The Beginning

So now it is real.... Checking my inbox this morning there was an email from the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) accepting me as a Golden Bond runner for next year`s London Marathon. Having thought about it for a couple of months I emailed them yesterday with a final application form and it took all of 24 hours for them to say yes. I now have a goal in my life!

But it does mean is that I am committed to raising 1,500 quid - excluding giftaid (which I had craftily been eyeing to bump up the numbers). Although doable I am expecting the fundraising to be a fair old challenge. Luckily the JDRF is a very deserving charity and if I can get anyone to sit down long enough and listen I`m sure I can persuade them to cough up.

What I hope to do with this is give a rundown of all the training etc before next year`s jog, and the occasional rant. I don`t think it would be wise of me to start predicting a finishing time but I do hope to beat Jeffrey Archer`s time from this year. As a thought, does anyone know Sir Jimmy Savile`s finishing times - they could provide some sort of target. Didn`t he run around with a cigar.....?

Needless to say I am expecting to be tested. From hearing that I was in, to planning a run this evening and then feeling pretty good about myself I have been invited to my apartment block`s drinking party (in true Japanese fashion) at 7pm this evening. But I shall still try and run.....

Fingers are firmly crossed for it all,

Will