Over a year ago, while I was enjoying a tranquil run in the evening, I had an idea that sounded just perfect to me... why not cycle solo all the way to Paris and then run the Paris marathon for a charity? Children sounded like a very worthy cause and having just met very inspiring people at Save the Children, my choice of charity was pretty easy.

So a year ago, it all sounded great, exciting and new. I had never cycled more than 30km, run a marathon, not even a ‘half’, but how hard could it be, it’s just a matter of time, patience and getting the legs to do the work while enjoying the scenery. Right?

I still have not run a marathon or cycled much more than 30km at any point in time, but I now have very nice cycling and running gear and gadgets, a doctor certificate, an itinerary and a lovely and committed personal assistant.

The one thing left is to do is to ask for your generosity for Save the Children.

I have to say, that I have not fully realised how difficult this trip is going to be or even if my legs will manage to carry me over the finishing line but the thought of helping children in need will definitely keep me going all the way even if I have to do the marathon on crutches!

So, in advance, a huge thank you to everyone for their support and generosity.

 UPDATE:

I’m a couple of weeks away from D-Day and I have to say that I have been overwhelmed by the outstanding support and generosity. There are no words that can describe how much I have appreciated the encouragement and this will definitely help me to go all the way.

Now that I have managed to train a lot harder, particularly the cycling bit, I am starting to fully realise how difficult the trip is going to be. I was arrogant enough to think that I did not need any support and could do the trip on my own, however, I have now taken the offer and I am so appreciative that the Mini and my lovely wife will follow me closely. I therefore had to rename my trip to ‘Solo(ish) duathlon London to Paris’. A very big and special thank you to Anne for supporting me and coping with my very early ‘I’ve got to go training’ wake up calls!!

I’ve also learnt that picking an event early in the year means that one has to train during winter... BIG MISTAKE, particularly this winter with the freezing cold, snow and rain. I would like to think that I am now winter proof, but frankly, I am dreaming of good weather for the trip. Also, with rain and snow, the roads tend to be more slippery, which again, I’ve learnt the hard way a couple of times. The bike is fine, the skin now almost all repaired and it gave me a good excuse to get some nice replacement gear. I don’t mind snow so much... but rain is now definitely my worst nightmare.

My running style and shoes have been a cause for concern, leading to very tight calf muscles and a few sport massages. If you have ever had sport massages in a spa, with a gentle masseuse asking whether the pressure is fine, you should try Sam to have a better understanding of what sport massages really are. She makes the entire experience feel like hell is a very nice holiday destination. I have been assured that short term pain equals long term gain, and given the pain level, I will most certainly win the marathon! However, I have learnt that I am not made for barefoot running and my top-of-the-range competition running shoes have generated more issues than speed. I’ve now purchased a pair of more comfy, bright green trainers that seem to be less demanding on my calf during long runs and I have met Sam few more times. The legs are now better but as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time said, ‘the key to success is to be mentally prepared to suffer a lot...’ success just does not sound very appealing to me anymore!

There have been some positives too, well, lots in fact, but perhaps one of the best that has happened to me has been the discovery of Soreen – thank you Paul. I just don’t comprehend how I managed to live for more than 40 years without it! Soreen has become my cycling companion, as cheese fondue is to my skiing holidays. BUT really, the highlight has been the amazing support, generosity and kindness. This is what is making this trip so worth it and is what I will remember for the rest of my life. Again, a massive thank you to you all. Sam you have saved my calf, so a big thank you  to you too.

A huge thank you again, next update will be from Paris if all goes well!