Story
<p>I ran 3 marathons when I was a student and they hurt a lot. In fact it was enough to put me off running more than 10km on the road for good. But I thought this was a good cause, as one of my brothers best friends lost his only child to neuroblastoma aged 1.</p>
<p>In order to raise as much as I can I am doing running as Fred Flintstone in the London Marathon. I have also registered with Guinness in attempting to break the World Record for the fastest cartoon character. My fastest marathon was 3.20 so the existing record was looking potentially achievable at 3.08. Or so I thought until Guinness corrected me- the World Record for the fastest cartoon character, set in Oct 2010 in Abingdon is now 2.48.</p>
<p>Hmmm.</p>
<p>Undeterred I have done some heinous intervals at the track in frozen rain, and doing my best to pretend I like running on road. It is a pretence but there is an outside chance of getting it and I hope you can offer me a token of support.</p>
<p>To fully get into the spirit I am going to permanently dye my hair black, as Fred does not have red hair and have an excellent costume with blue tie. I will be carrying a bone.</p>
<p>I did a trial run in my costume last Sunday at the Edale Skyline and although it "rode up" a bit with a bum bag that shouldn't be an issue in London. It was only a few degrees above zero last Sunday morning and I was still warm, so I am in big trouble if it is a warm spring day in London, as thick polypropylene is not ideal marathon wear.. here is a link showing quite how ridiculous my costume looks, taken halfway round the Edale Skyline:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39169433@N02/5565192452/in/set-72157626365160548/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/39169433@N02/5565192452/in/set-72157626365160548/</a></p>
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