In a moment of utter insanity I have entered the ballot for London 2016

[HookedOnHooking]

1. I am fat
2. I am 40
3. I haven't done any running for about 10 years (and only then did 5k maximum)

Now. Chances are I won't get pulled in the ballot but just in case I need to plan ahead and start.

Help!

Brilliant!

I've also entered and terrified that I will get through !

Never run more than 9 miles and suffer ITB so can't imagine I could ever make the distance.

Good for you and well done

Well done you - wish I had your gumption. Start small - inch your way up to it and be patient. It will come. Think: if you keep running 5k say three times a week (set a specific time like say 7am Monday, Wednesday and Friday and do not allow yourself to waiver from those times. No matter how much you struggle/walk/limp that 5 k on Monday June 22nd you will find it easier on Monday July 6th. Then eventually you take it up to 10k once a week then three times a week and again this will become easier and easier the more you do it. Even if you struggle for three days in a row PERSEVERE, it will get easier. And don't let it slide (speaking from bitter experience as one who was running half marathons and 10k's thrice weekly easy peasy to one who cannot manage a 5k after a lazy 6 months of making excuses). Also sign up for a hlf sometime before the marathon - then if you don't get pulled for the LM you'll still have a goal to say ya boo to your doubting DH, and if you do get pulled then it is good practice. GO HOOKED!!!

Bloody hell - I'm speechless with admiration. I gave up C25K when I couldn't get past the first week without crippling shin splints!

What an achievement already.

but have you got any time left for hooking

Haha, I have entered again.... Yes,again! I entered last year and got a ballot place on first try!

So I trained for it and ran it and loved every second!

Fingers crossed for this year for all of us!

Always time for hooking

I am enjoying it but I'm still fat. Maybe if I stopped cheese and wine it would make a difference.

Nothing like the threat of a marathon place to motivate, well done

I'm doing Brighton marathon next year, having done London a few years back I swore I'd never do another

Get yourself booked in for a 10 k race and keep running. That's the most important bit. Be consistent and don't stop. It's so hard to get back to it once you start to slip.

You most likely won't lose weight by running sadly. I run nearly 40 miles a week and I'm still struggling to lose weight. It stimulates the appetite and you don't burn as much energy as it feels like you should be!

October half booked!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK

Which one have you booked?

Swindon. Bloody big hill.

Think I'm booking Peterborough.... Great eastern, followed by silverstone next year

Did it this year and loved the course. I really really fancy the next Wimbledon half, you get a Womble themed medal!