Why I'm running: Deirdre Grimes
Why I'm running: For my health and self-esteem.
Age: 29.
Level of experience: This is my first marathon. I did my first half marathon last month.
Best running achievement: I have run 13 miles in one hour and 58 minutes.
Where I train: Around my home town in Killaloe, Co Clare.
Estimated completion time: I'd love to do it in four or four and a half hours.
About three years ago I had a blood clot in my lung and spent two weeks in hospital. The clot was related to my general health and, in particular, to my weight. Spending two weeks in hospital on blood-thinning drugs and another six months on warfarin made me realise that I needed to lose a bit of weight - I was over 15 stone.
I'd had a weight problem all my life. I ate pretty healthily and had been a vegetarian for most of my life, so the issue was exercise. I did none. I started with Pilates, aerobics and walking. I lost around five stone over two years. Then I began running and really enjoyed it. I have only been consistently running since April, but I think I have the running bug. Everyone tells me I'm nuts. I go out in all types of weather, but none of it bothers me as long as I run.
I have always wanted to do a marathon but never expected to do one so quickly. I train between four and five times a week. Between my job at a pharmacy in Killaloe and getting my son to school, I find it easiest to get out in the morning. I get up at around 6.30am and get my run in before work.
I try to vary the speed and length of the run so it's not boring. I do my long run at the weekend. Last weekend I was up to 15 miles. Next weekend I will hopefully be up to 18 miles.
My seven-year-old son is very enthusiastic about my running. When I train at the local GAA pitch he comes along with me with his ball or hurley and counts off the laps.
I have changed my diet since I started training and have introduced some meat and fish. My health is my big priority and I was beginning to feel a bit tired. It is possible to get all the protein you need out of a vegetarian diet, but it's a lot of work. I know it could be psychological but I do feel better.
The long runs at the weekend are my way of preparing psychologically for the big day. It's about getting used to spending that amount of time on my feet.
Since October arrived, I'm beginning to feel a bit intimidated at the thought of the marathon. At the end of the day I'll be happy if I finish it but I'd like to run for the whole marathon, which I am running to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
Self-esteem is a massive part of my motivation. I had a weight problem for most of my life and never did any exercise or sports in school. I'm thrilled with myself for getting this far. I hope to do another marathon after this one - I'm really enjoying it.
(In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell)