Chris Townsend - TCS London Marathon 2023 in support of The Lord's Taverners

Thank you so much to everyone for supporting the Lord's Taverners with such generosity! Sunday was an incredible day - the first half went brilliantly, I loved the whole experience and ran fast including the moment I went past Mo Farah (he was going in the opposite direction 9 miles ahead of me!). The last few miles were very hard going, but I kept going spurred on by the thought that I couldn't let down all my sponsors. 3 hours 11 minutes was much quicker than I had thought I could do and I am so grateful to everyone at The Lord's Taverners for their help, especially Sadique and Matilda, and our captain Liam. Sorry for not smiling in the picture but I was running on empty!

What an experience it has been preparing for next Sunday's London Marathon. This picture is from April 2020 when we were all a bit younger, and when running with the dogs became a more regular part of life during lockdown. I reckon that I have done almost 900km since January and am now ready for the final outing in London next Sunday.

I am delighted to be doing this in support of The Lord's Taverners (#TeamTavs!) and hope to give the fundraising one final push this week as well. Many thanks to all who have supported me, with donations or encouragement!

Under two weeks to go now, and training is going well, with a 21 mile run completed last Monday, as well as a couple more of 13 miles. I am winding down a bit this week and next so that I am ready for the race. Thanks so much to everyone who has supported me and is motivating me to finish training well and put in a good performance on the day!

After a couple of days resting the ankle (message to self - don't include football in marathon training) got back out running for the Felsted Colour Run. Feeling OK again, and back into training for the Easter break. Dogs are pleased and now just 27 days until the real thing!

Thank you to everyone for your generous support for The Lord's Taverners. Training is going well, and I completed the Cambridge Half (in a PB of 1hr 26m) last weekend. Just 6 weeks to go now until the real thing, and I am hoping that I will get round in sub 3hr 30min.