Just a general why, really. Why am I inflicting this stuff on you?
I’ve signed up to do the London Marathon in 2012. I appreciate there’s nothing out of the ordinary in that, especially as I’ll be lining up alongside 35,000 other people, many of whom will have infinitely more inspiring stories to tell.
I’ve signed up to do the London Marathon in 2012. I appreciate there’s nothing out of the ordinary in that, especially as I’ll be lining up alongside 35,000 other people, many of whom will have infinitely more inspiring stories to tell.
As anyone who has completed a marathon before will know though, it isn’t the actual running of it that’s the story. It’s the training at stupid times of the day (hence the blog name), in horrific weather or whilst hungover and the mishaps and sacrifices along the way that make it such an achievement.
So I’ve taken the decision that to keep myself committed, and to raise as much money as possible for the charity I’m running for, I’m going to keep a diary of my training. And (hopefully) publish it for your entertainment.
I should just add that I have zero journalistic skills, and have never written anything in my life apart from marketing copy, so you’ll have to take this as it comes. Sorry about that. On the plus side for you (unless it's mind-numbingly boring of course, which is a distinct possibility) I’ve never given anyone an insight into my world before. The main reason for that is my West Country upbringing, where we’re taught that ‘son, talking about feelings is a sign of weakness’…
The West Country leads me nicely on to the reason I’ve chosen my charity. When I left home to have the time of my life, I was definitely a country boy. I got a job in London and had the great fortune of settling on the Hertfordshire border, and have been in the county ever since. I’ve spent pretty much every single weekend playing football or cricket in a different part of it, and I’ve made some great friends and loved every minute. I’d also wager a small bet that I’ve sampled a far higher than average amount of the drinking establishments it has to offer, so it stands to reason that it’s about time I give something back.
The charity I’ve chosen to run for in 2012 is the Hertfordshire Community Foundation. I’ll tell you more about them as we go along, and there's also a bit more info about them under the My Charity tab.
If at any point whilst reading this drivel you feel inclined to sponsor me, you can do so here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenWood2
And with that, a new blog is born…
