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Race Day Retrospective:

More than 2,000 runners and their family & friends were milling around Maidenhead Town Hall when a canon announced the start - a real (small) canon. We were off! The first half (about 7 miles) followed a course south of the town and allowed the runners to spread over perhaps a mile. Then the rain started. In all 0.7 inches fell on us, the Race Marshalls, the Water Stations and spectators huddling under trees and hedges. But the field streamed back into Maidenhead in a thin line of determination and good spirits. Medals collected and stories exchanged, lots of buzz in Town - in all a great event.

Update, 3 September 2011:
Wow, friends and relatives really have got behind this! Thanks so much. 12 hours to go and the jitters are beginning - those butterflies of anticipation in my stomach. The last time I felt these so early was the day before a professional exam, the first in 30 years! The weather is looking cool (17C) and fair, with a chance of a hail shower!

Update, 1 September 2011:
Here I am with three days to go and I have reached my target for donations! Some people are very generous with their good wishes and the donations as well.

I have completed my training today with a short run of 3.5 miles and achieved a best time as well. This bodes well for the real thing on Sunday.

Please don't stop donating just because I set the target too low!

Original Text continues:

This is a first for me and a huge challenge. I have been running since 1995, but have only once before entered a race - over 10Km in Scotland in 2001.

When I heard of this half marathon, in my home town of Maidenhead, I felt there was a message there. As this is the year I reach that mythical "retirement age" that is nowhere in sight, I thought it appropriate to step up to the mark and have a go.

I'm wearing the number "2261" and will start at the back if I've got any sense! If you are watching along the course, don't take offence if I don't see you; I will have my head full of the next ten yards and the ten yards after that...

The Link Foundation, the charity I want you to support for this race, is based in Maidenhead and provides the basic things in life to children in need. From pots, pans and bedding for an abused family moving into a new home to supporting housing and education work in India. The smallest donation is used effectively and with care. Please visit http://www.linkfoundation.co.uk/ for more information.

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.