<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Update - 23 March 2012</span></strong></p> <p>So, with less than a month to go Tory and I are tapering off our training, although we still had the pleasure of a 20 mile run around Ruislip to contend with.</p> <p>The run was basically a 5 mile loop which we ran 4 times and on the 2nd lap Tory was really struggling, but true to form she powered through and helped me make it around lap 4 when I was fed up.</p> <p>Having done our longest training run we are now scaling back and did a gentle 11 miles last weekend and we'll probably do 15 miles this weekend.</p> <p>Again, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me through this with your sponsorship and thank you to those of you who have been roped in for Livvy-sitting over the past few weeks.&nbsp; We're now in the count down to the big day and it can't come soon enough!</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>______________________________________________________</strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Update - 2 March 2012</strong></span></p> <p>The 17 mile run wasn't nearly as fun as it may sound - actually it probably doesn't even sound fun.&nbsp; It was a very hilly route and was capped off, right at the end, with a half mile run along a canal path with lots of cobbles which pounded our already battered feet. Still, we got to the end in just over 3 hours.</p> <p>However, I have a first injury to report.&nbsp; Having see the physio this morning what has happened is that my tight hamstrings have taken exception to the punishment and I have irritated the muscle where it meets with my calf in my right leg.&nbsp; I'm OK now, but on Monday I was walking around as if it was made of wood, most uncomfortable.&nbsp; Still, apparently no pain no gain and hopefully the shorter 10-mile run we have planned this weekend will be less aggressive.</p> <p>Thanks so much to everyone who has donated so far, I've almost hit the halfway mark and am really grateful for all your support.</p> <p>______________________________________________________</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Update - 20 February 2012</span></strong></p> <p>So, we managed to get oursleves around Lake Dorney 4 and a half times to complete a half-marathon in a decent time of 2hrs 11 minutes.&nbsp; Key factors to helping us get round were lucozade sport every mile and a half and running with a member of the "Running World Pace Team" who was going at a steady 10 minute a mile pace.</p> <p>Anyway, legs a little sore now, but will be back pounding the streets of Mill Hill early on Wednesday morning in preparation for the 17 miler this Sunday.</p> <p>Huge thanks again to everyone who has supported me, it is very much appreciated and I am creeping my way up to the half-way mark.</p> <p>______________________________________________________</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Update - 14 February 2012</span></strong></p> <p>So, after a week of snow-induced rest we're back on the training and after a very slow 4-miler yesterday, we are building up to a proper half-marathon at Lake Dorney in Eton on Saturday.&nbsp; So far our longest run has been 10.5 miles from our house to my mum's and this was punctuated with a few walking moments which were needed for Tory's injured knees (she's had&nbsp; the all clear from her doctor though, so is pushing on), so I suspect this weekend we will find out how our stamina is actually building up.</p> <p>A huge thanks to everyone who has supported me so far, I'm delighted that I'm over 25% of my target already, so thank you all so much.</p> <p>______________________________________________________</p> <p>Hi</p> <p>So,&nbsp;back in late 2011 Tory turns to me and says "I want to run the London Marathon, will you support me?"&nbsp; My reply was something along the lines of, "of course I will, I'll make you a mixtape to listen to whilst you run".</p> <p>Apparently, this wasn't supportive enough so I was made to sign up for a 10 mile race in St Albans on 22 January 2012.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now, whilst I am no stranger to a bit of exercise, it's been quite a while since I ran any distance, so over Christmas and New Year I joined Tory in a couple of "short" runs (3 miles+) in order to get ready for the 10 mile ordeal.&nbsp; The race day came and Tory and I ran all the way together in a fairly respectable 1hr 42mins.&nbsp;</p> <p>Off the back of this, Tory encouraged me to join her on another training run, this time a 17-miler somewhere in Hertfordshire.&nbsp; It was at this point that Tory suggested that if I was prepared to run 17 miles, I might as well run 26.&nbsp; I tried to disagree, but Tory was having none of it.&nbsp; So I caved (I hope my running endurance is more impressive than my trying to win an discussion with my wife endurance).</p> <p>All I had to do was find a place, fortunately our friend Dave Spalter knew that the people at Jeans for Genes had&nbsp;a space&nbsp;for the marathon available (which was great news as I already knew what a great charity they are).&nbsp; I got in contact and hey presto, I'm entered in the London Marathon.</p> <p>So far I have got all the necessary gear, running tights, thermal tops, energy gels, professionally fitted trainers and insoles - all I've got to do is a bit of training which so far has consisted of two early morning, freezing cold runs, although this weekend (4 February) I have the pleasure of an early morning run to Northwood (11 miles) to look forward to.</p> <p>In order to encourage me to continue getting out of bed at 6am during the week in order to slog myself around Mill Hill, I'd be really grateful if you could sponsor me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd really like to raise at least&nbsp;&pound;2000 for Jeans for Genes which is a totally brilliant charity raising money to go towards research into a wide range of genetic disorders as well as providing support, care and fun for kids born with genetic disorders.&nbsp; To get a better idea of all the great stuff Jeans for Genes do have a look at this <a href="http://www.jeansforgenesday.com/howyourmoneyhelps">http://www.jeansforgenesday.com/howyourmoneyhelps</a></p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;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&rsquo;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>Thank you so much and I will keep you updated on my progress.</p>