*OFFICIAL TIME* 2hrs 4mins 29 Secs*!!!

Hello good people in my life...

Please accept my apologies for the lack of updates. My mind was focused on todays Half Marathon in Leeds. As we began at 9.30, I have been up since before 6am to ensure I had eaten ok and drunk enough water. My unofficial time today was 2 hours and & 7 mins for which I am proud of, but in hindsight gutted not to beat two hours. I suppose that gives me an aim for the next one!
It was hard work, the rain we have been enjoying?? had vanished, leaving a muggy and sometimes sunny morning to run on. There were around 3500 people int he race and it was all a bit surreal. My knee managed to hold up but as many of you know, I may now need to get keyhole surgery on it in the coming months. It was difficult today, but when the going got tough, I remebered the real reason I have been doing these challanges. Looking back at Emmas battles since coming out of hospital left me with plenty of inspiration and enough to block out my aches and pains and force myself forward. It was magical seeing her at the finish and knowing that her and Ollie were waiting gave me added imputus. Thanks too for Nick, Lesley and Megan for taking the trouble to be at the end too...

Looking back, I feel a sense of pride for what has been achived this year, both in Emmas slow but steady progress and the challanges I have undertaken. I am also humbled by my freinds and families continued support, financially, physically and emotionally. Thank you all for your support.

Finally, It's only two words, but they have kept me inspired and I hope that what ever you may face in the world where you live, no matter what is put before you, try to keep your chin up and KEEP FIGHTING.  Its tough, but you can do it...

Thank you all again
J

***STOP PRESS***

WE COMPLETED THE YORKSHIRE 3 PEAKS IN UNDER 10 HOURS!!!!

N E V E R A G A I N!!!!!!!

Hello and thanks for visting this page... (Update 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 below)

I know why I want to do this, but the sad thing is, I am not sure my legs are in agreement...

The plan is to do the 3 Peaks hike in July, then the Leeds half marathon in September. Currently I may look like a pure athlete, but the fact is, walking up stairs kills me!

The 3 Peaks is for the British Heart Foundation, if you would like to donate to that cause, please submit pledges by email to me at madeinleeds@hotmail.co.uk

The Leeds Half marathon is for the Meningitis Trust. I am sure those of you who know me are aware why this has been chosen...

Just to say, I thought 13.1 miles would be easy, I clocked the milage in the car on the way to the last leeds game and Its safe to say I was in for a bit of a shock...

Thank you in advance of your donation, the money raised will go direct to the trust via this site, so you have no worries on my blowing your hard earned on music gigs or football tickets...

Anyway, I will try to keep you updated. Feel free to leave a comment and thanks again...

Cheers

J

* 26/03/2008 UPDATE 1

Firstly, thank you all so much for your support, its been quite a draining and humbling experiance so far and at times I feel like I have bitten off more than I can chew, but then your kindness and oh so funny comments spur me on and keep me going!!

So I have added in another challange, a 5 mile run in May - I figure if I can't run 5 miles by then I am in big trouble. Talking of big trouble, no one told me that the 3 peaks would involve a map and compass - I assumed there would bepeople telling you where to go and buses laid on to take you between the peaks - oh how wrong can I be!

So I am 2.5 weeks in and I can now run 3.5 miles in around 35 mins, though it is killing me and if anyone could see me running and get it on youtube, then I think I would win awards for comedy. I have also taken part in one spinning session at the Gym that left me for dead and walking like John Wayne for a weekend - pointy saddle- ouch!

More updates soon - thank you all again

J

* 27/04/2008 - Update 2.

Hello freinds - Once agai, thank you so much for your donationss and kind words of support, I continue to be humbled and sppurred on by you all. So where am I upto, well, current training is 3 times a week and I peaked Wednesday just gone at around 6.2 miles. Contrary to rumour, it did not take me 6 days and three buses to manage this feat, it was all my own work and have to say, I was totally knackered. Its hard to imagine that at this point, I will have another 7.1 miles to go! Anyone know and Leeds Taxi firms!??!

This week, I have been sidetracked witht he most wonderfully frustrating Leeds United as the trip to Yeovil lost me a nights running, but rest assured, I will be back out there tomorrow doing my impression of the Yorkshire beanpole!. Hell, if Leeds get the 15 points back, I may just run to the ground and Kiss King Billy in celebration - thats only 17.5 miles for those who really want to know!

Thanks again...
J

01/07/2008 - Update 3

Hello Freinds and thanks for tuning in!

Well, we have made it to July and I am still in one peice - things have moved on since I last wrote, not least Leeds failed to win promotion and cost me an extra 50 quid from Nick - still, I have my eyes on his other 50 quid he offered for breaking 2 hours on the run!

I have managed to run  over 8 miles now, in one go, with no need for a taxi or medical attention, this in itself is cause for celebration, but the realisation that follows is that there will still be another 5 miles to go at that point! I have also climbed my first mountain, Pen - y - gent ? It was blowing a glae force wind and scary as hell, but I made it to the top and now I have to do all three in one day which is still very daunting!

I have also bought a bike to cycle places instead of the car, which was 20 quid well spent, well, if you don;t ask the trail of cars I left behind me as I wobbled my way home tonight - it may be 20 odd years since I last rode a bike, but the old dog still has it!

So by the end of this month, I will have completed the three peaks and run in the local 10k run - then its total focus on the big one, Leeds on the 7th September!

Cheers again for all your support and witty comments!

J

14/07/2008 - Update 4

Just a quickie to say that on Saturday I climbed 2 of the 3 peaks as a practice! - you should be able to see the photo of me on top of Ingleborough in the top left corner - the 3 peaks challange starts around 8Am this coming saturday (19th). 3 Peaks in under 10 hours - I must be bloody mad! Will keep you posted!

Cheers
J