First post from me, and why I've put myself in for the London Marathon!

Hi all.  Welcome to my blog!

I'm hoping that I will get to update this blog quite regularly along the way to hopefully running in the London Marathon on Sunday 25th April 2010.  I've provided a bit of information on the left hand side of the blog as a starter and hopefully this site will grow over the next few weeks/months.

I don't want to overdo this, but I know that this is going to be a big challenge for me.  I've completed 3 half marathons before, but I know that this is a huge step up in terms of commitment to training and the physical and mental aspects of getting around a marathon course.

A few words about what has motivated me to enter.  There are three things really, in no particular order.

Firstly, since I've been running half marathons, there's been a nagging doubt, wondering if I would actually be able to do a full marathon.  Certainly, after each one that I've completed I've thought that people must be mad to consider a full marathon, but having said that I was full of admiration for them.

I trained quite hard for the first half marathon that I completed and actually found it reasonably easy, although I did suffer with a knee problem.  The second and third ones I didn't train as much for, but still got around.  Therefore, I'm hoping that if I get the training in I will be able to get around a full course.  At this point, I can honestly say I'm not even considering a time....I just want to get around.  Alongside this is the fact that I need some kind of goal to help keep me motivated in terms of maintaining a reasonable level fitness, so this probably just what I need.

Secondly, I went to London to watch the Marathon in 2009.  It really is a great event to watch even as a spectator, so being a part of that as a runner must be a great experience.  We were there to watch my Sister-in-Law who ran brilliantly, and it was great to see her at a couple of points in the event, along with the elite runners, the masses and some famous faces along the way.  I love London anyway, and when the first thought of 'I wonder if I can run a Marathon?' came to my mind, the London Marathon was the only choice.  At this point, I can say that this will probably my first and last one, so I may as well make it one to remember!

The third point is an upsetting one initially, but something I'm trying to use as a positive.  My grandmother unfortuantely passed away earlier in the year, which is obviously sad.  She had a great life though and was a fan of sport in general, so I thought it a good idea to use the sad event in a positive and slightly unusual way.  Following that, I've pledged any money that I raise from selling unwanted goods (kitchen applicances, TV's, furniture etc) from my grandmother's house to the NSPCC/ChildLine as part of raising the £1800 required.  As I write this, the spreadsheet I'm keeping is at about £500, which is fantastic.  It is a great cause, and I'm proud to be part of their team.

Anyway, that's a bit about me and why I'm doing this.  There'll be more soon I hope.