...And back to starting from scratch again

Weeks to go: 8
Current weight: 15 stone 4 pounds
Total lost so far: 12 pounds
...well, okay, that's 'technical' loss of weight, but it varies daily.

Grr. I never thought I'd ever hear myself say this but I miss being able to go out running. But after the first 6 weeks of training and building up to 2 hours plodding about, I didn't mind heading out into the inclement weather. But after 2 weeks of no running due to hip and shin problems, both the desire and conditioning have left me. What a pain.

However, seeing as it only took about 2 weeks to get into it the first time, I hold out hope of easing back into it. That and I'll be stuffed to the gills with pain-killers and anti-inflammatories, so chances are I'll be able to float around the London Marathon course in a psychedelic haze.

With only 8 weeks to go to the London marathon itself, the fundraising will really begin in earnest so if I see you about and you have yet to sponsor me, chances are I'll badger you to pledge whatever you can to help those at the Leonard Cheshire Disability and help me raise my target of £2000.

Right, so from next week, the training will be well and truly back on track so a proper update then. And fingers crossed the weight loss will be back on track so I can pick up the extra pledge moneys from you all. Happy pledging!

Shrove Tuesday, My Birthday, any excuse to gorge myself

Weeks to go: 9
Current Weight: 15 stone 2 pounds
Total lost so far: 14 pounds
... that's okay, the running has stopped for a bit and the weight is remaining stable. A solid B minus.

So, the unfortunate consequences of overtraining my legs and getting shin splints has finally come to roost: I may now not be able to run the Eastbourne Half Marathon this coming Sunday morning. Now, whilst this is disappointing (especially to my hordes of fans - no laughing at the back), it's probably for the best. Again, this falls in the category of forward planning to minimise any problems come the Big Day on 26th April as there's is absolutely no option to not finish The London Marathon. The Leonard Cheshire Disability charity (http://www.lcdisability.org/) depends on the generous donations from events like this and my pledge of £2000 will help many of those less fortunate than myself.

Training is planned to start again next Monday with a slow build up of the running miles again, alongside some gym work, cycling and conditioning. That and some data collection and essay writing now that the work placements are only 16 hours from their termination. Sweet.

Some people do actually read this blog and have remarked, as a compliment, that it doesn't read like it has been written by a 4 year old. Very generous praise indeed. So now, if I could remind you that your financial generosity is also equally welcome: please, please dig deep and sponsor me by catching me in person or visiting my JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/stuyeomans

Thanks and happy running. Report on progress or, by some miracle, the Eastbourne Half Marathon, next Sunday evening. Peace out.