I'm setting out a challenge in memory of my late father, Greg.
Three weeks after his 40th birthday, came a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, and just over a year later in the January of 1990, age just 41 he lost his fight. He left behind a family of 4 young children. It is in honour and thanks to our super supportive mum, I went on to represent Great Britain & run a Mile personal best of 3:57.7. I'm now Director of Athletics and lecturer at Cardiff Met & coach to the infamous TeamThie running group. I am also a father myself.

As I approach my 40th year, I've decided to see how close to the Magic sub4 I can get for the Mile. Only three people in the world have ever run this time aged 40! **Update 5th June- My aim a year ago was sub 4- but a busy year of life changed that towards a 4:0+ mile (sub 4:10) a bad calf injury a few weeks ago and it's still not 100%. Hopefully next few days it picks up and can get some good training in the bag before the event. The Welsh Masters record is 4:28.70, so if I can get this calf sorted, I should be able to take a chunk off that!!

So I'm organising a track meeting on the day of my 40th & you're all invited!

My motivation will be helping to raise awareness & funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which will help drive me through the miles, hills & gym work.

So, with help from my family, Cardiff Met, the training group, Saucony UK, NYAC & SOS rehydrate... this will should be a fun challenge!

Follow me on twitter @TeamThie

Thanks

James

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