The beginning

Hurrah! I got my marathon place! Can't wait to get to the start line - only 145 days to go.

I'll be running for Shelter, a UK charity that supports the homeless. If you would like to help me reach my fundraising target, please click the "Just Giving" link on the right hand side.

I've always wanted to run a marathon. I've been wanting to do it for the last few years, but baby-wise, the timing just hasn't worked out. So 2010 is my year, people! At last, I have a clear 4-month stretch to train during which I can guarantee that (a) I'm not pregnant (b) I'm not expecting to become pregnant and (c) I haven't just had a baby.

I'll be following a 16-week training programme and running over 400 miles between January and April. I won't start the formal programme until 4th January, but until then I'll be going for short runs about 3 times a week, just to keep myself fit and to get used to running in the horrible weather. And I'll keep you updated on it all :-)