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We have adopted the name 'Team Renal'. The team consists of three renal consultants, one renal registrar and one renal nurse. We all recognise the good work that the Tayside Kidney Patients Association (TKPA) does and have chosen to represent their charity at the Glasgow Half Marathon.

We also have another team member (Jim Foulis) who is participating in the Bealach-na-ba cycle race on the Saturday before the half marathon. He has informed me that they climb a hill that is above the clouds and occasionally he has to avoid aircraft!!! The cycle race covers 91 miles and to complete a further 13 miles on foot a day later will be a monumental achievement. We all wish him good luck for what will be an extremely challanging weekend.

The TKPA is a Scottish charity run by kidney patients, their families, friends and carers, and staff from the Tayside Renal Service.

We started training at the beginning of June with the main aim of trying to run the 13 miles without having to stop and walk. We have all been sharing our training experiences however many have commented that they are unsure as to what is fact and what is fiction. It has been suggested that one of the team has taken it very seriously and has an eye on the first prize! There has been the various tales of old injuries reamerging however this may be a bit of a smoke screen. The banter and rivalry has been held in good spirit howver I will be sure to check that my laces have not been tied together on the start line!

On a serious note, it is sure to be a great day and we would welcome support on the day.

We all finished the half marathon / 10K in one piece. The finishing times are as follows:

Achyut Valluri = 1.48.52

Sean McArtney = 1.51.45

Graham Stewart = 1.56.44

Jim Foulis = 1.58.16

Samira Bell = 2.31.51

Vinod Sanu = 59.45 (10K)

13 miles is a long long way and a few of us felt that the last 3 miles seemed like a further 10 miles. Most people that we had spoken to before the race had said it was a flat course however I can assure you that there were quite a few hills on the course.

We all had a great day and look forward to next years race!!

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