Fishing 4 Schools founder and director Charles Jardine will run the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday (23 April) for Fishing 4 Schools. You can sponsor him through JustGiving
It's the final few days before the TCAF team runs the London Marathon and Charles is getting nervous... here's his weekly blog.
So here we are. The Virgin Money London Marathon is on Sunday and I'm nerve wracked!
This is my third London Marathon and for the first time ever I'm really apprehensive. In the past I had a cavalier, Dunkirk spirit of just getting through it. But this time it's different. I am becoming more of a runner and know what is involved. The marathon is just a really big thing and I am frankly daunted!
I had some serious training sessions over the Easter weekend, starting with the Hale Hurriers' Hot Cross Bun Run (pictured) on Friday – a good five-miler with long hill work. That led to a nearly day-long session with the osteopath on Saturday as my knee has gone!
Then I was out with the Downton Running Club on Sunday – which was lovely. Coincidentally they will all be doing the Southampton Half Marathon on Sunday so I wish them all the best.
It was back to yoga again on Tuesday and I shall do my last run before the marathon on Friday.
My best time in the London Marathon so far has been 4hrs 52mins. Obviously I'd like to do better than that this time, but I'll be happy with anything under 5hrs. We have a Fishing 4 Schools Open Day at Arlington Reservoir on 26 April, so I can't damage myself before that.
But I really want to give it my best shot. I feel as though I carry the hopes and aspirations of so many of you incredibly generous people with me and I am pretty sure that this will be my last full marathon, so I want to make it count!
What I do know is that I shall be continuing to go out with the Hale Hurriers and Downton Running Club once this is over – it's been amazing running with you all. You've kindled a love of running that I never would have expected and given me one hell of a pastime.
So wish me well! I can hardly believe how much money you have helped me raise – more than £5,500 for Fishing 4 Schools! You are all incredible.
I'll let you know how I get on. Until then,
Yours aye
Charles