Here are some pictures that I've sent to the local newspapers to advertise my fund raising ...

Marathon Pic 1

Marathon Pic 2

Marathon Pic 3

Yesterday I set off for 10 miles on my last longish run before the marathon, not knowing how I would perform or whether I could complete it. I was unsure whether my body was damaged, or whether I would be so fatigued that I would not be able to cover the distance. I stayed to an 8 minute mile pace, and finished in 1 hour 20 minutes, which surpasses all of my expectations. I had one or two small pains during the run, the main one being a dull pain deep in my right hip, but hopefully this run will really set me up for a good run in the marathon next Sunday. Hopefully I'll be able to stick to a 9 minute mile pace for the first 20 miles, followed by 6 miles in the last hour, thereby completing the marathon in approximately 4 hours. I don't know whether I can do this, but I'm considering it as my plan.

I have started with a cold. Every year I seem to suffer in the last week, and this year is no different. I currently have a sore throat, sniffles, and I keep sneezing. I just hope that I won't be in the thick of my cold at the weekend. If I can get this cold out of my system within six days, then I should definately be starting the marathon.

I'm going to register for the marathon at ExCeL in London on Thursday PM.

Fingers crossed that the cold will clear!