“Sh*t, I’ve got a place in the marathon!” – 6 October 2009

I’ve wanted to run a marathon for a long time now, mainly for three reasons:

1) It’s the most effective thing I can think of to raise money for a cause I’m passionate about
2) A sense of personal achievement from having conquered a massive physical challenge
3) Because it might give me the opportunity to dress as Wonder Woman in public and be openly applauded rather than ridiculed.

I’d applied to run for the Terrence Higgins Trust HIV charity for the 2009 marathon, but was declined a place. If I’m completely honest I was ecstatic with relief when they emailed me to tell me I had been unsuccessful for the 2009 event, but ‘running a marathon’ remained on my ‘to do’ list for life.

2009 has been a very inspiring year for me, and I’ve met some amazing people that have really made me want more out of my life and given me a sense that I could achieve anything. I recently met a guy called David Cunningham who had fought for gay rights in the 70s, and helped pass the first child protection laws in the US, amongst many other inspiring things. After spending time in his company it reminded me of some of my ambitions and made me feel like I wanted to make a difference. I thought of my marathon again. I’d missed the opportunity to get a place through the ballot, but I still had the chance to apply through my favourite charity the Terrence Higgins Trust.

To be honest I still never expected to get a place. I know how competitive it is, THT is a big charity that lots of people must apply to, I’d put the amount I expected to raise at a modest £3,000, but a small part of me also thought that maybe they might be more receptive this time with it being my second year of applying?

On Tuesday 6th of October 2009, I opened my email inbox after finishing my lunch. The first thing I saw was an email from Heidi Leybourne. I recognised her name as the ‘Running Events Co-ordinator’ for THT. I was overcome with feelings of both excitement and dread. As I opened the email the words ‘Great news’ jumped out at me.

My first thought? “Sh*t, I’ve got a place in the marathon!”

Immediately my mind filled with a million objections. Could I do this? But I don’t even run! What if I get an injury? What if I die in the process?

There was only one way to cope with this flood of reservations. Reply to confirm the place so I couldn’t back out. So I did! I’ve got a place in the London Marathon. Hooray! F*ck!

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