Phew!!!! I said I wuld run the 10k in Richmond Park within 50 minutes - well  I surprised myself by finishing in 49 minutes and 7 seconds!!! That's despite it being a hot day and having overstretched myself (quite literally) a couple of days before during circuit training by doing some over energetic jumping lunges. 

So the three challenges are completed, I've learnt so much by doing them - mostly that if you put your mind to achieving something it's possible - think through your issues, develop your expertise and apply yourself with determination. I've now lost my fear of heights and feel free to enjoy so much more.... !!!! 

 

 

 

 

This is a plea for your support for

Prostate Cancer, a timely charity for 

many of us males as we enter the second half of our lives. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, 36,000 men are diagnosed each year, and it's one of the least known cancers for males but, with greater awareness, the killer decease can be treated very effectively. Andy Ripley sadly died of prostate cancer because he was not tested early enough for remedial action to be effective but he tirelessly campaigned for greater awareness during his illness.

 

I'm undertaking a self-inflicted 'Three-Activities-in-Half-A-Month Programme' to raise money. I have a modest target of £400 to £500, and I'm seeking your support - whatever your contribution. I'm two thirds of may way through the programme, with just one more target to be met - perhaps the hardest of them all:

 

The Three-Activities-In-Half-A-Month Programme

 

1. To climb Mont Blanc and overcome my fear of heights.

On Thursday 15th Sept at 11:45 (French time) I summitted the great white beast at 4807 metres, on a beautiful clear day, Starting at 2350 metres, the climb involved amongst other things, negotiating a 750 metre high grade 3 rock face, traversing snow fields and walking along narrow snow ridges with 1000 metre slopes on either side.

It was exhausting work and all my energies went on summitting - not looking over the edge!!

 

2. To finish the Great North Run with my daughter Cecily without either of us stopping

On Sunday 18th Sept in the early afternoon in South Shields, Cecily and I finished the Great North Run along with 54,000 other runners. We completed it in 2 hours 21 minutes, a great time for Cecily. I was her bottle carrier and as Cecily said immediately after - never again!!

 

3. To complete a 10 kilometre run in Richmond Park within 50 minutes

On Saturday 1st October I intend to run a 10 kilometre race in Richmond Park London in 50 minutes - that's 12k per hour or 5 minutes per kilometre.  I've not trained for this and have just over 1 week to do so - fingers crossed!!

 

If any of this sparks your imagination, please contribute whatever the amount. As I've willingly paid to undertake these activities, all the money raised goes to the Charity.

(i.e. this is not one of those campaigns where people have a subsidised holiday if they raise money for a charity!!).