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Update 23/09/12

One week on from the big day and my calves are still hurting, so much so that I think I'll be paying a physio a visit soon.

Anyway, this is the last post that I will be doing on this page, and the scores on the doors are that I completed the run in 1hr 41mins (rounding down of course). I'm really happy with the time, but feel I could have gone a bit faster - I've definately caught the running bug and hope one day to to a time of 1.30. We'll see.

The most important stat though is that I have raised over my target of £500. Thank you to everyone who donated, it really is appreciated. I'm am very glad to have done something to say "thank you" to the oncology institute at Jimmy's for the treatment they are giving to my friend Paul. It is clear from a number of donations that I have received that the oncology institue has helped many many families in Yorkshire.

Update 25/08/12

So it's looking like 1hr 40mins is a bit of a "stretch target". I did a 6 mile run today in just under 45 mins, but the thought of maintaining that pace for another 7 miles is frightening. I've got a really important 3 weeks of training left, I hope it's enough.

Since my last update my training has been hampered by injury and stupidity (forgetting to pack my trainers before going on holiday), and I have missed 10 days, which could prove crucial, in a David Brailsford "aggregation of marginal gains" kinda way.

On the good news front, my change of running technique seems to be working out and I hope that by copying the Kenyans' style I can somehow be infused with a bit of thier talent for distance running.

Update 26/07/12

Well I'm part way though the 3rd week of my training programme and I thought it was about time for The Big Reveal - the time I'm aiming for is 1hr 40mins which is a solid 7.7 minute mile pace. Gulp.

One thing I have realised is that my training programme is not that interesting to anyone but me. It's pretty much running; sometimes fast when I have a high heart rate and sometimes slower when my heart rate is lower, and that's it.

So in an attempt to make this update vaguely interesting I thought that I would tell you about the things I think about when I am running. Disappointingly though, I think about running, when I am running.

Hmmmm, this isn't going well. Perhaps I'll do a better training update next time.

Thank you for all of the donations so far.

Why I am running in the GNR and why I'm raising money for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre

The GRN is always held on the weekend that follows my birthday, and so after years of watching the event whilst suffering from all kinds of hangover hell, I decided that this year would be different. This year I am going to be one of the fresh faced thousands being all healthy and stuff!

Initially I didn't think about fundrasing for any charity, but Yorkshire Cancer Centre has become very important to me as one of my mates has recently been diagnosed with an advanced stage of lung cancer.

Paul, like may others in Yorkshire, is receiving fantastic treatment at Jimmy's, and the Yorkshire Cancer Centre is the fundraising arm of the hopital's Institute of Oncology and provides specialist medical equipment, research and development and patient ‘home comforts’ to 1,500 patients each day.

I am very aware that we are all asked to donate money on a regular basis for many worthy causes, and I will be very greatful for any donation that you give.

Donating through JustGiving is totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation.

Thanks,

H