[UPDATE] I DID IT! After over two decades of almost complete inactivity, I managed to get round the (very difficult) course in 84 minutes.

Look out for a blog post giving all the grizzly details at the end of this page (click 'Read more...'). But if you were waiting to see if I managed to complete the race before donating, now is your chance... :)

(Thanks!)

Here's the full story of what I'm doing, and why I'm doing it...

First, a little background...

I've spent the first six months of this year working hard to get in shape, going from 32% body fat to under 18% and, in the process, I've lost over 49 pounds. I've achieved this with just a change of diet, not through exercise. Yep - up until September 2011, I hadn't even run a single kilometre!

Now, I'm going to challenge myself not only to run a 10k race, but take on an 'adventure course' that includes difficult obstacles at every kilometre. In fact, it is regarded as one of the hardest 10k races in the UK. Check out the pictures on the left to see what lays in store for me!

And I'm doing this after having spent the last 20+ years as a full blown 'couch potato'!

Yes - I haven't run a race in over 20 years. I have given myself only 3 short months to build my strength and endurance from, literally, a standing start.

Please donate what you can. Anything you can spare will fuel me on and keep me focused on my goal, while raising funds for an incredible cause.

Make-A-Wish Foundation exists to grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

For many families the Make-A-Wish gift can be the last happy memory they have of their child having fun in a magical world, surrounded by family and friends – rather than memories of days and weeks of painful treatments and hospitalisation.

It may be something many of us take for granted, like the sound of their child laughing and enjoying being a princess or zoo keeper for the day. Or it could be something really special, like meeting a favourite celebrity.

In years to come, the family can look back and remember that special time, and your donations can help make this possible.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.

Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

I've set myself a big target to hit, both in terms of donations and the personal challenge, so anything you can spare will really make a difference. Thank you...

P.S. Want to read the full 'race report'? Go to http://therealsjr.posterous.com/sjr10k-pose-method-pills-and-porridge-or-how now to find out how I got on. 

P.P.S. I covered all costs such as entry to the event, equipment, travel and accommodation myself. Your donations go direct to the charity with no costs incurred, so every penny is delivered to Make-A-Wish.