FINAL UPDATE

I am pleased to say that I did it... despite suffering from PFP  I managed to get around the course in 2:34.  Unfortunately (for my pride) I was heading for a sub 2hr time until the last few miles when the pain killers stopped working and I had to resort to walking and jogging, but I am really thrilled that I managed to finish in a respectable(ish) time and raise some money for this great charity.

Thank you for your support

Kate xxx

p.s. you can still donate through this site until 17th November 2007

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Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Some of you may know that in the 1990's, my Grandpa John Hayes was diagnosed with both Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.  MD is a disease which impairs central vision and Glaucoma deteriorates the field of vision.  The onset of these diseases changed my Grandpa's life; he went from a confident and active member of the community to being house-bound by blindness within a few years.

The Macular Disease Society and RNIB were of great assistance to my Grandpa, they provided him with an array of materials that improved his ability to live with the diseases.  These went from safety materials e.g. to identify when the cup was full of hot water, to audio books and super-magnifiers, and even extended to a giant deck of playing cards so that he could still enjoy playing patience.

Perhaps most importantly The Macular Disease Society also provided much needed advice and support on this little known - but life changing disease, up until my Grandpa’s death in 1999.  The Macular Disease Society continues to help many sufferers today, as well as funding valuable research into the disease.

I wanted a real challenge, so that you, the good 'donators' would get to have a laugh at my expense whilst I take your money for this worthy cause.  Believe me, with my running experience in June 2006 at just 2miles, 13 is a long way off!  I want to run the course in 2h18 (Paula Radcliffe's full marathon time), then again; actually finishing it is a scary prospect.

I am willing to submit to the public humiliation of publishing my ‘girly run’ photographs for all to see, if you help me to meet my target of raising £500 for this fantastic charity.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Macular Disease Society will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Kate xxx

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UPDATES...

Well I have to admit this has been much tougher than I thought it would be, anyone who has seen me limping about knows that training for a half marathon has not been an easy experience for (the unfit old) me.  I have improved (in at least my ability to run a distance).

With just a matter of days to go I have suffered immensely from blisters and shin splints; and I have spent a small fortune on physio and pilates to try and improve my body conditioning enough and ease the agony from my knees and hips... this being said, I think I am the fittest that I have been in my life! - Hopefully that is also fit enough to get around the 13.1 miles of the half marathon!!!

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My final fortnight of training actually involved no training for the 11 days before the race.  My GP diagnosed a torn cartilidge or ligament and I was instructed to rest.  However a subsequent MRI scan showed it was actually PFP (a really nice injury where your kneecap grates against your femur causing inflammation and pain... mmm!), and I was told that masochists can run through it.  I thought what the hell I'll give it a go, had a few sessions of sports massage (believe me it sounds MUCH nicer than it really is; someone jabbing their elbow into your thigh for 30 minutes is not very relaxing)