I have always wanted to run the London Marathon. I have always found it incredibly emotional watching all those people run for charities, for themselves, for thier loved ones. I entered the ballot last year after the coverage of the race moved me to tears yet again. Much to my surprise I got a place. I was happy and worried all at the same time. I thought about trying to defer for a year, but there is never a convenient time to train for a marathon. I decided to take it on. Over the past several months I have put down the miles, running regularly after having taught 5 pilates classes in a day. I didn't think I would be able to keep my usual heavy class load and train for a marathon as well, but I have. I am 51 and feel stronger than ever. I did my last long training run yesterday. It was 21 miles, and now I know that I can do this... so I'd better start raising some money.

After a lot of deliberating, I have decided to raise money for the Climate Coalition. There are so many desperate causes at the moment, but one in particular has been here for years and just isn't going to go away. I still have hope that we can change the current trends in global warming to keep the planet healthy for my kids and my kid's kid's and their kids too.

N.B. Please watch out for the somewhat misleading 'add a tip' option on Just Giving. This is optional but 15% will be added automatically if you don't opt out. Happy for you to support Just Giving, but make sure you are doing it consciously.