I DID IT! 4 hrs 11 mins 57 secs!

For all the pain and the glory go to:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=59HFE4fhsZA/

The day I heard that I had a place in the London Marathon I had eaten my usual breakfast of wholemeal toast with 4 squares of dark chocolate, I had devoured a cherry bakewell & milk (soya) for elevenses, and mushy peas and chips for lunch.

I heard the big news and set off to see how fit I was, setting my iPhone GPS thingy to MapMyRun and stop me getting lost.

I got lost. But by virtue of going the unplanned long way round, managed 10 miles!

And I only vomited the chips!

Next day, couldn't walk. At least, only very slowly and on even terrain.
I couldn't run again for 5 days. And considered my training plan.
26.2 miles is a loooooooong way...

5 weeks on I am kitted out in highly attractive breathable fabric, the cupboards are stocked with isotonic drinks and slow releasing carbs, and I have a number of foolproof routes which follow the River Thames (God help the toddler/putney toff/illegal cyclist who gets in my path of a sunday morning), and I am still terrified but buzzing with it!

SO, I will pursue, I will embarrass myself in lycra tights, I will train even with a hangover, and in the rain, and I might even give up smoking...All I am asking of you is to forget the recession and SPONSOR ME!!

I am running for Richard House, which is a Children's Hospice in East London. It provides care and support for life-limited and life-threatened children and their families, creating positive experiences which become good memories for the future. All of their services are provided free of charge, which means they need to raise £1.8 million in voluntary donations every year. My target is to raise the grand sum of £1800.

Please go to www.richardhouse.org.uk for more information.

If you are really interested in the highs and lows of marathon training, I have been blogging my observations since November at http://katesjogblog.blogspot.com/

So, when you are strolling along the river bank, look out for a red faced, day-glo cycling jacket clad, snotty, sweaty, but very happy jogger, I always welcome a chance to stop! See blurb below on how this site works and then give those kids your cash!

Thank you!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Richard House Trust 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.