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18th May 7131 miles run £200,936 raised

31-12-04 The last day of the year and a chance for a run in fine weather again. Sun shining, cool, not too much wind and just right for a hilly run up to Westerton. The view from the top was absolutely stunning. I could see right up and down the Wear valley, with the viaduct standing clearly at the bottom of the town. Winter sunlight has a steely yellow quality that made the scene just that bit more mellow. It was an easy run and I felt full of energy at the end. Strangely the legs were very stiff later on but a definite run on the cards for tomorrow, and another New Year.

28-12-04 Managed to get a couple of runs in over the Christmas period. Working Christmas day was allowed to be off on the Eve. Had to collect one of my children from Glasgow but managed to fit in an 8 mile run around Coundon and Westerton first. Another very windy day so a good training exercise. Definitely no last minute Christmas Eve shopping though.

Then a longer 10 mile run to Spennymoor today. Again windy and very cold. The ground was icy underfoot which makes me nervous about falling and breaking something. But the sun shone and for a change there were other runners about. Some obviously regulars and a couple who looked as if they were starting their New Year resolutions a week early.

December is turning out to be a good month for the miles with probably the mostmiles run since June all being well over the next couple of days.

22-12-04 So after a good start circumstances conspired to prevent any running until tonight. A combination of commitments, weather and on-call, as usual. At least tonight was warm and I should have been fresh but a late finish to the clinic and a very healthy lunch meant a heavy stomach for running. Amazing how a meal can make you feel sluggish and leaden-legged. With a bit of luck might get out tomorrow and Friday so will definitely pass the 2500 mile mark before Christmas.

15-12-04 Another spare day, a lot of little jobs to do for the family but time enough for another run to Spennymoor. Beautiful day, bright sun, cool breeze and not too wet. This is the best spell of running since June so should soon hit the 2,500 mark.

14-12-04 Weekend over. Another night call on the Sunday so feeling rather jaded but determined to get some exercise. Fortunately a couple more days holiday to cram in. Yesterday was good because the 15th youngster started on their pump. Today was more shopping so a bit tired before starting. The weather was not good, very windy and made the mistake of running the hilliest circuit. Definitely tired when finished.

Tonight was a special one with a presentation of the cheque from the last Ash Tree fundraising The Ash Tree. The grand total of £2854. Between them they have raised enough money to buy three insulin pumps. Its just amazing.

11-12-04 Working the weekend. Rather than a full 4 days without a break (Friday morning to Monday evening) especially as I have to stay resident in Darlington Hospital whilst working, have split the weekend with a colleague. So I work Friday till Saturday lunchtime, then Sunday till Monday. Although there was a night call (why is it that 2 am is a difficult time to get up?) it wasn't too busy so I decided to run the 15.5 miles back home. Again conditions were really good, not too windy or cold. It does seem to be mostly uphill but a good workout and a bonus when working a weekend.

8-12-04 Finished work on time so a chance for an evening run. Legs a bit tired but again a still night allowed for a pleasant enough run on a hilly circuit. This weekend will be working in another hospital so running might be a challenge.

6-12-04 There has always been a problem in taking annual leave. There just doesn't seem to be enough time. My leave year starts in January and only a few days can be carried forward to a new year with no accumulation allowed. So holidays not taken are lost forever. I've never taken my full entitlement and each year sees the odd day squeezed in here and there in an attempt to get more of the holidays allowed. Today was such a day. A chance to get some more Christmas shopping done, a dental check and a run in daylight. The weather was perfect, cool clear and not too windy so off to Spennymoor. With the hazy muggy cloud around the track was very wet but not waterlogged and another effortless run. December may be a chance to increase the miles again.

5-12-04 Three runs since the last diary entry. Last week was a difficult one as I was working in Darlington every day and all through Thursday, night and the Friday. The first chance to run was Wednesday night, a quick dash around the town and limited to 5 miles with it being a late start. At least it cleared the head and loosened up the knees.

Then on the Friday lunchtime there were a couple of hours available between finishing at Darlington and handing out another insulin pump to the next starter back at Bishop Auckland. Just enough time to fit in a fast (for me) 10 mile run to Spennymoor and back. It was the first run there for weeks and felt good. Wasted ages trying to find my old trainers which had been put away. There is a newer pair but didn't want to get them dirty on the muddy tracks, too bad.

Saturday was shopping day. With at least one weekend on call there isn't much time for Christmas shopping so a trip to the Metrocentre was necessary. Why is it my legs feel so much more tired after a few hours trailing around shops than if I'd run 20 miles?

Then today the Sunday long run. Once again to Brandon. After the previous days shopping and a hard 10 miles on Friday didn't expect to run well but on the contrary kept up a really good pace. It felt effortless at times, without even having to breathe hard. It was such a lovely day for running too. The weak winter sun looked warm at least and the wind wasn't too harsh. It is times like these that being alive and fit feel so wonderful. Even the prospect of getting in the grocery shopping, cooking the Sunday lunch and doing the ironing later on didn't dampen the spirits. It is amazing how easy it is to do the ironing now our youngest daughter is away at university. There used to be at least 3 baskets full each Sunday, now there is barely one! Anyway doing the ironing is a great excuse to watch old films or listen to music. Hard to justify at other times with so much to do.

Hope to do another 10 miles tomorrow, we'll see.

28-11-04 A good run. The day didn't start well, waking with a headache and nausea. Could barely face a banana and coffee for breakfast so took some ibuprofen, a Turkish delight and some thing to drink before heading off on what should have been a maximum 15 miles.

The weather was a bit fierce with a strong icy cold headwind and occasional brisk showers. Early progress was slow but after about 5 miles with a clear head and a bit of Turkish delight things didn't seem quite so bad. After 9 miles everything felt so good that it was an effort to turn back but common sense prevailed. Of course it was much easier with the wind coming from behind. I felt so good getting back that I was really tempted to carry on for another 2 miles but headed home instead. 

As for the other users of the rail track, despite the miserable conditions there were lots of very well wrapped people out and about. Funny how things turn out.

26-11-04 Finally out for a run today. After a very busy week and another night spent the morning in Newcastle visiting HMS Bulwark. This is the naval vessel that have adopted the children's ward at Bishop Auckland and the crew have been involved in a lot of fund raising ventures for the ward. 

We were exceedingly well looked after, shown around the ship, and even saw a demonstration of a fire drill. The CPO's were generous hosts and hopefully will be returning the visit soon. Here is a link to a photograph of some of the nurses and CPO Troy Muggleton on the flight deck of HMS Bulwark Photographs

After getting back it was still light enough for a run to Spennymoor, the first for weeks. Conditions were almost perfect with only a light breeze, cool and very bright. One advantage of infrequent runs is full recovery in between so it turned out to be a very fast 10 miles in just over 72 minutes. Life in the old dog yet.

22-11-04 It doesn't get any easier! Only a 10 mile run out last week and nothing until tonight. Another weekend on duty and this time too busy to even snatch a quick 5 miles. Mentally felt completely exhausted but with only tonight available this week knew I had to get out. 

At least it was mild if very windy but ran a fast half marathon. It may be almost a week before the next opportunity.

14-11-04 Another week flashes by and only two chances to run! Monday night on duty for the hospital. Tuesday out for a fast 10 miles. Not too cold and the legs felt great despite the 20 mile run on the Sunday. Pasta is a great fuel for running! Then Wednesday traveling up to Aberdeen, Thursday in Aberdeen at a meeting so no time at all, then Friday in lectures then traveling back. Saturday tidying up around the garden, clearing leaves, burning old twigs, shopping for the groceries and sorting out. So only Sunday left.

A very cold morning even with the sun shining with a cutting wind coming mostly from the North East. It meant there weren't too many people out on the tracks. The usual stalwarts included the man who clears rubbish from the paths each weekend, and a thin frightened looking girl, well muffled in thick clothes who walks from Brandon to Willington on every Sunday I've been out. There were also a couple of families out walking. The children are great, full of bounce and curiosity and always mystified by this silly old man running past them.

Strangely lacking in energy today despite having only run once or is that because of the lack of running. To be honest I think it was down to a lack of carbohydrate in the diet over the past few days. Would normally try for a big pasta meal on Friday or Saturday, but had only fruit and crisps for Wednesday night, a paltry three miniscule potatoes on Thursday night at the conference banquet and fish with a few more potatoes last night.

The banquet is one that is held at the autumn meeting of the British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. Usually the vegetables come in a dish allowing for an element of choice but this time the meals were all plated. There wasn't enough food to keep me going for an hour let alone all night. Felt like buying a takeaway after the meal ended.

So with muscles depleted of their energy stores the run was less comfortable than the 20 miles last week. A good lesson learnt, pasta good for running.

7-11-04 There are times when getting out to run is such a glorious experience. Today was one of those times. The week had been busy or wet with only one 10 mile run so far in November. The legs were reasonably refreshed and having had a big pasta meal last night conditions were ideal. So was the weather, overcast but warm and no wind. There was a real spring to the step and a smile kept sneaking on. The music playing through the headphones also just happened to reflect the mood. So it was obvious this had to be a long run.

In truth twenty miles was planned with a water carrier and Turkish delights in a back pack. The first 6 miles felt wonderful, effortless and easy but then the dreaded dog encounters spoilt it all. As said before, most dog owners are considerate and responsible, keeping their pets to the side to allow others to pass. Unfortunately some owners don't see any need to control their dogs. The first was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that looked as if it was spoiling for a bite, and lunged at me to its owners great amusement. The next encounter was much more uncomfortable.

Two women with what seemed to be half a dozen dogs of various ages and sizes were meandering up the track. The dogs were all over the place and despite trying to dodge them an old Golden Retriever walked straight into me. I flew head over heels, grazing my right hand and elbow in the process. Somewhat predictably there was no enquiry as to whether I was OK, no expression of concern. They probably felt that I had maliciously and deliberately run into their dog. It was a case of pick yourself up and carry on. I don't blame the dogs at all. They are like children, so content and sure in their own existence that they don't recognise their possible impact on others. That's why parents supervise them and guide them away from potential danger. 

The run didn't seem half as much fun after that. but I did run the full 20 miles, a bit slower than intended.

31-10-04 Another weekend on call so no long Sunday run. Instead had a fairly long run on the Thursday night. Good weather for running, not too cold, little wind and an interesting sky, well at least for the first half hour. After that dusk closed in and very quickly night. The worst thing about night running are the blinding car headlights. Most drivers are considerate and leave their lights dipped but some seem to take a perverse pleasure in using the full beam. Perhaps it makes them feel as if they are running over a bigger than usual rabbit or hedgehog which they want to transfix with a dazzle.

Running up to Etherley, literally up for 4 miles, and then down into West Auckland before running back to and around Bishop Auckland measures up to just over a half marathon. Leaving it to run in the evenings probably plays havoc with the bodies metabolism, but it is the only way to keep the miles going.

Today as the ward was so quiet, the Senior House Officer was minding the phone so I took a quick 5 mile jaunt around the town. Again the temperature was just right, the road damp, not wet and it encouraged me to stretch out and try to run a bit faster than usual. Have probably regained fitness after the summer illness at last.

26-10-04 First run for almost a week. Had intended to run on the Friday before heading off to Glasgow but mixed too much cement and had to finish building walls. Then for the next few days it was walking, walking. First the streets of Glasgow, visiting our eldest. Parking in any city is a nightmare, so it makes sense to walk everywhere, which we did. At least 10 miles a day, and Glasgow can get wet! Then on Sunday it was drive from Glasgow to York to visit our youngest daughter and more walking.

So today was the earliest opportunity for a decent run. The weather was almost perfect, cool sunny and a gentle breeze. The tracks were still wet and probably softer than usual as a result. Went for 15 miles and feeling good made it 18. Walking may not be as obviously stressful as running but a long walk still drains energy from your muscles and so the last 3 miles were quite slow and foot draggy. October has been the best running month since June!

20-10-04 The weather forecast for this week has been dreadful but by this evening, although overcast and foggy, there was only a gentle breeze and relatively warm air. Took the opportunity to run the hilly route out to Westerton. It is a bit more tricky in the dark and injury is a worry, but overall it felt good to be out, without rain. Such a fabulous day for donations as well. Enough money was handed in to pay for another pump. There should soon be 14 children wearing them.

17-10-04 The long Sunday run; conditions far from ideal with heavy rain showers forecast but no other opportunity. Rain is a problem when running. First of all there is the inconvenience of wearing glasses. They are supposed to have developed a new glass with a molecularly altered structure that repels water. Well applying it to spectacles can't come soon enough. 

A light drizzle with tiny droplets affects vision like a fog, but as the rain gets heavier big drops cover the lenses. Pretty soon one can imagine what the world looks like for an insect with compound eyes and it certainly doesn't make puddle watching easy. I hate having wet feet and try to avoid puddles which is difficult when half blind. Then if the sun starts to shine the glasses act like a dozen prisms blinding with a myriad rainbows. I'm far too short sighted to take the glasses off, not if I want to find my way home that is. Trying to wipe the lens only results in smearing which is even worse.

The other problem with rain in the winter is getting too cold. But wearing a coat normally makes it too hot and you end up as wet, but this time with sweat. Recently bought an expensive running rain jacket. The idea is that it keeps the rain and wind out but allows the sweat to evaporate to prevent over heating. Well it actually worked and went a long way to making today's run relatively pleasant.

Ran out of Bishop Auckland towards Witton Park and then past Witton Castle towards Toft Hill. At times you get a wonderful view of the Wear Valley. Today was especially magical. The sky ranged from black, rain heavy clouds to patches of brilliant blue. The rain hazed out whole swathes of hillside but in between the showers the clarity of the sky with the rain left the rest of the hillsides crisp in all detail. And then, splash! Can't watch the view and puddles at the same time!

It is a long hill out of Witton Park and very steep out of the valley. The reward is a two mile downhill run into West Auckland. Passed another group of horse riders. They were actually on the footpath which meant running out onto the road to pass. Probably an anomaly there, but still a smug feeling all the same. 

All in all a good run but running on the roads does put more strain on the joints.

15-10-04 After the last two weeks exhaustion has set in. Working a week, then the weekend then the next week even though it didn't feel too busy has a cumulative draining effect. Left work a little early and pottered about with the weather being awful. Finally edged towards running around 6 pm and set of for anything from 5 to 10 miles. It felt tedious at first but I persisted and my feet led me to the ten mile route out towards Etherley. This is in effect a 5 mile climb out of Bishop Auckland with some quite steep sections. The return 5 miles are mostly downhill and tonight it felt good. 

A few touches of excitement when running towards groups of young people. Mostly they just shout insults which is fair game. I mean old men in tights! Occasionally they can lunge at you which is a little more scary. However logic dictates that if they obstruct 70kg of mass at a velocity of 10km/hr they will come off far worse. It is all a bit of fun. Unfortunately their grasp of the insult is usually quite feeble and the temptation to offer a juicy quip in return (almost always resisted) is quite strong.

Another twinge of anxiety in Witton Park when an old and rather stout Labrador growled and appeared to want to take up a challenge. On the other hand it was probably too much of an effort. Fat can be good!

13-10-04 Something a little different. Was up at St Andrews in Scotland at an insulin pump training meeting for health professionals. Could only travel up last night and the weather was too awful to run. It was too dark and wet this morning but there was a little gym in the hotel. So for the first time had a long training run on a treadmill. Felt strange to say the least. It almost felt like running downhill even though I had set up an incline to make it harder work. Was too conscious of the strangeness to relax and so the 5 miles seemed to take an awfully long time. It was also very hot and sweaty. If ever I get a treadmill for foul weather training, it will definitely be set up with a decent fan nearby, along with some music.

There were a couple of other patrons in the gym. Some using steppers, or walking. One poor man was having a real work out on all the equipment when his knee suddenly went whilst using a rowing machine. None of them were as remotely sweaty and horrible as me.

Now there is a strange thing. Occasionally I pass 'good looking' people running around and about. Why don't they drip sweat and look bedraggled?  Reminds me of a line from the 'Stranglers' album 'Rattus Norvegus' about beautiful people.

11-10-04 First chance for a decent run with working the weekend. Felt a need to push myself so went for a hilly route. Have had to buy some more running shoes as the old ones were wearing out. Even though they are just a newer model there are some subtle differences that clearly affect my joints. Developed a pain on the inside of the knees, almost certainly a tendinitis. It doesn't interfere with running and tends to ease after a few miles but still irritating.

A glorious night to run. Although there was a very chilly wind blowing, there was no rain and good visibility. At one point overtook a posse of horse riders. OK so the horses were just walking but it still feels good. While running up the hill to Westerton the sun was sinking over the horizon and I was running fast enough to keep up with the sun's descent behind the hills, or at least it felt like it. 

9-10-04 A weekend on call makes it difficult to keep up the running. Fortunately today was fairly quiet so was able to have a shorter run around the town. Could never be more than 10 minutes run away from the hospital and had to carry the mobile. Still its great to be able to have the chance to exercise otherwise it would be three days at least with no running.

5-10-04 Another week passes. Last Friday was a 'rest day'. So naturally managed to fill it. First of all a meeting about a patient took up much of the morning. Then a couple of hours laying more bricks for the shed walls followed by a quick 10 mile run to Etherley and back. These runs after other exercise always start a bit slow with a stiff back but after about 5 miles it gets easier and the return from Etherley was really pleasant (it is also mostly downhill). Of course with winter approaching its going to be impossible to run the tracks in the evening so will have to get used to being back on the roads. Saturday was spent trailing around Newcastle and Sunday the first long run for weeks. To my surprise the 15 miles wasn't too difficult at all. In fact I ran that quicker than the Great North Run, mind you all I had to dodge were a few puddles and fallen branches as opposed to 10 thousand other runners.

Tonight one of the last evening runs to Spennymoor for the year. The evening was quite bright on setting off but night had virtually fallen by the time I got back to Bishop. Saw the dogs or at least one of them. They have hardly been around at all this year. They certainly aren't bothered with stalking old runners now.

26-9-04 The Great North Run. Three of my nephews flew over from Dublin with a friend to do this year's GNR. They are all fit lads, one playing for a league rugby team, another a triathlete, another a footballer, with the friend being a Gaelic footballer. However none of them had done any specific training for the half marathon. I'd originally intended setting off to get under the 1 hour 40 minute mark, but it seemed a much better idea to take the whole event less seriously and have a fun run instead. The lads were certainly up for it, having bought themselves cave men outfits. They looked the part right enough! Photographs

We all set off together, reached the start by four minutes and then stayed together for the first 6 miles. Toilet stops decimated the ranks and it ended up with Jonny and myself finishing before the others. The cave man routine was a catch with the crowd, the kids and young women seemed most impressed. They obviously caught the eye of the cameras too with Stevie being interviewed by Sue Barker and Aidan caught on TV. It was much better than busting a gut and real good fun too. Next year we might get a whole tribe of cavemen running together!

13-9-04 A very long time with no reporting. Does anyone else ever read this? Running has taken a bit of a back seat with so many other things to do. A room to completely re-decorate, a set of foundations to dig, shed to build etc. After a day of digging and mixing cement the appeal of a 10 mile run is not. A better start to early September though. Tonight was a 'Four Season' run. Sun, wind, rain, hail and brief periods of calm. The first time to have felt really cold when running since the spring. Time to get the gloves and warm leggings out again.

22-8-04 It just gets worse! The way the duty rota has worked out with everybody having their summer holidays I shall end up working 3 weeks without a break. A lot of evening call and commitments makes it difficult to get out and run. Managed a seven and half mile circuit through Shildon on the Friday. Working in Darlington Saturday through to Sunday so decided to run back to Bishop from Darlington. Had to choose routes which were safe with traffic so ended up running from Darlington Memorial to Durham Road. Then through Aycliffe village, past Aycliffe to Rushyford then past Coundon. Uphill most of the way with a heavy pack so good training! Not too hot and a gentle pace. Not the most scenic of routes but safe. If fitness builds up should be able to run to Darlington and back for the next weekend duty.

18-08-04 Sunday saw the Auckland Castle 10K race. I finished it but in the worst time since starting running 4 years ago! Too busy since then until tonight. Decided on a gentle 10 miles. The first 5 out to Spennymoor went well. Legs sore but not too tiring. Weather a little dull, warm but comfortable. Turned to come back only to face a horizon turned black with thunder clouds. The wind picked up and after a mile the first spots of rain. It got heavier and heavier eventually becoming a real torrent. The rain isn't too bad keeping things a little cooler even if the track gets muddy. The real excitement comes from the thunder and lightning. Its easy to feel very vulnerable especially on the stretches where the track is exposed. The salty sweat makes for a perfect lightning conductor and there are those statistics that tell you more people die from lightning strikes than shark attack and quite a few other things. It is fair to say that I ran back a lot faster, the weather adding a little frisson of excitement. 

13-8-04 One of the unfortunate consequences of aging is how quickly you lose fitness. Not running very much over the last month and indeed with virtually two weeks of no running at all, I am now back to the level of fitness of almost 2 years ago when a hip injury stopped all running for almost 2 months. Tonight ran 10 miles and although finished in a reasonable time, the knees really are stiff and sore. Before that 2 8 mile runs through the Thetford forest and a 5 mile around Bishop Auckland. That is barely 100 miles in 6 weeks where last year saw almost 300 miles in the same time period. 

No use complaining, got to get back to training. Had thought about taking up swimming in light of the recent weather.

4-8-04    The first possible run since 23rd July. At first the evenings were too busy to get out and then I developed a kidney infection and couldn't run at all for another week. Tonight an easy 4 miles but felt so unfit. At a pace normally reserved for running marathons I was puffing away like a sprinter! It will be interesting to see how quickly fitness returns.

Interesting to find how much the appetite had settled. OK for the first few days of the illness it was difficult to eat anything without feeling nauseous but even after that the portions size of potato, rice or pasta was barely half normal. Running long distances does let you eat between meals without ruining your appetite.

18-7-04 An interesting few days. A typical run to Spennymoor on the Wednesday, and although seemed to be an effort to begin with ended with the last few miles running in the 'zone' where my feet felt light and the running was relatively effortless. Then on the Saturday afternoon ran the hills around the town. Up the bypass a mile long hill then the Coundon bypass another 3/4 mile hill before running back into Coundon via Leeholme, more hills, then to Westerton, the highest point for miles. This time after all the rains, the view was clear in all directions. It was possible to see right up the Wear Valley and surrounding area. There are then some steep descents before more steep hills. The last time out on this route was very slow and only 8 miles but still felt well enough to push for at least 10 1/2 .

Today was the Great North Walk. Went with Colette and met up with a girl from her school and her mother. Although the walk is only 8 miles, by the time we walked there and back that added at least an extra two miles. This walk took almost 3 1/2 hours to do. I would far rather have run. It was much harder walking, more of an effort and my legs were much more stiff and sore. The only advantage of walking is that its less sweaty. You also get to have more of a leisurely conversation. Only 70 miles till 2000 are up. 

12-7-4 The longest interval for both updating the diary and between runs. Only 28 miles this month so far. A combination of an utterly hectic 2 weeks and appalling weather. When you're completely worn out after a series of stressful days and late nights the prospect of going out to run in a torrential downpour is just not appealing. The first weekend in July was taken up with travel to and from Ireland, Last Monday and this  weekend with being on call at the hospital and Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning with a fleeting trip down to London. OK excuses as Tuesday was possible. 

So the first chance was Thursday night with a short 5 mile run around Bishop. Strange with so much time off you'd have thought it would have been an easy fast run. Instead it was a real effort and left me aching all over. Tonight was the longest run in 10 days at 10 miles. Stiff and sore to begin with and legs like lead (may have been due to the emergency callout at 5 this morning). Strange but as happens so often after about 5 miles things seem to get easier and the last 5 miles were less uncomfortable. Some decisions about the next runs are going to have to be taken. Possibly a couple more marathons and some 10km races. We'll see how the diary works out.

4-7-4  It hardly seems just a year since the last trip to Ireland and the 5km run around Craigavon Lough. This year was even more hectic and no chance to get any distance runs in at all. The competition was also more even this year as Connor Murphy wasn't well enough to run. Our family did particularly well with the eldest son John coming in first, myself third and our youngest Martin fourth. There weren't any team prizes! A photo of the first runners home can be found with this link Photographs. Of course Martin was thrilled to have beaten his cousin Aidan (last years number 3). Oooh  shaz. Strange how the weather last year was cold and wet as well. The runners were the lucky ones, those who chose to walk had to put up with at least 2 torrential downpours. Only 15 miles to go before 1900 in total. 

29-6-4  Only a 5 mile run tonight. Felt dreadfully tired. Had hoped to do at least 8 miles but after the first three just wanted to go home and rest. This was the third consecutive night running, 15 miles on Sunday and 10 last night. Perhaps that was the reason for being so exhausted.

25th June 04 Back in time to go for a ten mile run tonight. Cool with a gentle breeze so perfect for running. Just out of Bishop Auckland came across a red deer in the middle of the track. She started trotting back and faced with another runner coming in the opposite direction darted into the undergrowth covering the embankment. Otherwise a very quiet run. My knees were rather sore tonight. It probably was a combination of running up and down the stairs at Darlington hospital. The special care unit is on the 6th floor, the children's ward on the 2nd. Then the run through the rain on the Wednesday, because of puddle jumping probably stressed the ligaments a bit more than usual. Not a disaster, just uncomfortable.

A strange sight just before Spennymoor. At one short section of track there were a dozen or so small Bumble bees on the damp ground obviously getting some nutrient or other. There was nothing obviously different about that particular place to see.

24th June 04 All this week I have been carrying out my on call ward duties at Darlington Memorial hospital. By the time the ward handover is finished and have driven back home it is a bit too late to go out for a run. Last night however there was a paediatric party in Darlington starting in the evening. So I decided to stay on and go for a run there. Having sorted out changing and showering facilities all seemed set fair for a quick 5 miles. Within a minute it started to rain and soon the heavens opened for a proper deluge. At times the paths were torrents and it was difficult to see. At least it was a cool run!

Tonight was really quite special. All the children using pumps were invited out for a meal by pump and blood glucose monitor representatives. It was just great to see them all chatting about their experiences and being normal youngsters at a meal. What a difference having an insulin pump makes.

20th June 04 It doesn't get any easier! Last year it was possible to run most nights and so build up a good mileage, but this year every evening seems to be fully committed. OK so the Wednesday was all for a good cause. With the Lyke Wake 40+ mile run in only a few weeks time I was becoming anxious that I wouldn't be fit enough to complete or even compete. Today was therefore going to have to be a long one of 30 miles at least. 

Two runs were squeezed in through the week. A fairly quick 10 miles on the Tuesday with nothing special to report and an interesting run on the Friday. To keep my hours of work below the EEC maximum of 48 it is necessary to have at least one rest day a fortnight and Friday was the first such day for over a month. It was an opportunity to run in the morning except the weather was pretty poor with a fairly constant drizzle or heavy rain. Decided to do some errands first but by lunchtime it was still raining. Nothing for it but to run in the rain. The last time of wet running was at the Keswick2Barrow expedition. The most important thing is to start. After about a mile the wet and cold seem less of a bother and by 5 miles and into your stride so to speak it does become enjoyable.

Today wasn't so bad either. Cool with only an occasional slight drizzle until the end. Interesting episodes:  A tiny mole struggling on the track. It kept turning over and clawing the air. Thought it may have been injured by a dog but no obvious wounds. Moles can bite and their front claws can also cause an injury so gently nudged it back to the side of the track with the toe of a trainer. As soon as it reached the grass it transformed from a helpless disorientated thing to a graceful 'swimmer', disappearing rapidly in the grass. I guess moles must be used to living in a 3 dimensional space with walls all around them and being out in the flat open of the track must have thrown it.

Another encounter with wild life was a weasel dashing across the track. They are such beautiful looking animals. There was also a bizarre bird at one point. It looked a bit like a budgie only bigger. Of course with years of bird keeping there are bound to be the odd exotic species flying about.

The usual mix of cyclists and horseriders. I was passed a cyclist out past Willington on my way back to Bishop Auckland, only to pass him again on the way back to Bishop from Spennymoor. He must have done the circuit through Durham.

Despite threatening storm clouds throughout it was only in the last couple of miles that it started to rain heavily, and at this point quite refreshing. It is interesting that as you become more fatigued you do chill quickly and have to be careful not to get hypothermic.

12th June 04 Such a busy week! Not a minute to think so was really looking forward to running today. Although am on call for the weekend, the colleague who got the good deal last weekend is covering for me over the next 24 hours. Didn't want to push it too hard as am still very tired but the 15 miles today went well and wasn't too much of an effort. Again it is surprising how few people are out on the tracks but perhaps Saturday is for shopping? There was one party of walkers, maybe a dozen or so, and other pairs walking. Only a couple of runners and cyclists. 

The opportunities for seeing wildlife are also very variable. Today there was one grey squirrel on the track and a few finches.

Somebody asked about whether it became boring on the long runs. Surprisingly no. First of all this is an opportunity to be away from the hustle and bustle of work. Although I needed to carry a phone in case there were any calls from youngsters with diabetes, it rarely goes off. That means a couple of hours peace and thinking time. Its amazing how many problems can be sorted out in an hour of uninterrupted thought. Then of course there is the music.

I have one of those tiny MP3 players which can hold up to 4 hours of music. Having very catholic tastes in music means a wide variety of tunes to run to from The Blue Oyster Cult, through Rusted Root, Stranglers, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers and so may others. Some of the music always raises a smile and there are occasions when I can hardly keep from singing (and do if there is nobody around).

Indeed there was a point on the Keswick to Barrow run between 20 and 27 miles when Warren Zeadon's 'Werewolves of London' was playing. I just couldn't help but join in with the chorus 'Waroo werewolves of London... Waroooo werewolves of London town'. At the time was passing a field of cows, who are naturally curious animals, so they all looked up as this wet and sweaty human ran past making howling noises. It was just too surreal. Keeping fit, sane and in good tune?

9th June 04 A ten mile run to Spennymoor but still absolutely exhausted. I actually feel worse than before going on holiday! Part of the problem is a lack of sleep. Needed to be up very early on Monday morning to lecture in Newcastle followed by a drive to Manchester to attend the Health and Social Care Awards night with some colleagues. The good news is that the evening should result in another £1000 coming to the appeal. Didn't get back until after midnight. It has still been very busy at work and with my secretary away on holiday the work she does becomes very obvious. This is too much moaning but the upshot is that being tired mentally really does affect you physically. My legs felt like lead and although the exercise was good all I want to do now is sleep. 

6th June 04 Twenty miles today, but so tiring. Likely to be a combination of all the walking in Barcelona catching up with me, the very warm weather and having had a very busy day at work the day before. I'd agreed to cover a colleague for Saturday through to Sunday morning. They got a good deal as it was non-stop from 9 to 4-30 without any time for lunch, followed by a very ill child needing attention through until 2 in the morning. 

The run seemed OK to begin with but by 13 miles I just wanted it to end. My legs were fine, took plenty of stuff to eat and carried a litre of liquid. Probably underestimated how dehydrated you get on a hot day. Given the beautiful weather there were surprisingly few people on the track to Brandon and only a couple of other idiots running. Most were out on bikes or horses.

4th June 04  Such a long time since the last entry. The first real holiday of the year 5 nights in Barcelona. Although riddled with guilt at the thought of all the greenhouse gases released by flying, Easyjet made us an offer we couldn't refuse. The holiday exceeded our expectations in so many ways. We've always been taken with the architecture of Gaudi and feasted on the exposure to the point of gluttony. But that's nothing to do with running.

Only managed one run in Barcelona in the 5 days. The first morning was bright, sunny and relatively cool. Traffic is daunting and not knowing the city made for a hesitant start. Luckily a good sense of direction and a peek of the map before setting out took me to Las Ramblas, a huge pedestrian thoroughfare dividing the two oldest quarters of the city. Feeling a little self conscious as the only person foolish enough to be running in the main street the sensation passed with so much to see. Market stalls selling songbirds, lizards, chickens, guinea fowl and all manner of beasts. Other stalls selling the usual tourist fare, yet others with masses of flowers. And then there were the 'human statues'. People heavily made up and holding stiff postures for ages. There was Che Guevara, a couple of angels, Bart Simpson, a green tree devil, Don Quixote and many others. Eventually made the sea front and ran along the harbour past the statue of Christopher Columbus, pointing endlessly out to sea. All in all it was over 6 miles as a run and a good introduction to some of the potential places to visit.

The routine from then on was to get up, eat breakfast and feast on the sights until late at night, have a meal with plenty of Rioja then sleep. No time for running.

Today back and busy catching up. Interviews with both Radio Newcastle and Radio Cleveland this morning and then a session for a brief TV presentation tonight. Finally got to run this evening. Felt wonderful to begin with and set off at a great pace but after 5 miles my legs turned to lead and I became so very weary. Clearly the walking in Barcelona had affected me more than expected. Still managed 10 miles.

Working tomorrow so next chance will be Sunday.

26th May 04  An interesting couple of days. Yesterday met up with a freelance journalist called Sharon Griffiths who writes particularly good columns in the Northern Echo. The idea was to talk about the appeal and how it all started. Hopefully Sharon collected the information she needed but it was very pleasant to chat about other things including our mutual pride in our families and our increasing ability to embarrass our children.

Tonight a photographer from the Northern Echo came to take some running pictures, (more embarrassment for the kids). It must be a very difficult thing to capture in a photo, running that is, especially with ordinary runners who certainly don't glide over the grass like the Kenyans. 

And then it was off for a run. It was surprisingly cool, even cold at times and the echo of my mother's voice would rise over the chill 'cast not a clout'. At the same time everywhere was lush and green. Sheep grazing in meadows looked as if they were swimming through algae, the grass was so deep. At other times the dirty white mounds  took on the appearance of cruising mushrooms. Do sheep have gourmandising thoughts, swapping 'good field' stories or 'good grazing I have known'? Do they stand in lush fields in a quivering ecstasy of expectation? They hide it well.

Passed a couple of mature ladies on bicycles, both running towards and back from Spennymoor, recognising them from the last time out on the track. It does make one feel a bit smug to realise that you are running faster than they are cycling, and then another runner overtakes you... There were a lot of people out, walking and running, as sure a sign of spring as cuckoos.

23rd May 04 It doesn't seem another week has passed. Mileage is down, mostly because so much is happening. Have sent in an application for the 42 mile long Lyke Wake Race so will have to start serious training again. My right foot is still uncomfortable but not enough to stop running. Today was a glorious day for running. Set out very early (well it was before 9 am) with a cool breeze and uninterrupted sunshine the whole way. Had made the mistake of running a fast 10 miles on Friday so today's longer run wasn't as comfortable as usual. Surprisingly few people on the tracks given how nice it was. Only three other runners (one person running with a baby and a dog! Quite a handful) with  several groups of cyclists. .

16th May 04 Another short run today. Short for two reasons, the first because I was on call for the ward so couldn't be far from the hospital and second because Id gone down with a nasty virus. It was probably foolish to even try to run and will probably make me feel worse but we'll see.

12th May 04 The first run since Saturday. It wouldn't have been possible earlier, and not because of work commitments alone. For the past 3 days I have been very stiff and sore. My thighs in particular, to the point where I could run up stairs but barely crawl down. 

Tonight things didn't seem too bad so set off on a gentle 5 miles. Even that may have been too ambitious with protesting muscles and a few sharp pains in my right foot. It did get a bit easier after a couple of miles but I was glad to finish the 5.

9th May 04 Well finished the 40 or so miles of the Keswick to Barrow walk/run. Elapsed time was very respectable and probably came in 20th overall. The weather was appalling! It rained non-stop for the first 4 hours, almost torrentially at times. So wet, cold and squelching feet. Despite this all the preparations must have paid off because it felt fabulous for the first 35 or so miles, It was only the last 6 miles when my legs felt tired. There were times when I couldn't stop grinning from the sheer delight in being able to run so far and so quickly.

Hadn't expected the hills to be so long and steep though. There was one section through woodland which was little better than a muddy track. With the heavy rain it was slippery too. The trick seemed to be walk up the hills rather than bust a gut running. Of course our team (greatly depleted from the original 16 signed up, to just 4) arrived almost 20 minutes late for the start. We had little cards that had to be stamped at regular intervals. Well that became soggy within minutes and after a couple of checkpoints they didn't bother with to stamp the crumbling scrap of tissue. The event was well organised though with a record taken of everybody who checked through and their time.

The crew of HMS Bulwark had sorted out support crews and an especial thanks to Troy for putting us up at his house and Anne Marie who was assigned to keep me supplied with drinks and food as the lead runner.

After all was done, time for a massage by the St John's Ambulance team at Barrow, some food and a desperate desire for sleep. Being the first home by a few hours without any dry clothes etc meant a period of shivering misery until finally a lift home to Troy's for a shower, followed by a barbecue and a few drinks.

The other team members Susie, Karen and Maria were really tired and sore but after the pain was eased by a few drinks we were all up for a few dances of the Cha-cha slide.

This morning was a lesson in painful stiffness. The price of a long run and dancing indiscretion. But overall what an amazing experience. As they say, 'one less thing to do in life'.

6th May 04  Am acting as a facilitator on a training course for senior doctors. The whole thing is quite stressful especially as I am the lead facilitator. The location of the course is a beautiful old hall owned by Newcastle University. It is set in lovely wooded grounds which have a trail around measuring a convenient 1 mile a circuit. A leisurely trot around to loosen up for the big walk on Saturday. Legs felt very stiff causing some anxiety about being fit enough.

2nd May 04 What a glorious day to run, the sun bright with a cool breeze to stop overheating. There was a point around the 9 mile mark when it felt so good to be running. A reminder of being alive and fit. Not so sure about next Saturday though. There will need to be some effective organisation to ensure that drinks and food are available during the run. Members of the crew of HMS Bulwark are taking part and they have a system of support vehicles. Hopefully it will be possible to arrange for supplies to be dropped off at the main checkpoints.

Back to today. Only a handful of runners but lots of cyclists and walkers. So good to see families out on the tracks. Children need more exercise, we all do. Exercise is now being recommended as a non-drug treatment for depression. There is no doubt that a bout of prolonged exercise improves the mood. Of course running in spring sunshine with wildflowers all around and the trees coming into leaf is probably helpful too!

30th April 04  Just a week to go until the Keswick2Barrow 40 mile run. Decided a bit of hill running practice is the order of the day. All routes out of Bishop Auckland involve a hill climb but by choosing the 'best' bits it is possible to be continuously running up or down hill. There is a small village called Westerton on the top of the highest hill for miles. Fabulous views albeit hazy with the sea fret that's engulfed the area. Slowly taken meant not being too tired. Hopefully it feels like that next Saturday.

25th April 04  Oh to run in England, now that spring is here! Such a beautiful day to run out in. Clear skies, light winds and everywhere bursting with life. People out walking lightly clothed. Very few runners today and not as many cyclists.

Deliberately took it slowly and all seemed well until again the last few miles. With it being so hot dehydration set in despite carrying a reasonable supply of fluid. Took plenty of energy gels too, but in the end the hilly terrain sapped my strength and the run was disappointingly slow. Will have to do better for the Keswick2Barrow run.

Another cause was probably the very fast 10 miles run on the Friday and a busy day gardening and fixing things around the house. 

21st April 04 The weather looked so threatening with rain last night that running had little appeal. How strange then that tonight when it was actually raining I felt the need to get out and run. Running in rain is only unpleasant if it is cold and very windy. Otherwise after the first mile when you warm up, the rain is actually quite pleasant. Visibility wearing glasses is a problem, just trust your feet! One day people will develop affordable water repellant spectacles but until then it certainly cuts down on the pedestrian traffic.

19th April Haven't written for a fortnight but am not sure anybody reads this anyway. As always the running is intermittent but this last weekend was a special reason not to run. Our 25th wedding anniversary. Given that the running is not entirely popular in the household it seemed the decent thing to spend the whole weekend out of running shoes.

So after 4 days rest once more to Spennymoor and back. Spring brings out catkins and a lot of good intentions. Really pleased to see so many families out on bikes. Not so pleased to have a pack of terriers snapping at my heels for a couple of hundred metres. Still quite cool, especially into the wind on the return journey. Must have a last burst of running before tapering down for the big 40. 

4th April 04 Another long run but only 23 miles. However this was non-stop as opposed to the walk-run of the longer runs. Had only intended to go 20 miles to Brandon and back. The wind was mostly from behind on the way there meaning a cold headwind all the way back. As I felt OK decided to be a bit more adventurous and continued on towards Durham city. Brandon is on a hill, Durham is on a hill, the river Wear is in between meaning lots of hills to run up and down, some very steep. This was a new challenge as the tracks have a fairly gentle gradient. Had taken plenty of fluids and should have stayed well hydrated. Shame about the miscalculation which left plenty to drink (and carry) on the final return home. At least the wind was only head on for a few miles.

As the weather improves it is more pleasant to be out. The sun now has real strength to it and spring is just about to burst from the trees, heavy with buds. One thing I hadn't really recognised as being an advantage of the spring is a lack of insects to inhale when gasping up a particularly steep stretch. Won't be long, that and the sweat in the eyes.

Many more cyclists on the tracks now. Often in groups of 2 and three. Today was unusual in there being no horses around. There are nearly always one or two. Last weekend there was some sort of a competition or orienteering for horses with a good couple of dozen trotting and cantering along. Only a few runners and only a couple in serious training.

31st March 04 Sunday saw another very long run of 32 miles. Probably still running too fast as afterwards was very tired. Legs aching but thank goodness no joint pains or blisters. Went for 10 miles tonight. Still not recovered from Sunday as felt tired and ran relatively slowly. Still the chance of running in daylight and cool as opposed to cold conditions was not one to pass up. 

So many runners out tonight! Passed several in both directions as well as lots of cyclists. Like the spring bringing out the catkins and blossoms up jump all the people hibernating over the winter. There were times when the track seemed positively crowded. No dogs though.

21st March 04 The training for the Keswick2Barrow continued with a 30 mile run today. Strangely didn't feel like going so far. Legs were a little tired before starting and there were times when they ached badly. The problem in the past has been carrying enough liquid to prevent dehydration on the run. Holding bottles is inconvenient and affects balance so invested in a running rucksack with a water container. It helped a lot but was still very dehydrated on getting home. Had to go to bed and sleep for a couple of hours.

19th March 04 At last a chance to run. All week have been either working late, attending meetings or acting as a taxi service. It was such a relief to get out again. Of course March blows in like a lion, together with some sleet and rain. Once again deep wind chill and frozen face. Ironically the sun shone at intervals producing glorious rainbows. Also after the rain my spectacles are covered in water droplets. Running into sunshine makes them all glow brightly like a chandelier. Distracting and beautiful although does make it difficult to see where you are going.

14th March 04 The Redcar 1/2 marathon. The weather made this half marathon challenging. Being next to the sea on one side and facing the North Yorkshire moors on the other means that wind is always going to be a problem. The forecast was also for rain but fortunately it never amounted to more than a few brief showers. Apparently a thousand people took part and I met several old acquaintances before the run started. They all ran away much faster! It was very hard at times with the wind in your face which did mean it was in your back at other times. There is one particular stretch near the town of Marske which is very exposed and almost directly into the wind. It left me gasping and very tired. The last three or so miles took an awful long time to finish. Still managed in less than 1 hour and 40 minutes, just.

13th March A very short run. My wife wanted to start running and I offered to keep her company. 

7th March 04 The longest run of my life at 27 miles and a certainty that it could have been 30. What dreadful conditions though. Typical British weather, strong winds, rain, hail, snow, sleet and sunshine all rotating through at 30 minute intervals. Despite the miserable conditions it didn't seem so bad, running does make you feel better overall, honestly. So only another 13 miles more to make it 40. I am going to have to take an easier pace though. The alternating run/walk does reduce tiredness but encourages me to run too fast. The next chance for a long run won't be until March 21st. All being well will try for 30 miles then. The secret is to feed well during the run, a Turkish delight bar every hour or so seems to work well.

So many people out on the tracks today despite the weather. Lots of people walking, may with rather bedraggled dogs. For once they didn't seem keen to come after me for a chase. Also passed several cyclists either singly or in groups and more runners than I can remember seeing for months. Probably all in training for the London Marathon. One man was also out for a long run. He'd started off in Crook and was running back towards Bishop. He'd also only started running in the last three years, advised to do so by the physiotherapists after a back injury. It worked but he started to enjoy the running so continued on.

1st March Still so cold! The first chance to run after the weekend on call. Amazing what effect 4 days enforced rest has. You would have thought that the joints would have had plenty of time to recover. Surprisingly it is as if without constant use they seize up and so what should have been an easy 10 miles felt quite stiff and uncomfortable. Feel as sore as if had run 20 miles. Still without wind the cold was bearable. 

Even though most of the snow from the weekend had melted, it was only where the sun had reached. This meant that any paths sheltered by hedges or houses on the South were still deep in snow or slippery with ice. At times I had to run on the main road. You take your life in your hands! Still it was the first evening run that ended before it became pitch black. Starting off in sunlight, running towards the huge red sun dropping below the hills ahead. The temperature difference from the setting is almost instant.

Almost 1300 miles now and with another 3 children about to start on a pump the appeal is going well. Trouble is the demand is nowhere near satisfied locally. It will be interesting to see how far I have to run before the pumps start being paid for properly.

24th February How mad can you get. Its one thing to go out for a run and encounter a blizzard, quite another to set out deliberately into one. Trouble is that being scheduled to work over this coming weekend cuts out 3 full running days. The weather forecast is awful so its run whenever possible. 

Problems of running in snow include, glasses snowing over reducing visibility to zero, pavements very slippery threatening to break a leg, freezing on the outside, boiling hot inside because of the need to wear a waterproof jacket. Had intended running 10 miles but common sense managed to get a bit of a look in and stuck with just 5 miles instead.

22nd February Another very cold run. Another very windy run. The run to Brandon starts due North for 4 miles then curves East and continue East, North East almost to Durham. Well with a Northerly near gale it was a real slog but at least I wore a headband that stopped the cold headache. Surprising numbers of people out, mostly walking and very well wrapped up. Some people are pretty hardy with several carrying shopping back home, at least 3 miles along the tracks.

As well as the wind it also started to snow. Mostly light but blizzard like at times. Running back towards Willington, passed another runner who then must have turned round shortly afterwards and then followed me back to Bishop Auckland. At first I thought he would overtake me but he just stayed at my heels. Unconsciously I then started to run a bit faster and ended up going much quicker than usual.  Finally coming into Bishop he drew level and started to chat. He'd obviously been a life long runner with excellent marathon times. Next week will be another challenge to get the runs in.

19th February It wasn't meant to be so long between runs but with a colleague off sick I had to work two consecutive nights. Still not too bad a night. With the days getting longer you could see where you were going for the first few miles. Hardly any wind but very cold, the gritters were out in force. Composing letters in my head to various managers as I ran. Helps to pass the time but all the witty quips are forgotten by the time you get back.

15th February The longest run since the Dublin Marathon. With the prospect of a 40 mile run in May there has got to be some effective training to be done. I had read in a running magazine that first time marathon runners with difficulty getting in the necessary training should adopt a pattern of run for 8 minutes then walk for a minute. The idea must be to delay exhaustion by giving a short recovery break about every mile. Today seemed like a good time to try this. So after 8 minutes slowed to a walk for a minute and then continued with that pattern on the 8th minute. It worked out running for seven, walking for one. It actually worked. Normally a 20 mile run without building up to the distance first would have left me totally exhausted. I was still tired after 24 but knew I could have continued a little further. Possibly worth trying for 30 miles next weekend.

Weather was dull with intermittent showers, not too cold or windy and there were even a few brief moments of sunshine. Quite a lot of walkers out with their dogs and a fair number of cyclists. 

8th February An interesting day. The weather was again very wintry with the added delight of gale force winds. You get up in the morning determined to run and ignore all common sense. OK so I was wrapped up quite warm but neglected to take a hat. After the first 5 minutes running into a ferocious wind my forehead hurt in the same way as your head hurts if you eat an ice cream too quickly. At one point the only way to prevent the pain was to press a gloved hand against the forehead to shield the wind. It wasn't until later in the day when out for another reason that it became clear how awful the conditions were. Must be mad!

At times there was snow on the route, other places were flooded out. There was no pleasure at all running out for the first 7 miles but running back with the wind behind felt so much better. The running pace was a whole minute to the mile better on the return leg. Not surprisingly there were very few people out today. Only one runner, with his dog. 

Still another milestone, 1200 miles since starting. Tonight I shall be writing to the Secretary of State for Health to see if there is any other way to get funding for pumps when the local purchasers seem so reluctant. If finished the letter will be posted on the web site.

4th February A real struggle to run this week. Monday on call and very busy. Up from 3-30 in the morning so Tuesday night, late in after 7pm did not feel like running. Up late again preparing reports so Wednesday, another late night, still didn't feel like running. Tonight still not up to much but it had to be done. Of course by this stage weather had changed. Wonderfully mild, just a bit too windy (gale force) and light rain. Deep joy! 

Wind is a mixed blessing. It cools you down when hot, and in your back it gives your feet wings. Only trouble is at some point you have to run into it. Tonight it was in my face the whole way out to Etherly. Now as this is uphill anyway, it doesn't slow me down much more but there were times when it was so strong I ended up running on the spot. These also coincided with the rain showers but with the temperature up at 10 C it was actually quite pleasant. The other nice thing was in between showers visibility is excellent and the view in the dark across the Wear valley was quite spectacular. The mixture of night lights and moonshine. So if I didn't run these sights wouldn't occur.

Today during the clinic almost every child attending wanted a pump. Even if all the money pledged came in there wouldn't be enough to supply them all. How do you decide who gets them? Is it the child who hates injections so much they sometimes are unable to give themselves insulin, or to someone whose other physical difficulties make life difficult enough without having to inject, or somebody who wants to get their diabetes perfectly controlled? There shouldn't have to be a difficult choice, they should get them by right!

1st February  Such a pain not being able to run because of all the bad weather. Snow too thick and paths too icy to begin with and then when the weather warmed up, torrential rain! OK so some people run in those conditions, and yes it is all for a good cause, but there'll be no running if illness sets in so it seemed best to be pragmatic. 

Conditions today not too bad. It was obvious the tracks would be flooded or waterlogged so stuck to the roads. The wind was quite ferocious but like all these runs, if its bad on the way out the wind will be behind you on the way back. At one point, running through Witton Park, there was a rainbow to my right, glorious sunshine to the left and a fairly heavy shower of rain directly overhead. Felt very fortunate not to get drenched by traffic driving through all the standing water.

Only a 13 mile run. Had considered 15 or more but with so few runs in the last few weeks thought it would be more prudent to run a shorter distance. At least it means not being too tired if the weather picks up over the next few days.

Have bought the official guide to the Lyke Wake Walk, a 40 mile trek from Osmotherly to Ravenscar. They run a race each year and this looks like a suitably stupid thing to do. Did walk the route once in the early 1970's and have memories of the route and its difficulty then. Oh hum..

January 27th First run for days! Was working over the weekend so no running possible and was up most of Sunday night so didn't have the energy to run on Monday. With all the talk of arctic conditions my family were somewhat amused by talk of a run. But wrapped up warm and running hard soon beats the chill. Well almost. The conditions were very treacherous along the paths with sheets of black ice forcing me onto the roads, which is almost as hazardous at night. 

There were flakes of snow falling all the run but it started with a vengeance over the last 2 miles, finishing with a blizzard. I almost had to crawl the last few hundred metres, it was so slippery. Well glad to have made the run as it may be the last one for a few days now.

January 22nd Just a short easy run tonight but for once with some company. Ruth, one of the medical students currently working in the children's unit wanted to go running but wasn't to keen on running at night in a strange town on her own. It was extremely pleasant having somebody to chat with and the run passed very quickly. For someone who doesn't get much of a chance to train Ruth managed the 5 miles very well.  Oh the advantage of youth! 

January 21st Felt really tired after work and running was the last thing that I wanted to do. But really glad to have made the effort. Not too cold and after the first couple of miles got into a nice easy rhythm. Felt comfortable and ended up running at a good pace. Once again coming back into Bishop passed a whole bunch of runners so in lie of a running track there looks to be a club setting up, running around the town.

January 18th  A real slog today. Cold, miserable and windy, too wet from previous rain to run on the trails so out onto the roads. The route goes out of Bishop uphill towards Witton Park, then onwards past Witton Castle then up a very steep hill. That's almost 5 miles uphill altogether, but at least there was a 3 mile downhill stretch to follow before more hills back at Bishop. Only 14 miles and felt most of them.

January 14th Just a short run around Bishop tonight. Legs still a bit stiff and feet very sore after the half marathon. Not too bad though the number of runners out tonight was incredible! Must have passed 8 or so, all but one travelling in the opposite direction. In the market place another 6 to 8 got out of cars and were obviously just about to set off on a group training run. Just like buses, none for ages and then....

January 11th The Morpeth to Newcastle Road Race. This was the 100th anniversary of the oldest road race in the world. Traditionally it was always held on New Years day from the town centre of Morpeth in Northumberland to the city centre of Newcastle, a distance varying from the measured half marathon of today's run to almost 14 miles. Conditions obviously vary tremendously from year to year and were not ideal for running today. OK so the sun shone most of the time and there was no rain or snow, but there was a near gale force wind from the South West blowing straight into our faces. 

It's the first time I've run this course, hopefully not the last. The first mile and a bit is one long climb out of Morpeth and there were several more long and quite steep hills to negotiate. I wasn't expecting a fast time, anything better than 1 hour and 40 minutes was going to be special for me. A slow deliberate start with the pace picking up later meant just getting in under the target. They say the best way to run a race is to run the second half faster than the first, and that's what happened. It meant being in the unusual position of passing loads of people in the last 5 miles rather than the other way around. Still another target reached. Hopefully some more children will start on pumps in the next few weeks.

January 4th A fifteen mile run today. One of the hazards of winter running is 'nipple burn'. On occasion the combination of cold making nipples protrude the rubbing against a sweaty shirt has been enough to cause bleeding as well as a great deal of discomfort. One way around this (without wearing too much clothing and overheating) is to use a heart rate monitor. These come with a chest transmitter strap that covers the nipples nicely and protects them whilst helping with training. The idea on the long Sunday runs is to keep the heart rate at around 60-70% of the working heart rate (WHR). The WHR is derived from a calculation of maximum heart rate for age which for a 51 year old man is around 172 beats/min with a correction for basal heart rate (about 45-48/min). I find it difficult to run slow enough to keep the pulse below 138 but can just about manage less than 145/min which is supposed to be the work intensity for a  marathon run.

The problem today was a lack of breakfast. We were due to go out for lunch which meant being back for 12 at the latest. After getting up around 8 only had a banana and a cup of coffee before getting stuck into the Sunday papers. All of a sudden it was 10 and in the rush to get out I forgot to eat anything more. So there wasn't a lot of energy around especially on such a cold day. Still good preparation for ultra long runs which have got to be the next target.

The run itself was OK. Wearing new gear donated by Start Fitness in Newcastle. The leggings were comfortable and warm while the top kept me a nice even temperature. There was still snow on the ground in places which made for slower and more hazardous running. No other runners but a lot of cyclists and walkers about.