Fancy Dress

Hmm. Some people don't seem to think that running the marathon is challenge enough. I have had several people say to me they will sponsor me more if I wear fancy dress. However, running all those miles is hard work enough, running them in a rhino suit (or something) similar sounds like masochism to me.

I have agreed to consider suggestions thrown at me as long as the items will not weigh me down. One person has suggested dying my hair pink (could be up for that) or shaving my head (definitely not).

I'm excited because two people have signed up on my sponsorship page. Fifty pounds down, only £1200 to go.

I did it

Despite all my resistance I finally made it on training run number two. And am back at my desk feeling a lot more motivated than I did before I left.

It was FREEZING though, and I have discovered another item of essential running equipment. Something to keep my ears warm. I have twisted my own arm and will have to go back to sweatshop and part with some cash.

Actually, I LOVE shopping. Last time I went to the running shop I had to seriously restrain myself. There are so many things available to buy!!
Pedometer
Heart Rate Monitor
Various flourescent items
Snazzy back pack to carry water in
Special socks
Lots of clothing in aid of breast cancer (though it turns out they only donate a few pennies when you part with lots and lots of pounds)
hi-tec jackets
and I'm sure there is more I have forgotten!

Had better start saving up!!

I have never seen so many traffic wardens as I just saw on my 30 minute jaunt round Kentish Town. I was scared to stop and do my shoe lace up incase I got a ticket slapped on to my bum.

I was also the recipient of a few hoots. Maybe I should start counting up the number of hoots, wolf whistles and various choice phrases that get shouted at me as I run. It could be an important piece of scientific research.

Today should be day 2

OK, so today should be day 2 of 'training'. In brackets because I'm not sure what I'm doing is strenuous enough to count as training yet.

Having locked myself out of my flat on Wednesday night and consequently being very sleep deprived, I couldn't quite get it together this morning to do the right thing.

SO, brought my running gear with me to work. And it is 4pm. The time I said I would go running. I'm looking out of the window and it isn't snowing. So I guess I will go.

I can't stop yawning. I'm so tired. But maybe running will wake me up. Right, I'm going. Honestly.

DAY ONE

I can't quite believe I'm really doing it. That I have really signed up to run the marathon! Considering 10K (a few years ago) is the furthest I have ever run in my life, it's certainly a challenge!

And I can't quite believe I will get there. I have this brilliant book which sets out a program for me - from beginner to marathon runner. Today, my first day of training, I just had to run for five minutes, walk for five minutes x 3!!

I am miles and miles away at the moment!

I felt good though. I made it out of bed, donned my new running gear, and set off - smiling smugly at people as they drove past in their cars. A little smugness does wonders for your self-esteem and motivation! But when I ran past crowds and crowds of school boys I wondered if those tight official runner's leggings had really been such a good idea. As it turned out, they were far more interested in each other than me.

Many miles stretch ahead of me, but maybe I really can make it! Having said I will raise money for the Mental Health Foundation is a good motivator. Fighting mental illness/distress on two fronts - by raising money for an amazing charity and by tackling my own depression. Its definitely true that exercise lifts the mood, so hopefully I will be sky high by April.