TEAM MARK'S MATES

UPDATED POST 4th October 2021 - Legs feeling a bit weary this morning... was a fantastic experience, enhanced by a 22min PB.  My goal was 3h 20min and I crossed the line in 3:18:18.  Thanks to all the supporters along the way and via this JustGiving page.  Means a lot to me.  Will post some photos when they're ready for public consumption 😂

UPDATED POST 2nd October 2021 - Less than 24 hours to go now... it's been a strange few days during this taper phase with no real running to speak of bar the odd cobweb-blower of a few kms. My legs feel light and ready for the 42.2km, but my mind is a tangled web of trivial decisions (which socks to wear ? 5 or 6 gels ?) and logistical questions (why is Cutty Sark DLR shut on race day ?). Weather looks pretty good for Sunday morning (11C-15C) although could get breezy in the final 10km. Resting up today after a little leg stretcher in Shoreditch Park then spending the afternoon like a 7 yr old on Xmas eve 😂. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated and for their support throughout this process.  Appreciated.  I'll send a race update after the marathon as I know some are interested in the data (well, at least 2 people anyway!).

UPDATED POST 30th September 2021 - I know the race is imminent now as my Garmin watch is telling me I'm in 'Recovery' mode and that I really ought to be running a marathon in about 3 hours 😂. I'll ignore the algos on my timepiece and focus on my race strategy now. If I keep mentioning the weather forecast for Sunday please forgive me - it's a runner thing. Thanks all for donations so far, always appreciated.

UPDATED POST 14th September 2021 - after much uncertainty we finally know the London Marathon will take place on October 3rd so it's time to get the fund-raising show back on the road. Expect to hear from me soon...😁🏃🏼‍♂️. If it helps you decide on whether to donate, know that I'll be working super hard on raceday, aiming for a time of 3.20, which is over 20 minutes faster than I've ever run a marathon before. So if you want to push me through the pain barrier, you know what to do.  THANK YOU.

UPDATED POST Summer 2021 - Many of you know I have run in memory of our dear friend Mark for the past few years, and more recently also to remember my dad. This year I am running on behalf of the British Red Cross and am proud to extend my involvement with this amazing organisation having been a volunteer at their Refugee Support unit in London. It's not altogether altruistic - I love running and am probably addicted to the thrill of the London marathon when so many people take over the streets of our capital. If you've not tried it I recommend it and would be happy to give some advice on training. As always any donation, no matter how small, will be much appreciated and will make a difference to someone who is in need. I apologise for asking again - this really should be the remit of governments but that is sadly not the case. So we'll just get on with it then.

UPDATED POST 26th April 2020 - Today was meant to see over 40,000 runners hit the streets of London, supported by 750,000 people along the route of the best marathon in the world. That won't happen of course given current circumstances but it doesn't mean we can't dream and it doesn't mean the need for funds at many charities disappears. With so much uncertainty for so many (not least financial) I'm not expecting too many donations but if you can spare a little something for the British Red Cross I'd be extremely grateful.  As it happens the Red Cross is heavily involved in supporting the effort to confront the corona virus, not least in bringing food and medical supplies to those that are in need. I hope to have a more positive message come October 4th 2020 which is the current date for the marathon (although it's possible this won't happen). Stay safe all.