It’s been ten years since I last trained for a marathon — and back then, I crossed the finish line in over 4 hours 35 - some time away from my previous best of 4:11:56. I was absolutely knackered but proud. Now here I am again, sixteen weeks out from marathon number seven, and for the first time… I actually feel ahead of the game.

Since training for a half marathon back in March, I’ve kept the momentum going. The weekly miles haven’t dropped off, and I’m heading into this training block in better shape than I ever have before. Maybe it’s muscle memory, maybe it’s age bringing a bit of discipline (finally), or maybe it’s something else — like the fact I’ve set myself a pretty outrageous target: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is it a moonshot goal? Absolutely. But I’ve done this enough times to know the mental side of marathon running is half the battle. And this time, I’m not just running for a PB. I’m running for a cause that means something to me — and for a bit of family bragging rights too.

During lockdown, my brother raised money for Marie Curie, and I watched him do it with a mix of admiration and mild competitiveness (as brothers do). So when I didn’t get a place in the Dublin marathon through the ballot, I signed up to run it for Marie Curie — partly because of the incredible work they do, and partly because, well… I want to raise more than he did. But as he raised £11k I figure that’s more of a moon shot than the 3:30 target I’ve set myself!

This week marks the official start of a 16-week training plan. There’ll be long runs, early alarms, dodgy knees, and more pasta than is probably nutritionally necessary. But it’s all building toward something bigger than just race day.

So if you’re reading this and want to get behind me — or beat my brother too - then please get sponsoring me!

Every donation goes to Marie Curie, and every step I take over the next 16 weeks is powered by that support.

Let’s go.