19-Oct:   Woohoo! I made it, all13.1 miles without walking. Thanks so much to all who have sponsored, left messages and stopped me to say "Good luck". I really couldn't have done it without your support. I really did think of you as I made my way around the course. 

Race day was beautiful - sunny, cool and wind free - perfect conditions. A big thanks to everyone who lined the streets to cheer us all on - I gained several power boosts from your waves, shouts and claps. Thanks Cardiff!

I was a little disorganised in the morning and only just made it to the start in time to drop off a bag,  pin on my race number and squirm my way through the runners to the marker indicating 1hr 40min. The next thing I know the race gun sounds and we were off. I didn't really have much time to think about the occasion. Anyway I settled into a pretty good pace and felt great (well, maybe not great, but pretty good) till the 9 mile marker. That's where I started to see people's legs buckle underneath them (not great when you've another 4 miles to go!) and felt my muscles become very heavy. The last couple of miles are a blur and having crossed the line doing my best to sprint the last 300 metres I wasn't really sure what was going on. I sat and tried to chat with a fellow runner but neither of us were able to form coherent sentences so we we wished each other well and gave up - Well done Nathan, great work raising so much for Marie Curie and for running such a great time.

Also a massive cheer for Jo Ball. I 'm sorry I didn't manage to see you, but congratulations!

So to my time - a pretty respectable 1:34:13 Check out the race results at: http://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/index/results_2009.htm  My race number was 178

Thanks again everyone for your support.

Sy

16-Oct:   Ok, race day is very nearly here. In just about 48hrs I'll be at the finish line - with a bit of luck. Some of you might have heard that I've not been very well the last few weeks, but I'm feeling much better and am now really excited about the race. I'm not back to full fitness and have done no exercise for 3 weeks, so I've scrapped any idea of running a good time (I'll save that for another run next year). My goal now is simply to make it round the course without walking. However, the much more important target of raising £500 for Motability is still well within my grasp. Thanks to all of you who have generously donated and aided in this pursuit. I really appreciate your support and messages. I just need a few more of you to dig deep and add your name to the list.

I'll post another update after race day and let you all know how I got on. There may even be a post race photo of me looking hot, sweaty and very tired  - there's something to look forward to!

See you on the other side

Sy

P.s - a big "Good Luck" to Jo Ball who will be sharing the pain on race day - Go for it Jo!

02-Oct:   Just a quick update on my training and preparation - I've been pounding the pavements pretty hard for the last few weeks, putting in plenty of miles and trying to do them at a reasonable pace. I've recently covered the full 13.1 mile race distance twice - so for any of you out there that doubted I could do this and thought your money was safe (you know who you are!) forget about it! I've been doing pretty well at abstaining from alchohol and my intake of fresh fruit and veg has increased exponentially, whilst  that of red meat and chocolate has hit an all time low. At this point I will admit to a pint (well 2 pints) of Guinness last night (Its good for you - official) and a Friday Fry up this morning (I'm only human).

Thanks everyone for your support - it's great to have people ask how I'm getting on. I'm not sure I'm really looking forward to the race that much, but I am eagerly anticipating a few post race pints of quality ale and a massive Sunday Roast.

More to follow soon

Sy

P.s Oh, and they're not my shoes in the photo - mine aren't in much better condition though!

On 18th October I am running the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise money for Motability. They do amazing work helping provide vehicles and scooters for those with mobility issues (and their friends and family). I have seen first hand the benefits they bring to people's lives and feel honoured to be able to contribute in a small way. Please help me make a difference and support me by donating as much as you can to this really worthy cause.

The money you help me raise will go to support those who cannot afford to pay for the particular vehicle they need to get around or in contributing to the cost of adaptations that allow them to drive the vehicle safely and comfortably.

Now, I find this running malarkey a bit difficult, what with my advanced years and dodgy knees, but the whole point of this is that I go through a bit of pain and discomfort right? Please don't make me run so far for nothing. 13.1 miles is a looooong way for an old man!

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.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Now that you have visited, it is compulsory to make a large donation - Whilst JustGiving might not sell your details to anyone I will if you don't hand over the dollar!