Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Incredible but true ... some suckers (2 brother-in-laws) have convinced me to run a half marathon with them in April 2012. I have (foolishly) agreed! That said, it will help me lose a few pounds (in weight) and, much more importantly, it will help me raise a few pounds (in cash) for TUC Aid. TUC Aid is an official charity of the Trades Union Congress for working people in need throughout the world. It:

• contributes to long term development programmes.
• provides substantial humanitarian relief swiftly in emergencies.
• assists through education the growth of independent trade  

http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-11677-f0.cfm

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. So please dig deep and donate now. Thanks a million ..

Stephen Imrie

UPDATE: 12/1/12

- training programme now underway. I am in week 1 of my 12-week schedule. It's 2.5 miles ever other day at the moment. I've a tough but encouraging 'personal coach' with me; my son, Callum, who cycles alongside me and manages the stopwatch!

- Three things I've learned so far: (i) good running shoes are an investment well worth making, (ii) 2.5 miles seems sod all in the car but somewhat different by Shank's pony and, (iii) always visit the loo before training on a cold, winter's night (no-one wants to do a Paula Radcliffe!)

UPDATE: 25/1/12

Training well underway and going well. Big test on Sunday when I run 5 miles for the first time.

I've learnt a couple more things about training: (i) the importance of a good coach (my teenage son cycles alongside me with a stopwatch, a few words of encouragement and a bull-whip! and (ii) the support of a good partner to keep the show on the road at home whilst I pound streets. When I make my thank you speech at the end of the race (you do get to do one don't you?), I'll sound like I'm getting an Oscar.

UPDATE: 29/1/12 - TEST #1

First big test today. Training plan requires a 5 mile jog (or is that slog). Biggest test is working out how far away 2.5 miles so I know when to turn back. Anyway ... on with the kit and off we go ...

(post-run) Went really well. Feeling pretty good after that. Almost enjoyed running in the cold, afternoon sun to Stirling from Bridge of Allan. Stirling Castle on one side and the Wallace Monument on the other. You can't but be inspired to run on! 

UPDATE: 3/2/12

Sponsorship website goes live! Already 38% towards target of £300. Here comes the commercial .... thank you to all my kind sponsors. You are all very generous. That's the good news. Bad news is there is no backing out now. Off out tonight again; this time it is a 50minute run building up to over 5 miles again at the weekend.

UPDATE: 3/2/12 #2

Thanks to the kind donations from all, I am up to 84% of my target after only a few hours. No turning back now ... I will think of all the good that this money will do to spur me on and keep putting one (tired) leg in front of another.

UPDATE: 5/2/12

Wow people, £355 and counting. Very generous indeed. At least I had 355 reasons not to stop on the long run today. My training plan is designed to that Sunday's are the days with the longest run. Around 6 miles was the total today, achieved in one hour flat. If I can keep that pace up, I'll manage round the half marathon course in around 2.5 hours, which would be great. I just ache now, sore knees and a tender bone in one foot. Nothing that a hot bath won't cure.

UPDATE: 6/2/12

Wow again people. £470 now. I am genuinely touched.

UPDATE: 7/2/12

And now over £500. I cannot express my gratitude enough. I am also inspired by all of the lovely messages and inspirational quotes. This does make all the difference. Having managed the 6 mile planned run on Sunday and 'earned' the rest day that follows, tonight sees a 40min so called 'recovery run'. There is an oxymoron for you all to savour!

UPDATE: 12/2/12

Thank you again to everyone. Now raised double my target, which is wonderful. Today was another big test (how I am loving Sundays!). As Bon Jovi once sang .... "Whoa, half way there ...". Yes, today's test was a tough 7 miles, completed in 1 hour and 20mins. At this pace, I'll come in in around 2.5 to 3 hours, which is my goal. Knees don't half ache though! But, I won't let all my sponsors down.

UPDATE: 19/2/12

Another mile added to the Sunday run. Managed 8 miles this time in around 1.5 hours, so still sticking to the 12 mins per mile running pace. Feeling pretty good about it and it was such a lovely day to run from Stirling out through Bridge of Allan. Not sure if it is just me, but there seems to be lot more fellow joggers out there. Just wish cars would bother to indicate they are tunring when you are approaching a road you want to run across! £655 now in sponsorship; thanks all!

UPDATE: 24/3/12

Unbelievable amount of sponsorship raised so far. Now well over £700 which is incredible.

Training still going well, although it seems scarily close now; only 3 more weekends I think. Aches and pains now dominate all my thinking, whether it is a sore foot or knees. I want my body back!

Big step to be taken tomorrow (Sunday 25th March) of next week when I have to go for double figures and run 10 to 12 miles. Then the tapering in training starts as we ease towards race day on 15th April.

UPDATE 2/4/12

Bad news - wimped out of the 10-12 mile run last Sunday and only managed 5 miles.

Good news - did it this Sunday. Successfully managed 11.5 miles this weekend in a little over 2hrs 20mins. That should put me on track for 2.5 to 3hrs (which is my target). Legs a little sore today and foot very sore (arch pain) but that usually heals in a day or two. Training eases off now in terms of the longer runs so it's time to keep fitness levels up, conserve energy and load up on the carbs!

FINAL UPDATE: 15/4/12

Race day arrives ... everyone up at 06h00 and out for Edinburgh. Race started at 09h00 on a beautiful sunny and cold morning - perfect conditions. Mixture of excitement and fear all round! Race goes well for first 8 miles or so and then you hit the famous wall. Miles 8 to 10 are a long hard and very painful slog along the Grassmarket but made all the more doable by the cheers and good wishes of family and relatives along the way (I could not have made it without you). The final miles are more easy as the thought of finishing drags you along. Final time across the finish line was 2h30mins, which smashed my goal of 3hrs. I am so chuffed. Gary and Mark make 1h50 and 1h30 respectively, which is awesome.

So what next .... NYC marathon on 2013 anyone?!