Alan's Marathon - My Preparations


		When I told friends I was running the London Marathon, many of them described me as mad, crazy, or words to that effect. However, I knew that one who would give me the support and advice I needed was Andrew Hennessy, who just happens to be a former Great Britain under-23 international. Andrew and I have been friends for almost 20 years (I was best man at his wedding in 2000) and in that time we have roped each other into getting involved in all sorts of shenanigans. It was he, in fact, who first introduced me to running so I hold him completely responsible for my participation in the 2004 London Marathon. Andrew's advice when I contacted him in May 2003 was to start simple - do some cycling, swimming and gentle running to build up my strength. The problem was that neither he, nor I for that matter, realised quite how unfit I was. I started to cycle a few miles a day, but if the truth be known my motivation was not high because I did not know for sure that I had my place on the starting grid. It was not until Christmas 2003, once I knew that was secure, that I started training seriously. My training consists of three or four runs every week, either around my home of Shepton Mallet or where I work in Bath (in fact I prefer running there because the roads, at least, are flatter). As of early February, I am running around eight miles at a time, with the support of my trusty walkman blaring out a mixture of Radio 1, Five Live and Orchard FM, depending on the quality of reception. As the marathon nears, I will up that to around 15 miles at a time, with the ultimate goal being to run from home to work a couple of weeks before the event. When I am not running I am swimming at Wells Leisure Centre - I am becoming something of a regular on Mondays and Fridays - and doing weights as much as my work permits. And I am also getting some help from Wells City Harriers, joining them on their runs around the Mendip area. If you see me out and about on the highways and byways of mid-Somerset, word of encouragement would not go amiss - it might prepare me for the cheers of millions of people on the streets of London.


	Total amount pledged as at May 3rd - Over £5500.00