UPDATE 28th April - PADDINGTON BEAR LONDON MARATHON CHALLENGE COMPLETED. I can't say I loved every second but it was an amazing experience I'll never forget and so pleased I took on this challenge. The support was out of this world. Thank you to all that have sponsored me, thank you to AMR and everyone cheering me on for 26.2+ miles. x

UPDATE 25th April - I completed the Manchester Marathon just over a couple of weeks ago and was very happy how it went. Weather was kind, good support and not running in a bear costume really helps matters. Since then my body hasn't been up to any 10+ mile training runs which is a shame but I've been ticking over with 5-10K's since. I've also been watching what I eat and drink and I saw I probably had too much of both over Easter but the rest of the time I've been good. Weather for Sunday is currently dry and cloudy which is great, although I have to remind myself I had the same conditions for the London Half and I still found that really hard. Have a radio interview today to talk about the run in the costume and hopefully promote the charity. I'll then be off to the Expo to get my number. The Paddington Bear costume has been professionally cleaned and fingers crossed be delivered Friday.

Looking forward to the crowds, hope it stays dry for them and if I'm still walking after the finish line I look forward to heading to the Pub with the AMR team. Cheers Pete

UPDATE 5th April - So I managed to complete the Big Half London Marathon dressed up as Paddington. A BIG thank you to my guide Paul Cole for helping all the way along, including the pub after. I found the challenge a lot harder than I thought and have now reassessed my training. I had originally thought that after Manchester I could have an easy training plan to the London Paddington Bear race at the end of the month, but I will now be training harder and also hope to lose at least 1/2 stone. So Manchester Marathon this Sunday and I glad to report I'm injury free and more importantly costume free for this one. 

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my page.

So decided to take on the challenge of running the London marathon dressed up as Paddington bear, for Action Medical Research.

Prior to that I will be attempting a test run dressed as Paddington on 10th
March at the 'Big Half' marathon in London and will be hopefully guided to find
my way around from my friend and fellow AMR runner Paul Cole. Then, and on top
10 weeks hard training, I will be competing in the Manchester Marathon on 7th
April. However that day I will just be dressed as a slow middle aged marathon
runner. Then the final goal will be to complete the London Marathon race on the 28th April dressed up as Paddington.

Action Medical Research saves and changes children’s lives through medical research.
For more than 65 years they’ve helped pioneer ways to prevent disease and
develop treatments benefiting millions of people. Their research has helped to beat
polio in the UK, develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, fight meningitis and
prevent stillbirths.

But they urgently need to develop more new treatments and cures for sick babies and children. Join the fight for little lives by supporting me on this incredible challenge.

Any donation amount is appreciated... and 'bear' in mind this costume is very hot and weighs a lot! 

Thanks again. Pete