In just two weeks, I’ll be attempting the Tokyo Marathon—because at 32, after two mild heart attacks, a shiny new stent, and knees that now sound like a pair of castanets, I apparently thought,

“Yes, this is a great idea.”

It’s been a strange 450 days. The medication has given me all sorts of bonus features (none of which were advertised), and I spend half my time wondering:

Is this tiredness from the meds?

From the heart damage?

Or is it just because I’m, well… 32 and built for comfort, not speed?

To make things even more exciting, during training I discovered I now have runner’s knee—in BOTH knees. Because why get injured one limb at a time? Go big or go home, right?

So instead of galloping heroically across scenic landscapes, most of my training has been done on a treadmill, up to three hours a session, staring at a wall and questioning every life decision that brought me to that moment. My physio is both impressed and mildly concerned.

But despite all that, with 15 days left and one final long-run ticked off, I’m giving this marathon a proper go.

Whether I run, shuffle, hobble, or dramatically impersonate a penguin… I’ll get over that finish line.

I’m doing this for the British Heart Foundation, because quite frankly, they’re the reason I’m still here and capable of doing daft things like this. They help fix hearts, fund incredible research, and keep stubborn idiots like me going a little longer.

If you can spare even a couple of pence during these tough times, it would mean the world. You’ll be supporting lifesaving work and cheering on Big Jas & Little Jas (my beautiful daughter), as we prove that even after heart attacks, dodgy knees, and the unstoppable march of age… there’s still room for a little madness.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting.

And please… pray for the knees.

and yes I'm a bit older than 32, but who is counting