When I reached the grand old age of 30 I had an epiphany. Mike Straney, you've gotten soft, a voice said unto me. Gone is the super-buff, ladykilling machine of your youth, replaced by a body that manages to be skinny and flabby at the same time (I'm actually eating a large bag of Skips as I write this).  You need to prove to the world that you've still "got it" (assuming you ever had it).
 
So I was presented with a choice - buy a motorbike and start sleeping with much younger women, or take on a physical challenge that would test me to the brink of collapse...and then test me some more.  Realising that my poor balance, lack of spatial awareness and inability to speak to anyone who hasn't heard of Danger Mouse precluded option 1, I decided to risk permanent physical injury by running a marathon.

On Sunday 23rd May I'll be staggering my way round Edinburgh Marathon, referred to on the website as "the fastest marathon in the UK" (we'll see about that).  Whilst my natural athleticism will get me part of the way round (ahem), I have done a bit of training, and a pretty painful experience it has been (apart from wearing tight leggings in the cold weather, which I enjoyed immensely).

I'm running in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, a cause that you probably all know is very close to my heart (and not just because I work for them...).  Marie Curie provides nursing care for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes, giving them the choice to spend their final days where they want to be, surrounded by the people they love.  So please sponsor me to help provide this care to people who really need it.  Every penny makes a difference (though if any of you sponsor me a penny, I'll be coming for you).

Thanks a million for your support

Mike

PS. If I end up crossing the finish line with liquid poo running down my legs, jokes will not be appreciated...