So now the blog is working - but linking it to my sponsorship page isn't.

Oh well.

So this may not be read by anyone, ever, if I can't get it working -but shall crack on anyway.

It's the 11th March. 41 days to go.

At the moment it's touch and go whether I'll run this thing at all due to an injured foot. Getting ahead of myself though. The story so far....

The Alzheimers Society called in October - on the night I was celebrating my birthday to be precise, to offer me one of their marathon places. I burst into tears (I do that a lot) as I know they get a lot of applications for their places and had assumed I hadn't made the cut. I was, and am, so thrilled to have the opportunity to do something to honour my lovely Grandad.

I was also very very scared!

Having kept my fitness up but not started long runs I started to follow (thanks to my lovely friend Faye who is also running this year) a 16 weeks to go training plan in January. I stuck to it to the letter - well nearly - I was swapping in a bit of swimming (which I officially hate - eeeuwwww to swimming!) and cross training (thank you to my lovely neighbour Teresa for letting me use hers) when there was just too much snow meant that even the weather didn't stop me from sticking to my plan! Also had the loan of a running machine from my fab friend George so when the knees have ached too much or the ice has been too dangerous I've been able to run in her conservatory to my hearts content and get a natter and a cuppa afterwards - marvellous! Have had to time it to avoid my wobbly arse putting her builders off their lunch mind you!

And all was going really well. I was even enjoying running for an hour and 45 minutes in the rain. I felt like Forest Gump I tell you. 8 weeks in the plan instructed me to complete a half marathon which I duly did. The Tunbridge Wells half marathon to be precise. Absolutely bloody freezing and an enormous hill halfway through but I really enjoyed it.

All was looking good and then an injury to my foot has seen me limping/moping around since 2 days after the half marathon. I've been trying to keep up the fitness with swimming and cross training but it's been a struggle to fit in - and a horrible cold has only made it worse. So have been on a bit of a downer and fearing I won't make it to the start line let alone the finish.

In the last few days though I have seen a brilliant Osteopath, (thank you Matt Stanford) changed my trainers, sorted out a donating page and am working on the assumption that I will do it. I have yet to run on the bad foot - that's for later this week - but I guess if I can't do it this year I'll just have to defer to next year. So there we are.

So far I have learned...

1.I can run further than I ever imagined and still feel good.

2.I still hate swimming.

3.Goggles make swimming easier and harder. Easier because your eyes don't sting. Harder because you can see what you are swimming in. Bleurgh!

4.Drivers that swerve so they don't splash me are lovely. Drivers that enjoy splashing me make me chuckle because the wicked part of me thinks she might do the same one day. So that's a win win.

5.I am pretty slow. Although not as slow as the guy in the Bagpuss costume. Just about.

6.I will not ever run in a costume.

7. Running a lot means I can eat more cake.

8. Not that much cake. I think I may be the only person training for a marathon who has put on weight. Am reining that in right now.

9. There is a phenomenon known as 'Runner's trots'. I am in good company to have experienced this, am I not Paula Radcliffe?!

10. Music helps.

11. I need to change my playlist now I know every song a bit too well.

12. I am chuffed with how far I've come. I'm scared I can't do it. I'll be seriously hacked off if I don't even get to try.

13. If you stop, it is REALLY hard to get going again. Support is totally brilliant (learned that doing the half - it gives you such a boost) but on the day I will not be stopping to say 'Hi' as will never start again. Apologies in advance to any of you who are there.

14. There is no 14 but however ridiculous superstition is I can't have thirteen.

See you soon for a foot update.
xx