In 2007, working for my first London Marathon, my then boss
told me that being on the finish line would make me want to sign up and run it
immediately.

Hmm...actually the bleeding nipples, exhausted bodies and
stench of sweat had an initially very opposite effect. How could I ever do
that? No way...I vowed to stand safely on the Start and Finish Lines instead thanks, in awe of those who dared put their bodies and minds through such madness.

Over the years I've worked with literally the fastest people
on the planet, and watched approx (I've done the maths and it's not alternative fact) 750,000 people manage to achieve this feat, including those running backwards, on stilts, with one leg, juggling, knitting scarves, as the world's tallest structure (Eiffel Tower at that stage), fastest vegetables (a carrot I recall in 2008), longest 'caterpillar' which included the Branson kids and Royalty and I'm still very sorry to Prince Andrew for stepping on his toe, a Chilean miner who had run in the pitch black while trapped underground...and even missed the start of one post race party as I waited patiently on the line for hours and hours  while Jordan and Peter Andre finally crossed the line. Even they did it!

Now it's my turn to join the crazy gang. Frankly because I can. I've run out of excuses....I have two legs, I'm youngish, and after
watching the incredible Turbaned Tornado, Fauja Singh, complete the full distance in Toronto, aged 100.....well he damn near blew my tiny brain and I knew one day this year would come....and actually I'm kind of enjoying it!

Also marathons, my random career of choice for so long for
someone who doesn't run, have been responsible for being one of the best things that ever happened to me. I've made friends for life in this world, got to work and live in some of the best cities (NYC, Chicago, ❤️TORONTO❤️, Houston, London), and those lovely, accidental friendships eventually took me (thanks Susan!) to the Olympics where the adventures exploded.

Sometimes, to strangers/anyone who will listen, I still talk
about that in a way that makes me sound like I might have competed in the games. That's intentional.

Most importantly though, I'm doing it for a charity I really
believe in. Through my job with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race I work closely with Unicef UK and many of their global offices and have seen first-hand the vital work they do to protect children. Certainly puts running a few miles into perspective.

Our Clipper 2017-18 Race crew are taking on a huge challenge
to try and raise over £400,000 for Unicef and as I can't join them on the
boats, I am taking on my own challenge to join the cause.

I know many of my friends have done dozens of these. I know
a lot of crazys  but they (mostly me at every point of every run) tell me the first one is the hardest! If you are still reading, thanks for any help. It will make the blisters, the tears, the bloody nipples and chafed thighs all worth it in the end.

Carb loading has commenced....years and years ago at
University actually and just never stopped...but I know now that is has
actually all been in preparation for this challenge...

#ThisGirlCan because so many others (think they) can't. I used to be one of those. Not anymore.

About Unicef

Right now, millions of children are in danger. They face
violence, disease, hunger and the chaos of war. Unicef ensures more children
get life-saving food, vaccinations, education and protection than anyone else.
Today, children in places like Syria, South Sudan and Yemen are caught up in violent conflict, with millions forced to flee their homes. In 2015, Unicef responded to 310 emergencies in 102 countries. Please donate what ever you can to my fundraiser for Unicef UK. With your help, we can build a safer world for children.