20/04/2026
On Sunday I’ll be taking on the London Marathon.
Training has been a mix of trying my best, doing what I can, and occasionally needing a little lie‑down. Thankfully I’ve now reached the one stage I’m genuinely good at, carb‑loading.
I won’t be breaking any records, and I’m fully expecting to be stiff enough afterwards to minimise all stair usage. A wheelbarrow remains a viable option.
As the day gets closer, reality has set in — the excitement, the nerves, and the feeling that I’m about to be part of something really iconic.
I am actually doing this.
All 26.2 miles.
Me.
Running.
In public.
With witnesses.
And cameras.
And medical staff on standby!
But underneath all the jokes, this is about something far more important than just me wobbling through London.
I’m running for Holt & District Dementia Support, a charity that does incredible work for people and families facing something really tough. You can read more about the work they do here https://www.holtdementiasupport.org.uk/
That’s what gets me to the start line — the reminder that this isn’t just about me, it’s about showing up for something bigger.
Getting to the finish line? That’s determination, stubbornness, that dramatic childhood vision of crossing the line to the marathon music… and yes, I really do want that medal.
If you’d like to support my slightly panicked legs and a genuinely wonderful cause, here’s my fundraising link:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/clare-christmas-7?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_transactional_–donation_received–_nth_donation
I will be off next Monday and crawling back into the office on Tuesday, moving like a badly assembled IKEA wardrobe and held together by caffeine, tape, and the faint hope that no one asks me to stand up too quickly.
Wish me luck — and honestly, someone please stop me entering anything ever again 🤞Thanks Clare