Last year Jim and I ran our first marathon in aid of Muscular Dystrophy as his father Michael Flint suffered from it. Between us we raised over £8,000 for the charity and hopefully made a difference to people's lives. Sadly I was never able to meet Jim's dad as he passed away on Wednesday 14th March, 2007.

This year Jim is unable to run due to injury so Paul has kindly offered to accompany me through the dark streets of South Manchester as we undertake the grueling 18 week training program. Although my personal goal is to complete the marathon in less than 4 hours, what will drive me on when it gets to the "wall" is the £5,000 I aim to raise for Muscular Dystrophy which will help others who suffer from the disease which took Jim's dad so young. Please help me by donating generously.

Diary update - 29.01.07: We've now completed 1/3 of the training programme, with our maximum distance of 14 miles covered in 2h06m. In the next few weeks the distances will continue to get longer and longer till we reach 20 miles for the first time on 26th February. So far so good...

Diary update - 07.03.07: Suddenly it feels like we're nearly there. Sunday we completed our first 20 miler in 3h01m which was excellent and bodes well for a 4 hour marathon. So far we have covered 261 miles in 10 weeks and only 2 months separate us from the race... oh and a further 179 miles! Based on training runs so far I will be investing in a leash for Paul who needs to be controlled.

Diary update - 02.04.07: Well here we are less than 3 weeks to go till the big day. Last week we took part in the Liverpool half marathon for some race training. Paul left me in his dust as he stormed it in 1h41m (his leash broke), while I staggered in in 1h49m, which is still a personal best. Yesterday we completed our last long run (20 miles) in 2:49:13 which again is a personal best and great for the confidence. Following an injury scare which required a visit to A&E and an x-ray we are well on track for a 4 hour marathon (356 miles covered so far and only 95 miles to go!).

Diary update - 19.04.07: So this as they say is it. The training is complete, we have covered over 400 miles in our 18 week training plan. The last couple of weeks have been very light in terms of training as we save our strength for Sunday. Carbo-loading started this week, hair is cut for improved aerodynamics and our kit is packed and ready to go. Confidence in the camp is high and a four hour marathon remains the target, although the warm weather could threaten that. Fingers crossed!

Diary update - 24.04.07: Well as expected the weather was a major factor on Sunday. After a strong start we got to halfway on track for a sub-4 hour marathon. At mile 17 I was already starting to struggle and I let Paul go on by himself, and by mile 19 the wheels fell off. I picked up again from mile 22 following a pep talk from Joanne, and then managed to get to the finish line in a disappointing 4h18m. Still a PB and considering the heat a good effort. Paul managed a 3h57m, but his herculean effort left him needing an overnight stay in A&E to rehydrate! Please don't feel that now the race is run that fundraising doesn't continue. I still aim to hit the £5,000 mark!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Muscular Dystrophy Campaign will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me!

Cheers Eric