathon I am concentrating on a) finishing and b) enjoying it. If I am ever foolish enough to do another one of these I suppose I may aim for a time, but not this one...

Finally, a word on the charity: I have chosen to run for ASBAH (The Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) - http://www.asbah.org/ - they do amazing work and the volunteers are superstars (they do it all for very little recognition and nowt else). It's a charity close to our family's heart.

Check out Jimmy Nebitt's vid for more information:  http://www.asbah.org/get-involved/jamesnesbitt.htm