Gearing up for 20 miles...

Claire takes on her longest run in the training plan tomorrow when she sets off on a 20 miler. She'll be running from Daventry to Draycote Reservoir near Rugby, followed by approximately 3 laps around the water.

The next time she reaches this distance will be on the big day - in just 3 weeks.

Please continue to pledge your support upto the Marathon on 22 April. Thank you.

Thanks Karen

Many thanks to Karen Ball for helping raise £81.92 at her birthday party last night. The bucket on the bar was a resounding success and we're touched by the generosity of the people who attended the party - many of whom didn't even know us - and we greatly appreciate Karen's idea to help raise funds. This amount goes to the JDRF collection.

...18 miles !!!

Saturday morning and the roads were awash with sunlight, and the birds were clinging for dear life to the hedgerows. Blustery conditions met Claire on her longest training challenge yet, but this time she was meant to be accompanied by husband Dan for the entire run. However, I had gone to drop the car off at Draycote so that we could both return in comfort following the run, but Claire set off from home before I was back. I was returning in another car when I passed her in Braunston - 2 miles from home! This was going to be my challenge - catching her up - as I was there as watercarrier and provider of energy drinks.

Clearly by the time I departed from home on my mountain bike, Claire had run 4 miles so in the extreme wind it was going to be tough. Not exactly used to pushing myself over this distance, I caught up with Claire after 9 miles - work that one out! I was exhausted, let alone Claire, but at least now I could cycle beside her at running pace, with friend Dave along for the ride too.

Claire looked comfortable throughout the run and there is great hope for the Marathon now, after some doubts perhaps began to creep in when she was picking up injuries. In 2 hours 42 minutes, Claire completed the 18 miles. Excellent!

Now there's just one more long run (amongst many shorter efforts) before the big day.

Longest Run Yet - Again!!

Yesterday saw Claire reach her furthest distance to date with completion of a 16 mile training run. Conditions were blustery, which led to a slower pace than anticipated yet nonetheless still impressive - 2 hours 25 minutes - around Draycote Water.

With just 6 weeks to go before the big day, 18 and 20 mile runs loom just ahead. Next Saturday Claire plans to complete the 18 mile run with Dan in tow (on his bike), though she is battling against injuries to knees and back as the miles take their toll.

Mileage to date...257.6 in 38 hours on the road, with an additional 30 hours in the gym.

Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated!! Please provide comments on this site...

Kelmarsh race cancelled

Sunday's 15 mile race in Kelmarsh has been cancelled by the organisers. Claire had intended to use the event as part of her training plan in the build up towards the London Marathon on 22 April. However, recent heavy rain has led to waterlogged fields used for parking and the start/finish area (see pic showing the Kelmarsh Estate Manager), and subsequently cancellation on safety grounds.

Claire will continue her training with a run elsewhere, as the event has actually been postponed until May. She is coming back well from a back injury that prevented her hitting the roads last week, but after seeking medical treatment she appears to be back on track.

Any messages of support will be gratefully received as she is putting in some great effort in order to achieve her objective of sub-4 hours.

Please also feel free to continue sponsorship to either of our nominated charities, from this page. It would be helpful if you would forward the address of this page to anyone who may be interested. Thank you.