Six Months Until The Marathon
Six Months Until The Marathon
In his bid for greatness Daley Thompson once said “I used to train on Christmas Day because I knew my rival wasn't.” I can say with a fair amount of confidence that I won’t be winning the London Marathon now as I plan to stuff my face on a couch at Christmas… and probably Boxing Day.
Next year will be the 35th London Marathon, and it is a privilege to be a part of this unbelievable, global event. I know many people who try to get a place every year so I am aware I am in a coveted position.
It is an honour to be able to raise money for Tiny Tickers, a charity where funds raised will make a clear difference in improving the detection, care and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) in babies. £50 can train one sonographer to detect major defects. Currently less than half are spotted during routine scans.
My motivation is simple: raise as much money as possible for a fantastic cause. And, more selfishly, run a good marathon. And it’s a great way to stay in shape.
This will not be easy. Time will have to be allotted during the winter months for running in the streets and parks of London. At times this will be during unsociable hours as I get the miles under my belt, listening to some questionable music along the way (Yes I’m looking at you Michael Bolton). I have never run a marathon before. The most I have ever run is a half marathon and it took me just under 1 hour and 45 minutes.
And before you ask… No I won’t be doing it in fancy dress, why do these people make it even more difficult for themselves dressed as a giant crayon?!
I am going to lay my cards on the table and say I am aiming for a time of three and a half hours next April. The demands of a marathon are new to me so my training will reveal to me how realistic my goal is. I am yet to start my specific routine but I have been keeping fit, which will give me a good start. This blog will be a diary of my *puts on X Factor voice* journey… Ugh. I hate myself already.
I am excited by the road ahead, the park ahead, and avoiding getting run over as I take my life in my hands with London traffic ahead. However, come crossing that finish line on April 24th, it will feel like a merry Christmas all over again. Once I get that foil blanket across my shoulders I will look like a stuffed turkey. Turns out I will be in fancy dress after all.
To make a donation, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/vojin