OK, this is it. I'm running my first marathon. But this isn't just any marathon challenge; in September I'm running barefoot-style.

Why barefoot-style?

When it came to my first training run, I realised I didn’t have any running shoes, so I'm going to be doing the marathon in my Vivobarefoot shoes, which I used for walking anyway. They're designed to allow the feet to move as if barefoot, with no ankle or arch support and only a thin puncture-resistant sole for protection.

Why The Stroke Association?

I'm hoping to raise £2,000 for The Stroke Association. As most of you will know, the charity has meant a lot to me since my dad had a stroke at the age of 48. The tireless research they do helps prevent and deal with stroke, the UK's third-biggest killer (check out http://www.stroke.org.uk/ for more info).

You were hugely generous when I ran the Great North Run a few years back (and I'm massively grateful) but we didn't quite reach the £1,000 target I'd set myself. And that bothers me! This time round it's twice the distance and twice the pain, so I've set my fundraising target twice as high. Please, please, please - give what you can and let's smash that £2,000 target.

What you'll get in return for your donation

- Blog updates (witty/eloquent/irritating) on my training progress

- A big hug whenever I see you next

- A sense of satisfaction that you're helping tackle stroke

If my dad was around, he'd be saying "Don't be a tight bastard, put your [digitised] hand in your [PayPal-powered] pocket". So get giving!

Liam

Note (25/04/12): I was originally running the Greater Manchester marathon, but had to pull out due to injury. I'm now signed up for the Loch Ness marathon, but Justgiving won't let me change the event name on this page. I'm annoyed at them for this, but rest assured the money all still goes to The Stroke Association.