Post-Race Update:  I wanted to send a big 'Thank You' to everyone who donated. Your contributions amounted to over £4,100! With a few stragglers to come and a £500 check from Citi, this should add up to around £4,700 to help Mencap improve the lives of people in the UK with learning disabilities. As my original fundraising goal was £2,500 I'm a bit blown away by everyone's generosity, particularly in this economy. I really appreciate it, as do the Mencap people we heard from at the race.

As for the race itself, on balance it was a fantastic experience. The 'nice' weather had people out in droves, lining the entire length of the course on both sides. The clear skies made it a little warm for running, but I managed to come in at 3:51:42. Split times were 1:51:43 and 1:59:59. For serious marathoners, that's not exactly setting the world on fire, but I was pleased to beat 4 hours and make the top 20% in my first race. (And importantly, beat Gordon Ramsay).

Thanks again everyone.

April 9 Update: Did the last long run of the training program -- another 3 laps of Richmond park (21.75 miles in 3 hrs 26 min). That would be a 4:09 marathon, but we weren't pushing the pace. Lots of marathon runners out there this weekend, breaking in their race day shirts. Great scene with a lot of chatter back and forth between runners. For the next three weeks the mileage comes down considerably as we rest/recover ahead of the big day on the 26th. I think Mathieu and I are both pretty confident now of finishing, it's just a question of whether we beat 4 hours and by how much. Having said that I definitely have a newfound respect for the distance. 26.2 miles is a long way.  

April 1 Update:  Thanks so much to everyone who has donated thus far. I've exceeded my fundraising target of £2500 and am now over £3000. Fantastic. Would like to keep going and raise more. On March 15, I ran 21.75 miles (3 laps of Richmond Park). My watch died during the run, but I think it was about 3 and a half hours.  Definitely dragging over the last 3-4 miles. Now after a week off for skiing, it's back to running -- another 3 laps of Richmond Park with Mathieu G this coming Sunday. Last long run before the race!   

March 13 Update: running partner Mathieu G. and I ran 18 miles last Saturday in Richmond Park (2:45:31). The thought of doing another 8.2 miles beyond that was...daunting. For this coming weekend, there is a controversial difference of opinion on training - Mathieu is doing 10 miles fast and I'm doing 21 miles slowly. We'll see how it works out. I've also got a new 'hard target' goal in mind for the race itself: 3 hours 44 minutes. I found out that George W. Bush's personal best is 3:44 (Houston '93). It's not necessarily a political statement. I just think I should be able to beat him. Thanks to all who have donated so far! 

Feb 16th Update: did a 13-mile run over the weekend (for the runners among you, time was 1:51:13) and felt pretty good afterwards. Starting to feel like I'll be able to finish this thing. Plan to do 15 miles this Sat or Sun (2 laps of Richmond Park). Anyone who is training for London or just wants to do a long run is welcome to join. Should take about 2' 12". Cheers.

Original Message:

Hi and thanks for visiting my fundraising page. I'm running the 2009 Flora London Marathon on April 26 on behalf of Mencap (www.mencap.org.uk). 

I'm targeting 3 hours 30 minutes, but it's my first marathon so make that a 3:30 to 4:30 range. Hoping to raise £2500 for Mencap in the process. If you donate, I promise not to regale you with stories of my heart rate monitor the next time we meet up.

Donating through Justgiving is easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mencap 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.

It's a fantastic cause and donations are tax deductible. Please donate what you can!

Thanks, 

Dan