Entering the London Marathon Ballot

This year for the first time, I spectated and cheered at the London Marathon watching thousands of people run past, their faces a mixture of pain and joy. If I'm honest, it didn't make me want to immediately sign up - I've always been a little afraid of the marathon distance and thought it wasn't something that I could do. The amount of time and dedication involved in running 26.2 miles is a little overwhelming, and I wasn't sure I wanted to put myself through that much discomfort! I've had a few injuries in my running history, and never really felt strong and fit - running a marathon seemed a little impossible, so I told people I didn't want to do one, because I was afraid of the work involved, and honestly thought if I tried I would fail.

But there's always been a little voice in the back of my head, a little person that's written it on a secret bucket list of goals to achieve by the time I'm 30. Given the state of my career and my love life, perhaps the only ones I'll get to tick off will be the fitness related ones! (jokes) And as I thought about it, a plan began to formulate in my head...

I will enter the ballot this year (2015) for next years London Marathon (2016). If I get in, I will defer my place for a year to 2017, the year I turn 30, giving me plenty of time to establish a strong fitness base before I start "training". If I'm going to run a marathon I want to do it justice, and run it to the best of my ability, and at least partially enjoy it!

If I don't get in through the ballot this year, I will try again next year, and look into charity places with Asthma UK (as Miss Wheezy the asthmatic, this seems appropriate), in the meantime putting my "marathon fitness plan" into action. This will mainly involve a huge focus on strength and cross training, as I believe most of my injuries have stemmed from just running, leading to muscle imbalances and weaknesses.

If you've been bitten by the marathon bug, the ballot is open for 5 days (Mon 4th - Fri 8th May) this year with an unlimited number of entries allowed. Runners will be informed in October if they've been successful.