14 weeks to go...

Happy new year!

It's been an eventful month since my last post so this could be a long one. I discovered that I cannot ice skate!! I've completed my personal statement, university applications and had to make submission films with about 2 days notice. My official London Marathon training plan started on Boxing Day... yep Boxing Day...when most of you was recovering from the christmas booze, so was I but I went running. I'm doing 3 runs a week based on time instead of distance, starting on 20 minutes on Boxing Day and now up to 45 minutes this week.

Big news... I've also joined the gym! A new one for me but it's a chance to spend time with my mates and do my core workout 3 times a week. Biggest news ever... tonight I joined a running club. Christ! No-one ever thought I'd say that!! Running on my own has been really hard, it's way too easy to stop and chill, or check my phone so I've been bullied into joining the Southend Flyers and tonight was my first night at Garon's for some serious track running. It was so much easier running with other people, the distance felt easier, it went quicker and it was much more enjoyable. Gotta say thanks to Karen for taking me and introducing me to all the other mad marathon runners. I'm hoping to pick up the Sunday long runs with them too when I get to that level which should help me reach the 20 mile mark before marathon day. Another thing no-one ever thought I'd say is that I'm now the proud owner of some running tights... I look great I must say!

The diet is going well, I've introduced a satsuma a week to help me get back into shape and to balance out the kebabs and Greggs. Cracked it!

Best news so far is the fundraising. Lots of amazing people have already sponsored me including people who don't even know me, and my fundraising page is already at £625 for the Willow Foundation!!! It's brilliant I can't thank everyone enough for this! I was really worried about having to raise £2000, it's so much money but I'm well on my way to my target thanks to everyones generosity.

Last bit of news is I am arranging a Charity Curry Night for March. Everyone is welcome, bring friends and family to make up a table and have a good night out to help a brilliant charity. There will also be a raffle with some great prizes such as vouchers for The Skewer House in Rochford, Adventure Island tickets, gift cards and alcohol! If anyone wants to donate a prize that would be great! The date and details will be posted here soon as possible, I hope everyone will come!

So 14 weeks to go, 14 satsuma's to eat, loads more training to do and £1375 left to raise!

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=jackwatson31&pageUrl=2