My marathon preparations received an unexpected boost this week – I have been told one of my prized treats are perfect for long distance running. Apparently Jelly Babies can help you complete the 26 miles and I do not mean by sprouting legs and carrying you over the line. They are a great source of glucose and sugar, two things which provide the bursts of energy I will need on the streets of London.
 

This little gem of information came from Haydn Davies, who works at Wells Reclamation, and has run or organised dozens of marathons in recent years. He will be running with a colleague, Sheptonian Karl Watts, and they are trying to raise £1,000 for the St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice in Taunton. Last year the 65-year-old completed the course in around five hours but he did capture a  notable scalp on the way. “Last year I finished ahead of Zola Budd, who in fact dropped out at around 18 miles, and it is an incredible atmosphere,” Mr Davies said. “The first 12 miles fly by and after that, with chatting to people and the cheers from the crowds, the adrenalin gets you home.”
 

As a marathon veteran, Mr Davies also gave me a few tips that no-one had mentioned to me during my preparations. Apart from having a pack of Jelly Babies in your pocket, these included wearing a tight vest – apparently if your vest is too loose, you risk serious chaffing. At the moment he and Mr Watts, who is also a firefighter in Shepton Mallet, are putting the finishing touches to their training and fundraising.
 

I am doing the same – at the weekend I completed the longest run of my life before spending Sunday writing letters to more than a dozen local firms. I started out at 9.20am with a route of 12 miles planned out. I made my way to Wells then up onto the Mendips towards Binegar before turning onto the A37 and back into Shepton. When I got back the time was 11.30am and following a quick check of the map I realised I had completed 15 miles. I am glad I spend my time working with words and not figures.
 

My fundraising total has now reached £500 and if you would like to sponsor me you can send donations to Alan Williams (On The Run), c/o Mid Somerset Newspapers, Southover, Wells, Somerset BA5 1UH. You can also visit my website at www.alansmarathon.ukonline.co.uk