A long and winding marathon tale, in memory of Stu Burke

October 2010

2010-10-16T14:17:00.001+01:00

Wow - that was a long time ago, wasn't it?

Nobody has run any marathons since 2008, but everybody still remembers Stu.

We've done it!

2008-04-23T09:27:00.003+01:00

So we all met up in London the day before. At this point I've got a mixed bag of emotions, one minute feeling calm, the next anxious then sick and so on, but after we 'd been to the EX BO and registered our numbers and had a couple of medicinal London prides all was well and calm again.
When morning came the sun was shining, so after a good breakfast and a kiss off the wife and family (oh and don't forget the photos for the web) we were off.
With a trickle of adrenalin flowing the journey to the start went with ease and after dropping our bags off we were soon at the starting line with the other thousands of runners.
Just enough time to say hello to an old school mate and the horn sounded, wishing each other well we were set. After months of training I was about to do one of the biggest things in my life, with that thought came a massive rush of adrenalin and we were off.
The plan was we would stick together for a couple of miles and then, because i was running a 10 minute mile pace and Ben and Chris were running a 9 minute mile pace, we would part company. After a few miles the lads were off chasing the Kenyans and I settle down into a good pace, enjoying the bands and soaking up the atmosphere.
The night before Lucia, my sis, had sent me a picture message showing a banner they had made saying" do it for Stu " in big green lettering. At the 6 or 7 mile mark and out of the blue I caught sight of the banner then spotted Mum, Lu and Laurence so I crossed the flow of runners for a quick hello.
Settling back down into my pace we were running through Bermondsey - eyes peeled I was on the look out for Ali , Anna and the crew and sure enough there they were cheering me on; shouting a quick hello i was off again.
Then, at around the 8or9 mile mark, came the rain which at first was welcoming but as it got heavier and I got wetter it soon became very unpleasant. I started to get a pain on my little toes, there was something not quite right but it wasn't bothering too much so I carried on.
The further I ran the more intense the pain got, so at the 14 mile mark I spotted St Johns Ambulance bloke with some Vaseline and decided to stop and take a look. Trainers and socks came off to reveal the biggest, reddest, sorest blisters on my little toes I had ever seen. Vaseline was not going to do the trick! I was advised to have them seen to in the medical tent where they kindly dressed them.
Feeling annoyed and in pain I was off again running then walking then running then walking and so on.
The crowds were great, shouting words of encouragement and doing their up-most to keep us all motivated. Out of the blue at the 19 mile mark Chris and Carl appeared, and then again at 19.5. At that point I stopped to say hello and tell how much it hurt! It definitely helped my motivation seeing them.
Off I went again but didn't get much further when I felt an excruciating pain in my left little toe, luckily there was a medical tent yards away so I asked for help. The dressing that had been put on earlier had come off and the new pain was my toe nail coming off but still attacked by the skin bubble. It was like a war zone in that tent with people collapsed on the floor and collapsing as I sat there. Patched up again I was happy to get out there and carry on with the job in hand.
The next 5 miles were the hardest miles I have ever run, each getting longer and each getting harder, with people dropping like flies all around. I started to question whether I could do it A few quiet words with Stu and the thought of letting the side down got me through.
Big Ben in my sights I new I was nearly home and then with less than a mile to go that same excruciating pain as before but on the right toe, had to stop for a moment.
Knowing what the problem was i gritted my teeth and ran, getting faster and faster until there in front of me was the finish. With tears in my eyes, physically and mentally exhausted I crossed the line. I HAD FINISHED!!! What a fantastic feeling.

Stu I ran for you and you ran with me. Thankyou.

Now all I wanted to do was find Ali and Anna and give them a big kiss and cuddle, and catch up with the rest of the crew.

It has been just over a week since London, the toes have dried up and nails fallen off, the legs are back to normal and all is well.

I need to thank Ali and Anna for helping me through it giving me all that love, support and encouragment, love you guys.

Did i enjoy? Yes, one hell of an experience but the second part of it could have been better!
Would I do it again? Yes definately, but not next year!

Had some time to reflect on the memory of Stu, I think it's fantastic what all of us have acheived, in our own way we've all done our bit to keep Stu alive in our hearts.

Let's all carry on doing good!

Ben's race report - how was it for you?

2008-04-15T22:07:00.005+01:00

It's taken me a couple of days to get my head back into one piece after Sunday - and I suppose I better get this posted before the memories become muddled, which normally happens to me within about a week of anything!

So the day went like this...

Work up bright and early, and feeling mostly pretty calm (having spent the whole week in a state of nervous anticipation / excitement / blind panic) had a good breakfast with the family, and we headed out onto the tube. Got to the start in good time - an amazing sea of people, activity, colours costumes, music and noise - but mostly just a blur to me as I went over everything in my head - making sure plenty of deep heat on the knees, stretching, drinking litres of water and then getting onto the starting line.

I say line, more of a starting mile, as 35,000 people all tried to get an extra yard forwards in case it made all the difference..... and then there was a bang, a cheer, and the crowd surged forwards.... slowly!

Now I was never really going to get on Martin Lel's back, but it's incredible how many people had set themselves up in the wrong place on the grid, so the first 3 or 4 miles were a kind of walk run jog shuffle excuse me sorry bump jog shuffle sorry mate trip stumble thing until the throng finally started to thin out a bit (about the same time as the guy in the thinned out thong ran past - oof!)

The sun was shinning, the crowds were cheering, and I settled into a nice steady 9 minute / mile pace - just what I wanted. In fact, it felt just like any other Sunday long run, except with more people in the way, and few more people cheering and waving than usual.

I can't imagine any other event with an atmosphere like this, and when I spotted Helen, Thomas and Jake, with Ali, Nikki and the girls, cheering for us it was such a huge buzz. In fact, that was definately the very best part of the day for me!

Thinking back, the first 17-18 seemed to fly by - and while by this time I'm feeling pretty tired, all of the important body parts seemed to be working well. The burst of rain and hail wasn't overly welcome, but didn't really do much harm either.

Somewhere between 20 and 22 miles I really started to flag - the legs just feeling so tired, and all sorts of leg muscles shouting at me, and I knew that I had slowed right down.

A little further, and just keeping the feet moving was a real struggle, so I decided that the smart move would be to walk for a minute, then run for a mile, then walk for a minute, then run for a while,... then run for some minutes..... then jog for a few minutes......... then walk for a while... then walk for a while.... then ........ jog.... walk for a while........

So now I'm at about 23.5 miles. my brain knows that a couple of miles is nothing, and if I just get running now I'll be home in no time, but the legs just did not want to play - so I'm walking, and trying to stretch the aching legs as I go, and searching for the strength to get running again. By now, I'm as emotionally exhausted as physically.

I got talking to another guy walking along - Ali, from St Albans, who turns 40 this year. And between us, we figured it was worth a go to see if we could just jog in the last couple of miles, and so at no great pace, and talking a bit to keep our minds off the pain, we stepped up to the mark, and finished the run in style!

Seeing the "800 metres" sign, and hearing the crowd noise building, and then seeing the finish just around the bend kicked up a wave of euphoria, and crossing the line was just a huge a massive release - glad it was over, delighted that my knees had kept on going, relieved I could stop at last, and ecstatic that I'd done it!

So I didn't quite hit the time target I'd set myself - I would have loved to have made it in under 4 hours, but do I feel the need to come back next year and nail that?

Right now, I think maybe not. We set out to pay tribute to the memory of Stu, and I think that, in lots of different ways, we have done him justice.

I'm really proud of myself, and the other boys (who I am sure will be posting their own thoughts soon!) We've had more encouragement that I ever imagined, the generosity of so many on the fundraising front has been incredible, it's hard to know how to really thank everybody.

Most of all, I have to pay tribute to Helen - my wonderful wife, and my two cheeky boys Thomas and Jake, who have been so patient and supportive for the last few months. Getting those hugs at the end made it all worth while!

Congratulations!

2008-04-13T21:23:00.001+01:00

Well done,Stu would have been so proud,& many thanks for doing what stu always wanted to do.

We are looking forward to seeing you in The Black Bull on Friday for a few drinks.

Thanks again

Norm,Chris & Sara.

3 winners!

2008-04-13T19:18:00.000+01:00

Proud to say thatall 3 runners made it back alive - faster than a 1st class stamp too!

A truly incredible journey, the crowds were awesome, and seeing the wives and kids, family and friends cheering us on was just brilliant.

Lots to say about the day, but that can wait. Right now, we're in TGI's ordering big burgers and chips!

Food of champions

2008-04-13T19:06:00.000+01:00

Champion!

2008-04-13T16:38:00.000+01:00

Gonzales

2008-04-13T16:08:00.000+01:00

Did it!

2008-04-13T15:39:00.000+01:00

Words to follow...

Legs

2008-04-13T10:26:00.000+01:00

On the way to the start

2008-04-13T10:22:00.000+01:00

Here we go!

2008-04-13T09:34:00.001+01:00

At the start now, no looking back. See you at the other end!

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It's here!

2008-04-13T09:33:00.000+01:00

Breakfast had, wives and kids kissed, excited!

Nervous face 1

2008-04-12T18:56:00.000+01:00

Nervous face 3

2008-04-12T17:59:00.000+01:00

Nervous face 2

2008-04-12T17:53:00.000+01:00

The Final Countdown

2008-04-12T08:22:00.002+01:00

Saturday morning, and just about to head down to the Big Smoke!

Physio trip last night for a final knead of the hamstring, but if it hasn't worked I will know soon enough! It's all over bar the shouting now, we just have to get out there and do it.

I feel very nervous just now - have I got everything, what am I going to eat, how will my hamstring hold up etc etc - the one thing that keeps me going is the believe that, unless I get carried away by ambulance - I WILL complete this thing.

Just a final thank you to everyone before I go - all the people who have donated, Ben and Dom for their humour and support, Ped and Norman for the 'Concert for Stu', but most of all Nickie for her patience and support whilst I have neglected her and the kids for the past six months whilst training - fingers crossed it will all have been worthwhile tomorrow.

Last little jog

2008-04-10T21:52:00.003+01:00

Ran an easy couple of miles this evening, my last time out before Sunday, and got completely soaked. Looking at the forecast for the weekend, I s'pose we might as well get used to that - it's gonna be a wet one!

Feeling a lot calmer now, and really starting to look forward to Sunday. Can't think what else to say, so won't.

Run Boys Run...

2008-04-10T20:47:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Ben, Chris & Dom for all your hardwork training for the run on sunday we really appreciate what you are doing in stu's memory, thanks to everyone who has sponsored the lads and raised a fantastic amount of money for epilepsy action .

Stu would be so proud , he will be with you in spirit every step of the way, keep safe and look forward to seeing you all on TV on sunday morning.

Enjoy the day

Norman,Chris, & Sara.

Strange!

2008-04-09T16:41:00.002+01:00

Its been a hard slog for the past 3 or 4 months and now with only a few days left before the big run I'm finding it abit strange not running, eating as much as i can and just resting. I think my body thinks it has done the run as this week I've been full of a chest infection and a cold, but its on its way out now luckily.
Just been to pick up the running vests from the printers, we've had our names printed on the front and a good sized picture of stuey on the back, looking good many thanks to Gill and Andrew at Aden Tudor. Will get Ben to post a picture !
The strangest thing of all is that i'm starting to get excited and looking forward to sunday with the odd butterfly in my belly. Bring it on!

Insomnia

2008-04-08T08:15:00.001+01:00

Didn't sleep well last night, too much going on in the brain.

Is my calf ok? Should I be eating more carbs? Less carbs? What will my knees do if I go for a run on Wednesday? Have I got a cold? Am I worrying too much?

This is what happens when I've got nothing to worry about.
I worry that maybe there is something I should be worried about but haven't thought of it, so I go through all the options just in case!

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This time next week...

2008-04-07T08:39:00.002+01:00

Bu this time next week, it'll be all over.

What will we do with our time?

Ideal marathon diet?

2008-04-05T22:23:00.005+01:00

Pepperoni pizza, red wine & chocolate cake, or grilled fish, boiled spuds and green salad: You decide!

What really stings is that, even if I eat nothing but raw veg, wholemeal pasta, nuts and berries for the rest of the week, I'm still not going to be as thin or fit as I should be

Cotton wool week

2008-04-05T11:04:00.003+01:00

After 3 solid months of determined hard training, out in all weather, fighting through the pain and giving pretty much all of our spare time over to running, this last week we've all fallen to bits!

Between us, there's a twisted ankle, riped calf, torn hamstring and chest infection - I think that as soon as we've stopped the manic training,, and tried to wind down for the big day, every niggle, virus, stretch and strain has suddenly seized the opportunity to come out of the woodwork.

Really, I'm sure there's nothing that won't be healed up by Monday or Tuesday - and there is no extra benefit in punishing ourselves in training now, so this week is all about wrapping ourselves up in cotton wool, eating the right foods, and letting our bodies get over the shock of a few days off so we can get psyched up for next Sunday!

There's an odd compulsion that I should be out running at least 6 miles a day, and doing another 15-20 over this weekend, but in reality that wouldn't be big or clever, so I'm going to keep my head down - maybe go for a swim this afternoon, and a bit of gentle jogging for the next few days.

Will I ever learn?

2008-04-02T21:19:00.001+01:00

Why oh why oh why oh why oh why oh why do I never learn?

Trying to keep up with longlegs always hurts!
Even without the Vest of Speed on (armpit chaffing issues) my legs and lungs have not worked at that tempo for a long time.

I'm off down the bookies to put a fiver on Gonzales Swarbrick for a top ten finish.
Happily no major reaction from the knees, and apart from one slightly shredded calf I'm in good health. That should be healed up in a couple of days, but no more heroics from me till the mall is in sight!

My motto from now: Gentle Jog. Repeat ten times...

PS just ordered a fruit salad for dessert, with no cream or ice cream. How obssesive am I?

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The final countdown!

2008-04-01T20:56:00.002+01:00

No run tonight - I would just like to say though that I finally reduced Ben to silence last night - 4.5 punishing miles with a few sprints along the way - although to be honest I didn't feel too great myself at the end of it!

Have to agree with the boys comments over the past couple of days - Saturday was a brilliant night and the fact that we raised over £2K is a wonderful achievement, so thanks to everyone.

Whilst on the thankyou trail Dom, Ben and I want to say a big thanks to Pam Proctor and the girls from the Garstang Dance School - they have donated the proceeds of their latest show to the cause and have boosted our coffers by £400 - a magnificent effort.

Just a few more lazy runs and then the big day - I am mentally conditioning myself that, as Dom and Ben keep telling me, it doesn't matter if we get beaten by elephants, rhinos or deep sea divers as long as we finish!!

Concert for Stuart - Thank you

2008-03-31T21:50:00.001+01:00

norman,chris ,& sara would like to thank everybody who helped with the concert.on saturday night , which was a great success raising £2285.00 towards the marathon fund, special thanks to ped & carole for the great food,we would like to thank stephanie,norm, & crispin for their musical contribution, the lostheads for raising the roof and the neighbours for calling the police ,they didnt get in because they had no ticket, liam the dj was the star of the show with his singing and charismatic charm.

Stu would have been so proud to see all of his friends and family in one place having a good time, sara has put the pictures on facebook.

thanks again norman ,chris,& sara

Raising the bar!

2008-03-30T22:18:00.003+01:00

Right then - we've trained hard, and begged hard, and many many generous people have donated hard as well. So thank you all, we've hit the original target we set of £6,000, so in true 'working in the rought tough world of business' fashion, it looks like we're going to get cocky and push our target higher!

The public vote - which did have a better turnout that a typical general election - has put 92% of our public in favour of the idea too. So here's the deal:

The three of us will raise our aspirations, and up our fundraising goal to £10,000 - and in return, we ask that you call / email / text / mither all your mates and ask them to come and sponsor us too! you know where to go: www.justgiving.com/stuburkememory

In the meantime, after a cracking night out, I'm delighted to be enjoying my first hangover of the year. No more booze until the afterwards now, but great to let the hair down, even if just the once!

Oh what a NIGHT !!!!!!

2008-03-30T12:15:00.002+01:00

An absolutely fabulous night, eating, dancing, singing and drinking fantastic! In the last slog to the big day I've been feeling like I've lost all motivation, however last night was just what I personally needed - seeing everyone there: every single person there was doing their bit for the memory of Stu. That has given me that push I need to complete my part. Thanks to everyone!

We almost look the part!

2008-03-29T12:27:00.002Z

This is how we look before running 18 miles today...

Saturdays Route

2008-03-28T23:54:00.000Z

View Larger Map

Not forgotten!

2008-03-27T19:06:00.004Z

All good on the training so far this week - going to do another long one (18 miles) on Saturday, leaving us a clear run to have 2 or maybe even 3 small glasses of weak larger on at the do on Saturday night.

Much respect to Norman, Ped, Carol, Chris and everybody else that's been working hard to organise that, I'm told that the tickets are already changing hands on eBay for up to $800 and a used iPhone!

The incoming sponsors seemed to have dried up over the last few days, and I must admit that I was starting to think that we'de got as far as we could, but some really kind donations came on today and yesterday, which restores the confidence, and I'm thinking again that maybe we should push up the target. What do you rekon? Vote now! ->

Back in the game

2008-03-24T22:52:00.000Z

Nice to have a few days of this week, couple of good runs midweek, then THREE WHOLE DAYS OFF! No joke, as well as 2 days at Legoland (very cool) also took the liberty of a sunday off as well. The way I see it, when Asda is shut, it must be a day of rest.
After we all survived last weekend, the feet have been taken off the gas, maybe a bit too much, so for me, a bit of graft is due over the next 10 days to make sure I've got the best chance of getting round in good shape on the day.
What else do we know? Looks like the band night is going to be a full house. The nippers are off to our kid's for the night (cheers kid!), so hair will get let down, and the sponsorship mission is well on track too. No worries!

Back on track?!

2008-03-22T12:14:00.002Z

Physio visit yesterday - she could feel two tears on the hamstring, but not too bad. I had ultrasound treatment and a 'deep' massage and am free to run on Monday (although not too far).

It turns out that my calves may well be the route of the problem - apparently they were 'very tight' as I push off too hard from my toes when I run, which in turn puts pressure on my hamstring - no idea whether this is true but it sounded good and I feel much happier today as I am allowed to run!!

Fingers crossed for Monday........

One thing it has brought home to me is that I may have been getting too carried away with trying to break 4 hours - I am now acutely aware that I just need to get round - particularly so that I can claim all my sponsorship, remember Stu in the right way and not have to do all the bloody training all over again!!

Update

2008-03-20T20:16:00.002Z

Hamstring has felt tight all day - but I can walk no problem so hopefully no major issues - I have booked to see a physio tomorrow (Bank Holiday - how much!!).

The only upside of not being able to run is that I am taking the opportunity to have a couple of beers..................

Not a man of many words!

2008-03-20T15:46:00.002Z

Good run at the week end but need to keep motivated to get out there and train its not over yet!
After a few days off, i took my new trainers out for a razz around the block, a steady 5 miles until running past the black bull decided to open it up a little lowering my arms and more of a swing felt like a Gazelle bounding down the road which makes a nice change.
As with my Golf I'm now a fair weather runner so just waiting for it to buck up a bit before venturing out again so it doesn't feel like I'm pushing a elephant into the wind.

Frozen peas!

2008-03-19T20:31:00.003Z

Balderdash!

Had an absolutely terrible day at work, so thought I would go for a run to get it out of my system. Ran 3 miles no worries (my first run since the 20 miler on Saturday), then felt my right hamstring let go - it has been tight before but this was something worse and did not feel good.

I stopped straigt away, and walked the 2 miles home, which didn't help my mood or my leg. I am currently sat on a bag of frozen peas, hoping against hope that this is nothing too bad and that I will be OK in the morning - I will be so p*ssed off if I have done something serious with less than a month to go.

I will update tomorrow.

The Vest of Speed!

2008-03-18T21:16:00.004Z

Maybe it's because I've had two full days off running, or maybe it's because I've been sat on the motorway most of the day. Perhaps going out for just 6 miles after the epic long one at the weekend is such a relief, or it could just be because I went out earlier than usual, before dinner, so without that extra weight.

But I think it's all down to the fact that our marathin vests have turned up from the charity, and wearing it tonight to 'break it in' has revelaed it's secret powers.

It's the VEST OF SPEED!!!

I've not run that fast since I was 13, getting chased around the streets of Ashton by chavvies after a fight with anybody they saw (especially a gobster like me!)

I took 2 minutes off by best ever time on 6 miles, running a minute per mile quicker than my typical plod!

Probably be back to my normal sluggish slog the next time, but man, that felt good - almost like being a proper runner!!!

A typical Saturday afternoon....

2008-03-16T10:11:00.004Z

Blimey! 20 miles!

That's like running from Dom's house all the way past the far end of Garstang, then turning round and running all the way back.

If only we were clever, we would have throught to maybe do the extra 0.3 of a mile, and end up at the Bull for a well earned pint........ mmmmmmm!

It was a bit different, to be going out in the afternoon - and lots more people seemed to be passing us and waving, which always helps. Maybe that's just down to the statistics of it though, if you're out for 3.5 hours, you're bound to see more people, right?

Got a bit sluggish around the 14 mile mark, but the joint efforts of Lucazade Sport, and the news that PNE had help their own away to those wi' t'pier spurred me back on, and managed to plod on for the distance.

After the well-earned and a shower, my old mucker Tommy T and the lovely Catherine came round for tea, and I'm not ashed to admit that I had more than the statutory one glass of wine. Today is a definate day of rest though, so I think I've got away with it.

Also wanted to drop a mention to thank Uncle Jim for his kind and generous donation to the fund - I'm told he's an avid blog fan too, good man!

There's lots of other things going on to help support the fundraising - but I'll leave it to others to fill you in on those for now.

Five Grand!

2008-03-14T08:33:00.004Z

The sponsors total has just nudged over the £5,000 mark!

>> Should we increase our target? Please vote now! >>

Thanks and thanks again to everybody that has dipped in to help us get this far - I know there are a few more of you out there just waiting for the perfect moment to get onto the website and make your pledges - I say that time is now!

Had a call yesterday from the Lancashire Evening Post - they're going to come and get a couple of photos to run a piece on our antics, so the kids will now think that we're famous (especially as they saw that David Beckham, Jose Murhinio and The Spice Girls have sponsored us!) so hopefully that will raise a bit more awareness: Good work to Ped for making that happen.

Counldn't get out for my run last night, so set the alarm early and went out this morning instead - not a very comfortable experience, but got round in a fairly steady time none the less. Really "looking forwards" to the 20 miles on Saturday!

New shoes

2008-03-11T08:18:00.000Z

Got new trainers, having tried every pair in the shop twice, and ending up with the first ones I looked at. Sound familiar, gents?
Took them for a spin last night, just a couple of easy miles, and they seem just right.
The other good news is that my left knee feels fine.
Or to put it another way, just my right knee is wrecked!
Gonna see if I can get back into the physio sooner not later. Might even wear my new trainers...

Nipples bleed again!!!

2008-03-10T21:05:00.002Z

Thought the nipples would sort them selves out but after our good 14.5 mile run yesterday i thought wrong. What looked like nice pink little things now look like Minny volcanoes and very sore. So with a run looming tonight was the night i went for the shaven look! donned two plasters and i was off, (seemed to do the trick!) Bonus.
Spoke to my mate George Andrews during the week and he mentioned doing back to back training, so instead of the long run on Sunday and then two shorter 10 mile runs during the week with a days rest in between, do two runs on consecutive nights with a days rest in between.
When buying the most expensive running shoes in the shop i thought they would last, but off to the shop tomorrow for a new pair.
With the big day only weeks away I'm starting to feel anxious the 20 mile run on Saturday I'm sure will put the nerves at rest.

2008-03-10T20:10:00.003Z

I was the bright spark who suggested pushing the pace for the last 5 miles - but only because Ben wouldn't bloody well shut up! Honestly, for a man on such a mission he seems determined to give a running commentary (both written and oral) every step of the way.

Now, I know that a few people have commented that Ben seems to be running this blog all on his lonesome, and it is true, Dom and I have not contributed our fair share. To be honest though, I didn't think anyone was reading it!

Chris Bell mentioned on Friday in the pub that lots of people think that he is the Chris that is running. I find that kind of nice, being below the radar. Of course I would like to see more of everyone (family included), but with work and training it is proving to be impossible. I had seriously underestimated how much this would take over my life - out four times a week for up to four hours a time is a serious time commitment, not to mention the recovery times.

As time goes by though, and 14.5 miles no longer seems like a massive challenge, I realise that, more than just my initial goal to get round, I now want to do myself justice along the way. This started out very much as a tribute to someone I regret not seeing more of, but has ended up as something else - no longer do I just want to do it for Stu - I am beginning to want to do it for me.

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who continues to sponsor us - with a month to go I am sure that we will reach our fundraising goal - that said, it would be great if anyone reading this who has sponsoring us down on their 'to do' list please could you move us to the top - I am sure that I speak for all three of us when I say that nothing will give us greater pleasure than achieving what we set out too both in terms of finishing AND reaching our fundraising goal.

Clever clever google!

2008-03-09T20:53:00.004Z

Here's the map of our route today - how clever is that??
Fulwood through Catforth route

Tired and emotional!

2008-03-09T19:58:00.004Z

Feeling a bit odd today - not quite sure if I'm nervous, worried, tired, or just a bit under the weather.

A good long run this morning - not as far as last week, but quicker: we kept up a comfortable steady 10min/mile pace for the first 9.5 miles, then some bright spark thought it would be fun to step it up for the last 5.

Worked well - had to really push myself towards the end, and managed a sprint at the end, but really cream crackered! I think that maybe I need to be pushing myself harder every time I go out now, though I'm always worried (maybe too worried?) about damaging my weak and delicate legs.

After a shower and bite of lunch, took Jake to a party for one of his school mates (Freddie, nice lad) and while the kids were running around making noise and eating cake, I started reading through the London Marathon magazine that arrived last week, containing all of the information about the registration, start procedures etc. There's loads of stuff in there about training, build-up to the big day, past winners, charities, hitting the wall and all that, and bits of it kept sending shivers down my spine - mind kept drifting off, and all that.

There's a kind of wave of euphoria, mixed with emotion and relief, the kind of thing that you might get at reaching a massive physical goal / birth of child / loosing cherry - and I'm sitting reading this magazine all about drinking lucazade and buying adidas, getting flashes of that feeling.

A very strange experience; spent the rest of the afternoon feeling really tired, a but sick, and slightly embarrassed (that last bit is because the zipper on my jeans is busted, and keeps popping open to expose my stripey underpants though, so probably not relevant)

We've still got a few weeks to go, but the big day is looming large in my mind. For a short while last week, I did have a conversation with a person about something else, but only briefly. Mostly, still an obsessive marathon & knee bore.

29 March

2008-03-05T09:03:00.004Z

Get some of this!

Food, drink and music in memory of Stuey - come on!

Bore

2008-03-04T18:38:00.001Z

I think I'm probably a running bore by now, so instead of going on about another run last night which was, to be fair, pretty much the same as most midweek runs, I'll tell you about my exciting physio instead!

First of all, two bits of good news are that I DON'T need my knees amputating, and all this running is probably NOT making them any worse.

There are a couple of things that could be causing me all this grief, so I've got a load of clever new stretches to do for the next few weeks to make my hamstrings into longstrings, them we can hopefully see what else offer to be done to give me proper grown up knee joints.

Anyway, that cheered me up, and now I just need to make sure I don't become a knee bore.

Who needs Monday?

2008-03-03T08:48:00.002Z

Couldn't resist it - had to go out for a gentle jog last night, to get the pins working again from Saturday, and because I was getting sweat-withdrawal syndrome!

This must mean that I am now in some strange sad way, addicted to running. Very odd!

Massive!

2008-03-02T10:16:00.004Z

Saturday morning 8:00am - the wind blowing hard, and a threat of rain in the distance - but the weather holds no fear.

No, the fear comes from the anticipation that we're about to head out running, and not stop for THREE MASSIVE HOURS!

This is where weekend long runs really start to earn their name. 17.5 miles no less, and we need at least two more even longer before the big day...

Route took us past the Bull, down Cadley to Lane Ends, and then along to Lea and up past the Cotty Brook. From here we tour Bartle, Woodplumpton and Broughton, looking forwards to the well needed lucazade planted at the 11 mile mark.

After 2 hours, the rhythm is good, energy levels OK and the legs feeling fine - and it's about now that we end up near the start of what is my normal mid-week run, with an extra hill thrown in for luck.

Past the Withy Trees, and the knees are starting to ache - Dom's shirt is covered in nip blood, and the next 3 miles are counted down with relief, every step bringing the end closer, but every step sapping what strength remains, and sending pain from toes through calves, and finding a new home at the knees

By the last 2 miles, every step is just autopilot - don't even want to think about how close to the end we are, because that reminds that we're not there yet.

Getting onto the last stretch, perhaps 400 metres, I'm ready to stop and walk, and the Italian only goes and puts a bloody sprint on!

Massive relief and a buzz to get to the end of this one - feels good to know that the next time we do this distance it won't seem quite as tough - lots of aches and pains after the event, but nothing that will stop the trainers (now in need of replacement...) coming on again by Monday!

Windy !!!

2008-02-26T21:14:00.002Z

Nice and steady 9miles the wind is good when it is behind you!
Looking forward to the long run on saturday, will try and get another 9 in before

Monday

2008-02-25T22:43:00.001Z

A nice 7 miles after dinner, the rain let me get back before it really tipped down, and I got home in time to watch Skins - how lucky am I?

Mark in the Black Bull has put up a couple of posters for us too - cheers for the support there, looking forward to the time we can resume a more appropriate level of drinking again!

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Badgers

2008-02-23T17:44:00.003Z

Rough as a badger this week - went out late on Tuesday to do 10 miles, and it was well below zero - so cold that my breath froze even before it left my lungs, and I had to gargle antifreeze just to clear my windpipe.

Well, nearly. It felt like it anyhow. It was a rough run. I felt rough during and after, and spent the back end of the week with a cold. Don;t panic, it wasn't the hardcore 'man-flu' that women think is men being soft, and men know is women lacking empathy. No, it was just a cold, and becuase I eat all this healthy food, and drink 12 litres of water an hour and my body is a temple, I have recovered from it quickly.

This weekends 'long run' is a shorter one - the plan being that we do a really long one, then ease back a bit the next week, then go even further the next; so next weekend will be 18 miles, but for today it was a mere 12.5, taking around 2 hours, and enjoying the scenery.

I keep getting a shick when I think that we're doing 'just' 12 miles as an easy run - that's a long way in the real world! Last summer, when the trainers first came out from under the bed and this crazy plot was hatched, I ran round the block, took about 20 minutes, and spent the next two hours coughing, spluttering, gaspings and wheezing. Now we do a quick half-marathon before lunch and then get on with the day.

Dom's nipples seem to be generating rather more friction than is ideal - I couldn't resist getting a photie of his nice wheite T-shirt with the big red nipple bleeds soaking through. Gross, I know, but funny too!

Last thing - a thought for my lil sister - she's doing the Liverpool half marathon next week, and is suffering from shin splints so she can't train properly, and is a bit worried that she'll struggle on the day. I think she'll be just fine, because she's still young. Kids are very tough, you know. Anyhow - send her some love if you want, at her begging site

A bit nippy out there

2008-02-23T12:16:00.001Z

This is Dom's good looking white T-shirt, with extra ketchup from his chaffed nips...

...nice!

Still at it....

2008-02-17T20:21:00.002Z

Another long one this morning - 15.5 miles. Through Woodplumpton and Catforth and Cottam, and once the frost had cleared and the sun came up, it was a beautiful blue sky and felt good to be out there.

Managed to shave a few minutes off last weeks similar distance, but man, do I feel it now! All sorts of aches and pains - nothing specific worth making a fuss about, but I was glad that we weren't going any further, and I think I'll probably sleep well tonight!

Spotted a couple of road run events comming up in March that might make it into the training plan - nothing too touch but as much about getting used to running in a big crowd without getting carried away / tripped over - there's a 10K round Stanley Park in Blackpool on 9 march www.runblackpool.co.uk/Stanley-Park , and a 10 miler in St Annes the following week , so if anybody out there wants to join us....

Just going to get into the sponsorship website (did I mention it? www.justgiving.com/stuburkememory) to send out some "thank-you" emails - and see if I can think of anybody else to mither for money......

The pain has now gone!

2008-02-12T20:22:00.000Z

15 miles = pain!!!

Two and a half days later and I can finally walk again so I've just celebrated with a good seven mile run. Plan on doing another 33 mile week, hope it's easier this week - I'm sure it will be!

Chin up = breathe easy

week so far

2008-02-12T08:34:00.000Z

Not a lot to tell so far this week: We did the long 15 miler on Sunday and all got round in one piece - it was pretty cold and frosty when we set out, but soon turned out nice (see below!) - it was a real treat to be out running in the sunshine, put a smile on my face.
The best bit for me was that I woke up on Monday in no pain - able to walk and go up & down stairs like a normal person - joy!
I'm, planning to do two steady runs this week, then another 15 on Sunday - if the knees stay good, I could get into this running lark!

Sunny!

2008-02-10T11:35:00.002Z

Frosty!

2008-02-10T08:19:00.001Z

The long long long winding road ahead

2008-02-09T21:27:00.000Z

15 miles tomorrow, and I suspect we're all dreading it. Had a couple of rest days to give the knee a break, and all carbed up, so not a lot else to do but get on with it.
Fundraising is still going well, including a big thank you to Colin-in-law and Halcyon Lodge for their support.
I do think I've become a stuck record recently, most of my conversations being 'pleased to meet you, I'm running the marathon, will you sponsor us?' or 'hi, long time no see, will you sponsor me..'
Still, only 2 more months, then I can talk about normal stuff. Religion, sex or politics, anyone?

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27 Seconds

2008-02-07T13:26:00.000Z

Lots of talk in the media about the Munich disaster, including what felt like the worlds shortest 'minute' of silence before the England game last night.

There seems to be a whole bunch of thick people that can't / won't show a bit of respect for the grief that others may feel - but on the other hand, there also seem to be a lot of people intent on making a big fuss about the whole thing - I don't understand it really.

I was about to go on a rant then, but I'll not. Don't want to upset and royalists or elvis fans.

But it did get me thinking again about how we remember people that are no longer around, and I'm glad that we're doing somthing positive as a way of remembering Stu, and I hope that in some way it's providing some comfort to others as well.

Crepes

2008-02-05T22:50:00.001Z

Do pancakes count as good training fuel? Probably not. I can't believe the Dutch eat these so much - they must be hungry all the time!

Went out tonight about 9pm, felt pretty tired and lethargic, but it was a nice still, warm evening, so on with the trainers, and out onto the street we go for a routine 6 miles.

Took me a while to get any sort of rythmn, but I seemed to be on about the usual speed after the first couple of miles - and then the big man upstairs must have spilled his lemon juice, becuase it started to absolutley bucket down - just at the point where I'm as far from home as I can be!

So - no way to stop or cut the run short, and decided against seeking shelter at a bus stop because a) I'm in the middle of Roughsville, and b) I'll never get going again, and don't fancy walking in the rain!

Also discovered why the cloth in my shirt is called "dry-fit" as well, becuase it's only fit to use when it's dry out there!!!

plan for the rest of week is to do another steady run on Thursday, then have Friday and Saturday as receovery days before the long long 15 miles scheduled for the weekend. Cheers for that Chris........

Nearly half!

2008-02-04T21:50:00.000Z

At the time of writing, the fundraising has got to within a whisker of the half way mark - we're at £ 2,993.00 which, in London Marathon terms, is just at the 13 mile mark, so we'll have crossed over Tower Bridge, and there will be people coming past us the other way, who have nearly finished - Go Beserk!

I ended up going for a run last night after all, so the weekend wasn't a total washout - about 8:00pm when the kids were in bed, I was getting really twitchy, and feeling guilty about having missed the snow trek, and realised I was getting withdrawall symptoms, and needed to run somewhere!

6 steady miles, bit of rain, and a working ipod for a change. Happy days!

Plenty of time to think!

2008-02-04T21:43:00.000Z

A good 12.5 miles the sunday before last, had last week recovering at centre parks!!
So back on it did a slow 4 miles to ease myself back in to it(felt like a lead ballon),but as i said above this running lark gives you plenty of time out to get into a running zone and think.
Think about the good memories and it helps ease the pain!
Think positive run positive!!!.

snow way , man!

2008-02-03T16:22:00.000Z

Well, Chris is braver than me.

On Friday night, I dreamt it was dropping a blizzard, and when my alrm went off at 6.30 and I looked out of the window, it took Our Vera about 30 seconds to talk me out of going for a run. Everything else aside, I was worried about slipping and doing myself an injury that would set me back a lot more than one weekend.

Did go for a swim instead, if that counts. Lot of chlorine in Fulwood leisure centre, isn't there?? Plays havoc with my delicate skin....

So, technically I've done stuff all training this weekend, but I will more than make up in the week, plus I did get to badger some more sponsorship out of a bunch of people at George's christening today - you're all good people, thanks for the encouragement!

I keep getting messages from people trying to leave comments on the blog, I think it's a bit fiddly, but please do put your comments on here: At the bottom of each post you shoudl be able to click on the bit that says "0 comments" and, once you've spoken your mind, and logged in with your google ID, and verified the funny text box thing, it will post.

That does sound a bit not straightforwards, to be fair - so feel free to click onthe 'email' link instead, it all still gets to us!

One last thought - Facebook. What's that all about?

Is it the case that people are just like lemmings, and will click on joining any old group or application just because somebody else has?

Come on - if you've joined a group called Stuey's London Marathon Fund which is all about raising funds for the Stu Burke Memory Marathon, then please do show us that you mean it, and you're not another facebook follower (Amy Bruce email forwarder!) and get some of your kind quids on www.justgiving.com/stuburkememory

Snow slow!

2008-02-02T20:49:00.000Z

7.30am this morning - 10 miles - it took me a long time to do but there was an inch and a half of snow on the ground............(any excuse!)

When I initially started the snow was soft and crisp, and running wasn't too bad - by about 3 miles in though it had started to thaw, and there was slush everywhere, so I began to run down the side of the road where the cars had cleared a track.

The only problem with this is that once a car comes along they move over to give you some room (which is very kind of them,) but this causes them to drive through the slush, meaning you get covered in dirty, cold water every few seconds.

All in all a thoroughly miserable experience but it had to be done as I will probably not be able to run for the next few days - I am off to do the Cresta Run (see www.cresta-run.com and watch the video if you do not know what this is!) - as long as I am spared I shall check in again later next week for another update.

Stuck

2008-01-31T20:23:00.001Z

Cold..... too windy outside....

must.... put.... trainers..... on....

can't.... move.........

..........

stuck.... on.... sofa......

wombats 1, apples 0

2008-01-30T20:34:00.000Z

Did a steady 6 miles last night, clocked in at just under 9 mins a mile, so I'm happy with that.

I was going to write a gushing piece about the music I took round with me - I got about halfway through the Wombats album - which is really cool by the way - check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyCi4CMD29w if you don't know what I'm on about...

But I only got half way through the album, thanks to the magic of iPod loosing it's sparkle and causing it to freeze up and stop working after about three miles, so not only did I spend about 5 minutes trying to restart the stupid white gadget while running and not getting knocked over on Tag Lane, but I then also had to finish the run wombatless and tuneless. Very Poor Work by Apple.

North End got a result though, so not all bad!

So now my list of "has anybody got a spare...." is as follows:

1. Goretex jacket
2. New pair of knees
3. iPod nano that works

All donations gratefully received at the usual address

Swim like a fish!

2008-01-28T22:45:00.000Z

Yesterday's run was good, but pretty tough towards the end.
I'd have been happy to knock of after about ten miles, legs felt sore and tired. Thanks to the encouragement of the other two for motivating & convincing me to go on...
Well, they kinda left me no choice by running off without me, but it all adds up the same in the end!

In Coventry again tonight, so found local pool and swam 30 lengths - long ones mind you!
So that counts as training in my book. I should get a 1500 badge for my trunks.

TGI friday is the local choice for dinner, but the food is junk amd the service sucks, so I got a healthy tesco picnic instead. Low fat, lots of fruit, veg and vitamins...
Now they say virtue is it's own reward, but right now, a beer and a curry would be so sweet!

Long long run

2008-01-27T15:45:00.000Z

12.5 miles - that's got to hurt!!! (it does)

Cool

2008-01-27T09:20:00.001Z

The Spice Girls have sponsored us! How cool is that?

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Why did the crisps not win the marathon?

2008-01-25T20:54:00.001Z

Because they were walkers!
(from Thomas Hulme)

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Genius!

2008-01-25T18:04:00.000Z

Lunchtime run - what a great idea!
Did a good 6 miles at lunchtime - worked out well - it kept me out of the fridge, and because I only had an hour, encouraged me to get a move on too!
Plan for the weekend is Sunday long run, and also to send out some 'thank you' emails to all the good people that have supported us so far!

Update

2008-01-24T22:25:00.000Z

3.5 miles tonight (27.57 mins if anyone cares!)

6 miles last night (considerably slower!)

It does seem that it is getting easier, but finding the time to squeeze the runs in is the major issue. Planning on all of us doing 11 miles on Sunday, but not planning on doing anything tomorrow or Saturday (other than a few glasses of wine with Mrs. S tomorrow night!).

Good to see that the sponsorship is still coming thick and fast - we are over 35% there and still have two months to go!

Finally, hello Tom Crawshaw, as you mention it has been a long time - I look forward to catching up properly soon and thanks for a great donation.

M6

2008-01-24T18:31:00.001Z

On way home from Coventry, would love to go for a run but think I might just end up spending 12 hours stuck on the M6 instead...

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Job's a good un

2008-01-21T20:11:00.001Z

Day 1 of new job - very early start, M6 to Coventry through the floods... all good!
Nice people, made me feel welcome, all very positive, really looking forwards to geting stuck in.
Staying in a very nice little pub a few miles dnwn the road, asked the landlady where best to go for a run - "have you got a torch?"
The streetlights run out after 1/2 a mile!
Still, did a couple of miles (there & back x2!) at a comfortable pace, no ill effects from sat, and faster than usual as well!
Tuesday's challenges are to learn everything for new job, and try and prise a decent healthy breakfast out of the cafe at morrisons!

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Saturday long run

2008-01-19T19:35:00.001Z

Really good 11 miles with Dom this morning - easy pace, cunningly stashed a couple of bottles of water at the 5 mile mark too, which helped.

We only set out to do 10 miles - straight up the A6 to Brock and back, but whene we got there figured that we might as well push on for an extra mile, as it was such a nice morning - and no pain! How I love deep heat and tubigrip...

Talked about how well the sponsorship is going so far (thanks everybody!) and how good it is that so many people are behind us - but most of all, we really want to focus on the main reason we're doing this, which is to remember Stu!

I'm warmed by knowing that everybody we're talking to about the marathon, we're also talking about Stu, and sharing a few memories as we go. Also had a couple of really great comments back from people who didn't know him but, because I've told them about what we're doing, they've at least had a chance to hear a bit about him - I feel like that's a good thing in some way.

I'm starting my new job on Monday - looking forwards to that, and also aware that I'm going to be working my little socks off, and no doubt puttin gin a lot of miles - I'm really going to have to be organised to make sure I still get 3-4 runs in every week, AND still spend some time with the family!

Messages

2008-01-17T21:46:00.000Z

Went for a run - don't want to talk about it.

Instead, thought I'd share a couple of the messages we've had so far - thanks for the support, I hope you don't mind me sharing these!

From Laura:

Can't wish you guys enough luck... Stu would be so chuffed!!! ....Heard talk of the marathon at Stu's funeral, and when we have been in contact with Sara, Christine and Norman... Stu was one of my cousins (there are a lot of us!) although we live all the way down in Bournemouth so have to keep in contatct via phone etc!! the charity for epilepsy is fab- my little brother has had severe epilepsy since he was born, and with Stu as well its very close to home!! ....Good luck, well be thinking of the three of you!

From Sam:

...What happened to him broke my heart (as it did many people)and id just like to say i think what you are doing is amazing and if i can help in anyway at all id would love to....Well done guys and good luck with your training!

The facebook group is growing quickly, so I've messaged a few people on there to get them onto the justgiving site (it is a fundraising group, after all!) - but facebook is sulking at me right now, so 1/ sorry if I've not replied to you, and 2/ the rest of you, the message is simple:

GET ONTO THE JUSTGIVING SITE AND GIVE US SOME MONEY PLEASE!!! www.justgiving.com/stuburkememory

Also, if you're lucky enought to drink in the Withy Trees - go see Tracy, she can take your money too!!!

bike

2008-01-17T13:33:00.001Z

The rain has slowed down at last! Going out on bike to do 14 miles, and to suss out a route for the weekend's long run.

Hopefully this will give me knees a break too.

Saw the Doctor about them this morning (GP, not David Tennant) and he's making a referal to Muscular Skeltor - I think he was in He-Man? That'll take at least 4-6 weeks though, so in the meantime all I can do in whine about the pain!!

I wonder..........

2008-01-16T20:23:00.000Z

Just run 7 ten minute miles, i wonder how many pints I've burnt off!

Did it

2008-01-15T23:01:00.001Z

Got soaked.

Small world

2008-01-15T23:00:00.000Z

3.5 miles tonight.

Funny thing happened when I was trying to run three fast sprints up the hill to my house. A huge dog appeared out of nowhere and looked like it wanted to eat me! Obviously, being a chicken, I stopped, and in due course the owner put him on the lead and dragged him away.

He asked me what I was training for, and I explained that I wanted to do the marathon to raise money for epilepsy in memory of a runner friend who had died last year.

He then asked if it was Stuart Burke - turns out his name is Peter (I think) and he is married to Susan Burke (although I have no idea of the relationship with Stu as by this time the dog was getting v. irate and he had to go!).

Anyway, he lives at the end of the road and I am popping round over the next couple of days as he is keen to sponsor us........seems the memory of Stu lives on far and wide.

WHAT time is it?

2008-01-15T21:34:00.000Z

Plan to do a six mile steady run tonight - just send out a few emails and let my dinner settle before I get my trainers on.... and it's almost 10:00 already!

So another late run - not ideal, but there you go. In the meantime, the facebook group is growing, and the I've had a couple of really good support messages coming in too - now we just need them all to sponsor us!

First 'Guest Editor' has been confirmed - more news as it breaks there... but for now, time to get out there again!

Second Post!

2008-01-14T22:27:00.002Z

I knew it wouldn't work first time - second photo as promised (hopefully!)

First Post!

2008-01-14T22:14:00.001Z

I have to say that I am a 'blogging' virgin hence I hope this works........if so you should be able to see two pictures of 'the boys' post Sunday's run (plus my daughter grinning in the background at the sight of her Dad in tights - who can blame her!!)

The running is going OK - hard to be motivated when it is cold and wet outside, but if I think about what we are trying to achieve then it gets easier.

No running for me tonight after yesterday - I am on beer no.2 and they taste great - all the more so because I feel I am earning them!

Not going to write loads, but I wanted to echo the boys earlier postings by saying thanks to everyone who has sponsored us so far - people's kindness is touching, and the fact that people who did not know Stu have been on the 'justgiving' website, read the reason why we are doing this and have written offering encouragement for a good cause makes it all worthwhile.

Sunday long run

2008-01-13T21:16:00.000Z

The team all hit the road good and early this morning - still seems a bit odd that, in our mid 30's, a Sunday morning is not spent hungover, reading the paper, or playing football with the kids in the park, but instead plodding around east preston talking about health food, urine colouration and chaffing!

We all kept a fairly steady pace - some debate about the overall distance, but fair to say we were looking for stamina not speed on this one.

Seperate to that, I've just been blown away by somebody's kindness:

Trying to add the justgiving site on some facebook application and struggling - there's a help board on there so I put a message on to see if we could get it working: got a very quick reply from a chap at justgiving called Kai Chan Vong - and then I was amazed and delighted and very moved to see that Kai has also sponsored us for the run - how cool is that?

Memo to self - remember do nice things from strangers - call it Kai Karma from now on!

Fridays for Guiness!!!

2008-01-12T11:50:00.000Z

Should i, should'nt i went on for a couple of hours. The thought of running past the Black Bull on a friday night and not going in i just could not get my head around. So i talked my self into doing a nice steady pace on saturday morning, four miles or so.
WRONG discission!! A Bad run this morning, i must not be a morning runner.

Thanks again to all who have shown support for the memory of everyones good mate Stu, lets keep it up!

Friday night out

2008-01-12T09:14:00.001Z

Did 4 slow miles last night - no wind or rain made a nice change, but found it hard to keep a steady pace.
Only got out after 10pm, so while most of you were on your 2nd bottle of wine, in a taxi to the vodka dens of church street, or watching re-runs of red dwarf on bbc12, there was I, puffing and sweating in the dark...

Really Chuffed!

2008-01-10T21:30:00.000Z

Really chuffed about the sponsors we've had already - everybody I've spoken to has been really supportive, and plenty more pledges on the way.
Top marks especially go to those good people who have promised to solicit some extra sponsors from their friends as well - you knwo who you are, and I'm sure you know that it's appreciated

Got a copy of the photo from the back of Stu's order of service too (thanks Sara!) and there's rumours of a facebook group being created too - good work Mr Bell! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8316920973

Wet hair day !!!

2008-01-10T10:02:00.000Z

A positive 7 mile run, at a good pace last night in the rain!

The hill reps on monday night seem to have helped the pace and motivation. No aches or pains today, Bonus!!

stiff and tight

2008-01-09T14:40:00.000Z

Did 6 miles this morning - felt like I was running into the wind up a hill the whole way, but I dont' think the science will support that.
Took just over 52 minutes, so a steady 9min/mile - need to make that a constant 8min/mile to have any chance of getting round in under 4 hours.
Joints were stiff and muscles were tight for the first 3.5 miles - not really the brand of 'stiff and tight' you want on a winters morning, but there you go.
After that, had about 10 minutes where it all felt pretty good, before turning back into the hurricane that is Garstang Rd south.
Found out that my 'BMI' is 25.5 (here http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm )which confirms that the last 15 years of no excercise, too much beer and a poor diet have indeed worked to my detriment. If I can lose a stone over the next few weeks I'll have less to carry, so that's got to be worthwhile!

Hero #1 - Papa Guest!

2008-01-08T21:15:00.001Z

Delighted to see that we've got our first online pledge, from my old mate Paul Guest - thanks for that, you're my hero!

He did also suggest that I might want to try and beat his marathon time of 3hrs 35, but I've more chance of changing my name to the ChihuahuaMan.

Right now, I just want to be able to finish, and still be able to walk in the future. If I can get in under 4hrs I'll be over the moon!

Cuppa did the trick yesterday - easy run 3 miles with 4x hill sprints thrown in. Tonight's monsoon + sore knee = not running today.

First training dillema...

2008-01-07T19:01:00.001Z

Week 1 day 2 of proper training, its really cold out there, and I've got about as much energy as a sinclair C5 that's been in the garage since they were 'cool'!

Only one thing for it....

Nice cup o' tea!

Then I'll go for a run....

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Running not far, so far...

2008-01-07T17:17:00.000Z

As far as the sweaty business of training goes, we've all sort of started from around August, but that's been only one or two runs a week (sometimes none) - but at least we're now at a point where we can all go for a few miles without being sick.

My first outing was all the way round the block, and I was gasping to get my breat for about 2 hours afterwards!

Yesterday we all managed to get out for a 'Sunday long run' which turned out be be a steady 7 miles with no stopping - pleased with that.

The plan from here for me is to get at least 2 decent steady runs in midweek, and then we can take turns to plan a long route for Sundays, adding a mile or two each week.

I've set up the justgiving website - needs a bit more adding to it, but that will give us a chance to start getting some pounds towards the tally (have you seen that cool widget on the right hand side of the page? Click it, make a pledge!!) I think it's settled on www.justgiving.com/stuburkememory for the page name, as long as everybody is happy with that.

Then I found out I could pout flickr photos onto the just giving site, so I've signed up for that. Shame that the only pictures I've got of the runners are not very handsome, but they'll do for now. Still trying to get hold of some photies of the man himself.

Next job is to get the whole lot onto facebook, but that never works (unless you're forwarding an email to 10 friends to avoid bad luck / save orphans / cut kittens / or whatever. Keep trying!

Making any sense? Might get better. might not. We'll see.

So I think I've worked out how to do this blogging bit, now all I need is to get everybody to read it, subscribe, sponsor us and cheer when they see us out running, on the cold dark nights ahead!

Dom and Chris

2008-01-07T00:36:00.001Z

This is Dom and Chris - just so you know who to cheer for as we sprint / stagger past you around the outskirts of Preston

With a bit of luck, we'll be able to get the techie stuff working so that we can all add posts to this blog thingy. Keep it clean please boys!

Things I swore I'd never do...

2008-01-07T00:19:00.000Z

Two things I swore I'd never do.....

1. Write a blog.

2. Another road run. Especially not a long one.

Ah well, maybe I'll keep my New Year's resolutions instead? So here's what's what:

Stu's death was a big shock to everybody - totally out of the blue, and as far as I can tell there is nothing that anybody could have done to prevent it either.

I think that can make you feel pretty helpless, and so finding a way to do something positive can maybe help people to work through their grief. That's why a bunch of blokes mourning in the pub are bound to start coming out with big ideas!

9 months later, we've got a team of three, all thinking that we might be able to get fit enough to survive 26.2 miles, and fully psyched up for both the hard work training, and the hard work fundraising that we've committed to.

The target we've agreed on the sponsorship is £6000 between us - hopefully we can badger enough of our friends to ask enough of their friends that we should be able to hit this and more.

There's also a load of ideas going round about doing some more fundraising events throughout the year, maybe a quiz night in the Bull, or a band night, or also looking at more marathons after London....

So this will be us, writing a blog. Not looking for fame and fortune, or to impress anybody - we just want to give our supporters a good way to see how we're getting on, share the experience with the world, and to encourage y'all to sponsor us!!