I'm a very lucky girl. I made it to week 9 of my marathon training and found myself 1. still alive, and 2. having reached my target for the charity I am running for - Southgate Sport and Leisure Trust. For those of you who have sponsored me so far, thank you! I am truly touched. And now I am at my target, I thought I would try and use this (absolutely definitiely once in a lifetime, I am never doing anything like this again!) opportunity to raise a little bit of extra money for a charity that I know makes a huge difference to people's lives on a day to day basis. Most notably to my best friend's mum, who, quite frankly, I think is a bit of a hero for the way she soldiers on through the hideousness that is MS.

And when I am cold and sore and tired and still trying to make myself keep running those miles up and down Green Lanes, I keep reminding myself that I'm fairly lucky to be in a position where I am able to even attempt running a marathon. However slow progress I am making!

And if you haven't gone to sleep just yet, my original story still stands (see below if you want to read!)... 

Inspired by the fantastic achievements of my non-lazy friends, I embarked on running my first half marathon in October. As I crossed the line (practically crushing Seymour in the process), I vowed never again. And I really meant it. So I am not quite sure how I have found myself here, but found myself here I have.

Plied with wine, and charmed into entering by Warwick (stalwart of Southgate Sports and Leisure Trust), he assured me that I will have a ‘fab time’. Hmmm… Everyone I asked for advice was adamant that I should do this, with the worrying exception of my lucky dice; which provides the usual basis for all my decision making. Oh and I’m not sure my parents were too chuffed about the idea either. My mum thinks 10km is more my distance (she’s probably right!) and reminded me how grumpy training for a half marathon made me. However, I have decided to defy the dice (unheard of) and my parents (also unheard of, with the exception of my former years of chain smoking and gambling and the recent acquisition of a cat!), and give this thing a go. I'm just trying to think of it as nothing more than a sightseeing tour of my favourite city...

I'm inspired all the time by people who do things like this, especially people who start from a low starting point (like me). I'm not a natural runner. My hockey teammates will tell you I'm pretty slow. 5 years ago I was smoking at least 20 a day and probably drinking enough white wine to keep entire vineyards in business. So, although a lot of people will tell you I was way more fun back then, I think if I manage to do this and live to tell the tale, then anyone can!

I’m nothing if not determined, and am already excited about the additional calories I am able to consume throughout my training. I figure that the more donations I receive early on, the more likely I am to carry on when it gets even colder and darker than it already is.

Your support will mean a lot – to me mostly - but obviously to the charities I am supporting as well. In return, I promise I will keep trying, keep training and not be grumpy towards the people I live with in the process!