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18th May 7131 miles run £200,936 raised

21st December A bad week for running. First a rotten cold which was difficult enough to work through, running didn't seem sensible. Then sneezing put my back out again so running was too painful. Tonight the first real chance. Tonight was also the first real wintry night. Temperature around zero, wind around 30mph, wind chill brrrrrr. With the wind whistling in from the North the best route seemed to be towards Spennymoor where at least the wind was mostly from the sides. The first chance of running through snow, although only a thin covering. Of course when it is this cold your face become numb, the muscles won't move, a bit like having local anaesthetic at the dentists. We'll leave out the drooling. This of course is where the expression "if you make faces like that then when the wind blows you'll stay that way"! I am not a winter runner by choice but if this is what it takes to raise money for insulin pumps then so be it. Having another two start is a big incentive.

7th December It was a big mistake to run 20 miles today. Was a little tired before starting and although the legs felt OK the rest of the body wasn't so willing. It was very, very hard. Possibly being so cold made a difference too. Despite being well wrapped up there were times when it was too cold. Still it could have been worse with no wind and a glorious blue sky. We'll se how the body feels later in the week.

5th December One thousand miles! Finished work a little early and decided to run before it went completely dark. Headed off to Spennymoor along the old railway track but very quickly needed the head lamp to see where to run. It is more tricky running along a track in the dark. The light was enough to head in the right direction but not enough to illuminate the terrain so it definitely slowed me down at times. It was also very peculiar how the temperature would change along the track being freezing cold in the cuttings but suddenly seeming to be warm whenever there were fields and open areas next to the track. Even in the dark there were two people, a woman walking her dogs near to Bishop and a man cycling back home towards Spennymoor. 1000 miles in less than 6 months, a record for me though I suppose real runners probably get through that in a couple of months.

How much longer will it take before the local health purchasers treat children as a priority? It seems a little odd that a doctor should have to raise money to treat his patients in the worlds 4th largest economy.

28th November. Another very difficult week for running. On call Tuesday, late back from Newcastle on Wednesday and then away in Morpeth at a training session for consultants. At least last night there were a couple of hours in the evening before dinner. Took off from the hostel armed with the GPS monitor, a head lamp and a very bright Day-Glo vest and headed off towards Amble. There was a footpath for the first mile but only the road with little verge and a lot of traffic after that. It felt quite scary at times but the drivers were considerate. Running away wasn't too bad even though it was cold, but coming back into the wind was a raw experience. There's always the risk of injury running on unfamiliar roads in the dark but fortunately all went well. Didn't get back until late tonight, no time for another run. November has been a real struggle.

23rd November A long and reasonably comfortable run towards Brandon and back. It was a glorious morning. Not least because of the England rugby success the previous day. There was a hard frost on the ground but no wind and the air felt so clean. Running along the tracks with the sun slanting through the leaf stripped trees felt magical. Where the sun caught the ground a faint mist would rise and there were moments when it felt like running through clouds. The back was still stiff enough to make it a little uncomfortable but the exhilaration more than made up for that.

21st November Well the back is no better. Went to attend a conference in Edinburgh about endocrinology and diabetes Thursday and Friday so traveled up the Wednesday by train. After checking in to the hotel decided to take a run out. Headed southwards up hill then down for a couple of miles. Obviously not a common sight on the streets of Edinburgh on a Wednesday night. The beauty of the British is that they just seem to accept eccentricity as a fact of life. The back was painful but not too bad. However the hotel bed was so hard. Virtually no sleep and in agony by the next morning. Problem then was spending the day sitting down in lecture theatres which only made things worse. Still at least it will get better and there are no important runs for a while. It could be a lot worse so no more complaints. Maybe not so many runs for a while.

16th November Another difficult week. Managed a run on Monday night and then another on Wednesday but on Friday morning my back seized up for no obvious reason and could barely walk. Even Saturday was painful. Today decided to try for a long run.

The problem with a painful back is that it interferes with your running style. Everything is tense from the hips down and so it takes more effort. It takes away all of the pleasure of running as a false step causes a searing pain in the small of the back. More of the effort is transferred to the lower legs so the calves tighten up. Still a slow and steady 15 miles without making the back any worse.

Dogs were a real problem today. Had to stop several times when dogs ran up to me, either singly or quite scarily in a pack. Just at the Sunnybrow end of Willington a pit-bull terrier ran after me, now that was scary. I stopped with my hands out of the way and waited while somebody came out of their house and called the dog in. I'm sure it is a very friendly dog but you don't know that when they rush at you. 

Not a lot of people out, a few cyclists, some runners and a very occasional walker. The weather was very pleasant, not too windy, glorious sunshine and of course the thought of a fabulous win by England over the French at rugby, guaranteed to improve any weather. 

9th November Trouble getting the miles in this week. Tuesday had a meeting to go to, Wednesday on call and Thursday the clinic finished late, it was raining, cold and windy, too miserable to run. Finally got out on the Friday and had a relaxed 10 miles. Had intended to go out again for another 10 on the Saturday but so many other things to do, like painting the bathroom and the legs were a bit sore. Finally a good long run today. Up early to do some more painting, watched the French play great rugby and then saw the Welsh demolish England in the first 30 minutes. Too much to bear so ran instead. 

3rd November The first decent run since the marathon. The weekend wasn't a great preparation being on call and up all Friday night/Saturday morning. Fortunately Saturday and Sunday were relatively quiet. Monday finished with a clinic in Teesdale so late to start running. So cold, tired and with a very stiff wind I set off towards Etherley, uphill and into the wind all the way. So not a particularly good time but such a pleasure being able to run after so many idle days.

One of the bonuses of the Dublin marathon is the support given by the crowd. Huge numbers of Americans are there to support their colleagues and at every junction you got very loud cheers and "looking good", "well done", "not long now" etc. The last few miles is particularly uplifting and probably helps a lot when all you want to do is stop.

A potentially serious problem early on was having tied the laces on the left trainer too tightly. At 4 miles my foot was really uncomfortable but as everything was going smoothly otherwise decided to leave it. It kept on nagging but never to the point of having to stop, so I didn't. The miles passed by easily now and at the 22 mile mark heading downhill I had an hour left to run the 4 miles and still beat my best time of 3 hours 33 mins. By 25 miles although the legs were now very sore and heavy I knew I could walk the last mile and still get a better time. This was enough to keep me running and it was with a feeling of great elation that I finally ran in under the clock in an official time of 3hours and 24 minutes! That was a whole 10 minutes faster than Nottingham. I couldn't believe it and felt fantastic for hours (until the next day when walking downstairs became rather painful.

23rd October The first chance to run since Sunday. A combination of being on call, other commitments and thunderstorms kept me confined to the indoors until this evening. A late clinic meant a late start. Worried that at my age fitness will disappear quickly if the training slacks off too much so decided on 10 miles. The first two miles are a circuit of the bottom of Bishop Auckland running past the hospital and then towards Escomb. Just after the school turn towards Witton Park and through the village to Phoenix Row and onto Etherley. This is pretty much uphill for 6 miles with the bonus of the next three miles being downhill. Running fast is asking for injury but feels so good I can't resist the temptation. Only cars for company and a few miserable cattle in the nearby fields. Bitterly cold but fortunately no wind or rain. Perhaps another 5 miles tomorrow and then rest up until the marathon on Monday.

19th October Started the run in cool but pleasant conditions this morning. Loads of people on the track walking dogs, cycling but no other runners. Was just behind a cyclist when we passed the dogs haunt. Well at least its good to know it isn't just me they go for. One of the dogs, the same as usual trailed after a cyclist as he passed and it must have felt very threatening to him. I couldn't help laughing as I passed the dog by and obviously must have hurt its feelings as it slunk away into the hedgerow. A little further on it started to rain. A deceptive little drizzle first but getting harder all the time so on reaching Spennymoor I was soaked, feeling a little cold and blinded with the glasses misted and rained up. Not having had a long run for while meant plenty of energy even without a breakfast to start so was running quite fast. Unfortunately the combination of speed and poor visibility resulted in my going over on my ankle. The first thought is "that's the marathon finished" but I carried on running and it seemed to settle down till the end of the run. Its been twinging since and  suspect is going to be very sore in a couple of days time.

17th October Decided to go for a ten mile run to Spennymoor and back even though it was getting dark by the time I started. Have bought a little light, one of those LED things for night walking and decided to give it a try. Most of the time the sky was light enough to see where to run but not enough to be sure of the terrain. Its quite scary running in the dark not knowing what the surface is like but it seemed to go alright. Used the light when it got very dark in tunnels or where the trees are very thick and it seemed to work fine. 

12th October With another marathon on the horizon the long runs are having to be tapered down again so only 15 miles today. Although the sky was overcast the temperature was very pleasant for a run and apart from having to dodge the horses fairly straightforward. There must have been the equivalent of mass day out for horse riders with several groups all with dayglow tops out on the Brandon track. I've noticed these little competitions? on other weekends.

10th October Running in the dark is no fun. It means keeping to the roads and footpaths, harder on the feet. Even worse are the car headlights that blind and make you unsure of your footing. It always seems colder in the dark, and of course the winds these past few days being so strong that you are sometimes left running on the spot after a strong gust. Still there were times tonight when the running was effortless. The run up to Etherley is of course uphill almost the whole way, and downhill back. That's when you feel as if you're flying. 

6th October First long run for days, having been on call over the weekend. Bright day but fierce wind especially on the way back from Spennymoor. At times the wind was strong enough to have me running on the spot! Either it was the wrong time of day or else the dogs are bored but only one was visible and ignored me as I ran past.

1st October. A meeting at the hospital finished late so no time and too dark for a long run to Spennymoor. Took the route to Shildon over Busty Bank, through the town up to the Reynolds industrial estate and then back to Bishop via the by-pass. Lots of hills so a good workout. 

28th September Another long run in preparation for the Dublin marathon. Had intended running to Langley Park via Spennymoor and Brandon but turned left out of the front door instead of right and ended up going to Langley Park via Willington. Took an easy pace around 8'30 miles and although running for nearly three hours is tiring at least it felt possible to run for another 5. Weather definitely becoming autumnal. Cold air temperature but it was hot running in the sunshine early on. The last 10 miles it clouded over and there was a definite chill in the air. 

The usual mix of people out walking and cycling, very few other runners. Suppose most will have eased off after the Great North run. Have booked a place in the Dublin marathon and will also have a go at the Morpeth to Newcastle half marathon in January. Have also sent off an application to run in the London marathon but don't suppose there's much chance of getting accepted into that. If not then there's always the Sheffield or Belfast marathons. 

The mileage for September has slipped off badly. Partly in preparation for the Nottingham Marathon and Great North run but also felt very tired last week and didn't run at every opportunity.

26th September What a strange days run. The run itself wasn't great. My feet felt leaden. It might have been the consecutive disturbed sleep because of emergency phone calls at 2 and 4 in the morning. It was much more likely due to the huge plate of fish and chips followed by a portion of Spotted Dick and custard at lunchtime. The stomach felt like a sack of lard swishing from side to side and with more than a hint of heartburn. Well no one else to blame..

The dogs of Old Park Terrace on the way to Spennymoor were at it again. Only two of them tonight. One lay by the track on the way out, waited for me to pass and then followed on some 5 metres behind. the other ran beside the fence of a field and both joined up just past the terrace. Quietly threatening, but not a sound. On the way back they sat in the track and spotted me from 200 metres. Both seemed to disappear but one was lying in wait by the side of the track, waited for me to pass and then ran on behind. The other raced along inside the fence as far as the field followed the track. Very strange but non-violence I can take.

The weather has definitely taken a turn for the worse, cold wind means hands like ice blocks. Time to get out the warm gloves.

23rd September A great run tonight. Yesterday was a gentle 5 miles after Sunday but felt comfortable. Today was the 10 mile round trip to Spennymoor. I was a bit disappointed with the sheepdogs who had obviously forgotten about me in the fortnight since my last venture past them. They hardly noticed me on the way out but coming back a look of mutual understanding passed between us and they loped along behind the fence tailing me to the end of the field. Now if there is a chance to run tomorrow night... The run itself felt wonderful. The last 5 miles felt effortless and OK the pace was an easy 8 minute mile but it felt marvellous, as if you could run for hours. Moments like that make it even more worthwhile. Of course it has suddenly become much colder and even with gloves my hands were frozen stiff.

21st September The Great North Run! A brilliant day. Weather was glorious for a start and after a couple of gentle runs on Friday and Saturday the legs felt fairly fresh. It almost takes longer to get to the race and wait for the start than it does to run it! Because the baggage buses set off by 9-45 at the latest it's best to get to Newcastle by 9am. Then getting to the start takes about another 15 minutes that still leaves 45 minutes before the race gets under way. People had brought Sunday papers to read whilst waiting. Having an orange number lets you line up close to the front but even then it took over a minute to get to the start line. Of course the road is so crowded that the first half mile is more a walk than a run.

After that things settled nicely, only I had messed up setting my stopwatch so couldn't time the miles and get the right pace. Still whatever the speed was it felt comfortable. It was a very hot day and one of the problems for spectacle wearers is the tendency for sweat to drip into your eyes. 

The atmosphere of the race is great with the crowd offering loads of support. Children are particularly fond of holding their hands out for you to catch as you run past. Some people are out offering boiled sweets, segments of orange and even drinks along the way.

Highlights and memorable moments included mistaking a woman for one of my old friends from Newcastle who'd met up with before the race. Same size, build and wearing the same clothes, spooky. Then there was a section where the music over the PA was walk 500 miles by the Proclaimers. Another was passing Brendan Foster just before 12 miles and beating him to the finish. 

Finally finished in an official time of 1 hour 37 minutes and 29 seconds by the clock. Actual running time just over 1 hour and 36 minutes. My best for the Great North Run.

14th September At last the big day. Stayed with a very dear friend from medical school days. Went out into Nottingham looking for pasta ended up in a restaurant called Zizzi's. Good pasta, fantastic fresh ciabatta bread and an apple crumble to die for, well at least suffer a bit of heartburn for. Too much to eat, an overfull stomach and a restless night, not the best preparation for a marathon, but you only live once! Nottingham was bathed in sunshine and temperatures were rising by the start at 10-05am. As there was a half-marathon running at the same time the race course was very crowded and it took a minute to reach the start line. Even then it was a slow jog for the first mile. It became a little easier after that as we passed the slower runners. The first half of the course was surprisingly hilly but made good time and by 10 miles was at least a minute up on my planned time of 80 minutes. Kept up that pace for a long time after. 

At mile 11 the race split up with the half marathoners turning left, with the full marathon going right. Suddenly the route was transformed from a jostling crowd to an empty horizon! There was literally only one other person near and other competitors stretched out in a thin line ahead.  All went well until mile 18 when I had to stop to water some attractive but thirsty looking bushes. That took at least a minute. Even then I was still running 8 minute miles, feeling fairly comfortable despite the steadily rising temperatures. 

Then the route turned towards the National Water Sport Centre. Within the park is an artificial lake, at least a couple of kilometers long and completely exposed. The course went down one side, doubled back and then down the other side. By mile 20 I was feeling very hot and running into a stiff headwind. By 22 miles my legs were becoming ever more tired. At this point every fibre of your body is quietly, firmly or very loudly telling you to stop. "Just a few minutes rest", this voice is murmuring in your head. You realise what is meant by the term bone weary and having run 23 miles in 3 hours and 3 minutes it takes another 30 minutes to run or rather jog the last 3. 

In what can only be described as a sadistic gesture the last half mile of the course involves running away from the finish line for what seems like forever before turning back again. Hot, sunburned and exhausted I trotted by the grandstand and was genuinely lifted by the cheers and applause from the crowd there. Finally crossing the line and realising that you can stop running was such a glorious feeling. Collected a medal, 2 bottles of water and went off looking for some shade to call home and for a lift back to get a shower, a light snack and a quick nap.

It wasn't a pleasant experience but at least a real sense of achievement. The final results gave an official time of 3 hours 34 minutes and 7 seconds, the actual running time was a full minute less. I came 160 out of 709 and was the 12th 50-55 year old to cross the finish line. I'm not sure about doing another one just yet. Lets see how the Great North Run goes on Sunday.

12th September Last run before the Nottingham Marathon. A very easy 5 miles at Marathon pace. All this week the runs have been short but quite fast as the legs seem to have plenty of energy. Lets hope it is like that on Sunday. Need to stock up on pasta now. Next report will be about the marathon.

7th September A wonderful day, running with the children in Shildon. More details at Shildon Run In

5th September BIG HILL! Busty Bank was presumably named after the effect on your guts after running up it.

4th September Tired legs today. A drag around the town, hot, humid and no bounce. Hope this doesn't signify a downward slide in performance.

3rd September Another doggy adventure on the way to Spennymoor! But first an encounter with a photographer. Hospital Doctor magazine are running an article about funding problems and NICE advice. They must have heard about the run 500 miles appeal and spoke to me about some of the issues raised. They then asked for a photograph and arranged for a photographer to come up. Jim Varney is a freelance photographer from Malton in Yorkshire www.jimvarney.co.uk who also does a nice line in wedding photos www.jvweddings.com/ . Anyway he set up a studio in one of the interview rooms on the Children's Ward complete with those special umbrella lights and a fancy camera. Considering that the magazine will only use one or two pictures Jim seemed to take hundreds. His attention to detail was very impressive as was his dry sense of humour. Judith my secretary was roped in to hold an insulin pump for the shoot and Jim kept us both well amused. We'll see what magic can be performed, pigs ears and silk purses spring to mind. It felt a bit like a fashion shoot without the glamour. Oh and thank you Jim for the very generous donation to the appeal. Try this link to see the photos Photographs

Back to the dogs. Running towards the field on the way to Spennymoor all seemed quiet and then there they were in the middle of the field. Two raced off behind the bushes further up the track and the older one galloped back to take her place by the track as I ran past. Must admit to being a bit spooked but she just lay down with her head on her paws and a rather cynical look on her face. She seemed to be suggesting this sweaty human wasn't worth the effort of a chase. Fifty yards further on only one of the dogs was visible, sitting behind the fence looking as if Winalot wouldn't melt in his mouth.  It doesn't finish there. On the way back the dogs were way off at the other end of the field looking in the opposite direction. Guess what? As I came past the usual 'viewing' spot there was the old bitch, panting but 'cool'. She must have bust a gut to get back there in time. This is getting interesting.

As for the run that went OK too. There were so many people out on the track, running, walking, cycling singly, in pairs or larger groups. Some were walking and cycling with dogs but not many with children. Despite 15 miles 2 days earlier the legs felt OK and not too bad a running pace. Only 11 days till the marathon.

1st September Today was the last long run before the Marathon in 2 weeks time. The idea is to ease off on the total mileage to prepare for a good run. That's the theory at least. I tried to run at an even 8 minute mile pace. The perfect target for a sub 3 hr 30 minute marathon. It is over ambitious and I'd be very pleased with a sub 3:40. Anyway I was able to keep the pace going at just under 8 minute miles.  It was a lovely evening with a coolish breeze, bright sunshine and not too humid. A couple of cyclists and walkers out. The only other living thing was a tiny mouse or shrew at the side of the track pretending to be still. No on calls this week so may be able to get a few short runs in before the weekend.

28th August The last run for a few days with the weekend on call at the hospital. I'm also on call if children in Newcastle and Northumberland have problems so it might be a very busy weekend. 

Just past the old station at Byers Green the track passes a hamlet on the right. There's a field on the left with a few sheds and occasional grazing animals. There is also a collection of three Border Collies, possibly a mother and two older children. They obviously watch dozens of people on the track and amuse themselves by hiding in the bushes and barking suddenly. This is enough to make anybody jump out of their skin. Of course now I'm wise to their tricks and as their lair approaches I look out for them. Usually if you make eye contact they realise the game is up and slink off into the field but today they employed a new and rather menacing tactic. The old dog actually followed me onto the track and tailed me for a few yards. She  looked as if she was actually going to snap at my heels. One of the other dogs rather deliberately ran behind the bushes as if it was going to chase as well and then 20 yards further the other dog had settled behind the fence to watch me run past. Whatever they plan to try next will have to wait until next week. Watch this space!

25th August Yesterday saw the first race of the campaign. I was a bit anxious about how well it would turn out. So far all the running has been geared to distance not speed training. The race started from Bishop Auckland Market Place at 9-30. There was a fantastic turnout with over 800 runners, the biggest so far. I started off a bit more slowly than planned but by 5 km had settled into a good rhythm. The last 2km were tough but I finished in the best time I have ever managed for 10km, almost exactly 43 minutes. 

I was a bit disappointed that there was no mention of the appeal by the race commentators but later realised that the chief commentator was the chairman of the Dales PCT, and therefore head of an organisation that should be funding insulin pumps for children. No surprise he didn't want to publicise the fact!

Today was meant to be just an easy 10 miler. It started out like that, running steady 8 minute miles but after 5 miles again everything felt so good that I naturally speeded up and ran quite a lot faster. If this is a sign of improved fitness then next month's marathon might see a good time.

More important than the running was the fund-raising last night at the Ash Tree in Spennymoor. A fantastic night for all sorts of reasons. We now have enough money pledged to buy 5 insulin pumps.

20th August The 500 miles is up. The first 500 completed but more money is needed and I am going to run another 500 before Christmas. Tonight was a great run. I felt fit and only moderately sore in the knees. It seemed a good time to stretch out a bit and try to go a bit faster. That was the best 10 miles for a long time. Will probably suffer tomorrow but it felt good at the time.

19th August Back at work so not so much time to write or run. Probably tried too hard last week and by Saturday the legs were very sore and aching. This meant missing the long Sunday run which would have been the last before the marathon. At least the two days rest meant a much easier run tonight to Spennymoor. It is also a bit cooler and not so tiring. The only real problems are caused by the nettles growing besides the track. In some places the track is very narrow and can make it a bit awkward especially trying to let cyclists past as nobody enjoys being nettled.

10th August The longest run of the year. A full circuit from Bishop Auckland via Brandon and Langley Park before returning with a circuit of Bishop Town. Of course it had the potential to be very difficult because of the heat but the thunderstorm made a huge difference. The first part went well although the legs were feeling stiff and painful at times. I'd arranged with my eldest son for him to have some fresh drinks ready just after Sunderland Bridge which meant I was able to keep fairly well hydrated. Then just as I reached the bottom of the road at Langley Park, turning up the hill towards the old railway line track back to Bishop, the rain started.  Within 10 minutes it was pouring down, my shoes were full of water and the track had turned into a torrent. The coolness of the rain was fine but I was getting worried about the lightning which was getting very close so sheltered at the cricket pavilion above Brandon village until the lightning passed over. Lightning strikes are not a big risk but you do hear stories of people being hit in storms so it seemed safer to shelter. The rest of the run was bearable because of the rain though surprisingly warm. I decided to extend the run by another 2 miles by running around the bottom of Bishop Auckland. Of course all my legs wanted to do was rest but at least I felt sure that I could have run for another 2 1/2 miles, the full marathon distance. When the marathon comes I'll have prepared better for it by tapering down the distance run, 27 miles in the 4 days before a long run doesn't exactly put you at your best.

8th August Another early morning run but a lot hotter this morning even with the sky overcast, the humidity was high. This time although started off running by Lynford Hall then headed off into Thetford Forest for the rest of the 10 miles. A bit different to the tracks around Bishop. Different soils, trees and wildlife. There were at least 3 different species of deer around, one which looks a bit like a large dog which might be a Monk back deer, red deer and roe deer. Lots of squirrels, rabbits and stoats. What did surprise me was how few birds there seemed to be around.

7th August  Down in Norfolk visiting my parents. Weather is even hotter here but go for a run in the early morning. They live near Thetford Forest, a huge man-made forest started after the 2nd world war so as to ensure a supply of wood for paper in the future. The run started in their village and out to a place called Lynford Hall, a beautiful mansion set by a lake and surrounded by an arboretum, or tree collection. Running around the estate and then a little bit into the Thetford Forest itself. The estate had several flocks of Canada Geese grazing on the parkland. The trouble came if I ran too near them when the old Gander would come hissing at me. I wasn't too keen to get either the backs of my knees nipped or an arm broken by a wing so skipped away smartly. One of the nicest parts of the run was travelling up an avenue of enormous Sequoia trees that must have been at least 150 years old and so graceful. Although the back was still uncomfortable, especially for the first 30 minutes or so and it was still difficult to run normally I managed to cover 12 miles so not too bad.

6th August At last a run was possible. The back pain was too severe to allow anything other than a crooked walk until today. I tried with a mile at first, slow and painful but it didn't make things any worse so went for another 4 miles later. It was still impossible to run properly. Your body naturally protects the back so your running style is very awkward and slow but that was better than nothing and the exercise definitely improves the back.

3rd August Disaster struck yesterday! The morning was fine with a 10 mile run along the Great Western Road out of Glasgow. Not too hot, a few other runners about and a lot of new scenery to look at. Although the legs were very sore it wasn't too much of an effort. However later that morning I sneezed whilst half turning and put my back out badly. For anybody who has suffered back problems they'll understand the horrible sinking feeling you get when your back goes wrong. Its such a humiliating thing because you can barely walk, getting out of a chair is torment and it takes 15 minutes to get dressed in the morning, each sock taking a minute alone. Running is out of the question today but since starting to run my back has seemed to recover much quicker from injury. At one time 2 weeks of misery could be predicted, now I may even be able to run a little tomorrow, we'll see.

Back to Glasgow. It was obviously cooler than Durham and it is quite remarkable how much paler people were. Still there were a lot of people out exercising. Glasgow has apparently more public parks and gardens than any other city in the UK. It is also pretty hilly and the only flat area for running must be down by the river Clyde. One imagines that is where they hold the Glasgow marathon, if not it will be quite a tiring run.

1st August Trying to cram in as many miles as possible. Ran 10 miles Wednesday night, 10 miles last night and 10 miles this morning. Amazingly each run has been faster than the last. It still hurts at times but doesn't seem to take as long to recover. However had an accident this morning, the first since running started. It happened while running past Binchester where there are a couple of very low gates. Normally I run over these without breaking step but today for some reason my foot caught and I fell face forwards onto both hands. My right thumb got badly strained, the nail caught and pulled back and both palms grazed and full of gravel. The thumb is now badly swollen but nothing got broken and nothing should stop me running on.

The weather is not particularly good for running. Although there is a breeze, with the air being so humid it doesn't refresh at all. The clouds make everything rather gloomy, there's no doubt that a bit of sunshine makes the run seem so much more pleasant.

Today we are off to Glasgow to see our eldest before her birthday. I'll carry on running there but it will be a few days before the diary is updated.

30th July Almost 200 miles this month but tonight was a bit of a killer. Have spent the last 2 days in York as a bit of a break. Of course that meant lots of walking around, browsing the shops, seeing the sights and just getting about. I don't find walking that easy as my legs ache horribly after a couple of hours so setting off to run tonight was bad before starting. The weather wasn't exactly great either, grey miserable and drizzly. Despite the lack of sunshine it was still warm and humid so that made everything more tiring again. What a grumble! At least another 10 miles finished and only another 125 to go for the 500 target.

27th July The previous week was quite intense with two 10 mile runs and another 8 miles on the Friday. I knew it had to be a long run on Sunday, the experts say it is the long runs that prepare you for a marathon and there had only been one long run in the whole month so far. No point in halfway measures, I went for a full 21 miles again. The legs still felt a bit tired from the Friday evening but the weather wasn't too hot and everything felt OK until 18 miles. At this point your body is saying 'Give up! Just walk a little bit, it won't hurt to stop'. Well the whole point of a marathon is the mental challenge rather than a purely physical one. You have to just push ahead and eventually you work through it so by 20 miles it was starting to feel a little bit easier. After finishing I was so dehydrated that I drank one and a half litres of fluid in 10 minutes. The dehydration probably accounts for a lot of the tiredness. Remarkably few people were out on the tracks that day, no other runners and only a couple of cyclists. This is in marked contrast to the evenings which are full of people getting fit. Only another 150 miles to go for the 500 mile target and with a few days left in July it is possible that 200 miles in the month could be run, another first.

21st July I did get a chance to run this weekend but only one 5 mile stretch around the town on Saturday, Sunday wasn't possible. So was really looking forward to tonight and the chance to really stretch the legs. The weather was pretty good, cool breeze blowing so not too hot but still a bit of sunshine. Obviously other people had the same idea as I passed at least 5 other runners along the track from Bishop to Spennymoor. It was also one of those sessions when the running feels extra special. Probably with the legs a bit more rested, I got into a state of mind and activity I think they call the 'zone' when everything feels just right. Your legs move effortlessly your breathing is easy and your mind calm and relaxed. The whole 10 miles seemed to pass by quickly and felt so good. If running was like this every day you could understand how some people become addicted to it! Of course the legs still ache at the end but it was definitely worth it tonight.

17th July Last long run for a few days with a weekend on call to come. Legs felt really tired and sore and the first three miles passed very slowly. Despite the clouds and earlier rain it was horribly humid and the sweat was pouring off. At one point just beyond the viaduct at Bishop Auckland there were at least 8 women running, along with a couple of walkers and cyclists. The track felt really crowded! There were plenty of walkers about further on. Once at Willington the running seemed to get easier and though still tired the legs started working better and the run finished much faster than it started. Just when you think its all too much, you remember that 13 miles is a half marathon so you have got to be fairly fit, and then you remember what you're running for. Its definitely worth it.

16th July. After the presentation of the cheque by Counciller Pinkney at the offices of Wear Valley Council I decided to squeeze a few more miles in and ran back from Crook to Bishop Auckland, via Willington. Its a big hill out of Crook! I wasn't sure my legs would be up to it and it was a slow run. The weather was pretty hot too. The last chance for a long run till next week will be tomorrow. Try for an early night!

10th July I thought I wasn't going to be able to run at all this week!. With being on call and working till midnight on the Monday, at a meeting on Tuesday and another on Wednesday night, I'd hoped to get in a short run during the lunch hour. Thwarted again as both Tuesday and Wednesday the clinics over ran by an hour each. So its an early morning run after all. At least the fitness levels are sufficient for me to run 10 miles without feeling exhausted.

7th July A very eventful few days. It has all been very hectic at work and home. Difficult to fit in any runs so snatching a few miles here and there. This weekend went off to Northern Ireland with the family. Once a year everybody meets up in memory of 'Granny Murphy'. This year was to be a bit special with a sponsored run on the Sunday. Managed to fit in a quick 10 miles on the Saturday in between meeting up and preparing for the Sunday. Sunday morning squeezed in another 5 miles before going to church. After that was the sponsored run around Craigavon Lough, a mere 3 miles. Most of the runners were young and variously fit, but two stand out, Connor and Aiden Murphy, both cousins who came first and second respectively in a major Irish Tri-athlon event the previous day. OK so it was good to have somebody lead the way, by a very long way!

29th June The third longest continuous run in my life! This also marks the most miles run in a month, almost double what I would normally run. The biggest danger now is getting an injury that will stop me running. So far so good. A nice diversion today came while running past the station near the Park Head in Coundon. A couple were out with their children and the man shouted out, "I've got money on you!" A good reminder of why I'm doing all this.

People may be wondering how it is that I know how far the runs are. The reason is down to a GPS or Global Positioning System. More information in GPS

24th June Only a short run today, 10km or 6.2 miles. Only 4 hours sleep last night. No energy and legs really tired. A bit of a plod at the moment, but it can only get better?

22nd June. Another long run out to Brandon. The weather was rather wet to begin with and very humid but a cool breeze stopped things becoming too unpleasant. One of the characters I usually see on the long runs is a walker who picks up pieces of plastic litter along the trail. I'm not sure how far he walks each time but it is at least 10 miles. Initially he was very quiet and barely acknowledged my greetings but after a couple of years I now get a smile and 'hello' back. With the poorer weather and wet track not many people around.

One of the big problems with these long runs over the last couple of years has been carrying drinks. With a lifetime of spinal problems carrying heavy drinks bottles can lead to some instability and pain. Carrying two bottles to even things up is possible but not particularly practical as you can't easily scratch your nose or make essential  running shorts adjustments to prevent sore areas developing. I had made a makeshift bottle carrier which worked after a fashion but required constant adjustments. The problem is with having a bouncy (OK inelegant) running style that causes the bottles to jiggle about. It is like watching a sack of potatoes trying to stay on a trotting horse. This arrangement was just too awkward to continue with so yesterday bought a bottle carrier. In the shop it seemed to fit well and be stable. Running today it was just useless, even worse than the homemade effort. It was so difficult and uncomfortable that I had to stop and hide it behind some bushes rather than have it lead to unpleasant thigh bruising. I am just going to have to invent something better. On the way back the herd of fell ponies in a field by the track had escaped. There were more than a dozen very large and very scary horses to negotiate past! Fortunately somebody with a mobile phone called for help.

20th June  Took a different route tonight. Was out at a meeting and didn't get back until well after 6pm. Decided to take it easier and ran the 8 miles to Sunny brow and back. A fly flew straight down my windpipe and left me gasping for a mile. A few cyclists, the usual dogs out walking. Most owners are very thoughtful but some don't seem to realise how scary it is to run past an unleashed dog who runs after you, even if they don't bark or bite. Pleased it was only 8 miles as I still feel very tired. It might have something to do with only getting about 6 hours sleep a night. They say Paula Radcliffe gets at least 12 hours sleep a day.

18th June Things seem to be getting harder again. The legs felt stiff and sore, didn't seem to have any energy and the whole run seemed to be slower than usual. Still the miles are mounting up. One couple on cycles have been out around the same time every day I've run. We usually pass at the same points there and back but they're obviously getting fitter faster than me as they came back a lot faster.

16th June A sense of anticipation before the run as this should see the end of the first 100 miles. Only another 400 to go. Just didn't seem to have the energy to run, so the 10 miles to Spennymoor and back was a real effort. Part of the problem might have been a large snack of dried fruit 40 minutes before starting off. The sugar content will have boosted insulin levels leaving less available energy for running. The lesson is eat either a couple of hours before running or just before. Of course it could also be the cumulative effect of running 45 miles in 6 days. The track was very quiet with only a few dogs but several cyclists. You get to recognise some as regular users and gasp what you hope sounds like a pleasant greeting as they pass, often in both directions. The only danger today apart from becoming dehydrated with the warmth and humidity, was the number of little flies about. They keep flying into your mouth as you run and end up stuck in the throat or even worse in the lungs.  

Another unusual feature of this run was my wearing a blood glucose monitor. Its proper description is a continuous blood glucose monitoring system or CBGMS. This device shares a lot of things in common with the insulin pumps and is made by one of the companies that make insulin pumps. It involves an electrode implanted under the skin which lasts for around 3 days. The electrode has a chemical on it that reacts with sugar found in the body tissues and creates an electrical current. The electrode is then connected to an electronic device which calculates sugar levels every 5 minutes. A fuller description of the device will be given in the diabetes section. It will be worn until Thursday or Friday and the results fed into a computer for analysis.

14th June Working in the hospital on Sunday so the long run is a Saturday for a change. Not as many people around but at least one family combining cycling with dog walking/running. Also one vicious little terrier went for my heels. The temptation to go for another 18 miles was high but even with 15 miles that was 35 miles in 3 days. The knees are only just starting to recover so common sense prevailed. It actually felt comfortable towards the end. A big Turkish Delight before running seems to make all the difference. Purely for medicinal reasons you understand. Despite the track being relatively quiet, there wasn't as much wildlife to see as usual.

12th June Another busy week with no time to run. Ran 10 miles yesterday and another 10 today. Although I seem to be getting fitter, my legs were starting to ache more than usual. Hope they recover by Saturday.

8th June Another long Sunday run. Despite the high mileage the previous week didn't feel as bad as June 1st. Knees still aching but seemed to have more energy this time. Probably the Turkish Delight eaten just before starting! A lot of people about again. Sundays are obviously popular. Quite a few horse riders on the track. 

6th June Felt a lot better tonight. Much more comfortable. Amazed to see baby magpie still in the same place.

4th June Still not recovered from Sunday. Legs sore especially left knee. Working most of the week so it had to be 10 miles. Evening run and very warm. Sweat in the eyes stings. A lot of people out walking dogs or cycling. Just about a mile and a half out of Spennymoor came across a fledgling magpie on the track. Too young to fly so not much chance of seeing it again.