Amazing

It's amazing, I'm the reason
Everybody fired up this evening
I'm exhausted, barely breathing
Holding on to what I believe in

No matter what you'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Since the moment Fin got us under starters orders at the ‘Born To Run’ track marathon, through the power station in Brighton, along to sprinffling (a cross between a sprint and a shuffle) down the Mall on Sunday this whole experience of 3 marathons in 3 weekends (also being referred to as 3 in 16 days, which sounds best? ;-) ) has been absolutely amazing, the fact I managed to get in sub 4 in all 3 is just the cherry on the cake, or the banana in the flapjack maybe?

I will tell you all about the London experience in a minute but firstly I want to thank everyone, without going all Oscar ceremony on you, for their support over the last 6 months or so, obviously Laura and the kids for putting up with all the organising and training, Andy, Emma, Tommy and Liv, Mum and Dad, Rosie, Tim and anyone else who has given me a message of support made a donation or attended any of my events. Wonderful people every last one of you. Still need donations here too http://www.justgiving.com/Matt-Rogersonphab. Thanks!

Let’s get onto London then, I just hope I manage to communicate just how amazing an experience it was yet again, so much to say I am going to have to try hard not to forget anything.

I was dead impressed with the time we managed to leave Llanelli Saturday morning and looking back it was a real godsend, as reaching the outskirts of London by Midday meant the 90 minutes it took us to go the last 12 miles was not too much of a problem. Same as last year was lunch out the front of the Excel Centre before going into register. Was lucky to get into the expo in one piece after being accosted by the dark side (no, not Runners World)….



I love the expo, great reading the messages on the wall, is now one of my ambitions to be one of the first to write on there, and loads of freebies, especially when you have a daughter who smiles as sweetly as Caitlin. An uneventful journey to South Croydon for the hotel followed and a nice relaxing evening ensued, chicken and jacket potato for tea, bit of BGT and Bedfordshire.

Marathon morning (again) and although I felt calm had not the first idea as to what my race strategy really was. Although part of me hoped for the third PB in three weeks I was able to be quite realistic, when I thought about how tired I had been during the week, and knew it probably wouldn’t happen.

Was great to get to the start area so early and so hassle free, many thanks for the lift to Wazelle, was much appreciated. Have got to say that the start area is one of my favourite parts of the build up, the presenter/tannoy announcer is very good and this year I managed to see and spend some time with a couple of friendly faces, Angela my acupuncturist and Plodding Hippo, whilst also making Meglet’s acquaintance briefly, I think the other Fetchies were hiding somewhere…



Under starters’ orders and through the start in 2 minutes it took me a good couple of miles to really get into my rhythm although I was not finding congestion a problem at all. Didn’t take long for the memories of 2010 to come flooding back again, with the crowds once again sensational and stand out moments in the first half being the pirate/Halloween themed pub, was looking forward to them again, the whole experience at the Cutty Sark section, the preacher man, I don’t know why just remembered him, and the bongo players under the bridge, so much energy.

Crossing Tower Bridge is fantastic too and I took on board the advice from Martin Yelling at the Expo and allowed myself to slow down to savour the moment rather than speed up with all the encouragement. I think for me and many others the fact that I was crossing the bridge was all the more exciting because it meant the first Fetchpoint pass by was on the way, and in my case this year my first glimpse of Laura and the kids. Once again the support from them was fantastic and I did my best strong man impression without actually breaking stride too much.



Going through the half way point and my average pace was just over 8.30mm pace I believe and, although was on for PB pace, I was already happy in my mind that it wasn’t going to happen as I intended to stop for a chat to the Runners World peeps at mile 17, to give Laura a sweaty kiss and hug @ mile 22 and then do a little walking in the last 4 miles to get as much out of the occasion as possible. Believe me though when I say I am going to SMASH Robin Hood later in the year when I can put all my energies onto the one race.

Going through those miles between 13 and 17 and 17 and 22 it was clear that writing off the PB had been the right thing to do as although I felt fine the pace was starting to drop off slowly already. Was great to stop to talk to the Runners World team at mile 17 and have a gel and a bottle of water. Wasn’t sure why they asked me if I wanted any Vaseline so said thanks but no thanks, looking down at mile 18 and seeing my bleeding nipples made things a bit clearer, they weren’t bothering me like they usually do when in that state though, adrenalin?

Would have been happy to take a little walk in the miles between 17 and 22 but pushed myself on to Fetchpoint and Laura and the kids. Was great to see them, give Laura a kiss and get a bit of orange from Meggy. God only knows how I must have looked as I walked away from them as if I was out for a stroll.

Anyway could have run the final four I am sure but just did enough to ensure I got a comfortable sub 4 whilst soaking up the atmosphere, which is hard to describe in those final miles, talking to as many fellow runners as possible and trying to help out those in need of support. Still feel a little guilty for leaving a casualty on the floor about half a mile from the end, he was coherent enough, but despite the best efforts of myself and one of the intergalactic spacemen he was going nowhere, legs like a jellyfish. Hope he managed to crawl it in the end.

So with a time of 3.57.14 I was across the third finishing line in 16 days and that was it, I could just go on writing and writing but I will sum up what followed as concisely as possible as you have probably got better things to do and is really just about the running isn’t it? Was great to meet Mrs Shanksi at the end, sorry I couldn’t run with her but these things happen and she did just fine without me. Was also great to put so many faces to ‘virtual’ names at the post race fetch meet up in The Chandos over a well earned and much anticipated pint or two. Journey back to Croydon was hard, absolutely exhausted, and a little fraught when Megan managed to get off at Shadwell with the rest of us still on the train. I have never seen such a look of panic on her face, it only took us ten minutes to get back to her but believe me they were a long ten minutes. I have told her I am going to write a book called ‘Stranded in Shadwell’ she is NOT amused.

Great weekend in all, London was lovely yesterday, kids loved Hamleys, and I had the same pang of regret as last year when I looked down the Mall and it seemed like the day before may never have happened. Thing is we know it did.



That really is it then, thanks for following me over the last few months, time for a little break now, yes I will still be running but no huge plans like this for now (now being the operative word).

Love You All.

Ciao

2 out of 3...

Yesterday was hot and once again I had nothing left in the tank over last 6 miles but bottom line was a PB, for the second week running, and have now only got London to go before the quest is over and I can then concentrate on shorter distances for an ickle while whilst persuading Laura why it is a good plan to run Brecon ultra in November, any suggestions on arguments for gladly accepted.

Got to say the whole Brighton experience was fantastic, great organisation, lots of friendly faces, superb support and top post race nosh, I’m glad I am not one of these ‘can’t stomach food after a marathon types.

Was concerned that having to leave Southampton by 6AM would leave me tired and maybe still not be early enough but was plain sailing, oatso simple porridge pots made and consumed on route and we were at park and ride and on bus to start area by around 0730.

Must say that the lack of atmosphere when I first arrived at the start was a little bit of a letdown but was nice to have Laura and Meggy with me and we soon found the Children’s Trust spot for obligatory photos. Bit of a disaster just before Laura and Meggy departed when I delved into my bag for sun cream and realised my pre race bottle of water had not been tightened properly and was empty leaving the bags contents sloshing about in the bottom. Only me…

After saying our goodbyes, dropping the bag @ the lorries and queuing for the ‘loos for dos’ was time to get to the start line ready for NO.2. Was great to meet a fellow fetchie, Ted, on the start line and having seen that he finished only 4 seconds behind me am sorry we didn’t run together, not quite sure how we missed each other, I must have passed him at some stage as I stopped after a mile to readjust my gels belt and saw him disappear into the distance.

Not sure if it was the fact I knew it was my 2nd marathon in a week but the first few miles were hard physically and mentally but seeing Laura and Meggy @ mile 3 and 5 was good and I managed to get onto my stride soon enough.

Once again was feeling strong going into 2nd quarter of the race and, having already had a chat with Foxsake fetchie, found a running companion heading past the Windmill golf course who I stayed with until around mile 14 when he dropped off the pace a little although that may have been experience telling as he may well have passed me later on in the race, was a nice bloke from Norfolk and we chatted football, life and running through Ovingdean, Rottingdean and back into the centre. Sort of wish I’d had asked his name now because I can’t even check how he did. Somehow managed to miss Laura and Meggy @ mile 13 too although they were apparently 6 people down from The Children’s Trust support point who gave me a good wave and cheer. Lucky Laura had her iphone app to tell her I had passed and wasn’t crumpled in a heap @ mile 10 or such like.

After the loop back into the town and along Church Road(?) and back I was looking forward to fetch point and beginning to count down the miles. I did my best to make them aware I was coming pointing manically to my headband and shouting ‘fetch’ and other nonsense, didn’t stop to chat though which I am a little disappointed about now but probably for the best all things considered now, definitely will in London this weekend though, especially as Laura will be there with the kids.

Was passing mile 19 and heading towards Shoreditch and the power station that, I think, things began to get hard again. Can’t be sure until my mate, whose garmin I had borrowed, uploads my data and I can see my splits. Yes I know I definitely slowed down somewhere around here, and yes it was a lonely part of the course and getting really hot, but this was the 4th time in 4 marathons this has happened so maybe I am going off to quickly but at the same time I worry if I go off slower I will still blow up at this point and my time will be even worse, when do you get used to this long distance lark?

Not much else to say, last few miles were tough, weather was scorchio, crowds were fantastic, what was looking like a sure fire 3.40 @ mile 20 became a tactical battle just to get the new PB, finishing in 3.48.46, Laura thinks I looked fresh as a daisy @ 26 but appearances can be deceptive…



So all in all was a good day, certainly a lovely route and a great spectacle, and the fish and chips at the end sat watching others cross the finish line were a right touch.

See you in Greenwich….

Climbing the walls...

What's going down?
What's going around?
I'm climbing the wall

Getting pretty excited about Brighton and London now. Not thinking about the mileage, just that I’m going for another PB in Brighton and then as close to sub 4 as I can manage in London, haven’t actually thought of the strategy for that yet though.

Been sorting out travel arrangements for both races tonight, in particular how Laura is going to navigate London with all the kids and get to and from the supporting point in time to A. See me pass (easy) and B. to the finishing area for my arrival (not so easy). It is all this organising now that is raising the excitement levels, especially as it reminds me of last year and the fact that I was climbing the walls even more than I am now.

Is going to be a fun 11 or 12 days, including seeing Mum and Dad this weekend and Hamleys and the Natural History Museum on the Monday after London, hey maybe I will even enjoy the running. :-)

Is not too late to put your hand in your pockets either,click here, every penny helps those less fortunate than yourselves and will help motivate me in the harder moments…..

One - Born to Run Track Marathon 2/4/11 Race Report

I can't remember anything
Can't tell if this is true or dream
Deep down inside I feel the scream

Running a marathon should never be underestimated a fellow runner told me a couple of days ago, and when a veteran of over 100 marathons says such a thing I saw it as key that I took the advice on board, especially as was marathon No.1 of three in three weekends. Had I mentioned that ;-)

Saying this I must admit that bar the training, and I managed 100 miles more from Jan-March this year than last year, nearly 600, all the organising of charity nights, yesterdays race, sponsored walks and constant badgering of real life friends, family and friends, facebookers and twitterers I had, probably for the best, not given much thought to the actual challenge ahead of me in terms of the racing.

Ok I know ‘shut up and tell us how the actual race went’!

Well rising at 6Am was never part of the plan but a lack of jam in the house on Friday night meant I was putting the finishing touches to the participants post race cake. After as stress free an hour or two as is possible trying to rush four kids and a poorly wife I managed to make the track by 0830 where a little panic set in as the catering and rides etc hadn’t arrived. Was only there 5 minutes before they started arriving although they may as well have not bothered as they were packing up and pouting by 1030 as they didn’t have enough custom. I refuse to feel guilty for them as I had told them I made no promises regards attendees and I had distributed over 1000 flyers, had a large banner up and was advertised two or three times a day on local radio in the six weeks leading up to the race day. I am not accountable for the apathy of the people of Llanelli.

Anyway with all the racers arrived and happy and the sun starting to shine it was time to get the legend that is Fin Wilson, check her out here, to start us off. I must say that it was fantastic to meet so many people who are so inspirational, each facing their own challenges in completing the marathon. I feel honoured that each and every one of them took part in my event.

Regards the race there is not a great deal to say for the first 20 miles or so, I felt really strong (as would be expected) and the wonderful Roland’s PA, my fantastic choice of running music and the fantastic support from family and friends made it an enjoyable run.

Going into last 6 miles and although I was feeling it I was still managing to keep well below 9mm pace and with the help of Stuart, who had come down to support after work, running a few sporadic laps with me and trying his best to shelter me from a stiff breeze, that seemed to be picking up, knew that bar disaster I could get a reasonable PB which was always the aim. Unfortunately the feeling of nausea meant I refused my last gel at mile 23 and I wonder now whether if I had forced it down I would have managed to maintain the pace for the last 3 rather than losing about 6 minutes in those last miles. I was feeling the same at mile 20 and managed to keep the gel down and didn’t lose pace so maybe would have been the same. Another marathon another lesson learnt? Still a 5 minute PB though.

So it is time now to prepare for the next two, hoping Brighton will bring another PB with an extra gel and crowd support allowing me to build on what I plan to be a faster first 20. Who knows though, could be blowing a gale on the seafront, so many variables to contend with am happy to just take it as it comes. Am just glad I don’t have to run around a track another 105 times, am feeling ok this morning and am going to do an ickle 2 in a while just to shake off any tightness.

Once again a big well done to all participants, fantastic performances by one and all, if any of you are reading this and want to add me on facebook I can link you in to the photos.

A big thank you once again to the volunteers and supporters with a big shout out going to Laura, Megan, Robert, Boo, Chris and family, Jessie, Alannah, Angela (you were fantastic, thanks for the photos too), Roland, Stuart, Elaine and Georgia. Also a little mention to my students who stayed around after their relay marathon to cheer me down the final straight, you give me hope for our future, wonderful young people that you are.

Same time next week!

Born To Run Track Marathon 2/4/11 Results

Thanks to everyone who took part, make sure you tell everyone what a great day it was, how good my cake is and about the fantastic if slightly hilly route ;-) so we can do it bigger and better again next year!

Full Marathon Result

Position Race Number Surname Forename Time

1 1730 Rogerson Matt 3.50.14
2 1740 Barnes Andy 3.56.32
3 1739 Swaysland Sarah 4.05.12
4 1759 Benzimra Ruth 4.31.18
5 1738 McFarlane Robert 5.14.02
6 1741 Strange Steve 5.22.31

Marathon Relay Result

Position Team Name Time

1 Team BS 3.29.36
2 Team O'Brien 3.43.59
3 Girls Rock 3.55.48

Will blog my race report later.....

Guess who's back again...

...The Geese!

Be afraid, be very afraid.

I am!

Had to take nearly a half mile detour on tonights run, wont be going that route again for a while.... :-(

No Direction Home?

Feels like all is lost, there's nowhere left to go
Through the seasoned sands, cross the sky to the morning snow
Is there no direction home, nowhere left to go, no direction home

First of my three marathons in three weekends is now only 6 days away and I have just completed my last training run of any note, a nice strong 13 miles in glorious sunshine and on my favourite coastal path route. Had a bit of a feeling all week of impending doom though and is only now I have put my finger on why when everything in life is actually so rosy. Talking to my Dad now about the marathons has made me realise that exactly three weeks from now, as I type, I will, if all goes according to plan, be running down The Mall and the quest that has enveloped my life for the last 6 months will be over. Yes I will continue running, as I was before, but the fundraising, organising of auction nights and the track marathon, the being in awe of my daughters efforts in organising a sponsored walk and raising over £200 in a space of a week and everything else will be over, and have promised the family no similar quests until 2013 so what will I do? Thing is, if I feel like this now how am I going to feel 3 weeks from now , apart from wanting to get very very drunk. Please forgive me if I blub! ;-)

By the way when I said no similar quests until 2013 (and that will eclipse this effort ten-fold) what I actually mean is no charity fundraising promises, although I will donate all profits from the Ultra I am going to organise to Cancer charities. Although I had already had the following idea it is again only now, this second, as I type, that I have realised that it means I do have a sense of direction still. It is my 40th birthday next year and to celebrate it I aim to do 40 things I haven’t done before in 2012, maybe you could help me with ideas because I have only thought of a handful of things so far which are:

1. Do at least one race a month.
2. Do my first 10 mile race.
3. Do my first 20 mile race.
4. Do my first kilomathon.
5. Do my first ultra.
6. Organise an ultra.
7. Go up in a helicopter.
8. Have a hot air balloon trip.
9. Do a parachute jump.
10. Learn to swim front crawl.
11. Take my wife for our first weekend away alone since the birth of our eldest, will be over 16 years.
12. Learn to play one song on a guitar.
13. Visit Scotland.
14. Start writing my life story. (very boring but is not for anyone except me)

So that is as far as I have got, can you help me think of more, or fulfil any of them?

Feeling much more positive now….

I hope you understand me
Just trying to stay positive
I ain't no preaching fucker and I ain't no do-goody-goody either
This is about when shit goes pear-shaped
And if you aren't or never have been at rock bottom then good luck to you in the big wide world
But remember that one day shit might just start crumbling
Your bird might fuck off or you might lose your job
It's when that happens that what I'm talking about will feel much more important to you
So if you ain't feeling it, just be thankful that everything's cool in your world
Positivity
Positivity

Harder better faster stronger

Work It Harder Make It Better
Do It Faster, Makes Us stronger
More Than Ever Hour After
Our Work Is Never Over

Is a funny old game eh? The life of a runner!

With the three marathons coming up I have certainly trained harder better and faster this year and last weekends Llanelli Waterside Half Marathon PB suggests I am definitely stronger. Felt good throughout @ 7.25mm pace on a lovely Llanelli morning on a route I know like the back of my proverbial hand. Could have kept on keeping on for sure.

Fast forward 4 days to tonights run home from work and is amazing how hard I had to push to do 6 @ 8mm pace, albeit it hilly and windy and still aching from my first ever tabata workout on Monday. Was/am shattered, although no doubt tomorrows 14 mile doubler will be much easier. Thats the way it works....Right?

Terrible photo eh? Thought Laura would have told me to ditch the headgear...

First days of Spring

There's a hope in every new seed
And every flower that grows upon the earth

Spring is in the air and there is a spring in the step.

Never really noticed the difference a change in the weather makes but all the smiling faces and families out walking on the coastal path made my run very enjoyable tonight. Seeing the sun set over the Gower as I came over the brow of the hill to wards the beach just put the cherry on the icing on the cake.

Feeling strong leading up to Sunday's Half Marathon and the forecast remains good so hopeful of a good PB. Watch this space I guess...

Tesco 'Finest' Chocolate cookies eh...

Be aware...

Finding hard to motivate myself to blog at the moment which is a shame as I'm sure when I look back I will wish I had documented more of my 3 marathons in 3 weekends journey. However with arranging the charity auction last weekend, very successful, thanks to those who attended, and the track marathon for April 2nd it seems I spend all my time running or online anyway so the blog takes a back seat.

Anyway, back to the title, and I feel I must make everyone aware of what is happening outside your front door even as I write. I noticed it as soon as I went for my 6 miles this morning, there in the sky, a big bright yellow thing, it reminds me of something but I can't put my finger on it. I heard an old couple talking about it and think they said it's 'The Gun', maybe we are under attack? If it is a gun I think it must be a laser as it is very warm. I put the news on as soon as I got home but they aren't reporting it, probably another Government cover up. Call me paranoid if you like. As I have been writing this the clouds have appeared and the yellow thing has disappeared, careful though because I think it is still there. Please let me know if you hear anything.....

So is 5 weeks until marathon number one, please shout at me if I don't blog at least twice a week

The real reason for running?

Had 15 planned for today, took my kit into college and was already to go when I got a phone call saying Rob had to come home from school with a bad belly. These things happen and with Laura's shift I knew there would be no running for me today. Happily a Number two sorted out Rob's belly, hell I have even managed to unblock the toilet now.

Nothing however can excuse my consumption of crap, in what those who read the blog regularly (I do actually have 6 followers) will identify as a recurring theme, since the days run was cancelled.

A trip to the Co-op secured a Double Decker, a Wispa, two packs of McCoys and a Cadburys Cream Egg (which I had golloped down within ten seconds of my pin number being accepted). All the chocolate has already gone, the chocolate digestives have had a good hammering, have had sausages, mash and beans for tea and despite the icky feeling in my belly and the feeling of guilt the McCoys will have it soon too....

I honestly would be the fattest bastard around if I didn't run so bloody much and in order to mitigate for my excesses am going to do an 18 miles doubler tomorrow. Up at 0530 for 8 @ 8.15mm pace and then 10 tomorrow evening including 4 miles @ 7.15mm pace. This will make up for having to miss Friday due to Laura's shifts too. In fact I would put money on, with 4 days healthy eating too, that by next Monday morning I will have shed a couple of pounds, especially taking 8 miles Saturday and 22 Sunday into account. Good job I don't really drink anymore though. The charity night will be my first since new Year (7 weeks)and my only until post VLM (another 9 weeks).

So returning to the title the question is whether as much as I love running (usually), enjoy the races I take part in and am genuinely happy about what my efforts do to help those less fortunate than myself is it possible the best thing about all the miles is that it keeps Cedric, the fat man inside me, from bursting out in a big blubbery mess?

I'm so tired

"I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink"

Don't want to moan so will make it brief but as much as I am looking forward to the charity event next weekend and the marathons it will be nice to get the event out of the way and relieve a bit of the pressure. The stress of organising, trying, unfortunately in vain in many cases, to get friends and family to attend and secure auction and raffle items feels like it is having a detrimental affect on the training. Was really tough tonight doing a 6 mile recovery, could possibly have had something to do with the pie mash and gravy I had 2 hours before as well though, lol.

New running daps were cracking though...

Everybody hurts...

...sometimes.

Crap run today because after 2 and a half years running my foot suddenly decides to blister. Hurt enough to slow a 16 mile predicited marathon pace run down into a 12 mile hobble. Plenty of sympathy required and possibly some advice? Why has it happened? What should I do now? Not due to run until Tuesday but am I being optimistic? Not sure the photos do it justice really but is about 4 cm x 3cm in size and on the instep of my right foot.

Don't even mention Spurs, think they are better than they are, taking the foot off the pedal last few games, hope today's game serves as a wake up call and Harry kicks arse accordingly. Pissed off...

Still biggest month ever on the plus side!

My Light Shines On...

That's right people I'm Movin' On Up, I got no bounds.....

Bonus point for naming the band...

Feeling good this morning after a good day yesterday and a good start to today. let me talk you through it all shall I?

1. Managed to secure the Parc Y Scarlets track for my track marathon on 2nd April. Individual and relay entries being taken, supporters and lap counters required, please email me @ mattoo.rogerson@btopenworld.com for more details. Already got a couple of participants which is good.

2. Ticket sales really picked up for the auction night, honestly need to get in now if your not going to be disappointed. Do it now before you spend all your wages in Tesco....Again email me if interested.

3. Got 4 more Scarlets tickets, for the April game against Munster, to auction.

4. After a couple of hard runs, feeling tired, had a cracking run last night where I had to stop myself from going too fast for the best part, and that was after near disaster when I went to change in work to run home and realised that I hadn't actually bought my shorts with me. Having to go home first on a Friday night could have been terminal for my plans to run but I bit the bullet and was rewarded accordingly.

5. Chicken madras, pilau rice, naan bread, mango chutney and an ice cold can of Diet Pepsi for tea, was lovely and no sign of any morning after toilet activity which is a result.

6. Have already secured this morning half a case of red wine for raffle (Thanks Andy) and am having something for auction delivered from the nice people @ the local DW Fitness Club this afternoon, wonder what it could be? Is a bit like Christmas.

Am now starting to think about post April 17th when the final marathon is over and I no longer have all this to keep me occupied, don't know what I will do with myself although I'm sure Laura will have some ideas.

Anyway must dash, a million and one things to do and people to badger.....

Back for good(ish)....

Has been too long since I updated for my millions (ahem) of blog fans but for more than one reason I feel needs must so in the words of Messrs Barlow, Williams et al I am indeed 'back for good'. At least until the end of April anyway. Right now you are either going to be asking 'why the end of April' or gouging your eyes out with a spoon/ slicing your ears off with a rusty knife in order to avoid more charity talk. Guess your still reading right?

Just to recap am doing 3 marathons in 3 weekends in April trying to raise over £6000 for charities supporting children with disabilities. You can read more on my previous blog or click on one of the links I shall post at the end of this tirade of nonsensical witterings. Now depending on who you are and where you are reading this blog you are likely to be thinking either '3 marathons in 3 weekends, that is awesome/mental' or '3 marathons in 3 weekends, I have, or know people who have, done a marathon every weekend for the last 100 weeks' so I will let you decide on the magnitude of my efforts but please rest assured the cause, either way, is a very good one.

Now if you click here you will identify one of the reasons I felt the motivation to blog again today after a huge amount of procrastination. Yes that is right my efforts are being communicated in local newspapers and on local radio so if anyone is reading this as a direct result of seeing it in the paper I hope you have a warm fuzzy feeling in your stomach because, lets be honest, this is really all for your benefit isn't it. May I now take the opportunity to ask you, if your at all interested in the charity night to please buy a ticket, the more money raised the better. It will be an absolutely cracking night. I wont bang on about it here but please feel free to contact me if you need or want to know anything more at all...

Sorry but I haven't finished yet as it is with the aforementioned charity night in mind that I feel I must share my latest secured auction item with you all, a football signed by the Manchester United first team squad. Now I'm not a Manchester United fan, although I do have a soft spot for them, but this in my opinion is what makes them the biggest club in the world. Whilst all other Premier League teams have politely refused my request for items, bar Liverpool, (not even the mighty Spurs gave me anything :-( )Manchester United go that extra mile and may possibly earn themselves another generation of fans in a a family. Forget the bunkum about most of their fans not coming from Manchester, trust me if you go to a game they do, it is just that they have more fans than anyone else worldwide too and it is the little things like this that makes them that club. I'm pretty chuffed to be honest as you can probably tell...

Guess I should mention the running too before I go an annihilate a bowl of shredded wheat. Not much to report, training is going well although am feeling quite exhausted. Doing 60+ miles a week for last few weeks and will probably do about 225 by the end of this month even after having 5 days off for the now medically recognised man flu. Thankfully next week is a 'recovery week' with only just over 50 miles planned. I am sure my body will greatly appreciate it.

Anyway as I said I am going to be talking a lot more drivel over the next three months, hope you all stick around for the journey. So to reiterate please buy a ticket, come and run the marathon with me on 2nd April or just have a click on one of the links below or read my previous blog to find out more about the charities...

Until next time!

The Children's Trust
Phab Kids