Hi and hello to everyone across the globe (or as is the case mostly people in the heart of England).
First of all can I say how disappointed I am that Khalid Khannouchi won’t be defending his title this year. He cites illness as the reason for pulling out, but I’m privy to the real reason; He’s running (sic) scared after seeing I’d been given 01390 for the big race! Well, if you’re reading this Khalid, I know the purists are crying out for us to finally go head-to-head, so how about this year’s Coventry Fun Run instead? - But only if you’re sure you can cope with the notoriously demanding course!
So my first ever marathon is just around the corner .... My head says “I can do it in sub three hours” .... My legs, arms, buttocks, heart and BBC WM’s Geoff Foster say “No way, and mine’s a pint of bitter when you’re at the bar next”. Whatever the outcome I know I’ll have slogged my guts out (beware people hanging around the finish line) and I am looking forward to the 13th April.
My main fear is not hitting the wall at 16 miles; What I am frightened of is not finishing early enough to watch both FA Cup semi-finals that day - Is there a bigger incentive to run quickly?
But my efforts are not just for self-satisfaction. I am running for the Stroke Association; I have chosen to represent this charity because of the work they do into the research of strokes and also promoting awareness of the illness. My grandmother suffered one back in 1996 and I would like to help them, so dig deep people! And sponsoring me online is the most efficient way for me to raise funds. If you are a UK taxpayer your donation will be increased by almost a third at no cost to you.
So that’s it. Please don’t ring me up on the 12th trying to tempt me out for a few beers - and look after me on the 14th! …. And the 15th ….. And the …..