I swore I would never run a marathon again after completing the New York Marathon in 2004! The pain, the monotony of training and the realisation that I really am not a runner seemed valid enough reasons! However, a promise made over 5 bottles of wine in December 2010 somehow cast all logic aside (see the profile picture) and I signed up for my second marathon on the Great Wall of China! The realisation of exactly what I had signed up for kicked in a few months later when I actually read the details of what I was about to undertake! It is not only a marathon, it is a marathon with a lot of steps!

Training, despite living in one of the flattest countries in the world, was all on track for the first three months. A stint in hospital a month ago, however, put paid to that and I have had to reduce the distance from the full marathon to the half marathon. The half marathon, mind, is still no mean feat! Take a look: http://www.great-wall-marathon.com/Default.aspx

So, in memory of Katie, who recently passed away after her remarkably brave battle with cancer, I have promised to participate in the Great Wall of China Half Marathon, on Saturday 19th May 2012, to raise funds for The Willow Foundation, a charity chosen by Katie which had supported her and her family through her cancer treatment. I would be very grateful for any donations you are willing to make for a very worthwhile cause.

15 days until race day!

Wish me luck!

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