The Tortoise (Howard)

So as a 45 year old overweight banker who hasn't run more than 3 miles since i was 15 I never envisaged even attempting running a Marathon. When my son ran one a couple of years ago I was proud but confident that it was an achievement that had passed me by. Then in a rash moment last July when Tom told me he had entered the inaugural Brighton Marathon I uttered 7 words that I have regretted many times since "how about  I run it with you?". Of course he agreed and my pride prevented me from backing out so i have spent the last 6 months trying to get my aged body in some kind of shape. I have gained many things along the way such as blisters, sore ankles, achy knees, strained groin not to mention joggers nipple(s). I have lost many too such as a stone in weight, spare tyre, moobs, not to mention £100 on trainers!! At this stage I have just about managed half the distance so it remains a huge challenge. My aims in priority order are :-

1) Don't die (the notoriety would be interesting but i wouldn't be here to enjoy it!).
2) Finish in under 5 hours without stopping (Tom doesn't believe I can do this)!
3) Finish with Tom (he's agreed to wait for me - the finishing line picture is an incentive).
4) Finish in under 4hrs 45mins (you gotta have a dream haven't you)!?

The Hare (Tom)

2 Years ago I achieved a childhood ambition of running a Marathon when I ran in London 2008 at the age of 18. When I saw that a Brighton one was being arranged I thought it would be great to enter and as an extra challenge to run 2 in a week by entering the London as well. I thought my Dad was joking when he offered to run it with me (he's not in the best of shape!!) but I'm impressed that he's stuck with it. Seems an extreme way of coping with a mid life crisis to me! This will be tough for me too as it takes a while to recover from one and there is no time to recuperate from any injuries. I still don't reckon the old boy will beat 5 hours! :-)

The Challenge (Howard) -  Brighton Half Marathon (Feb 21st), PLUS Brighton Marathon (April 18th)
(Tom) - as above PLUS the London Marathon (April 25th). So between us 2 half Marathons and 3 Marathons!!!!!!

The Charity - We are combining all of these runs into a single donation to a local Cancer Hospice in Hove called The Martlets http://www.themartlets.org.uk/. They provide end of life care services for adults with life limiting illness including cancer and we know family and friends who have been cared for there (R.I.P. Shirley, Tina and Karen). They do a fantastic job but rely heavily on charitable donations to keep going (it costs £4m per annum to run) so we are hoping to raise as much as possible with a minimum target of £1500.

If you are all 'charitied out' (we know everyone gets asked for contributions all of the time) then feel free to just send us your good wishes or better still come and cheer us on in Brighton / Hove or London - that's cool too!!!

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