Since my teens I always imagined running a marathon, I wasn't a bad runner so why not.  I thought of many a race I wanted to join and always thought next year, next year.  I was also under the impression that a marathon distance wasn't all that far, anyone can do it.  Well the truth is anyone can .... but the harsh truth is it isn't that easy and requires more dedication and effort than I ever thought.  So being the impetuous individual I am I thought lets finally sign up for the Marathon Des Sables; some 30 years after I first saw it publicized as the "toughest footrace in the world".  A self sufficient desert marathon over 6 days carrying all your food from day 1 to day 6 covering 156 miles (250Km's) or just over. A healthy marathon a day with a double marathon thrown in for good measure on day 4, they allow you a rest day for day 5, before the final marathon on day 6.

So I signed up thinking I'd need to train, 2 years minimum.  Well I ended up being entered for the 2015 race.... that gave me 12 months!! Hooray for the idiot.

I jumped into training and entered my first ever Half Marathon (Bristol Sept 2014).  A respectable 1hr34 mins later I was happy I had done my first 13+miles in an official  race.  Now I only had to consider the marathon distance, I have never done a marathon in my life, 13+ miles was also my first. 

Now I am entered into 2 ultra marathons, Druids the 7th November 84 miles in 3 days and Pilgrims (Feb 2015) 60 miles in 2 days before my nemesis marathon des sables 150+ miles in 6 days April 2015.

And now to the serious bit.  I'm running these distances for my own personal satisfaction, totally selfish and just for me.  Outside of my little world there are soldiers who have given more than just their time and energy to protect and serve the country of their birth and in some cases the country that adopted them.  They asked for nothing but they put themselves in harms way to do what they thought was right or maybe just what they were ordered to do, without hesitation, without thought of themselves.  Many, unfortunately, lost their lives and many tragically suffered physically or mentally.  I would like to raise as much money as I can for these men and women who now need our help.  They have given more than many of us can imagine I just want to try and give a little back to help them in their time of need.  Please help to support me, anything you can spare would be much appreciated. However large or small, it's all for a good cause.