On my way to Newcastle, weather forecast is for a storm tomorrow, lets hope it pushes me along ...

 4 days to go then Great North Run! Training going not too great but hopefully improving. Opened my running pack today and have been given an Elite start number based on my estimated time given months ago! The London Marathon I got to start with...

  Its been a tough 4 months since finishing the 30 marathons in 30 days! A lot of injuries, some following the running, some caused by relaxing, trying to be normal and being an idiot doing water sports with my daughters and their very athletic...

  Day 30, last day The Virgin London Marathon 2013   I did not expect to sleep much last night but with dad not there to wake me with his various sleeping noises, I thought I would get a solid sleep. No, four in our room and although a l...

  Day 29 20th April, Ascot to UCLH Euston   Good nights sleep after a few pillows thrown at dad across the room to get him to move and stop the new loudest snore and the yawning while asleep routine which I have never heard before and wo...

  Day 28 19th April 2013, Devizes (was Chippenham) to Hungerford Route re planned last night to try and avoid hills! Iced through to midnight, called it a day and went to bed. Struggled to sleep due to too many thoughts about what ifs and som...

  Day 27 18th April, Caldecote to Cardiff General Hospital   I was away this day last year and missed my visit to pay my respects to Neil Sullivan who died in a car crash 14 years ago today on his 36 birthday. Thinking of you and still h...

  Day 26 17th April 2013, Frome to Bristol Royal Infirmary Eventually to bed with washing done and almost dry, hottest bathroom radiator in the world! Dad and me in one room tonight, dad making the odd rhino snore following another torch windi...

  Day 25 16th April 2013, Southampton University Hospital To Salisbury Very nice meal last night, chicken, peas, green beans and tagliatellle, spot on. Very tired so up to the room, washing done, TV on could not believe what I was watching! Wh...

  Day 24 15th April 2013 Bourne College, Southbourne to Southampton FC A bit late up watching the conclusion of the Masters, good but short nights sleep, coughed a bit though and up at 6:30 feeling tired but good apart from right thigh! Hobble...

  Day 23 14th April Brighton Marathon   Not a bad nights sleep, up at 5:45, legs very sore from yesterdays hills! Very excited about today, want to have a good run but do not want to push too hard as I have to run to Southampton tom...

  Day 22 13th April 2013 East Grinstead to Brighton Pier Great nights sleep after a rumbling stomach due to a bit too much to eat! Up a bit late, weather foggy, legs stiff, could have turned over and gone back to sleep. Down to breakfast, very...

  Day 21 12th April Wembley Stadium to Royal Marston Sutton   I was right, today was tough! Up early, good nights sleep, on the laptop to do my watch downloads and everything I did not do last night. Eventually done, breakfast in my kit...

  Day 20 11th April Berhamsted to the Emirates Stadium   Struggled to get to sleep last night, not the best nights sleep and up at 6am to start all over again. Tough getting motivated and focused after yesterday, that felt like...

  Day 19 10th April Letchworth to Hemel Hempstead   Very hot bath last night took me too long to cool down but very nice. Up at 6:30, gentle stretch and hobble to the bath room! Slow Joel workout complete, quick shower and down to b...

  Day 18 9th April 2013 Bedford to Cambridge Addenbrooke's University Hospital Alarm set for 7am woke at 6am! Gentle stretch, into the bathroom, all washing done last night still soaked! Towel rail goes off when bathroom light turned off! Ligh...

  Day 17 8th April Daventry to Milton Keynes Heart Radio   Up at 6:30 after a good night's sleep. Left thigh still sore and with a lump! Still feel knackered but I ate loads after yesterdays run, also last night and will fuel u...

  Day 16 7th April 2013 Birmingham Childrens Hospital to Royal Leamington Spa Up early, lump on thigh, unfortunately a tear! Hobbled around showered, Voltarole applied and down for breakfast. Struggled to eat again! Managed half a bowl of porr...

Day 15 6th April Nuneaton to Birmingham Royal Orthopaedic Hospital   Iced both legs until 11:45, too late to bed I know but legs needed attention! Up at 6amdown to Gym for half our walk and Joel wake up stretch. Back to the room, sho...

  Day 14 5th April 2013, The Nottingham City Hospital to Leicester Royal Infirmary Up at 6am after a late night doing the washing! Legs stiff and tired with my left knee as my main problem. Gentle stretch, Joel work out, shower and down to bre...

  Day 13 4th April 2013, Darley Dale to The Nottingham City Hospital Terrible night, up at 7am struggling to move, general aches due to yesterday plus back of left knee big problem! Could not do warm up, down to breakfast, bowl of porridge, pa...

  Day 12 3rd April 2013 Disley to the Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield Great nights sleep, no more strange noises. Behind left knee is now a real problem, struggling to straighten leg. Up late no Gym so Joel warm up in room complete, shower and ...

  Day 11 2nd April Frodsham to the Cristle Hospital Manchester   Great meal last night, best sea bass dad has ever had, Its been a while! Enjoyable night and back to our separate rooms, washing and icing and in bed by 11:30, too lat...

  Day 10 1st April  The Alder Hay Hospital Liverpool to the Clatterbridge Hospital   Up late after a noisy night with a bit of a cough. No time for first workout so shower and breakfast at 7:30. Still struggling to eat especial...

  Day 9 31st March 2013 Vincent Southport to The Alderhay Hospital Liverpool Lost Hour! Up at 5:30 got an email saying I had an alarm call at 6:00 relieved I went back to sleep, no alarm call up late at 6:30! No one outstanding problem and fee...

  Day 8 30th March 13 Leeds General to Halifax (in the end)   Great accommodation but still struggling to sleep! I did get a bit of sleep yesterday afternoon when we checked in. Karen took dad shopping in Harvey Nics! Dad has not been to...

  Day 7 29th March 2013 York Cathedral to The St James's Hospital Leeds Up at 6am not a good night, the room was too hot! Right leg tight and aching just a little bit more than everything else. Great meal last night, soup, steak and chips foll...

  Day 6 28th March 2013 Rags Bridlington to Castle Hill Hospital Hull An unsettled night, bed lovely, room perfect temperature but body sore! I could not get comfortable or stay comfortable, everytime I moved I woke! Up at 6am, warm up in room...

  Day 5 27th March 13 Newcastle, The Great North Childrens Hospital to Hartlepool   Up at 6am, worked on the route, did my morning workout exercise in the room and in the corridor. Down to breakfast feeling hungry, a good sign I thi...

  Day 4 - 26th March 2013 Hexham to the Freeman Hospital Newcastle Up at 6am after an ok night, fantastic bed and room but far too hot! Right knee now rising to the top of the pain list! Down to the gym, 20 minute walk and run on the treadmill...

  Day 3 - 25th March 2013 Glasgow Beatson Hospital To Carluke Great nights sleep only interrupted by the odd Rhino snore from dad. Up at 6:15, hobbled to the bathroom for the first and no doubt not last time! My left thigh has tightened up, I ...

  Day 2 24th March 13 Falkirk to Royal Sick Childrens Hospital Glasgow   Up at 5:45, body unsurprisingly felt like I had run a marathon yesterday. Left thigh tight and sore, back very stiff. Kit on and down to the Gym. Only 15 minut...

  Day 1 Edinburgh to Bo'ness 23rd March 13   Slept well after a good meal of Pasta and Chicken. Great to see the Gullans and the Sounesses last night. Up at 5:40, steady stretch and kit on for a quick gym session. 20 minutes on the ...

  Up early feeling good, no running but very busy day. 7:30 to Joel for a stretch and light core session, felt good after. Home tried to sort out route maps and get them on to sat nav, no success! 12:30 over to Premier Osteo...

  Up at 3:45 after a very short but good 3 hour sleep. Good breakfast of Porridge, banana, 2 toast a Berocca and a cup of tea. Good warm up and light stretch, Tiger Balm and Voltarole applied, kit on and ready to go by 5:45. Interesting morning...

  Complete day off! Went to the Royal Albert Hall for the first night of the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts, Beth Orton and Ryan Adams very good. The star turn of the night was a personal appearance from Charlotte along with some bloke called No...

  Slept well, up at 5am, kit on, warm up and steady stretch. Freezing out so wrapped up in thermals! Set off very steady for hopefully a decent but not fast run. Legs a little stiff but ok, nice run through Kings Langley, Hemel and Berko. Out t...

  Up early, good breakfast, lads turned up at 7am, all piled into the van and off to Finchley. Good show from Gade Valley Harriers, although a few of us not quite 100%! Weather held up until the race started then deteriorated quickly. Legs felt...

  Planned to run a steady marathon today. Up long good breakfast, weather terrible, head not keen! Left it until mid morning, put it off until 12 noon, long one short did not run! Felt tired and thought a days rest would be better! Finchley 20 ...

  Up at 5am, stomach, legs and back aching from core session. Good warm up and steady stretch, kit on and ready to go by 6:30. Ran from home through Kings langley to Hemel. Avoided hills, but not the rain. Very enjoyable and fairly pain free 12...

  Thursday 14th was a complete rest day, felt too sore from core work to do anything!...

  Sorry completely forgot to write my blog today but did run 6.5k on my own & then session with Joel....

  Better night up at 5:30, very sore throat! TCP gurgle not nice, good warm up and stretch, kit on and off to the woods. Colder than yesterday, I set off quicker to try and warm up. Hardly anyone around for this beautiful crisp morning. Pushed ...

  Up at 5:30, back feeling a bit better. Steady warm up and stretch, met Tony at 6:30 and off to Whippendell Woods with the dogs. Absolutely freezing! We ran the normal route at a steady pace, met a few other runners and the Army Fit group bein...

  Breakfast consumed as early as possible, Berocca first followed by Porridge, Banana and one granary toast and jam with a cup of tea. Unfortunately followed by an Ibuprofen! Pain level a bit high to run without. Quick warm up and gentle stretc...

  Long night short sleep! 7am stretch and gentle warm up, kit on, Barney and Ace in the truck and off to Whippendale. Garmin Watch on waited for signal, watch went off no battery left! Started slow, warmed up nicely and although still restricte...

 2 weeks tomorrow! Actually today as it is 3am Saturday morning! No training to record, this is more of a status report! Status not good, Acupuncture and Osteo earlier today was good, much more mobility but still only about 50%. My family's ch...

  Cough and chest getting worse! Back getting better which is good, no morning run which was not good. 6:30pm kit on and off to the GVH, not ready to run fully but I prefer running with people so we set off about 7pm, I ran with the lads for ab...

  Up early, back again improving but cough has turned a bit worse and chest wheezing! Steady stretch, kit on and up to the woods. Set off very slow, picked up in the middle to a steady pace and very pleased to get 10k complete in 55 minutes. W...

  Back still very stiff, slow steady stretch off, kit on met Tony at 6:30 and off to Whippendale with the dogs. Desperate to run! Very steady 6k complete in 36 minutes. Great to get out again, not as comfortable as I hoped but not bad enough to...

  No training, no running but acupuncture at 5:15, interesting! Now back to the ice, watching Caroline Quinton's Cornwall. Hope to run a bit tomorrow....

  Happy Birthday Louise Well, another non training, training record day! Bad night again, stretching session trying to get dressed, socks took about 10 minutes! Berko Half today, unfortunately could not run it but thought going to watch and su...

  Not a lot of a training record today. Bad night, back felt a bit better when I got up until I sat on loo! Struggled to stand up, get showered and dressed! Finally in the van and to the osteopath at 11am. Andy agreed with Joel re dehydration b...

  Bad night, up at 5am gentle movement, kit on, Tony came at 6:30, dogs in the truck and off to the woods. Very steady start deteriorated into a very uncomfortable walk. Strange as it sounds but I enjoyed the fresh cold air and run walk with th...

  Legs ached through the night, up early legs still a bit stiff and heavy. Straight into work no time to run, two missed morning runs on the bounce! Busy day, feeling stiff so hot shower at 6pm then 30 minute warm up done. Felt much better, tig...

  Late night, early up, unfortunately with a cough and the sniffles. Intended to run with the dogs but started work and avoided the run! Very busy day, late to meet Mark Jewel for our planned Half Marathon. Kit on in seconds, no warming up, rem...

  Up at 5am, dogs ok, legs feeling it, no long run today! I took my mum and dad to the Airport at 5:45, dad is having a warm weather training few weeks readying himself for his navigation challenge! Back home, kit on, met Tony at 7am, dogs in t...

  (26 days to the start) Nice relaxing Sunday afternoon of dozing and icing then an early night. Up at 4:30 legs tired, sore and tight, hobbled down stairs, quick Barroca consumed, kit on, did not do a warm up, I think it would have taken too ...

 GVH 17 marathon training day. Up early, grazed through a good breakfast of Porridge, Banana, 2 toast and Nutela and a cup of tea. Proper hot shower to try and remove the stiffness in my legs from yesterday, Tiger Balm massaged in, kit on and o...

  4 weeks today! Up very early feeling good. Vince, Matt and John due at 7:45 to head off to Black Park in Slough for my first ever Park Run. Feels good to be doing stuff for the first time at my age! Warm up run of 5k first, nice and steady b...

  Programmed to run with Cliff king from Leighton Buzzard to Berko via Wing and Tring, unfortunately work got in the way and I could not make it! So, out on my own for a quick run to Nash Mills on Station Road and back on the old A41 through Ki...

  Up at 5am, feeling tired but not so rough, mind not strong! 1st run put off and back to bed until 6am, up, quick wash and brush up and a Barocca, kit on and ready for Tony and our woods run at 7am. Freezing cold wind but no frost. Lovely run,...

  Up at 4am, took my daughter to the Airport at 5am, back home at 5:30 ready to run at 6am, felt rough, ached all over not from running, sat down and fell asleep, woke feeling worse with a tickely cough and a head ache now too late to run! In t...

  Restless night, legs ached and knees hurt! Up early, -3 so even more kit on! Fantastic morning, thick frost clear sky and early morning mist, very special. Still no energy but much more enjoyable r...un than yesterday. Absolutely freezing thr...

  Monday morning, no energy and sore legs! Two runs planned, morning run with Tony and evening run on my own. Kit on, lots of it, very cold out, in the truck and off to Whippendale Woods. Usual 6.5k run to the park and back, very steady and ver...

  Late night, good sleep and up at 5:30! 3 slices of granary toast, 2 with Jam and 1 with Nutella, made a change, plus a cup of tea. Too early for bowl of porridge! Quick rub down with TB, kit on quick warm up and off in the van to pick Vince a...

  Up at 7am no sleep late night, cheers India! Quick warm up, kit on and off for a run with Tony. Wrapped up well, nice run at a good pace round the normal route. Two lots of Military Training groups being put through their paces in the Park. I...

  Rest day. Very tired from last nights hard session. Kit on and out with the dogs for a very steady and very short morning run. Lovely day, a bit colder than I thought and a very nice 6k run completed in 32 minutes. For the first time I think ...

  Legs heavy following last nights run, looking forward to a day off tomorrow. No time for morning run, unfortunately my daughter Jemima's rabbit died last night, shame he was actually a nice little lad. Anyway, I had the duty of digging out it...

  Up early, legs tight and sore and no time to run! Horrible outbreak of work again! 6pm Met Mark Jewel at my house for a Half'ish Marathon. Mark is running the London Marathon, his first, for Framework Foundation raising money for Teenage Can...

  Feeling a bit better this morning, up normal routine and out for a run at the woods. Cold and wet but enjoyable 6.9k, 34 minute run with the dogs. Legs still tight so good 15 minute stretch off and home for hot shower and good breakfast. Bus...

  Needed day off after a tough weekend. 4:30pm out for a jog with my Daughter India. Very nice 39 minute steady 6.4k run through the woods and the snow. Dogs loved it....

  Another good evening icing, up early, normal routine and off to pick up Vince at 7:15. Met Guy, Rich, Matt, Jamie, John and Bill at Ashridge, now rain persisting down, at 7:30 to do the 7 mile loop training run. The lads have done this many t...

  Good nights sleep, up early for a good breakfast. Really want to run for Gade Valley Harriers today in the last Cross country of the season in Wing. If I can run it, I will have completed my first e...ver season running in every race! Anyway,...

  No running! Hamstring feeling tight but not as painful following another marathon ice session last night and again too hot a bath! Met Carolyn and Katrina from Teenage Cancer Trust. Very good but very long meeting and now very nervous! It all...

  Restful evening, well done England. Up with alarm at 5am, felt terrible, re set alarm for5:45. My aim was to do a 10k then meet Tonyat 6:45 for our nice steady morning run with the dogs. 10k got shelved, kitted up at 6amand app...

  Iced both calves and both knees up to midnight, very hot bath, too hot I am sure I was sweating under water! Good 5 hours sleep and up at 5:30. Calves felt ok but I did not fancy the morning run one bit. Took my time getting ready, went throu...

  6:45am met Tony, loaded dogs in the old truck and off to Whippendale Woods for a steady 6.5k. Very steady and very enjoyable, felt great and dogs loved it. 7:00pm Running club ready for 90 second 5k pace followed by 90 second marathon pace! A...

  A bit tight but not bad and due to an unfortunate outbreak of work, I had no time to run! Another training day missed! Another ice evening endured!!...

  Meeting James at the start of the race to give him my number and chip, received a text at 9:30 from James, can't make it got very drunk watching the rugby! I kitted up, applied Voltarole and went to the start. I have run with injuries before ...

  Calf sore, another rest day. Gave my entry to James from GVH for the Watford Half on Sunday! Disappointed, another training day gone!...

  Leg sore and stiff from mammoth ice session last night. Did no exercise in the morning but kept moving all day. 5:45pm massaged in Tiger Balm to both calves, did a very gentle warm up, kit on, lots of it, compression socks and leggings, therm...

  Up early, still amused about last night but not about my calf! Physio workout planned with Joel Llande of Body Management this afternoon. Busy day with no running, calf feeling sort of ok. Physio workout session endured, calf not feeling so o...

  Up at 5:30, calf not good enough to run but better to walk on. Enforced Rest Day!!!!!! No more training but I had the pleasure of being asked to address the Bedford Young Farmers at Shuttleworth College. All went well, a bit strange to be ad...

  Going home at 12:30 and training at Gade Valley Harriers this evening, so only 6.6k run down to the coast and back. Clear blue sky and very warm at 8am. I will miss this! Quick warm down and stretch, shower, pack and off. Landed, home quick b...

  Rest day Blue sky's and wispy cloud. 9am - nice and steady run down to the coast along Luz Bay, through the village and back up to Espiche and home. 6.6k in a very calm 32 minutes. Good stretch off for 15 minutes and exercise done for the da...

  Up at 7am, took Matt to Lagos train station at 8am for the start of his journey back to New York via Lisbon and Geneva! Back home, quick cup of tea and a bit of toast and Jam, only an hour until today's run with Joaquim, so too late for a big...

  Great afternoon, great meal in Don Sebastian, very late night. Up early, feeling knackered! Legs very heavy and tight, glad today is going to be a steady 10 mile recovery run just to get the legs going. Porridge and banana consumed, quick war...

  Up at 6am feeling quite good after another fantastic home cooked delight! Tried my Portuguese Porridge with a banana and a cup of tea, spot on. Another cup of tea and a Bounty Bar, strange but I fancied it. Now 8:30 and very heavy rain fallin...

  Up early, legs heavy and feeling low on energy. Kit on, weather not good, still warm though 16 degrees. After yesterday I intend to do a short loosener this morning and a 10k late afternoon hopefully a bit quicker. I did the same route as yes...

  2 months today! Up at 7am, feeling better than yesterday. Kit on, just T Shirt, jacket and shorts. Fantastic morning, set off at 8am for my morning warm up run. I ran to the main road and down to Luz Bay, bright blue sky, rough sea and still...

  Up early, 15 min general work out and stretch, shower, pack and off to the airport. Unfortunately on my own as my daughter is not well, flu! Karen has stayed with her. Good mother. Still, the idea was to train for a week in warmer weather whi...

  After a good weekend I decided on a short steady run with my daughter. Nothing to do with the freezing weather. All good, 6.5k through the woods, golf course and Cassiobury park as normal. No pit stop for India which was good and a very enjoy...

  Up early for porridge and banana, adjusted the planned route due to the forecast of snow, now 26k, about 16 miles. Kit on, not as much as yesterday and off to meet Vince and Rich Coles at the Boxmoor Church. All good to go by 8:30 and off alo...

  A good nights sleep, up at 5:45, a bit of a sore throat and tickley cough so quick Barrocca then 3 granary toast and a cup of tea. All consumed by 6:45. Not looked out yet, I hope it has not snowed ...too much! Kit on, looks like it has not s...

  Rest Day. Up at 5:45 feeling surprisingly good after another rough night! Only doing my morning run with the dogs today unfortunately on my own as Tony has to do the school run due to the weather forecast. No snow at the moment so I got ready...

  A better night, up at 5:45 after a few hits on the snooze. Cup of hot water, still feeling a bit dodge but mainly weak not ill. Freezing out so kitted up like the Michelin Man, dogs loaded and off to the woods for a steady run to see how I fe...

  Day 23 - Training Blog16th January 2013Unfortunately my night was not great! My feeling unwell resulted in a very rough night not feeling great and visiting the bathroom on more than one occasion. Up at 5:30 not feeling as bad as last night b...

  Iced back of left knee through evening and fell asleep in bed with ice pack on! Ice burn not too bad and a better nights sleep. Up at 5:30, knee still not feeling great and I am still feeling pooped. Quick cup of hot water, wash and brush up ...

  After a tough weekend I felt a bit dodgy yesterday afternoon, a bit light headed and no energy! A bit of a sleep late afternoon and an early night and hopefully good to go this morning. Up at 5:30, Snow! Not a shock as it was forecast and is ...

  Up at 6:30 after a late night, 2am, very late for me! Feeling knackered, hamstrings tight following yesterdays mud, also inside of left knee tight, new one! Quick Nature Valley Oat and Honey bar, one granary toast and a cup of tea all consume...

  Nice fresh morning, a bit overcast though! Run with Tony planned at 8:30, back good breakfast and off with GVH at 12;30 for Chiltern cross country in Luton at 2pm.Back, left hip and right buttock still a bit stiff and a bit sore! Missed back ...

  Planned rest day. Up kit on quick warm up and out for a run with the dogs. A nice steady slow 10k was my aim just to loosen legs. All good, lovely chilly morning through the golf course and down to the park. Legs feeling the last few day...

  Up early feeling ok, hours work then kitted up for my morning run. Aiming to run to Hemel along A41 around a bit and back, aiming for a steady 10 miles. Quick warm up and stretch, unfortunately I still can't do core work and circuits due to m...

  Up at 5am whacked the snooze and had another half hour! Up at 5:30, left hip hurting, back still a bit stiff but not as painful. A quick wash and brush up, kit on, quick warm up and very light stretch and off for the first run of the day at 6...

  Up at 5:30, back and hip still very stiff but not as sore. After 10 minutes of waking my legs up and 30 minute warm up and stretch I am good to go for a steady flat'ish run, aiming at doing at least 10k. I set off at 6:20am along the old A41 ...

  Up at 5:30, back and hip very stiff and sore, enforced rest day! Very frustrating. Diet getting better and no drink. ...

  Up at 7am, back feeling a bit better but still not great, decided to not do the Regents Park 10k but still going to the Cross Country in Welwyn. Guy and Bill from GVH meeting at my house at 12 noon so decided to go with Tony and my dogs, for ...

  Nothing doing! Very sore all over from the circuits and very, very sore and stiff lower back! Iced on and off from lunch time to 10:30pm, with the odd hot bath thrown in for good measure. Due to go to my friend, Andy Brown's 50th! I wanted to...

  Very bad night, lower back killing me! Rest day planned. Due to run with Tony at 7:15 up at Whippendell. Up late! Struggled to get ready, steady but painful 6.5k in 41 minutes, attempted stretch off, gave up! Back home and iced back! Nothing ...

  Day 10 - Training Blog3rd January 2013Up at 5:45 struggled to walk! Thighs, glutes and hamstrings very sore and right hip area very tight. Planned to do 45 minute workout circuits, managed the warm up 15 mins! Out at 7:45 for a 10k run, again...

  Nice restful recovery day yesterday, from running and Christmas! Day 1 no drink but still not quite the right food. Up today at 5:45 and in the Gym at 6:00, very tough 45 minute session, first circuit training for a long while! Now off to run...

  Up at 8am following a late night, 4am! I had a good night, a few pints of Pride in the Saracens, a few glasses of Champoo at home, got a bit tidily and feeling the affects this morning! Agreed to meet Tony at 9:30 to go for a very steady New ...

  The last day of 2012, what a year! Up at 6:45 and contrary to my prediction yesterday that my legs would be ok today, they are not! Thighs solid, hamstrings very tight and left calf/achilles sore, this is more like it. Anyway decided to do a...

  Up early after an early night, feeling much better, funny that! Porridge and banana consumed by 7:30, half hour roll on Jessica, calves tight, hamstrings still sore and right IT very tight! Much better after, got ready and left for the Pednor...

  Very late night, very late up! Rest day. Intended to do a steady 10k to loosen legs and freshen head but could not get going, marathon and cross country has definitely taken its toll!...

  Up at 6:30, legs still heavy along with the stomach! Drove to Tring and met Guy Woollett in the church car park. Raining but not too cold, we set off on a run Guy had done before. All round Tring Park and up to the Ridge Way to Wendover Woods...

  Up at 6:30 after a very late night, feeling a bit worse for wear and legs very stiff! Met Tony at 8am and set off with dogs for a nice steady 6k loosener. Felt like I was back to square one, a very long way to go before I am back to running c...

  Boxing Day   Up late, legs tired, day off training! Too much food and drink but great day....

  Day 1 Training Blog 25th December 2012Here we go again! New challenge of 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days from Edinburgh to London visiting all the Teenage Cancer Trust Units in Scotland, England and Wales starts on 23rd March and fi...

 Our first ever Winter Ball was a huge success.  It was organised in such a short time and all who attended were amazed at the venue and attention to detail. The tables looked stunning, each lady had a personal gift box of goodies and the d...

 This Saturday, our 1st of many, Winter Ball takes place at the amazing venue of Ashridge House in Berkhamsted.  We have had some fantastic auction & raffle prizes donated, so all the proceeds can go directly to our charity.  We ar...

 Had a great weekend in Portugal taking part in the Rock"n"Roll Lisbon Half Marathon. Arrived on Friday and met another of my PE teachers from Bourne Valley School, Mr Steve Ware. Had a great evening talking about school sports and running and h...

Tickets for the 2012 100k Winter Ball have just been realeased. The Ball is taking place at Ashridge House on November 17th and are appropriately priced at £100 each.  Please take a look at our Events page for details where to get these Ho...

22nd April 12 - Day 100! I can't quite believe we are here, day 100, I knew I would get here but it still seems unbelievable! Very bad nights sleep! There was a water running noise by the bathroom all night! I think it was an internal drainpipe, big...

21st April - Day 99. Struggled to get to sleep last night after I heard that unfortunately we did not make the Mail again! But, Sky Sports want to interview me at 7:15 this morning and when I get to Greenwich, also ITV want to interview me half way t...

20th April - Day 98. Woke at 5:30, dad awake also we had a chat for a while, after the obligatory hobble to the loo for a pee! Not sure who won the "Hobble Off" I think a draw. Trying to work out the best route for today and a system to make it safe!...

19th April - Day 97. Can't believe it is 97! So close to my goal but yet so far, I still have a lot to do. Three marathons to survive before I get to the start line of the worlds biggest marathon! I woke at my normal time of 6:00, alarm not set to g...

18th April - Day 96. Thank you all very much for all your facebook and Twtter messages. I cannot reply to you at the moment but I really appreciate getting them, it makes it all seem more worth the effort to get your support.Slept well, woke at 6:00 ...

17th April - Day 95. Good nights sleep, I woke at 6:00 but stayed in bed listening to the rain and wind outside! Eventually up at 7:00, knocked the early run on the head again today, it looks like I am going to get very wet today so I need all the dr...

16th April - Day 94. Hotel restaurant very busy, most hobbling! We ate at 4:30 this afternoon, so not that hungry but I need to take fuel on so ordered Chicken Ceasar Salad to start, very nice, pasta and chicken for main and Profita Rolls for pudding...

15th April - Day 93. Good nights sleep again, up with alarm at 6:30 aching all over! No early run this morning, Andy on his way to do pre run massage! Great breakfast, staff in the restaurant were great, very helpful and when they were told about why...

14th April - Day 92. Got to the Premier Inn Hastings at 6:15, I was not feeling too good still, I felt hot and sweaty but my middle felt cold, also my hands and feet were white and chilled, however I was also starving! We checked in and booked a tabl...

13th April - Day 91. I iced my legs while Paul sorted laptop, then bed and not a bad nights sleep. Dad got up in the night, 15 minutes after I wet to bed! He was freezing again and I was too hot! The room was at 20 degrees but dad suffers with cold l...

12th April - Day 90!. We are coming home! Not a bad nights sleep, normal pains waking me every now and again. Set alarm for 7:30! No need to get up earlier but my body is now in a routine and I woke anyway. Nice to just lay there though and dose thi...

11th April - Day 89. Last full day away from England, we left England 94 days ago! Late to bed last night after all jobs complete! Dad did the washing and with the good radiators in here, all the washing is now dried. Lots of emailing, finalising all...

10th April - Day 88. Washing complete and in bed by 11:30! Not a great nights sleep but ok. Up with alarm at 6:10, hit snooze a few too many times and out of bed at 6:50. Applied voltarole to thigh, abloutions carried out and downstairs for my run at...

9th April - Day 87. Managed to watch a bit of golf whilst washing kit, which was nice. Kit all washed, spread around the Radiators, little toe cleaned separated and sprayed and in bed by 11:20, better but still a bit late! A better nights sleep but s...

8th April - Day 86. Happy Easter, I hope you all have a good one.On the way back yesterday we found a Boulangerie and Patisserie, waited ages to be served, I think the lady in front had a lot of grandchildren! We ignored the eggs, bought some pastrie...

7th April - Day 85. Massage not so soft! Legs felt great after but hip/glute felt sore. Mainly worked on my hamstrings, left one is worse. Nice cup of tea a kitkat and a honey and oat bar, teeth cleaned and in bed at 10:45. Took a while to go off but...

6th April - Day 84. Good nights sleep but when I tried to get out of bed, every thing hurt! Still, it has to get worse before it gets better, why? Anyway, up, kitted up and out with Andy for my early run. I got a map from reception and headed off in ...

5th AprilDay 83I had a lovely soak in a hot bath for 15 minutes. I have been told its not good for what I am attempting but the shower did not work and I enjoyed it also my stretches after were much easier. I still cannot get ice from anywhere!! Anyw...

4th April Day 82Down to the bar for food. Couple of lads that were sitting outside having a beer in the sun when we arrived were at the bar in the corner looking a bit worse for wear! We sat in a very cosy (small) booth with nice padded benches, "the...

3rd April - Day 81. Last night, washing done and spread around the 4 radiators, a record I think? Good stretching session carried out of hip, lower back and hamstrings and in bed by midnight. I did not do any icing, too scared to venture down to the ...

2nd April - Day 80. Far too late to eat really but had to! Good thing about a motorway service station, it is open 24 hours a day! Dad was not in need of food so stayed in the hotel lobby bit and ordered a Crepe? I went across the car park to the caf...

1st April - Day 79.The Cooker triumphed! Dad knocked up, pasta bows in a great sauce, potatoes and beans. Fantastic. Motel is a box surrounded by motorways in an industrial area, the room is terrible, the car park outside is used as a gathering area ...

31st MarchDay 78No return of the cooker, dads brother Ted and his wife Kath, called and confirmed they were on the way and wanted a better address than dad had given? Turns out dad gave them just the town name, Les Essarts, unfortunately that is the ...

30th March - Day 77. Woke with alarm at 6:15, promptly re set for 6:50! Alarm went off I hit snooze and eventually up at 7:00. Still very tired but feeling better, kit on and out for a run in St Fulgent! Basically one high street with a few spur road...

29th March - Day 76. Decided on the nearest restaurant, rather than take away. Great spot overlooking harbour. Ordered pizza and salads. Turned up and both great, Paul experienced dad in full flow with story after story, one in particular about me, n...

28th March-Day 75.Out to the harbour of La Rochelle for food. A beautiful warm night, in another beautiful place. The harbour walls have turrets at mouth, the place is loaded with history and Character. We walked along the stretch of restaurants arou...

27th March - Day 74. Up at 6:15, pressed snooze a couple of times, got up at 6:40. Terrible night! Bed was fine temperature was fine. I seem to have a head cold again, nose blocked, had to breath through mouth and coughed a lot. But the problem is my...

26th March - Day 73. Up at 6:15 with alarm. Not the best night, I was overheating and dad was freezing! I coughed a lot through the night, a bit worrying but. I am sure it was just the heat! Off for my run at 6:50 after a muck about getting my kit to...

25th March - Day 72. After a very eventful and enjoyable day yesterday, it feels like back to work today! Up at 6:15, turned out to be 5:15, I altered my phone and it was on automatic change!! Back to bed, extra hour, up at 6:15. Feel knackered! Stil...

24th March  - Day 71. Up at 6:15 following a restless night, legs hurt generally with right hip and knee being the biggest problems. Also the heating came on at 4am, the radiator 2ft from my head became red hot and I dreamt again of the desert a...

23rd March - Day 70. Dinner in our very nice old hotel, had a job to get to grips with the menu but settled on the set menu, plat du Jour. I had hot Camembert, Tony and dad had ham, egg and cheese omelette souffle, I got the short straw, only 2 souff...

22nd March -Day 69. Our Hotel Lady directed us to a Restaurant 250 meters down the road, sold Pizza and Pasta, sounded good so off we went. Expecting a normal Pizzeria we were pleasantly surprised to find it was more like a French version of Cafe Rou...

21st March - Day 68. Food ok, salad from the buffet, a couple of days old, chicken breast, smallest chicken in the world, penne pasta, lots of it but slightly over cooked and a couple of tarts for afters, one regional and one lemon. As I said it...

20th March - Day 67. Up too early with a few pains, dosed then got up at 6:30. Right hip and left achilles area still a problem! Tripped over my kit in the dark, fell against the door, dad shouted, I apologised but he did not answer, just carried on ...

19th March - Day 66. Down for food in the very nice dining room. The Hotel is more like a chalet with a very welcoming atmosphere. The menu all in French, the waitress did not speak a word of English but fortunately the Chef, Nicolas Contrastian, had...

18th March - Day 65. Restaurant full of locals, great atmosphere, prawns for me, fish soup for dad, pork and potato followed by rum and raison ice cream! Lovely, good chat with dad, tried to think how far back we could remember where we have stayed. ...

16th March - Day 63. Next door to the Italian Restaurant. Great atmosphere, great food, mixed salad and spag bol!. We sat down, on the table next to us were a very nice couple from Bristol. They spoke great French and helped us out with our order. Th...

15th March - Day 62. Pizza was ok, Legs were not! Hardly slept, every movement hurt and woke me. Up at 5:00 and tried to gently stretch my hips and hamstrings. Calf's solid! Left is low and right is high. Sat in the chair and tried to sleep, gave up ...

14th March -Day 61. Hotel restaurant was very nice, mixed salad followed by chicken leg and potatoes and for Postres, desert, mixed fruits. All very good. Dad was again quiet and nodded off at the table, the days are tough for me but it also takes it...

13th March - Day 60. Out to find food in the centre of Gernik Lumo. Very strange place, loads of Pubs and no restaurants! They all had the name "Pub" not Bar outside and the area was full of drunks, not all young either. The centre had all been pedes...

12th March - Day 59. Down to the restaurant next door, a few people in, big telly with Spanish sitcom on and locals engrossed! Very helpful waiter, happens to be the same feller who checked us in, we walked outside and in the restaurant, one minute h...

11th March - Day 58. Down for food! Hotel snack bar for set menu. Calamari, steak and chips followed by Apple Tart that we eventually got them to make it hot! Very nice, the place was very busy and we enjoyed a quick meal. Back to the room, Real Madr...

10th March -Day 57. Trip out for food was looking like a mission! The manager, who is not that friendly, gave us a name of a place and vague directions. We got in the van drove about 300 yards and stopped outside an Italian called Quo Vadis. It was e...

9th March - Day 56. Down to cafeteria for dinner, full of workmen, not bad atmosphere and the football was on! I asked for the menu and the lady pointed to a white board with starter, main and desert, I presumed, written on it! Very pleasant, however...

‎8th March - Day 55. Up this morning after a good, but again, short night, Midnight after all washing and icing! Up at 6:30 with alarm, very comfortable bed, did not want to get up. Had the normal fight with my legs that, at the moment, I am just...

7th March-Day 54. We are the only guests as I suspected. Dad and I sat in the very comfortable lounge area watching, Million Pound Drop, I think that's what its called, the Spanish version, with the owners. They obviously loved the programme and...

6th March - Day 53. After the long search for accommodation last night we found Hotel Piedra, I think we are actually in Perlora. Anyway, down to the restaurant for dinner in need of protein and carbs! It was full of construction workers, it looked l...

5th March. Day 52. Down to the cafe for dinner last night, we again were the only people in to eat but the atmosphere was welcoming and warm with a few locals sitting playing domino's. The eating area was through a small archway at the back, very cle...

4th March, Day 51, Last nights food was the worst so far! We were the only people in, only a couple of things on the menu. Had the soup but could not touch the roasted/boiled lamb, I do not know what part of the lamb, it smelt rancid! Filled up on br...

3rd March, Day 50.  Happy birthday to my sister Louise, I hope you have a great day, I hope Jamie is ok, I hope Milly wins whatever gym competition she is in this weekend and I hope Andy has a good game of golf! Out last night for early food, 3...

Hotel restaurant last night, very nice, place was packed with locals, great atmosphere, great starter mixed salad and Calamari. Dad said he did not like calamari then proceeded to eat most of it and say it was the best he ever tasted! Main course mix...

Bad nights sleep after a late night icing, massaging and washing kit! Up with alarm at 6:15, pressed snooze and finally up at 6:45. Legs felt good last night after a good massage but woke this morning and could hardly walk! Spent 15 minutes massaging...

Food was at the Hotel restaurant last night, very nice place and very nice food, Chicken Lasagne. Back to the room, right shin starting to bite as I walk, a bit like the other shin was when infected! I have looked all over my foot for signs of infect...

Had good very hot shower, dressed and out to find food. Dads chest was not good, as the heat went out of the day and our room was cold, until I asked them to put the heating on! His Bronchial problem got worse! Anyway we got recommended to a restaura...

Downstairs to eat last night, this place is basically a transport Cafe with accommodation. Place was full of lorry drivers, council and factory workers from the adjacent very large industrial estate. A bit put off, we milled about a bit and went to l...

26th FebDay 44Not a bad nights sleep, room too hot though! Alarm went at 6:00 I got up hobbled to the bathroom, hobbled back, got back into bed and set the alarm for 6:45. My legs were too tired for a long warm up run so up at 6:45 strapped ankle qui...

Very nice meal, dad had a couple of beers following the good finish to the day and started to speak loud and slur! He then told the waitress the meal was the best he had ever had! Back to the room, dad instantly asleep and I rotated the clo...

Following a very late finish and late night, my alarm went off at 6:15, I turned it off and went back to sleep! My body hurt too much, and my running shoes were locked up in the garage that could not be accessed until 8:00, so I thought a lay in was ...

Up at 6am after a good nights sleep, just was not long enough! Time just disappears, we are an hour ahead but there seems to be no time each day after the run! Unfortunately my left lower calf, shin and ankle were swollen and seized! I attempted to s...

Up at 6:30, farted about and as the cafe did not open until 8:00 decided to go out and run before breakfast. Set off at 7:30 through the streets of Cangas from Hotel Hollywood! Legs hurt and both calf's were solid but I enjoyed it. It was still dark ...

Had a great dinner of grilled sole, potatoes and veg, best food so far! Legs aching and sore so iced again before bed. Very good nights sleep and up at 6:30. Legs not good, today was going to be about completion, not time! They opened up the bar earl...

Yesterday was cancelled due to illness! Felt rough during Saturday night and woke aching head to foot, feeling sick and full of cold! Got ready to go but decided it would not be a good idea. Did not want to stay here another day, not a nice place but...

Fantastic meal in the Hostel restaurant last night. Only one person spoke a sort of English and as I did not quite get to A level Spanish, we went with his recommendation,  local soup followed by Sea Bass to share with vegetables. Sounded good b...

  Up at 6:00, after a restless night, dad won the snoring competition so I could not get off to sleep then woke worrying about today after a such a good day yesterday! Shin stiff along with both calf's! Down to breakfast at 7:30, actually along...

 PLUS ADDITIONAL 8K - Therefore with previous 4 days Marathon 26 has been completed! Up at 6:30 prepared and packed, shin felt stiff but not too sore, the rest of me still ached! Breakfast at 7:30 tried to get Alpen out of the van but it was bu...

Day 33Had a good evening with dad, Andy and also David, the Head Master from Porto, and his children Patrick and Lauryn. Meal in our cafe and bowling in the hotel. Made a nice change. Another leg massage, more tablets and bed, after a few chapters of...

Breakfast done, Andy did a light massage then good warm up and out to the pitch. Ran 10k in 58"57 felt good, shin a bit sore but ok. Good workout including good cool down. Dad stayed on the balcony in the sun, said he was practising the Zoom on the&n...

Well I sent the last blog a bit too soon after I had to stop! All actually went well with the Hospital and doctors, only in there for 20 minutes, only cost 20 Euro's for the Doctor and 18 for the prescription. First hospital cost 3 hours time and 120...

Tried to run, shin hurt from the start, got worse, stopped at 5k, went to Hospital, muscle to the outside of my shin still has infection, not too bad but another 8 Days of Antibiotics, can run while taking them, rest today and probably tomorrow. Noth...

Over the road for dinner last night, fish and chips watching Barcelona get beaten! We were the only people in apart from the owners, they made a fuss of us which was nice. Back to the room, tablets, foot treated and leg up, 10:30 asleep. Up at 5:45 t...

Dinner not up to much, dad chose the special, always dodge in a place that's not busy! He paid the price during the night, up to the loo on many occasions and snoring for England between! Did the usual with my foot and took my tablets! Up and out of ...

Not a bad meal, Beef Bourguignon?. New head waiter who made a fuss of us, only two tables in though! He had seen the tv interview and asked how my run had gone today! I explained that I had a problem and had to stop for a few days, a bit embarrassed ...

  ‎9th Feb Day 27 Had a good relaxing evening, leg up, treated foot, that stung a bit and got to bed early. Woke at 5:10, back to work mode I think, however stayed in bed until gone 8:00, which was very strange not just for this little advent...

Did not feel good when writing report yesterday and forgot to be happy that 25 done, first 1/4 out of the way, 1050 kilometres in 25 days! Today however is another day! Up at 6:30 after a bad night, shin hot and throbbing. Very worried, I checked out...

Not a bad nights sleep, interrupted by a car alarm at 4:50 and an overheating problem! Up at 6:15, shin very sore, ankle swollen and with no movement! Not looking forward to the pain today! Dad and I down to breakfast at 7:00, took medicine to stop t...

Very nice meal in the Hotel with great service. Foot however started throbbing and had to apply Savlon before bed and 3 or 4 times during the night. Up at 6:00 foot, ankle and shin swollen and stiff. I cannot see any signs of infection so I am assumi...

Schoolboy error again last night! Ice bath went ok as ice baths go! But thought would be ok to not have hot shower after as a bit late! Went out for dinner, ok but not great but I could not get warm! Back to the room heat on and after an hour or so f...

 What a night! Great people but the Tent/Gazebo was a bit chilli! We wrapped up went to bed early. Woke at 6:00 too cold to get up so stayed in bed until 7:00 Regretted that sleep in! Walked to the shower block that was freezing and had a very h...

Following another great steak, same as before back to the room and iced hamstring which had tightened a lot! Up at 6:00 after another great nights sleep, stretched and warmed up then to breakfast. Same as yesterday but more of it! Packed up and load...

524 miles (840 kilometres)Had a great steak, salad and potatoes followed by hot apple tart and ice cream   in the restaurant last night and felt much better, dad had fish the best he has ever had! Back to the room, dad went straight to bed ...

Up early following an ok night. Cabin was great but only had air conditioning so, very noisy, too hot for me but perfect for dad! Felt thirsty all night and got up 3 times. Anyway did my warm up and stretches, struggled with left of left shin swollen...

Woke at 6:00 pressed snooze a few times and got up at 6:45, best nights sleep so far and did not want to get up!Foot still very sore and after a good stretching session last night, thigh a bit swollen! Should have iced more after! Did my warm up and ...

After a nice coffee in the main square sitting in the sun, we got up and I struggled to walk back to the van! Foot the main problem. Did not take long to find the camp site, this time we asked to look at the accommodation. Spot on and half the price!...

Caravan/mobile home not good! Communal shower block miles away and showers just warm! outside and inside temperature 4 degrees, most expensive per person and worst yet! I take back what I said, room and hot water is the most important! Spoke to girl...

 Neptune Hotel/Motel in Consolacao was spot on, room good but struggled with food. It is much better to be able to cook and have worse accommodation, so tonight should be ok! Just got booked in to a campsite staying in a luxury mobile home, wate...

2 weeks completed, feels like 20!Left thigh not good! Tried to run too much yesterday. Had another late night diagnosis and action plan from Andy. Rest Ice Compression Elevation, I can do 3 out of 4, rest is a problem. Anyway dad slept in the big bed...

Following "the day" we had yesterday I woke wondering what could go wrong today! Up at 6:30, showered and ready by 7:00. Dad again cooked up breakfast, eggs, fresh tomatoes, Parma ham and toast followed by an orange. Spot on. I looked at all route op...

 Up at 6:15 following an ok night. I of course had the top bunk not dad and found that heat and also noise rises. The Rhino Snorer was back! I was baking all night, dad was freezing and Cliff had a double bed and a room to himself, I think slept...

  Icing went well but left Vastus Medialis which is the posh name for lower thigh muscle running to the inside (medial) part of the knee, still hot, swollen and stiff! The Solus, which I mistakenly said was my problem in yesterdays report,...

Had my iced bath for 10 mins, shocking to start with then got used to it! Had a meal at restaurant Novo 10 in the Avenida by the Harbour. Not bad food, good noisy atmosphere and just as we were leaving one of the waiters said they thought they recogn...

Tried to sleep without too much success, dad fell asleep while reading, woke up at 8:30 when I was trying to sleep and spoke to our complete family telling them they could not speak to me as I was trying to sleep! No sleep and got up at 9pm ready to ...

After looking for accommodation without success, we stopped in the centre of Setubal, (a big coastal city situated on the north side of the sea estuary called Rio Sado), overlooking the peninsula and the village Carrasqueira where we stayed in last n...

Following our nice cup of tea last night I had a lovely hot bath did my foam rolling, very painful, and tried the Tiger Balm again! Managed not to get it in my ear or anywhere else unmentionable! Unfortunately the room was very cold! We left to find ...

Well, I never thought I would say it, but bring back the plastic play house, the van was freezing! All started good, van warm and very comfortable. I think we must of assumed it would remain that way and dressed for a warmer night than the Plastic Pa...

Had our first night away from luxury! From one extreme to the other! After setting up in our plastic play house we were advised by staff that the food was good in the campsite restaurant, it was not! I asked for the menu, no! only steak and rice, fai...

Following last nights report we had a few events. We ate and decided to get to bed early. I put ice packs on my thighs and started to run a nice hot bath as I thought it might be my last chance! Long story short, I went outside the door locked behind...

Up early good breakfast, 2 toast, Alpen and a banana and a lovely cup of tea at the right temperature! Dad takes the kettle off before it boils saying he is saving electric! Result warm tea not hot! Anyway we should have left our base in Luz on the A...

Finished 3rd marathon at 2pm. 3 down 97 to go! Started from yesterdays finish point which was half way up a mountain! The first 2k was up hill, I warmed up very quickly my legs took a little longer. Again fantastic scenery but weather was overcast a...

  Monday 16th Jan Day 3 - Phil's Birthday   6am, better and longer nights sleep 6.5 hours. Getting the family ready to go, taxi coming at 7:15 - difficult!   Thigh's stiff and sore and generally feeling tired. Leaving to go ...

  Day 2 continued again!   Now 8:30pm and about to eat again, more pasta!   Forgot to mention a very important person who ran with me today for 3 miles. I was going through a bad patch so my wife Karen got out of the support vehic...

Day 2 continued   Just finished marathon 2! Started at mid day, far too late, from a very windy and cold peninsula, great views. Just me Karen and my mum and dad in the van. Did not get a lot of time to preview the route, hope we all know wher...

 Day 2   Up very soon after I went to bed at 6am, 4 hours sleep is not enough! But still high and definitely worth having everyone here but now taking them back to the airport to make sure they all go! Karen, India, Jemima and my mum go h...

 Day 1 Continued 5 Live interview went well I hope! Made me a bit nervous so I went for my warm up stretch and bodywork an hour ahead. Decided on Alpen (the no added version) with a banana and a hot water with lime. Re worked out the route to ...

 Day 1 - Lagos to Cape St Vincent   Up at 5:45 a bit late to bed but got a good sleep if not a long one.   Feeling good, mind strong and looking forward to getting going. About to have some food, either porridge or Alpen? I have be...

 All Starts Tomorrow!   Training I did not get done will stay not done.   Up early and did a warm up stretch for 20 mins then got on with the day. And that was the sum of my exercise, tried to keep moving all day and with the arriv...

 What a day!   I got up feeling ok got ready and started my warm up routine, I then got a message to ring Kiss FM Algarve, I did and within 45 minutes I was sitting in a radio station with head phones on about to go live with an interview...

 Had a good half hour warm up and good stretch, easy in the warmth of the Algarve sun. Much hotter than I expected. Set off for a short run to get my legs going, ran through Luz Bay along the beach front, up out of the village and out to Burgau....

 08:00   3 days to go! Now in Portugal, 8am just got up to a beautiful morning but legs heavy from journey.   My dad is still asleep, he must be shattered. The last time he drove to Portugal it took him 4 days with a maximum 2 hour...

 Arrived in Lagos Portugal!   Pushed on as we did not fancy another disorganised and cold night in the van. All in one piece and the only argument was over who had the last sandwich!   Legs stiff and behind right knee has a bit of ...

 1st nights sleep in the van, or should I say just night! Not at all organised with all the kit we need, we can't remember where we put it and found out that sleeping bags not done up, get very cold. Feeling very stiff legged and back aches! Sho...

 It All Starts today!   Again another late night on Sunday, planning in detail the last 10 marathons!   Very busy morning getting the food and medical stuff I should have got on Sunday!  All together and ready by midday and I ...

 Up late after yet another late night working on preparations for setting off on our journey to Portugal on Monday afternoon.  I think it is all in the head but my ankle pain came back along with my knee, hip and foot pain!   Got rea...

 Ached alot from circuits! Worked in gym, very good stretch and warm up, 40 mins on treadmill interval walking to sprinting plus warm down. Sit ups, press ups and more stretching for 15 mins. Had a leg massage at Andy's, IT Band very tight on r...

 Complete day off, very nice...

 Went to circuit training with Cliff King at Knox Johnson Sports Centre in Berko, met alot of the people I trained with at the beginning of my training programme back in September. Thought I would work hard to show how far I had come. Worked har...

 Felt good after the 32 yesterday, knees ok. No road running until Sunday, just gym interval training and circuits.  Very busy day trying to get all things ready, so trained at 6pm with Ed and Chris at the Health Hub in Northbridge Road, ju...

 11 Days to Start! Up early and felt good after a days rest. Had my banana and toast and set off to Kings Langley station to get the 6:41 to Euston, met Cliff on the train. We got the tube to Warwick Avenue and made our way to Little Venice. Un...

 13 Days to Start! Up very late after a 5am late night! 1st ever New Years Eve without a drink! Warmed up in the gym and set off at 1:45pm, I ran from Kings Langley to Hemel through Apsley, to magic roundabout and up duel carriageway to Maylan...

 14 days to start!!! Stil panicking that I have not done enough training. Only gym work out but very good one. General body work and stretches, the treadmill interval work out. 4 minute walk at 3.6 mph on 5 incline, then increasing interval trai...

 Another late night but up at 7am and went with my dogs and Tony to Whipendale Woods. Nice steady run through woods, golf course and park 5.1 miles, went well until last mile when Tony pulled up with a hamstring ping! Had a nice walk back which ...

 Running to Wendover from Kings Langley to have a 11:30 core fitness and stretch session with Joel at his gym. Very nice gym in his double garage by the way. Had my banana at 8:30 and left KL at 9:11, raining hard and cold for the first mile or...

 Day Off Trying to work out what to eat and drink during and after running.  The only thing I can manage while running is water, so I am sticking with that at the moment. I think electrolyte jelly is my preferred way of ensuring I keep my ...

 Legs a bit dead and knees stiff. 20 minute warm up and stretch then nice run with Tony and my dogs round West Herts Golf Course and the park.  Very steady 5.1 miles 48 mins. Lovely morning and felt great after....

 After another late night, my early run turned into a 12:30 start! Ran from KL to Bletchley 27.9 miles. Tried drinking Lucazade Sport as my hydration during the run, failed it made me more thirsty after each mouthful! At 22 miles I found a shop ...

 Up at 7am after a very late night, aimed to get out running at 8:30. Made a schoolboy error, Garmin and phone both out of battery! Set off at 10:30, too late to do my planned 26 miles as dinner was at 1pm. I ran to Hemel through KL and Apsley ...

 Felt great, 8am woods run with Tony and the dogs. Lots of people out walking, running and cycling. Nice steady 5 mile loosener....

 Very busy day, struggling for time to run! 7am gym work, calf's tight after cross country so 4 sets of calf raises 20 on each, press ups, sit ups and stretches then 35 minutes interval work out on tread mill total 4.2 miles. Stretch off and wa...

 Cliff invited me to join him and one of his clients, Edward Senior at Berko Castle. We set off at 7am to run the course of the Berko Half Marathon. Started too quick for me and I struggled to keep pace with them for the first couple of miles. F...

 Cliff came to my house and Karen dropped us off in Latimer to carry on the reconnoitre run for Cliffs next race.  We set off at 7:45 from Latimer, cross country towards Gerrards Cross then into Denham and through to Uxbridge, very very tou...

 Light day, 5pm gym, 50 mins total, core and interval training. Good areobic workout.  Ready for late night out at friends sons 18th!...

 Day off all training, I went to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the UCH Euston with my daughters India & Jemima.  We met Alice Watts from TCT and the fantastic team on the unit.  We also met some of the patients.  People ask...

 Met at Cliffs at 12:30, Sarah dropped us in Wendover to start a recky run of Cliffs next race.  Wendover to Little Venice - 45 miles!  We set off on the Ridgeway out the back of Wendover Woods through lots of farm land and muddy track...

 Day off running, light evening gym workout...

  13th Dec - Work, Charity, Christmas and Running schedules clashing and running is losing out! A bit worrying. Aimed to do a marathon this morning but now 7:45pm and getting ready to go! Do not fancy it at all now. Ran Saturdays run in revers...

 12th Dec - Light training day. 6:30am 1 hour in the Gym interval training plus stretching. 12:00 Deep tissue massage on legs by Andy, missed 2 weeks so very needed. 7:00pm 1 hour with Joel working on ankle flexibility, hip flexes and cor...

  11th Dec -Only short run with Tony and dogs through Whipendale Woods, legs felt heavy 3.3 miles...

  Saturday 10th Dec -Up early, 30 mins in Gym and set off for run at 5:45am very well wrapped up. Ran to Hemel through Kings Langley and Apsley to magic roundabout, absolutely freezing! Up duel carriageway towards M1, turned left into Maylands ...

 7th Dec   Up early again and drove to our office in Berko, left at 7:30 heading back home to Kings Langley along the High St. Felt good 9 miles in 1hr 6mins, a bit warmer and knees did not hurt. Eating a lot and still losing weight, 99 d...

 6th Dec   Up early, work got in the way and did not set off till 8:30, M25 blocked, all other roads grid locked, so took dogs in the truck to the Canal by Gaywoods Fishing lakes in Kings Langley. I had aimed to do a marathon today but l...

 Monday 5th December   Up early started run at 5:45. Ran through Kings Langley High St, Apsley and into Hemel. Ran to Magic Roundabout and back along Lawn Lane back to Nash Mills and up through Kings Langley High St and home. Best time of...

 Sunday 4th Dec   Woke at 6:30 felt a bit better, went to gym did hour warm up. Ran with Tony and dogs normal route through West Herts Golf Course and round park. Nice steady 5 miles, very cold but very enjoyable....

 3rd Dec 11   Woke up after late night at Charity function, looked forward to waking up feeling good as for the first time ever I had no alcohol at a works do! Actually felt crap, woke up with a head cold, sore throat and aching from head...

 2nd Dec 11   Back running! Left Kings Langley, ran to Rickmansworth along canal and back through golf course, bright and cold, felt good apart from knees and ankles ached. 12.7 miles 1hr 34mins a bit too quick for my programme! Knees ach...

 30th Nov   No running, kept moving through the day trying to loosen off and half hour in the gym stretching....

 29th Nov   Big day! Cliff picked me up at 7:30 and we travelled to Brighton University, took forever in rush hour traffic. We set off on our run across the south Downs. 5 hours and 45 minutes later we returned after completing 30.5 miles...

 Monday 28th Nov   Day off running (needed), 40 mins in the gym. Cycling, rowing and stretching....

 Sunday 27th Nov   Met Tony at 7:20, took dogs to Whipendale Woods. Went for a nice steady 5.1 mile 50 mins run round the woods, golf course and Park. Cooler than it has been with a misty rain. Looking forward to a nice bacon and scramble...

 Friday 25th Nov   6:30am - Met Cliff at Berko. We ran the route of the Berko half marathon. Ran through High Street looking like a couple of Ninja's! Still pitch black ran up Bulbeggers Lane to Potten End. Followed route through Fri...

 24th Nov   Did not get time to run 1st thing! Went out at 12:45 Ran along A41 and joined canal at Hunton Bridge. Ran to Cassiobury Park, round park and back up through woods and West Herts Golf Course, along the back of the Grove and dow...

 22nd Nov 5:40am Set off on my own from Kings Langley towards Watford, all kitted up with head light on, joined the canal at Hunton Bridge heading south. I realised very quickly that the headlight is good in the dark but not that good in the Fo...

 Sunday 20th Nov Entered in Chesham 10k Hurberts Hole Challenge cross country with Dave Trevillion. Not too bad underfoot, good job as I only had road running shoes! Ran with Dave all round worked hard felt very good finished in 46'46" for me, ...

 19th Nov 7pm Vary light 40 min work out in gym, feeling better for a couple of days off training....

 Friday 18th Day off again due to feeling rough....

 17th Nov Feel like I have caught some sort of virus/bug/cold. Day off anyway but have no energy!...

16th Nov - very hectic day, got to Cliffs house at 1pm. Drove to Studham church parked and ran from there to Ashridge through fields on the Chiltern Way, through Ashridge golf course and down to Aldbury, back up to the Ashridge side and down through ...

 15th Nov Met Cliff at his house in Berko at 7am. We ran along the canal to Bletchley going through again great countryside. Left thigh took a time to get going but was ok. Enjoyed the run felt good apart from very thirsty during the last few m...

 14th Nov Day off running. Had a fitness and strength session with Joel. Very tough legs felt tired, all good until the step box collapsed under me and I landed on the sharp edge of the box with my left thigh! Struggled a bit after that but Joe...

 Sunday 13th Nov Met Tony at my house, took the dogs in the old truck up to Whipendale Woods. We set off on our normal run round the woods and golf coarse and into Cassobury Park then back through woods to car park. 5.9 miles. On the way round ...

 12th Nov Light training day, evening gym session, 8.5 miles on the treadmill starting 4 min walk then run 1min @ 5.5 mph, increase to 6 for 1min, increase to 6.5 for 1min, increase to 7 for 1min then back to 5.5 for 1 min. Repeat increases but...

 10th Nov 1:30pm Ran from Kings Langley, along the canal to Rickmansworth turned off the canal and ran along the old railway towards Watford and Moore Park, wheels fell off at this bit and had a real fight to keep going! Went through Watford an...

 9th Nov Complete day off training. Very needed....

 8th Nov 3pm Met at Cliffs in Berko, ran along canal towards Kings Langley, going through Hemel. Got off Canal at Nash Mills behind the Red Lion. Went along the back road to Hyde Lane, up Hyde Lane, very long! To Bedmond, down Aggar Lane toward...

 Monday 7th Nov - 2pm 1 hour hill sprints with Cliff in Berco, felt great, a bit of speed coming back!   4pm Gym session with Joel, very tough but felt improvement....

 6th Nov 8am Ran with Tony and dogs, felt tired from late night at Pepper Foundation Charity Ball at Pendley Manor, 3am finish! Run went well, nice and steady 5.9 miles, great weather and countryside....

 5th Nov 5pm Gym workout, 6.6 miles on tread mill interval training. 20min stretching, harder than run!...

 Friday 4th Nov 3pm Ran from Cliffs house in Berko along the canal to Hemel, off at hemel through town centre and up Midland Hill. Joined the Nicky line and ran up to Grove Hill through Redbourn and up to Harpenden. Round the back of Harpenden ...

1st Training Marathon completed Wednesday 26th October 2011   After running through beautiful countryside, canal towpaths & ploughed fields, I feel huge satisfation at completing my first full marathon distance training run....