Reflections on the eve of a marathon

So here we are. Six months, £2780 sponsorship and almost 400 training miles later, it’s the night before the marathon. I’m a stone and a half lighter, a few minutes a mile quicker and a fair amount more respectful of the people that take this on each year.

It’s been an incredible experience – and I haven’t even crossed the start line yet! There were times when I thought I wouldn’t make it. There were times when I wished I weren’t doing it. But I’m here, and now I can’t wait to get going!

Has it all been worth it? Yes. Definitely. This is something that I never imagined I could do. It has been hard – so much harder than I imagined it would be, but I know that will make completing the challenge all the more satisfying.

Would I recommend it to other people? Erm…… I guess so. It’s just such a big commitment. The training is exhausting, physically but also mentally. I remember a period in March where I was pretty much limping everywhere for three weeks. It was awful – painful and extremely disheartening. But then when you have a good day and everything comes together, it’s a brilliant feeling. Watching yourself improve and get fitter and stronger is a great motivator!

I have had a lot of support over the last 6 months. Extra special thanks must go to my best mate Andrew. He has cycled along beside me on runs, thrashed me at squash, put up with endless boring conversations about my training, sponsored me a whole wad of cash and generally kept my spirits up the whole way through. Thanks mate – I really appreciate it!

I should also say another big thank you to everyone that has sponsored me. People from all parts of my life – home, work, family, uni friends, school friends, old friends, long-lost friends, friends of friends…. the list goes on. You have all supported an excellent cause.

Which reminds me, it’s easy to forget with all this running that I am doing it for an excellent cause! Shelter is a brilliant charity that does work with people that are homeless or poorly housed. Last year, they helped more than 170,000 people.

Know that by helping me, you have helped them.

So this is it. I am less than 12 hours away from the starting line. I am finally feeling nervous.

Wish me luck and I’ll see you outside Buck House.