Update: 18th April 2010

7 days and 2 hour to go to the start of the race. I am nervous! Have I trained enough? Have I rested enough? Have I set a realistic finish time and will my plan for the race work or am I going to hit the wall!

So may questions - and as I run my final few training runs I come to the conclusion that none of it matters that much - what is most important is to enjoy the experience of the day and ensure I see what is going on all around.

This is not about setting a fantastic time, its about achieving something that I never thought I would be able to do. Its about appreciating that I have put in so much effort in the training alone that I am very proud of myself. Its about enjoying the atmosphere of all the runners and appreciating the support of all the crowds who come to watch and cheer us on - even if they don't know who we are.

And to show how much I have enjoyed the experience, I have take the bold step to sign up for the Berlin Marathon on 26th September this year. I have already planned the training program and am happy to say I have about 6 weeks of after London and before I start again! I can't wait! 6 weeks of chocolate and yummy things!!!

Once again thank you for reading this and supporting me

x

 

Update: 13th April 2010

Well less than 2 weeks now and the pleasure of tapering kicks in. I have done all the long runs I need to finishing with the Kingston Breakfast Run 16 miles on the 11th April. Job done in 2 hours and 02 minutes so very pleased.

All short runs this week ending with 12 miles on Sunday - amazing how 12 miles is now considered a short run!

Weight loss has been an added advantage of this training and I have shed over a stone in weight!

I am a little nervous for the 25th for sure but believe I can finish the full 26.2 miles in a suitable time to be proud of - to be honest any time I will be proud of!

And what next? Well, I hear the Berlin Marathon calling my name out for September and am stll thinking about New York in November - just to keep Leonie happy!

Good luck to everyone entering this year and a huge thank you to all my supporters who have sponsored me!

X

 

Update: 30th March 2010

So with just under a month to go now I wanted to let you know where I am at with my training.

I have covered 440 miles to date, with 3 long runs of over 20 miles and a 22 and 18 long run to go. It is so nice to know I now only have 170 miles to go to the end of the race!

My times are getting better and better every time I run now - my goal is to finish with under 4 hours showing on the final time clock at the finish line and my dream is a time of around 3 hours 30 minutes!!!! Way better than I ever dreamt of at the start of this challenge.

Weight loss is an added bonus - I have lost over a stone since January and am feeling so good for it!

I have one pre race arranged in 2 weeks time - the Kingston Breakfast run (16 miles) and I am aiming to finish in under 2 hours - 12 minutes better than last time!

I am very appreciative of all the donations for my charity Sparks and thank you all for your comments and well wishes as well as your donations of course.

I am looking forward to the run (which is a bit wierd) and have visions of future marathons as well - Oh my!

I am more looking forward to sharing several beers with my fellow runners and family after - and perhaps a bit more than the race itself.

Once again thank you for your support.

 

 

Original message:

Thank you for looking at my page.

Until very recently I never had any desire to run in a marathon. Lets face it – not really my thing!!! And I now understand why its a Marathon - including the race and over the training period I have to run in excess of 600 miles!!!! Yes +600......

So what has changed.....

Mid-life crisis?

Proving a point to myself and those that may consider I can’t run 26.2 miles?

Or just plain stupid?

Vote all of the above!!!

2010 sees me entered for the Virgin London Marathon in April and hopefully the New York marathon in November if I make it through this one!!!

All or nothing eh!

I am lucky enough to have the pleasure and privilege to raise funds for the Children’s Charity Sparks.

Sparks’ aim is to enable all babies to be born healthy and stay healthy. In the UK alone, 1 in 30 babies will be born with a condition that can affect them for life. Their goal is to reduce this statistic by funding vital medical research into different conditions affecting babies and children.

Since 1991, Sparks has funded around 200 medical projects across the UK, committing in excess of £16 million to tackle conditions as diverse as cerebal palsy, meningitis, spina bifida, childhood cancers and problems arising from premature birth.

Your donation will really make a difference to the lives of children and babies, in this community and around the country.

So please support this crazy idea I have and help me to make sure I am further incentivised to complete the 26.2 miles. Every little helps so thank you for your support.

Pray for me.....

Rob

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