MY fundraising is being revved up as my training starts to 'taper down'. I have made the pledge that if my Oxfam webpage receives another £250 in donations, I will run the London Marathon in a '118118 style' moustache. Donations have to be made between last Friday and April 15 and if you would like to see me in a handlebar tache, you can get involved by following the link below. As I will be wearing a tasteful lime green Oxfam vest on the day, this should only add to my visibility on the streets of London. Tapering down is the technical phrase for reducing mileage or effort in order to be fresh for the big event. Having run 22 miles on Friday, my furthest so far, I am now cutting back. I managed the 22 miles in 2hrs 45mins, which was my target, and as I only felt moderately stiff afterwards, I feel should have more in the tank for April 22. After resting up on Saturday, it was over to Blenheim Palace on Sunday for the OX5Run. This is the Oxford Mail's annual fundraising event for the Oxford Children's Hospital and last year was my first competitive race. I have run a fair few miles since then, so I was hopeful of at least getting a good time. With a fair bit of breeze, conditions weren't ideal, but I got off to a decent start and found myself among the leaders. It was hard work, but I maintained my position around the course, finishing fourth in 30mins 7secs. I was only six seconds off a 'podium' finish. I certainly don't expect to do as well, position-wise, this Sunday when I compete in the White Horse Half Marathon, but it should be a better indicator of my marathon form. In a strong field, I'll just be looking for a good time and pondering whether I will soon be cultivating a moustache...

Don't forget, you can log on to https://www.bmycharity.com/edmezz to support my London Marathon run for Oxfam