So.  I've just looked at my training programme for the first time, and only now that I'm typing the schedule into my calendar have I really realised how much there is to do. Most evenings it seems, every weekend, huge distances. And I'm not sure I even really like running. I've never run for much more than an hour before because I get bored. 

Just as well it's for a good cause then! I went to the Street Child press launch just before Christmas and heard about the foundation of the charity (i) as a reaction to Sierra Leone being named the most deprived country in the world in 2008, and (ii) as a reaction to the use of child soldiers - indeed Makeni was an RUF stronghold during the civil war, and it is where Street Child has its largest operation and where the marathon is taking place.

There were people of extraordinary energy at the press launch - one guy I met was both a journalist and the founder of a charity who ran 15 marathons last year.

I hadn't given much thought  about how meeting these sorts of people will give the race yet another dimension and make it a fascinating event. It also indicated how important training will be
to ensure I don't get lapped!

Actually, I do quite like running. I'm looking forward to it.

https://www.justgiving.com/SimonBianco 

Starting training

in Mallorca