Runner 37,999 - Last update before the big day

Thanks to all of your generous donations I have reached (and slightly exceeded) the sponsorship target of £1,600 – THANK YOU!!!

I have picked my number; The weather forecast seems favourable – 17C with a light breeze and white cloud cover; Everything packed, transport to Start line arranged - so all that remains is the small matter of me making it to the finish line.

No plans for Sunday and in South East England?

Why not come and support me – it’s a great atmosphere, a bit like a giant street party and there’s something for everyone. Sarah and Hanna will probably be around Canary Wharf – trying to cheer twice, probably around Mile 15 (Westferry Quay/circus) and Mile 19 (Canary Wharf). They even made some Banners – so you should be able to spot them. If you think you’ll be able to make it, let me know and I give you Hanna’s number. The Isle of Dogs is by all accounts the worst bit, so all support greatly appreciated.

Virgin have produced a helpful guide with the route map and lots of helpful info – you can download it here.

When will I be where?

I shall be wearing a lime green top with the Children’s Trust logo and my number is 37,999.

I’m tentatively aiming for a ca. 5.30hrs time which means that I should be at

• Mile 8 around 11.30/11.45
• Mile 15 around 12.45/13.00
• Mile 19 around 13.40/13.55 
•  Finish around 15.15/30 But I can’t promise anything…

Meeting afterwards

You can’t actually see me running over the finish line as it is all blocked off but I’m meeting up with Sarah and Hanna at the Children’s Trust Stand on Horseguard parade at the Guard’s Memorial. There is of course also an After Party @ The Picadilly Institute (formerly On-Anon and just off Picadilly Circus) on the 1^st floor - http://www.piccadillyinstitute.com/  - we will be there till around 6pm I imagine. If you are around please come and join us – I’ll promise not to sit down until I get home in the evening (mostly because I won’t be able to get up otherwise….)

Hope to see some of you along the way or afterwards

Tapering down?

Well, I managed to beat my "innerer Schweinehund" and go for a run in the afternoon. The weather was perfect, a somewhat nippy but sunny spring day. I ran to Dorking and back (ca. 12m with 260m climb - not too shabby). All in all a good run (faster than ever) but unfortunately a new niggle turned up - today my knees are killing me....

Minimum Sponsorship Target achieved!!!!!

Thank you every so much everybody for supporting and SPONSORING me. As of yesterday, I have now achieved the minimum target set. Let's see, how much we can now beat it by :-)

Not quite Worthing but challenging nevertheless

After a bit of introspection, common sense prevailed and rather than killing myself running 20flat miles in Worthing I decided to run 15 hilly miles on my home turf - ie. around Reigate (what with all the little ailments plaguing me at the moment - trapped nerve, problem shoulder and achy ankle)
It was pretty tough going but i maintained a 12.30 min/mile -ish overall. At around 12/13 miles it got really tough but once past it, it was ok-ish. I take some courage from that - I'm sure it'll be alright on the day.

It's now 3 weeks to the marathon - I shall be tailing back and concentrate in minimising the injuries so I shall be ready for the big day.