There is so much you can write on these pages, but i think i will keep my speal short and sweet and try and keep you updated on my personal progress in my training so keep coming back and telling all to visit my page.

I am going to be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support once again as their support at the London Triathlon this year was awesome and i have decided to run for the Green Army again.  The work that Macmillan do with Cancer sufferers is priceless and make the lives of people and their families living with Cancer so much easier than it would be without their help.  Please visit their website and see how much they really do as its probably more than you think.

Another obvious reason and the main reason i am running for a cancer charity is for my brother Dick who died of the disease 13 years ago at the age of 42.  Thats too young for a man to be taken by the disease and particularly a man so strong and with a lovely wife and three kids.  We still miss him and its a driver for me coming down that embankment and helping me through those painful last miles.

UPDATE 27/04/09:

Firstly, i would like to thank everyone for their donations and support for Macmillan Cancer Support and have raised a fantastic amount so far which is also fantastic in these hard times for us all financially...  It was great to see that the spirit out on that course was so great in what they call a recession and i would say another Great Depression...

Its all over now and i completed the 26.2 miles in 4:05:02 which was amazingly exactly the same time (to the second) as Gordon Ramsay, so at least he didn't beat me!  It was so hot out there and the sun didn't let up all day, so it was so important to get your strategy right and i feel so much for the runners who were clocking 5 hours plus as when i finished and was hwading home the sun was still burning bright...

My race went fairly well and the injury held up  as much as it could (It was threatening to go) which made me not push myself too much out of my comfort zone as if i pushed it too hard i think it would have gone and ended my race!  I felt comfortable through 20 miles, but then hit that wall where i had to step it down.  I don't like excuses, but i missed 2 weeks of training half way though my 16 weeks with right calf going and the missed the last 3 weeks with my left calf injury which feels like a rock right now!  Its not an excuse as i am very happy with my time and on a fully fit day, i think i could have threatened my PB of 3:50 which i am going to go for next year.

The crowd on those  26.2 miles were absolutely great and every few yards you get a shout and makes you push that little bit more out of yourself especially those last 6 and a bit miles... I think PAOLO was pretty popular on the front of my vest and interacting with crowds and encouraging other runners around you was the most enjoyable part of that day... Well, seeing that finish line and going across the finish line is a bit emotional!  That may nick it!  I would also like to say a massive thank you to the Team Macmillan cheering teams as they were unbelieable as every time i passed them they went crazy and that made me react in the same way and also went a bit mental...

Its now time to get online and enter the ballot for my 7th London Marathon and first Virgin London Marathon... I can't explain how great that day is and i just want to express my thanks to all of you for helping me raise so much money, pushing me on and making it a day to remember...  I can't bring my brother back, but i hope i've made him proud... Paolo x

Heres to your genorousity!

God bless you all and spread the word.

Paolo