The Big Belfast Run

It's now 9 months since I completed my Big Cycle, and it still seems like only yesterday. Over 400 miles within 5 days, from the south to the north. With your support together we were able to raise over £1,800 to go to two projects in Uganda and Zambia! An amazing total you'll agree.

Following the cycle last year I got married, and whilst adjusting to the many changes that married life brings, the change from lean mean cycling machine, to contented couch potato has been quite dramatic. So the thought of completing any charity event, other than marathon XBox sessions, has been few and far between.

However, that was until my friend Annalisa was telling me more about Oasis Village Trust. This is a charity working in Ndola, Zambia, and is ran by Ziso & Nicki Moyo. Nicki is from here, and they are currently involved with an amazing project to house up to 60 orphans. The project is fantastic, and you can go on their website and read more about what they have been involved in. So as a result, I have taken on another challenge. I am going to run the Belfast City Marathon. Yes, the full thing. 26.4miles of pain, tears and sweat. Some might not think this is such a difficult task, but given how I could barely run the length of myself 6 weeks ago, it's really quite a challenge!

I am actually more anxious about the Big Run than I was over the Big Cycle. Aside from the inevitable comments about my insanity and stomach size, I would really appreciate it if you would kindly support me in this challenge as you all did so generously last year. Together we can play a small part in creating a future for children and young people in Zambia.

You can sponsor me by clicking on the Justgiving link to the right of the page.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, training advice, or just want to let me know you're laughing at me!

Yours gratefully,

Dave

JustGiving now active!

You can now sponsor me online via JustGiving. See the box to the right!

One month later...

So alas, work has taken priority in life, and running hasn't. So I'm beginning to feel a small bit of pressure on me knowing that in just over 7 weeks, I'll be running 26 miles, which is about 10 times my best at the moment.

Due to me not competing at a professional level, I'm not going to be facing a random drugs test, so am seriously considering anything which may enhance my performance on the day.

Do Tescos sell Benzedrine?

One week later...

Last Tuesday I wrote that update between tasks over at church. We were having a large clearout due to ongoing refurbishment work, and I was finishing off carrying chairs and tables to new locations. By the end of the day my back was beginning to feel funny, but thought nothing of it. Got home and got changed, warmed up and went out for my run as planned, however this well intentioned evening was about to take a turn for the worse, when the pain levels in my back began to skyrocket!

After running for a mile (and now being a mile from home) I was doubled over, and struggling to breathe. I jogged / walked / crawled my way home (1st mile took less than 10 minutes, same mile home took 20) and collapsed on to a sofa at home. Following a couple of days off work, a doctors visit, large quanities of painkillers, a sympathetic wife, and no heavy lifting, I'm feeling a lot better, and intending to hit the tarmac again for some knee punishment.

On another note, I'm hopefully going to have a Just Giving page set up within the next two weeks, so the donations can start coming in!

The Running Man

So it has been decided!

I will be running the FULL Belfast City marathon on Monday 3rd May, raising money for Oasis Village Trust.

You can read more about the charity here and see all of the good work that they are involved in.

I have chosen to run the full marathon as people have continually laughed at me every time I told them I was thinking about it, so I am setting out to prove the disbelievers wrong!

Am hitting the road tonight, and not stopping until I throw up. Then I'll know I've done enough.

I've also shelved my training theory, as I'm too late to put it into practice, but may embark upon it at another time!