Keep on running....

Damn my masochism. Damn my best friend and his "ideas". Damn my refusal to say "how about doing it next year?" Yes, these are the conditions that have led to me signing up for this year's Great North Run on Sunday 5 October 2008. Following the 10K I completed back in July, I've really got into my running again, although I much prefer a fast paced middle distance sprint over a lethargic, enduring jog that seems to go on forever!! Still, you can't raise money running to Sainsbury's and back so a far-flung distance it has to be. 13 miles should about do it - I must be going fucking nuts; that's a blimming long way.

It would have been okay if I'd stuck to the original plan of doing the Great North Run in 2009. Lewis, one of my best men, thought it would be a good idea (for chuckles presumably) if we did it in 2008 instead, giving us precisely 10 weeks to get into shape for the big day. Shit! Ten weeks isn't enough time - so why in the blue hell did I say yes? Peer pressure, probably, but I must admit I did like the feeling of my body looking toned and feeling strong from the training I'd previously undertaken for the July 10K. More importantly being a bone-idol, tea-drinking procrastinator, I find it quite difficult to actually motivate myself to do any actual exercise unless I absolutely, positively have no other choice. Having a target set before you is an ideal motivator!

So, after a few weeks gradual build up of the kilometres, I was up in Leeds at the weekend visiting Lewis and we did our first 10K in training. I followed this up on Monday with another 10K back in London Town. Christ, are my calf's still pinching this evening! But with the Great North Run and the sponsorship for the Multiple Sclerosis Society spurring me on, give it a bit of time and 10K should get easier... it's when the training gets to 15K I'll start to worry. Oh, and only seven weeks left - bollocks! That's seven weeks without beer...

If you fancy sponsoring me and Lewis for undertaking a good hard run around Gateshead on 5 October, then check out the following justgiving link. The Multiple Sclerosis Society is a worthy cause and we will both greatly appreciate your contribution. Many thanks!

http://www.justgiving.com/alboyandlewisgnr