I'm raising money for Medecins Sans Frontieres because their vital work helps provide medical aid for people caught up in natural and manmade disasters.  I'm in awe of the amazing work they do, and hope I can help a little by raising some money. In 2005 I ran the Bristol Half Marathon for MSF, so thought I should up the stakes a little this time. So why not add a 1.2 mile lake swim and a 56 mile cycle through hilly Perthshire before starting the half marathon (13.1 miles)? Perfect.

 

So I'll be competing in the Aberfeldy Middle Distance Triathlon (also known as a Half Ironman) in August. In 2011 I just about survived a triathlon that was half this distance, so I know I'm going to have to put in some serious training to complete this one. I've started to document the highs and lows of this training process on my blog: http://goingthemiddledistance.wordpress.com/ But added to my own preparation I am indebted to everyone who has sponsored me: your support will be the motivation that gets me started on the half marathon when I'm already exhausted from the swim and the cycle.

 

As these online sponsorship forms don't give the option of pledging an amount to be given once the event is completed (ah, the heady days of paper sponsorship forms) why not donate a small amount now but pledge to give more if, for example, I manage the run without walking, or if I win (no, don't do that). Last year there were 287 finishers, with times ranging from a ridiculous 4 hours 17 to a more feasible 7 hours 47. My aim is to finish between those two!