Oooops

Has it really been that long since I last updated this thing. I assume whoever reads this has guessed that the training has not been going well, and yes they would be correct!

Its been a while!!!

Well admitedlly today was my first run in a long long while. I blame the hassle of my new home but the reality of it all is that the title "run fatboy run" has never been so true as I am now sitting only a pound of my all time heaviest weight. I actually am due to run the Helensburgh 10k in less than 5 weeks and thats whats made me get my finger out. There have been quite a few people saying I won't finish it now as I have not been training (at all) but that just adds to the challenge. Whilst I will no longer be aiming for my personal best (which was around 40 minutes 30 seconds, though that was around 10 years ago now) I still would like to aim for around the 45 minute mark though considering I am still carrying those spuds who knows if it will happen.....bring it on!!

First day of training and a couple of sacks of spuds!

As per usual for Scotland the weather is wet and miserable but having had a day off work today and many more to come over the next few weeks (ya dancer) I thought it was only right for me to start as I mean to go on and quite literally, hit the streets running.

After trying to work out how to use my Nike+ system and then having to calibrate it I was finally on my way. To my shock the two extra bags of potatoes I have been hiding under my top for the last few years slowed me down considerably from when I last used to run regularly however I am sure I will be able to ditch these and pick up the pace over the coming weeks...

I didn't go far, but it was a start in this long journey to the Great North Run.

Donations

Already I see many of my good friends have donated even though I only really started my "plugging" of this site this afternoon. Looks like the pressure is really on now and hey I may even see the last of this belly of mine with the training I have in sight.

Thank you to those who have donated and those who are going to. Many of you say when I do these things for charity that I am doing a great effort but without your donations it would be for nothing and you are honestly doing every bit as much as me by contributing to another great cause.

Cheers

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

This April, to coincide with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), Bowel Cancer UK is introducing its new TALK – ACT – PARTICIPATE poster campaign. The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness of bowel cancer and to encourage the general public to help the charity save lives from bowel cancer, by speaking out, taking action and getting involved.

For further information on Bowel Cancer Awareness Month please visit

http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/home/about-us/awareness/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/2008

Run Fatboy Run

After years of saying that one day I would tackle the Great North Run I have now finally signed up to do this years in October.

It is going to be a challenge (especially as I haven't exactly looked after my body for the last few years) but I want to do this for personal reasons (which some of you will be aware of) as well as to raise as much money as possible for Bowel Cancer UK.

I will try to update as much as possible on here over the future months as with the aid of my Nike+ system you will be able to see how much (or how little!) I have been training.

If you are feeling generous please put your hand in your pocket and sponsor me to help raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. You can sponsor me by going to the following link

http://www.justgiving.com/ritchiemarshall

Cheers

Ritchie