London Marathon

On 23 rd April I will be running the 26 th London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK. I am not quite sure why I am putting myself through this ordeal again. I haven’t forgotten what it was like last year when I managed to complete the 26.2 miles in 4 hours 30 minutes.

People always ask about the wall. Well, for me I hit the wall just after 16 miles. My legs started to feel heavy; my body had run out of glycogen, the body’s preferred fuel for running which is derived from carbohydrates in our diet. Once it runs out, the body starts to use fat reserves for fuel which is a much slower source, so cramp becomes a problem. However on the plus side there is no feeling quite like running down The Mall with tens of thousands of people cheering you on. The finishing line is in sight and at this point you know you have conquered the distance and raised much needed money for charity.

So why Cancer Research UK as my nominated charity? Well…

Facts About Cancer

More than one in three people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives.
One in four people will die from cancer – it is the biggest cause of death in the UK.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer, but the major types – breast, lung, large bowel (colorectal) and prostate – account for over half of all new cases.
Cancer Research UK relies overwhelmingly on donations from the general public to fund its research; it is the largest single funder of cancer research in the UK.
The chances are that everyone at some point will know of someone who has had or will have cancer.

Positive Messages to Share

Cancer mortality rates have dropped by 11% over the last 10 years.
More than 70% of all children with cancer now survive.
95% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer are successfully treated.
Breast cancer death rates have fallen by 21% in the last 10 years.

Over the next few days I will be walking around with my Sponsor Form. Please try not to avoid me, but donate what you can for what is a great cause.

Thanks for your support.