After a 10 year sabbatical from the sport, I have decided don the speedos, get the lycra out, invest in some snazzy go-fast running trainers and take on the challenge of competing in my first Ironman 70.3. This consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and a cheeky half marathon to finish. All in all, this will equate to 5-6 hours of rather painful racing.

Why do all this? Well the one thing that is driving me through my training plan and hopefully will drive me through the finish line is Parkinson's disease. I unfortunately have close ties with the disease as my father has suffered from it for the last 15 years. It's more common than people realise where 1 in 37 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime. Just in my friendship group alone I have a dozen friends whose families are affected by it. Typical symptoms of the disease include involuntary shaking, balance problems, stiffness, speaking difficulties, insomnia, depression and anxiety. This makes normal aspects of life a huge challenge such as using cutlery, doing buttons up on a shirt, tying shoe laces, socialising, one's independence and all-round mental health.

I take my hat/cycling helmet off to all those battling with Parkinson's disease as if they can get through life with these limitations, then I should be able to get through this race.

Any amount people are able to donate will be much appreciated to help The Cure Parkinson's Trust as they continue their vital research into finding a cure. Thanks for taking the time to read and I'll be posting updates on my training.

Now....... anyone got any good running songs?