Marti-thon 2010 in the NEWS!!!!

Last week Marti-thon was published in our local newspaper - the Rhyl and Prestatyn Journal. What's more, they've said they'll follow my progress and run a story for each of my challenges so next one in just over a month when i BUNGEEEEEEE (and finally get to shave my hair off!).

Training is going well, I did an 8 mile run at the weekend on a cross country route over Prestatyn hillside. I am so lucky with the training routes on my doorstep, varied terrain and stunning views of the coast line when you get up high enough. Just got back from work having cycled the 24 miles home from Mold - once again stunning views of the Dee estuary and across to the Wirral where my big brother, Andrew, was born.

Spinning Doughnut

Well, i have hopefully taken my last journey through the spinning doughnut that is the CT machine at Glan Clwyd Hospital - results will be through next Thursday. Today's scan was, in fact, a bonus and is not part of the usual treatment but i get it because i volunteered to be part of a research trial to inform the future treatment of non-hodgkin lymphoma. It'll be nice to double check that things are still ok. Assuming everything's alright i will then continue, for the time being, with 3 monthly check-ups and i can get on with concentrating on getting fit for Marti-thon!!

DRY-NUARY . . .

Well, that's another year over and my 'year of the Marti-thon' truly begins.

In order to counter the excesses of December i've decided to take the month off the booze. WOOT!!!!???? i hear you cry . . . . My intention is that this will help me reset my drinking clock and have the triple benefit of helping me to shift a bit of weight, train harder and recover better. Sitting here with a hangover from New Years Eve this all feels extremely welcome ;o) Also, if just one person sponsors me it'll make sure i remain committed on a Friday night when all i want is a cold one - so here's to a Dry-nuary!!!

Happy New Year everyone / Blwyddin Newydd Dda pawb x

£45 to drop your trousers? . . . . er..... ok!

The photos are now in cyberspace anyway so here is yet ANOTHER impromptu Marti-thon piece of shenanigans. During my good chum, Clive's, 40th birthday the 'boys' ended up being cajoled into doing the washing up in our pants . . . but not without a whip round for charity, and what better charity than the lymphoma association! £1 each saw us not only washing up but also giving it some on the dance floor . . . . and yes, we have no shame £45.20's worth of no shame, but i wonder who was only willing to pay 20p?! ;o)

Riding with the Carneddau Tri Club

Yesterday morning i jumped in the van of to Llandudno Junction to meet up with members of the Carneddau Triathlon Club. On arriving, unsurprisingly, i was the only one on a mountain bike, with the rest of the club on ultra-light road bikes *slobber*. We were planning a 35 miles round trip in the snow although the roads were clear in most places but i was quite glad of some wider tyres at a few points where there was still snow!

At Betws-y-Coed (pronounced Betus u coyde - not betsy co-ed!!!!) we grabbed a coffee and a lush bit of cake from the best little cake shop in the world. It was a great ride and thanks to the club for making me feel so welcome. I was chuffed i just about kept up with everyone but really need to beg borrow or steal a road bike now! They meet at least weekly for rides plus running and open water swims in the summer so a good group to become part of, thanks again guys.

Impromptu Santa Dash!!!!!

So, Sal had signed up to do the WORLDWIDE annual 5k Santa Dash in Liverpool today with colleagues from NSPCC Childline . . . events have also taken place in Las Vegas and Tasmania.

Following dropping the kids off at 7 am with friends, and with me supporting as official driver, we stopped via the Prestatyn Childline base before making the journey to Liverpool and meeting up with some of the Liverpool Childline team. On Sal's suggestion i'd packed my trainers in case of 'someone dropping out' and sure enough there was a spare Santa suit so i was lucky enough to join the 8000 throng on the streets of Liverpool.

It was an awesome experience, a true FUN RUN, with nobody really worrying about times, including a bunch of lads we spotted carrying a crate of (pah!) Fosters! I had a great time and a nice reminder of how good it feels to run with a crowd cheering you on.

Special thanks to ALL the Childline team for making me feel so welcome, and huge love to Sal for completing her first 5k and for being so amazingly supportive, not only of me in Marti-thon, but also of the volunteers she works with.

Merry Christmas/ Nadolig Llawen xxxxxx

Coast to Coast UPDATE

So the official date for the Lymphoma Association annual bike ride is now June 12/13th 2010 - which will give plenty of time for recovery prior to the 15 peaks in July. However, I've now been informed by the Lymphoma Association that the route will not be Coast to Coast next year but that they are planning an exciting NEW circular route. 120 miles over two days - all the information will be posted here early in the New Year once i've had confirmation of the route. . . . .