As I've mentioned, I'm running the London Marathon in April (15 weeks from yesterday, to be exact).  I'm raising money for Breast Cancer Campaign, if you'd like to donate, but mainly I just wanted to tell someone, anyone, that I ran 16 miles yesterday in my best time ever.  Runners will know how good that feels.

Now, that's not a marathon, of course, but it's the longest I've run in two years.  I had my water and my energy gels (which, frankly, "Strawberry Banana flavour" my ass), and off I went.  Got through some great tracks on my iPod (everyone from Green Day to Shakira to Bow Wow Wow (important not to be a snob about music)), much of which I shouted discordantly as I ran.  You haven't lived until you've heard my tone deaf rendition of "She-Wolf".

What's amazing about this is that I was no kind of athlete when I was a teenager.  I was one of those kids who sat at the back, quietly making the kid in front of me laugh his head off (so they got in trouble, not me).  I took up running as an adult, and now I'm about four marathons in and love it.  Wish I'd started sooner, but it's never too late (never too early, either).  Now if I could just do something about the chafing...

Book news today is that Monsters of Men has been shortlisted for the really cool Indie Lit Awards.  These are awards picked by non-publishing-affiliated bloggers (i.e. completely independent), so if they pick your book, you know it's because they like it and no other reason.  A real honour, I must say.  Check 'em out, the shortlists have got to be the most interesting I've seen.

Welcome to the new commenters.  I've had a well-earned day off running today, but six miles tomorrow, ten the next day and the road goes ever on.  14 weeks, six days to go.