<p>Yes, it's true. I will be running in the 2011 New York Marathon on Sunday November 6, 2011. Anyone who has seen me training these last few weeks may think that 'waddling' may be a more accurate term than running. Hopefully I'll make it over the finish line on race day and possibly be in contention for the record of "Person with Highest % of Bodyfat to Finish a Marathon." They say that a 36-week or 20-week training schedules is recommended to prepare for a marathon. After careful (careless???) consideration I decided to do a 12-week training schedule, or as it's known by it's other name, "The Bare Minimum Training Schedule for a Marathon." You may be asking why I've decided to vacate my usual Sunday position on the couch for a sadistic 26.2 mile run, and there are 2 answers to that question. Answer #1 is that I've always wanted to run a marathon but as the years have gone by and the beer belly has expanded, it was becoming less and less likely. The 2nd answer, and probably my real incentive to do it, is to raise money for The Ayrshire Hospice, which is a charity that is very close to my heart. The Ayrshire Hospice provided phenomenal care to my dad during his final days in his battle with cancer and a fantastic support network for my whole family. I will always be eternally grateful for the care they provided. The hospice provides care for terminally ill patients and although they receive some grants from the government, the majority of the money they receive is through fundraising. So, by doing this marathon, I'm hoping that we can raise some money for the hospice to enable that they can keep providing first-class care for years to come. Please see the link on the page to learn more about the hospice. Well, there it is, thanks to everyone for their support and here's hoping I don't embarass myself too much on November 6, 2011. Burnsy. PS. The wife was NOT happy when she learned that I would be doing the marathon. Not because of any health concerns or anything "silly" like that. She was just pissed that it meant that we couldn't go to the Giants - Pats game that day!!!!</p>