Hi thanks for taking the time to read this.

In Summary: we've decided to run Hadrians Wall in  Rat race's "The Wall" challenge to raise funds for CRO. Why? Not completely sure on the challenge as we've neither run a half marathon before. 

The CRO are a great bunch of volunteers who give up their time to train and rescue people on and under the hills. I was pulled off the mountain 2 years ago after I broke my leg. They didn't judge me for being an idiot and helped me and Pickle to a waiting ambulance.  At the time I was close to 20st (127kg) I doubt I could have done it myself... I think I worried them a bit when they found me to... let's face it they have weight limits on stretchers.

We all get asked to give to a number of charities and its hard to decide where to give to.  This is as much a chance for me to raise awareness of the good work they do as it is to raise funds.  So please take some time to read what's on their web page and look at all the call outs they've done over the years. www.cro.org.uk

The challenge is being organised by Rat race. It's 69miles (111km) starting at 7am in Carlisle and finishing in Gateshead by 7am on the 18th June. We've covered the entrance fee so anything you give goes to the CRO.

Having completed my first 3 hour run this week and only doing 28.5km. I can tell you this is not an easy challenge for a guy who started this year at 127kg (again!).  

I am losing weight about 1kg per week as I run 60+km a week, but the training plan requires that I get up to running a marathon every week... in one go! It's hard on the calves, thighs, buts and backs... but it'll be worth it if you can help us hit our target.

My back up Team (Lynsey, Poppy, Marcie and Elsie)  and Erik's (Erika, Rune and Tyra) are being very helpful and supportive, especially when it's hard for them to organise things around the training...  I appreciate the support and CRO will appreciate the funds. Knowing that you're all behind us helps us get out time and again when this body keeps saying "enough, need beer and pizza".

BTW yes it's Erik the Viking who's doing his training in Sweden on snow covered roads and frozen Lakes...i thought it was hard at home. We're both on Strava if you want to follow our progress. We motivate each other as best we can but any help appreciated.