Story
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;">25/10/11</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;">I ran the Liverpool Marathon on the 9th October in memory of my dear and talented cousin, Chris Morton, and in support of the Scottish Association for Mental Health. I surpassed all my expectations and came in at 3hrs 18 mins, 145th place or 30th male in my age group. Shook off a head cold which I was worried would turn nasty and prevent me running, managed to keep warmed up in the 45 min delay to the start, and ran through it when my calf went 'ping' on 10 miles. Sock covered in blood from a burst blister and three black toenails (my daughter asked yesterday if I am wearing nail polish!). Could hardly manage up and down the stairs for two days afterwards. And I loved it. </span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"> </span>Much of the run, contrary to forecast, was in dry weather with some sunshine - hugely enjoyable in perfect conditions if a little blustery. Legs getting sore around 20m but I trotted on. I have to say the support from the people of Liverpool was immense - they came out in droves and gave noisy encouragement which was much appreciated. The long and eery uphill run out of the Mersey Tunnel was made easier by the increasingly loud cheering and drumming which could be heard long before we emerged to face the crowds at the surface.</p>
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<p>Most importantly, a simply brilliant sum of over £1,500, including Gift Aid, has been raised so far so thank you to everyone who has donated - I'll say it again but it really is very much appreciated. (Thanks to Cyrus and Ashley who donated £60 direct to SAMH but whose donation won't show up here.) The page is still open so if you are reading this and enjoyed the photos and haven't already donated there is still time: <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Karl-Johnston"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http://www.justgiving.com/Karl-Johnston</span></span></span></a></p>
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<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Thanks again to you all, to Gordon and Louise for your hospitality over the weekend, taking the photos and driving us to to race and, especially, to Eleanor for all your wonderful support and encouragement.</span></span></p>
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<p>Best wishes,</p>
<p>Karl.</p>
<p>PS Already planning the next one or two...</p>
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<p>Pre-race:</p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>I'd never done a marathon before so I thought I would try to do one while I am still young, ahem. So I will be attempting to run the Liverpool Marathon on Sunday 9th October. Why Liverpool? Because you are guaranteed a great time: you have to run fast so they don't nick your trainers. Only kidding scousers - it's a great city which I am really looking forward to running in and also the time of year was perfect for me.</p>
<p>I've been doing a bit of running and getting on fine as... er.. you'll see from the photo. That was taken at the Great Scottish Run which I completed this month (no, I didn't start it the previous month) and was very pleased with my time (1 hour 27) so I am looking forward to seeing what I can achieve in Liverpool - I am hoping for sub 3 hours 30.</p>
<p>I think I deserve your cash just for putting that photo up to be honest. And those aren't girls long socks I'm wearing, they're calf supports to prevent injury. Honest. </p>
<p>I am running for the Scottish Association for Mental Health, which is Scotland's leading mental health charity. (Apologies to potential donors from outside Scotland but charities like MIND operate in England and Wales only.) </p>
<p>I'm sure we all know someone who has been affected by mental health problems yet the charities which offer support are usually overlooked in fundraising activity so I think this is a very worthwhile cause. SAMH provides support services for people with mental health problems, provides information and other resources and is active in campaigning and influencing policy. One of the key issues for people suffering from mental health problems is the attitudes of other people and we are gradually learning to focus on the person rather than the condition.</p>
<p>Once I have (hopefully) completed my run I will upload some more photos of me probably looking even more pained and exhausted for your amusement.</p>
<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and 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 by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>
<p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Karl.</p>
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<p>Most importantly, over £1,500, including Gift Aid, has been raised so far - including offline £100 from Susan, Andrew and Kate, £60 from Cyrus and Ashley and £35 from Mum's friends at Burnfield. So thank you to everyone who has donated - I'll say it again but it really is very much appreciated. If you are reading this and haven't donated, as David Tenant said on Comic Relief, 'don't be that person...' The page will be open for some time so there is still time. <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Karl-Johnston"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http://www.justgiving.com/Karl-Johnston</span></span></span></a><span style="color: #0000ff;"> </span></p>
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