A MARATHON UPDATE> In which Jessica runs 20 miles before work

So I've been lax of late, but since I begin every post with a statement to that effect, I will move swiftly on.

This windy Tuesday morn, I found myself without hangover and with time! (These things rarely happen concurrently, you understand) So, I packed my knickers with dried fruit, borrowed an MP3 player from a builder (I really should buy one) and set off along the Walworth Road toward the ever-resplendant Elephant and Castle. An early blip led to a detour around Holborn, but before long, I was nearing Regent's Park, and feeling a little thirsty. The wisely yet somewhat inaccurately named 'Food and Wine Store' by Great Portland Street Station does, I can assure you, sell liquids other than wine. I ran in, a flame-haired, pink-faced Jezibel, and announced to the loitering, but of course entirely neccessary, gaggle of young proprietors, my need for some form of over-priced, advanced-hydration drink. After a suitable bottle was located, I registered my request that I drink a little, run round Regent's Park and come back, drink a little more, run round Regent's Park and come back, drink a little... you get the message.

Looks were exchanged and one of the younger Indian guys stiffened, turned deliberately, and began to re-align the labels of Heinz Baked Beans on a shelf. At this point, I removed from my knickers a slightly sweaty fiver. This brought on a round of aaaahing and gabbling (apparently, until that point, they had thought I was performing an unusual variety of shoplift). So finally, we all managed to come to an understanding re. the drink-drop plan, and I was able to do three laps of the outer-circle with the 'Food and Wine Store' egging me on and greeting me with Hydro-Active at intervals. I think I might ask them to sponsor me.

Sorry, this is lengthy - I won't bore you with a detailed account of the next 16 miles, but merely say that we're breezy, man. I will instead round this off with the fact that a cabbie just let me off my fare, on account of me having 'done a day's rounds on foot, gal. Spend it on a pint, instead'. And indeed I shall. Cheers.

www.justgiving.com/jessicahatcher

disruptions, asumptions and setbacks- training not going well

I ended my last posting on a note of mysterious confidence. Foolish. "It turns out I am also pretty fast... More on this later". Oh bullsh1t, jess. Do not get cocky until you have crossed the line still alive. Ok, so I ran 12 or so miles in an hour and a half which is pretty darned quick. But that was what, like six weeks ago?! Since then? Nada, zip, noop, nowt, nothing. Or at least nothing worth writing home about. Cue me going on about twisted leg joints, soooo much work, a sudden succession of unmissable parties and a debilitating flu (read:cold). But I'm not going to. I'm gonna say thank you to all the people who have sponsored me! I'm doing this to raise money and do it I shall.

Unfortunately, the renewed running vigour will have to wait until next week for realisation - I am poncing round berlin with a waistcoat and a laptop case this week - but by golly I will be ready for it by then. Me, my trainers and the open road. (If any road in London can be given such a description).

Thanks again, people who've sponsored me!