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18th May 7131 miles run £200,936 raised

31-12-5 Time just flashes by. Haven't been able to update the site at all until today. In an attempt to stop all the spam emails that just kept flooding in, I'd activated a Spam Box. Trouble is it just kept filling up and meant that all the available space for the website was used up. Only worked out how to get rid of the rubbish this morning. 

Managed to run 45 miles in the intervening period. Last week, before Christmas, managed a couple of daytime runs. The weather was wonderful, clear skies, no breeze and very cold, frost on the ground in several places. Have also reached a reasonable level of fitness where a 10 mile run at a moderate pace actually feels good. On one run passed a couple who had often met walking their dog. "You've put in some miles along here." In truth it has probably been more than 1000.

Didn't run on Christmas day out of deference to the family, but Boxing day had to be a longish outing. The forecast was to be cold but dry, they got the cold part right! Trusting the BBC set off towards Brandon, well wrapped up but hoping the drizzly rain was going to be a temporary feature. It wasn't. Still there were a few hardy souls out. Again received a comment from one gentlemen, wrapped in several layers with just eyes and nose visible against the driving sleet, "Bye you must be keen." With all the running in the previous days, and of course the post Christmas sloth, my legs felt really tired and uncomfortable. Initially was going to go for 10 miles, then 13, but eventually went a full 15 and was glad of it. 

Last night was the first run since then, a steady 10 miles on the treadmill. Funny how even though the temperature was around 1 degree, after a couple of miles you start to feel uncomfortable hot and start sweating profusely. I have to switch on a large fan. Then my hands started to get very cold. It really is more pleasant to run outside. Of course one of the biggest complaints from my family is how I smell on finishing a run. OK it's never going to be roses but they make very pointed remarks. My problem is it takes about 10 minutes at least to settle down after a hard run. Going straight into the shower feels very uncomfortable. Eventually the discomfort of all the rude comments exceeds that of not properly recovering.

Then a final update of 2005, though with a bit of luck might get in another 10 miles today. People continue to be incredibly generous and supportive. It was such a pleasure to receive a cheque for over £1000 from Hannah on Thursday. Hannah had got her insulin pump earlier in the year and was determined to raise some money. She was originally planning to walk from John O' Groats to Land's end but was persuaded to take on a preliminary challenge instead. A mere 84 miles of Hadrian's Wall. A reporter and photographer from the Northern Echo came along too. Again my thanks to all on the Echo for their support throughtout the campaign. Without them we wouldn't haver been able to raise as much, and there wouldn't have been so many youngsters wearing insulin pumps. Thank you.

21-12-5 Wasn't able to update the site because had used up all the available disc space. So had to delete a lot of old stuff, including the earlier diary entries. No loss. Tired but keen to run outside rather than on a treadmill. Cool night, little breeze and dry, so good conditions. 

Had several scares tonight. The first was running into Witton Park when a black retriever suddenly came snarling out of the dark. It really causes palpitations and a temporary urge to do unmentionable things to the dog, but it was probably as startled as me. Definitely made me run a bit faster for a while there.

The next scare was running past a driveway when the car came straight out and almost ran me over. It wasn't as if I was invisible. Not only was I wearing a bright yellow top, but also a reflective waistcoat. Almost as decorative as some of the houses passed on the way round.

Despite the frights the run was good fun, and a should set me up for tomorrow's night on call.

18-12-5 Dressing properly for the conditions is important, especially in winter. This morning the temperature was about -5C when the long run began and wasn't much above freezing when it finished. Made sure that I was wearing a gilet, a sort of running waistcoat. On the way out towards Willington the wind was gentle and from behind so it felt a bit too warm, but running back into a stronger breeze I was so grateful for the protection offered. My face wouldn't move properly it had become so cold, so even brief conversations took on the quality of the hours after a visit to the dentist.

A surprising number of people out today, some cycling, some running and lots of walkers. Even saw a deer on the path, roe or fallow, not sure which.

The run was in good time, even more surprising considering that yesterday was spent tramping the streets of Newcastle, desperately trying to do some Christmas shopping. Am on the wards all next week so no chance of last minute buying there. By the time we had got back to the car, we'd been on our feet for 9 hours. I can run 40 miles in that time, and it felt as if I had. We'll see how the joints feel next week.

12-12-5 Today was a great run although it would have taken very little to persuade me to have gone to bed instead. A weekend on call, even if not too busy, always leaves me feeling drained. Yesterday was quiet so took the opportunity to run on the treadmill. Instead of bashing out the miles, went on a training cycle. It was called rolling hills, but with speeds up to 8.7 mph and slopes of 5% it was a real struggle to maintain the course.

Today felt more than a little stiff and tired. However there was good news on the fundraising front. Mr Tom Dixon brought in cheques for over £1300 from an auction night he'd arranged last week, and then there was a presentation by the Cockton Hill Infant School Photographs. The uplift from that and the knowledge that there are at least another three wanting to start on pumps as soon as possible sent me out into the cold but sunny winters afternoon. A slow jog to Spennymoor and back perhaps. Well the speed training from yesterday had an amazing effect. Instead of a slow stiff run, my stride lengths increased and pretty soon I was running sub 7 minute miles finishing the 10 miles in 72 minutes. If I could reproduce that form in a half marathon I'd be well pleased.

Suspect the rest of the weeks runs are likely to be a good deal more sedate.

7-12-5 With another weekend on call approaching it is a struggle to get the miles in. An unusually quiet clinic this morning meant finishing on time so had a chance to run at lunchtime, very unusual but very welcome. Another glorious day for running. Even though it was midday there was still a heavy frost in the cuts on the way to Spennymoor. It was perishingly cold yet at the same time the sky above was a deep and clear blue. Out of the railway cutting the weak winter sun still had enough warmth to notice, and the absence of wind just made it all more enjoyable. Not a particularly fast run.

Then this afternoon, another youngster came to start on a trial of a pump. All being well they'll start properly next week. That will bring the total number of people starting at Bishop Auckland to 45, although not all are local. 

4-12-5 Another month slips by, and another two youngsters have started on their pumps. It is just so amazing to see the difference it makes. OK so they still have diabetes and that is always going to be such a burden to them, but having the pumps does take some of the difficulty away.

The big event this week, apart from the new starters, and another two choosing pumps, was another night watching the Bear Park and Esh Colliery band. This time at the Masonic hall in Birtley. A Christmas concert for the senior citizens, it included carols as well as set pieces by the band. They really are very good. There was also a presentation of the cheque, representing the money raised at the Bishop Auckland Town Hall Concert last month. Bear Park and Esh Colliery Band

As they have to support themselves it was a very generous thing for them to do. 

As for the running, again the weather had been awful, so Friday was a 10 mile treadmill run, but today with the forecast set as dry had the first chance of an outdoor run. The start was wonderful. Heading off to Brandon, calm, no wind, very cool so as not to overheat and the legs felt very good. At times it felt effortless and so enjoyable. Decided only to go for a half marathon, have a chance to run tomorrow, but also had things to sort out at home. Just as well because at the half way mark it started to rain. Not heavy, but a persistent gray drizzle that lasted until my return home. It got quite heavy at times. At least it was on the way back, rain never seems as bad returning as it does going.

Almost 4000 miles run. So far it seems to work out at a child on a pump for every hundred miles, although with some PCT's now being reasonable not all the pumps have had to be bought from charity, just as well as we would have been restricted to around thirty four in total. The best news on the financial side was Darlington's final agreement to pay for consumables. At last. Now all we need is for an agreement for full funding for children. One day...........

30-11-5 It hardly seems like 10 days since the last update. In truth life continues to be  extremely hectic. The weather has been truly dreadful, cold and windy are the worst, especially with a bit of rain thrown in. Fortunately the treadmill is starting to prove its worth. Late nights and on call haven't left many opportunities, the first after the long run to Brandon being last Friday. Ten miles on the treadmill. It is a very different feeling. Being in an outside shed it is still very cold to begin with but as usual it only takes a mile to warm up. Then it is up to an old fan to provide a cooling breeze so the environment is not too bad. 

The treadmill is quite noisy and so listening to music isn't so pleasant but still possible. Then again the treadmill (tm) isn't as hard a surface to run on, theoretically should be kinder to the joints, but it is also a slightly different running style which adds new stresses. That was more obvious on the Sunday when I went for a 15 mile run. For the first time ever it felt as if I was going to get cramp in my calves.

Another advantage of the tm is you can alter the speed over a very large range. It was set at a steady 7.5 mph for the long run, probably a bit faster than usual. Then the rest of the week was too busy until tonight and went for an 11 miler (brings the November total to 130 miles). Towards the end racked the speed up to 9 mph. This does represent a chance to get a bit faster.

As for pumps and fund-raising. Last Sunday we were invited to St Michaels at Barningham for their Christingle service, where a cheque for £2000 was presented. That is an absolutely amazing sum of money to be raised from such a small community, and of course will mean another pump. It is just as well as with the recent demand funds were starting to run out again. We are starting another two children on Friday, another possibly the week after, and another is coming to pick out a pump. No rest for the wicked!

20-11-5 After the past few days, it is easy to see the truth in the old Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times." Monday saw the end of the weekend and preparation for the week to follow. No time, nor energy for a run. Tuesday was a very early start, a train to London for a meeting at the Department of Health. This had been organised by Dr Sue Roberts, the 'Diabetes Czarina' looking at whether there needed to be any action around insulin pumps. Yes! An interesting meeting with insulin pump users, clinicians running insulin clinics and other interested parties. It was fascinating to watch as people took up positions around their own interests. Some are all for a few very specialist centres, others for a more general dissemination. Some wanted very strict criteria to be followed, others were prepared to be more flexible, and at the heart of it all was Sue Roberts ensuring that the final agenda and agreement fitted into her scheme of ideas, and that is around focused education.

After that it was another train ride to Bristol. This week saw the annual meeting of the BSPED. It wasn't due to start until Wednesday but the thought of travelling back to Bishop, only to have to spend another 5 hours on a train the next day, wasn't appealing. Had booked into a hotel, just opposite the railway station. After check-in asked if there were any good places to run. The duty manager said "You'd be surprised at how often we get asked about that." I wasn't at all surprised. He was extremely helpful, and suggested a route of about 5 miles. Of course it was bitterly cold but an absence of wind made for a pleasant outing, and a chance to get a feel of the city, albeit a very dark one. From the hotel it was down by the river Avon for a couple of miles, across the river and back. As to be expected in a big city, there were plenty of other runners out following similar routes.

Afterwards went to eat at the Italian restaurant close to the hotel. The owner and chef was a ..... runner. So I asked him where the best 10 miles route was. He suggested heading towards Avonmouth, then heading up the valley road to the top of the Downs overlooking the Avon gorge. The next morning, with nothing else to do took the advice given and headed off. Apart from the one steep climb  away from the river it was a fairly easy road to take. On the top of the downs, the view was amazing. Sheer slabs of granite, full of graffiti, were on view across the river. The Severn river mouth ahead in the haze, with views of Wales I presumed. Also amazing were the houses overlooking the downs. Bristol was one of the wealthiest cities in England, helped by the earnings from the slave trade. In most cities you expect to see a few luxurious mansions, but here there was a row over a mile long of the things. Again plenty of runners out. After the Downs, headed towards Clifton Suspension Bridge. This was designed and started by one of my engineering heroes, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. They ran out of money half way through so it wasn't finished until after his death but what a magnificent structure.

It was very much like this on the day.

The next 2 days were taken up with a conference on children's diabetes and endocrinology (the study of hormones). Still managed to get out for one more run on the Thursday night. A little bit shorter around the Avon river. Still freezing cold but enjoyable.

Today was the first real opportunity for a long run. Decided to try for 18 miles. Cold but beautiful sunshine the whole way. A surprisingly strong breeze at times, making it very chilly. So many people out on the route to Brandon. Groups of walkers, several clumps of cyclists, and more runners than I can ever recall. There were young ones, old ones, short round ones and tall thin ones. Runners alone and runners in packs, and of course the army of dog owners. As always most were sensible and hung onto their pets as I ran past, and others were totally thoughtless, shouting ineffectually as their dogs chased, snapped at or tried to play with me. Survived, in reasonable shape and not too sore. Perhaps 20 miles next weekend.

12-11-5 The week continues to be hectic. As well as four children starting on pumps, have had 6 clinics, and am working most of the weekend. This weekend it is at Darlington Memorial. The downside is that I am resident on call from the Friday morning, through till Saturday lunchtime, then again Sunday lunchtime until Monday afternoon. The upside is that I get to run back from Darlington to Bishop after the first lot of duty. And so it was. Definitely winter with clear blue skies and a piercing cold wind. Didn't get too much sleep the previous night so felt rather tired, but managed to keep up a reasonable pace for the 15 miles. 

On the last stretch from Rushford to the Coundon hill bypass (a long uphill mile) was passed by one of the youngsters who uses a pump. Good timing as I was feeling rather jaded and tired at this point. Definitely gave a boost as a reminder of why the running must continue.

9-11-5 Winter is definitely approaching. After three very hectic days at work, was totally exhausted and came home early. Managed to start running by 4 pm, but already it was cold, thankfully very little wind. The sun was setting rapidly but chanced a run to Spennymoor along the old track. A really interesting phenomenon are the rapidly changing temperatures along the course of the run, particularly through the old railway cuttings, when the air can really chill suddenly. Then there is a sudden warm blast of air that can feel really quite pleasant.

Anyway it was a good run but getting very dark before turning around at Spennymoor. This meant running without being able to see where my feet were going. This is a little scary and eerie. You tend to pick your feet a bit higher to avoid stones and the like and of course it is hard to avoid all the puddles and patches of mud from the recent heavy rains. It was good to get out.

So far this week another four children have started on their insulin pumps. Another is very close to starting which will bring the total up to forty. What an amazing bunch of fund-raiser you all are out there.

4-11-5 Fed up of lost running opportunities, weather, time, etc decided to invest in a treadmill. First of all had to clear some space to put it. We had an old workshop behind the house, full of dust and old bits of wood and machinery. We normally can't throw anything out, a deep rooted hoarding instinct, but there was no other way of managing. It took most of last week to empty and sweep, empty and sweep and sweep some more, until enough space was eventually cleared. Clearly parts of the floor hadn't seen the light of day for 20 years or more, and the daylight revealed large patches of dry rot, even holes appeared. It seemed as if a treadmill would be too much weight, but there was one area that seemed firm enough.

Spent a couple of weeks researching for decent treadmills that could tolerate a bit of wear and finally ordered what I hope will be suitable. Arrived today with a team to set it up which took about an hour. Well the weather was awful so now was the time to give it a spin.

Took some time to figure out the controls, well it was easy to get a basic setting, but was hoping to do some specific speed training. There is a heart rate monitor control setting, but for some reason they don't seem to be too reliable on me, flicking from 130 to 150 beats/min at random (let's hope it is the monitor, not my heart).  Eventually gave up and just set it for a steady 7.5 mph, increasing over the 10 miles to 8 mph.

Rigged an old fan to provide the breeze, but still managed to sweat a lot, music courtesy of some old equipment and all in all a better alternative to running in the rain. If all goes well it should make for better overall mileage, both quantity and quality. 

It will also make for a boring report. "Went 10 miles on treadmill, saw the same old things, nothing special happened etc." It will only be used to run when it wouldn't otherwise be possible.

3-11-5 Although there haven't been many diary entries, there has been a fair amount of running this past week. With some annual leave on hand didn't feel the need for a long Sunday run, especially as it was our youngest son's 17th birthday, had a short 5 mile run instead. With the prospect of a week of cleaning up and sorting out the detritus of many years of hoarding decided to take the long run on Monday morning instead. Went with the idea of maybe putting in 20 miles but the legs didn't feel good at all so ended up just doing 15. Then on the Tuesday, backwards and forwards, clearing up so felt too tired to run, Wednesday was foul weather and there were meetings to attend so the next chance was today.

Last night the weather forecast looked encouraging, with the North East free from rain. With a busy day ahead, decided to get out early, so set off to Spennymoor just after 8am. Not quite what I expected. Not obviously cold but very windy and a steady drizzle just right for enhancing the wind chill factor. Once out of Bishop and able to look over the Wear valley, the wisdom of an early run looked very suspect. It looked as if the rain was torrential towards Crook and Willington. A glance behind suggested it could develop that way on the run but too late, I was committed. As it turned out there seemed to be a clear zone almost the whole way to Spennymoor and most of the way back. Even coming back down the hill into Bishop, straight into the wind, the drizzle was only marginally heavier.

What surprised me was the number of other people out on the trail despite the weather, a couple of cyclists, lots of dog walkers and towards the end even passed another runner.  Good to see everybody exercising!

28-10-5 Well at least the internet is back on. BT finally reconnected, no word of apology or explanation. What an amazing few days. So many people have come forward with donations now and the appeal has passed the £100,000 mark. For the first time it feels as if the aim of allowing any child with diabetes the option of a pump is getting closer. The clinic in Newcastle where I also work is keen to start an insulin pump service and there are children from further afield getting a chance now. 

Today finished a little earlier than usual so took a chance for a run to Spennymoor and back. Strong but mild winds, the odd spit of rain and even periods of bright sunshine. Legs still a bit sore  but nothing to really worry about. Despite all the rain over the past few days the track wasn't too soggy. All the fallen leaves tended to make for a softer surface, all helps the dodgy knees and ankles.

Having run for five years now its possible to see changes of all kinds. Not just new houses and developments,, but also in the wildlife around. To begin with gray squirrels were a rarity where now you see at least one every run. Perhaps they are more visible trying to gather nuts for the winter but there are definitely more of them around.

One of the problems of winter are the awful weather conditions. If its raining heavily or snowing, running isn't really an option. So finally decided to clean out an old shed at the back of the house and buy a treadmill to run on when its impossible to get out. This should help keep the miles up over the usually difficult December and January. We'll see.

24-10-05 Don't know when this will get posted onto the internet. BT have been truly dreadful over the past 12 days. Our internet went down a week past Thursday, without any warning. Rang BT to enquire after the problem. After spending over an hour following their troubleshooting suggestions they finally agreed that perhaps the fault was with them. They said they would pass the information onto the technical team within 5 working days. Well on the last hour of the 5th working day some bright spark phones to tell me that the fault is with the BT line and they will call an engineer to fix the fault within 48 working hours, in other words another week. As this was known a week earlier, seems to imply a lack of urgency or indeed any interest. Sorry BT but that ain't good enough and after the third loss of service from you over the past couple of years, you are now losing another customer. So that's why there has been no news for so long.

As for the running, that's going pretty well, rain considered. On the 20th headed out into the drizzle feeling weary and instead of a 10 miles decided on a hilly 8 instead. Then there was the weekend on call. Although there weren't many patients, there was still plenty of work to get through. Had hoped for a quick 5 miles on the Saturday, but it was far too wet and rainy. The Sunday was a bit better by the lunchtime, so managed 5 miles then. Today despite the heavy early rain, it had cleared by the late afternoon. After demonstrating the pumps to another three youngsters who have now made their choice, headed off for the first decent run in days. 

There won't be too many opportunities in the coming week so decided on a hard 10 miles up to Westerton. Surprisingly warm and at the end of the long 2 mile uphill past Coundon Gate felt very hot and sweaty. The wind was pretty strong at times but at one point running from Coundon to Westerton there was a sublime moment. The sky was the most marvellous contrast of steely greys and creams, with the dark green of Wear Valley stretched out starkly in the rain cleared sky. At that moment I really wished I could paint and capture the colours and sense of nature. Its times like these when running truly is a pleasure. What other reason would I have been out in the late evening ?

The rest of the run finished well with a good burst of speed, though my legs will be complaining tonight.

19-10-5 Tonight couldn't run. Instead gave a lecture on children with diabetes at a local post graduate education meeting. It covered all sorts of aspects of diabetes in children including the use of insulin pumps. However had a great, if interrupted run last night. After the 16 miles of the weekend was tempted to take it fairly easy but as I headed out decided to try the hilly Westerton route. Apart from a couple of breaks to answer telephone calls about diabetes it was a pleasant and fairly fast run. Of course now that it gets dark so early it is a bit more difficult on uneven surfaces but the positive side is with it being a bit cooler. One of the calls was from the latest insulin pump starter. He was so thrilled to be having relatively normal blood sugars. He couldn't wait to do a blood test! Its strange how the running goes, have finished almost as many miles in 2 weeks as it took a month to do in September.

16-10-5 Have to work next weekend so no chance of a long run then. Decided to just go the 15 miles as my Achilles tendon is still very sore. It was just so pleasant running weather though that I couldn't resist fitting in an extra mile. At the end felt pretty lively still so at long last feel as if fitness has returned.. Didn't get a chance to run back from Darlington as needed to see the next pump starter to begin the process of getting used to the pump. Managed to fit in a 10 miles run to Etherley instead that evening.

9-10-5 Another weekend vanishes, almost without trace, and the week before it flashed by so quick. Having left my electronic organiser at the Newcastle diabetic clinic on the Thursday and with a week of working in Darlington to come it meant another trip to Newcastle to retrieve what is in effect my only reliable memory. Thought we'd make the most of a bad job so stopped off at the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead to see the modern portraits on exhibition there. These were the ones commissioned by Rolf Harris and definitely worth a visit.

Then a chance to look at some treadmills for the coming winter but so disappointing! Looks like a trawl through the internet. Only chance for a quick 10 miles on the Friday and then a slightly longer 15 miles today. Again pretty reasonable weather. Overcast with a strong breeze set to be in my face for the return journey. Didn't feel so sprightly today but as usual that bore no relationship to the actual pace as I ran much faster than last weekend. A fair number of people out and about, mostly walking their dogs. Just before the last mile into Brandon saw a group of 4 runners heading towards me, and recognised one as a consultant paediatrician. He didn't see me until we'd almost passed. Shortly after I turned back to Bishop and eventually caught up with them again at Willington. It seems they were on their last training run before the New York Marathon. That would be a great one to try for. Sometime in the future. 

All seemed fine until the last couple of miles when tiredness caught up with me. Still fitness is definitely returning. Next week in Darlington may allow an opportunity for a couple of runs back to Bishop. We'll see.

5-10-5 Fly attack! This is the time of the year, when the tracks are like a holding zone for swarms of flies, midges and other small flying things. Forget the season of 'mist and mellow fruitfulness' fogs of flies more like it. It's bad enough just walking through them but when running it is

a) harder to dodge them

b) because you are breathing more heavily the probability of inhaling a fly is very high.

c) breathing hard means breathing through an open mouth.

Result at least one apoplectic choking episode followed by a mile of irritated coughing.

Passed a group of children from St Joseph's out for an after school walk, accompanied by several teachers, one of whom I am married to. I was looking out for her, and acknowledged the children but missed the wife. Big mistake.

"Was that your husband?" He didn't even say hello to you!" That is a story somebody will dine out on for a while, but not me.

Started the 34th young person on their pump today. Still going well.

2-10-5 It started out so well. With Andres' "Hey Yah" pulsing in my ears, a cool overcast day with just a hint of a breeze and a decent nights sleep, I just couldn't stop grinning as I set off for the longest run attempted for two months, at least 15 miles. It was cool enough to need gloves to begin with, although by 5 miles the hands had warmed up nicely. Crossing over the viaduct towards the Brandon cycleway, saw a couple of other runners ahead. They seemed to be moving only slightly slower than me, indeed it took 2 miles to catch them up. One of them I know well, Melvin, and it was pleasant to chat with him and his companion till we reached Sunnybrow. One turned back, Melvin took off on another route, and I headed for Brandon. It just got better. Staying cool until the last couple of miles when the sun came out, it felt so good and comfortable again.

The other good news was the result of the fund raising by the Bear Park and Esh Colliery Band Bear Park and Esh Colliery Band. They played a concert at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on the Saturday night, raising over £1200 and entertaining everybody present. Thank you.

30-9-5 'And a Hard Rain Looked Like Falling' to paraphrase a Bob Dylan song. After a particularly stressful day at work with the pleasure of starting another youngster on a pump definitely needed a run out. But one look at the storm clouds to the West and the first seeds of doubt began sprouting. Well perhaps just a short run then.

Perhaps not, for now that the ligaments are less painful the sheer joy of being able to run took me along a familiar 10 mile route up towards Etherley. Still not back to fitness as the last two miles were uncomfortable. That wasn't just because of the rain. I was extremely lucky. On all sides the horizon was grayed out with rain but the worst I experienced was a heavy drizzle. Somebody smiled on me tonight.

25-9-5 Didn't expect to really be able to run today after a run on Friday and the walk yesterday but was determined to make an effort. Once again the easy option of a 10 mile run to Spennymoor. Amazingly after a few hundred meters the legs didn't feel too bad, and although the pace was easy, it was the most pleasant run out for over 2 months. At last a return to form.

24-9-5 The last stage of the Teesdale walk. The Best Foot Forward Walkers from Barningham had already completed the 90 miles from the source of the Tees, to Middlesbrough in the previous 7 days. It just wasn't possible for me to run the route (that had been the original intention) so at least was able to join them for the last stretch. Was really glad to have Nina and her Mother Judith along for company too. Nina was one of the youngsters who first asked for an insulin pump, and was the second to get hers.

We all started off from Barningham village, climbing into a couple of mini-buses  to go to Middlesbrough where the last stage began at the Transporter bridge. Some pictures of the walk can be found at the Barningham events page. St Michaels What a glorious day. Sun shining, cool breeze and at the very start an amazing smell of bacon sandwiches. It was impossible to resist so I ran off to find the source of the smell, Annies Cafe no less. Had a few other takers so it was with a stomach satisfied glow that we set off. 

To be honest, not the most glorious of walking routes, but certainly interesting. We were mostly sandwiched between railway lines, factories, steel mills and smelly drains. At one point faced by a very wet bog of several hundred meters, most of us climbed on to the railway embankment, preferring to brave the 20 minute interval trains. After about 6 miles it got a little greener and at last we could see the sea.

Some of us thought to take a short cut, futile in the end as we came across an unclimable fence and had to retrace our footsteps. Eventually made it to the South Gare lighthouse, a real sense of achievement.

That night there was a presentation of certificates for those completing the walk. Thank you all who organised the events and fund raising.

23-9-5 First run since the GNR. Too sore for the first couple of days, too busy until tonight. But such an amazing time for fund-raising, with near enough £10,000 being added to the charity

Tonight was certainly a reminder that summer is over and Autumn creeping in. A strong cold wind, dusk falling quickly and numb hands. There won't be many more opportunities to run to Spennymoor after work now. Another sure sign is well wrapped cyclists and the only walkers are those with dogs. Still an easy enough run and not too sore. Tomorrow comes the last stage of the Teesdale walk.

18-9-5 The Great North Run! Hadn't realised it was such a long time since the last diary entry. Things have been very hectic. Still having problems with the left ankle so unable to really train properly even when there has been time to run, and that not often. So faced today's run with a little apprehension. Set off bright and early, no hangover this time, and a leisurely stroll to the baggage buses. Once you get to the start it takes over an hour for the race to begin. There were various attempts at entertainment, including a RAF parachute team, very impressive. At least it wasn't as cold as it has been in previous years.

In previous years, amongst the orange numbers (serious runners) there hasn't been much craique but this year there were plenty of lively conversations. Just before the start there was supposed to be a rendering of 'Jerusalem' but whilst the music was playing, Paul Collingwood was being driven down the course holding the 'Ashes' replica. Not to be outdone, our little group started singing anyway, well we needed a warm-up. That went so well we decided to sing 'Swing low, sweet chariot'. And then it was off. 

Except it isn't off, so many people are set in front that it took 5 minutes just to reach the start line. It was also getting out very warm. With a tailwind it didn't take long to get a sweat on, and to be honest this was the hottest half marathon to date. Set off at a reasonable pace but of course you spend the first 5 miles weaving in and out of the slower runners. Managed OK until the last few miles, which are uphill anyway. Was really tired coming in the last mile but ran the whole way, managed a time of 1hr 44 minutes which is quite a lot faster than last year. Didn't even think about a sprint finish and felt exhausted at the end.

Meandered down to the baggage buses, stopping off at the Diabetes UK stand on the way. They gave me a wonderful massage, which has got to do me some good. Mind you when they tackled my calves and tendons, the pain was extreme! Another year of fundraising gone by.

8-9-5 Spent the last couple of days at a children's diabetes conference in Nottingham. The meeting was good, a lot of things to think about. Had a chance for a short run. Breezy but hot. Not familiar with the place headed out from the conference venue following main roads in a sort of circular route out for 2.5 miles before heading back. Dripping horribly with sweat. They are having a marathon in Nottingham this weekend so unsurprisingly plenty of runners out getting in some last minute training.

Had a 5 minute run around Bishop Auckland the evening before. Slow but steady and still sore. At least another youngster has started on a pump and is as usual very happy with it. That's what this is all about.

4-9-5 A fairly busy 24 hours at Darlington, didn't finish till just after midnight so a bit tired today. Decided to run to Spennymoor again. Unbelievably hadn't run two consecutive 10 miles closer than 2 days together for over 2 months. Started off and for the first time in weeks the left Achilles tendon wasn't excruciating. After a mile or so it wasn't even very noticeable, the first halfway pleasant run, and pretty fast too. However lack of stamina caught up after about 7 miles and I was really exhausted by the end. Mind you was a hot day too. I'm hoping that's the beginning of the end for that set of injuries, fingers crossed. Set off to run in the early afternoon and a lot more people walking or cycling the tracks, but leisurely. At one point thought had spotted a red squirrel but it was a grey. Then of course, like buses, you see one and there were several about.

Then of course there are the flies. At this time of the year there are lots of tiny black flies in the air. With it being such a hot day, ran without a shirt on. Of course the sweat was pouring off within a mile and these poor flies would fly into me and drown in the pools of sweat. By the time I came home could have passed for a pink dalmation!

This next week the thirtieth child starts on their pump and with a bit of luck the next four will collect a pump to try out. That will bring up the total to thirty four. To be honest never expected to need more than a dozen or so to begin with, but insulin pumps really suit children. No rest for the wicked for the moment then.

2-9-5 The first run of September. Such a glorious evening. Clear blue sky, not too hot and the tracks a bit softer after the recent rain. Same old problem with the left calf and heel but it'll get better eventually. On the way out to Spennymoor seemed amazingly quiet for such a lovely day but had set out a little bit earlier than usual. Passed or met a few cyclists and passed a runner coming into Spennymoor. Lots more cyclists on the way back though

Good news on the fundraising front though. With another 5 children now wanting to start a lot of fundraising efforts by so many people are coming to fruition so hopefully there will be enough ,money to pay. Working in Darlington this weekend so less chance of a run. No way would my leg support a 15 mile trip back.

29-8-5 No running at all over the weekend. Plenty of exercise though, moving 6 years accumulated belongings from a first floor tenement in the West End of Glasgow to a 2nd floor tenement in Partick. Didn't help the left Achilles much. Glasgow is such a city of contrasts, beautiful stone tenements, but on closer inspection many of them are rotting away. The weather was pretty gloomy too with intermittent drizzle and rain most of the time. 

Arrived back last night quite late. There was another fund-raising event at the Ash Tree in Spennymoor so went along for an hour or so. They held an auction that went on for ages, so much had been donated. With really generous bidding it looks as if another big donation to the fund is on its way. Thanks again to everybody there.

Today went for a 10 mile run to Spennymoor and back. Although it was in glorious sunshine, there was enough of a breeze to keep the temperatures quite pleasant. As always quite painful to start, easing off after a mile but very uncomfortable for the last 2 miles. The Great North Run is going to be a real challenge at this rate. That morning was buying some DIY materials when bumped into Paul Richardson, the man who organised the fundraising cycle at 3M. He reckons they will manage over £3000 by the time all the money has been collected. 

24-8-5 Back to work! This summer seems to be wonderfully healthy with very few admissions to hospital which has allowed me time to catch up on all the work that accumulates during a holiday. The legs were particularly sore and achy after the Auckland Castle race but thought to give it a chance tonight. Headed off towards West Auckland but the pains were as bad as ever and although eventually ran over 10 miles, there was little pleasure in it. These injuries are really miserable. Had hoped to get in some running this weekend but instead will have to travel to Glasgow to see our eldest to sort out housing issues. That also means missing the presentation by the Independence4disabiltiy and the Weardale fundraising teams this Friday night. They have worked ever so hard to raise money and I feel very guilty about not being there. 

21-8-5 A rather eventful couple of days. First of all disaster has struck the website. For some reason all the usual connections (hyperlinks) and the page headings just stopped working and no matter what I tried to do they just couldn't be made to work again. So the whole structure has had to be changed. To be honest it probably needed updating anyway.

Two days ago had another training session on the Tech 'running track'. Probably not the best thing to do days before a race but as I feel so unfit anyway, it couldn't really hurt. This time there were several boys hitting golf balls around. Some seemed to have a bit of an idea of what to do, others were literally clubbing the ball, or mostly the ground. It made for a diversion from normal, having to keep an eye out to prevent having an eye knocked out!

Today was the Auckland Castle 10km race. A beautiful sunny day, probably a bit hot for racing. A good turnout on the day, over 500 runners crowding into the Bishop Auckland Market Place. As it is a national AAA race there were lots of very good runners present, people who looked like runners. I decided to latch on to a local runner who had been only a bit faster than me in previous years. Well he's been training and set off at a faster pace than expected. So the first 3 or 4 km were fast and exhausting. The next 6 km were spent gasping in an effort to finish. PhotographsOverall the time was probably better than I deserved at just under 45 minutes. It was all I could do to not vomit at the end, so plenty of effort then. Photographs

18-8-5 Two more runs slotted in. The first a deviation from the normal around town route. Distressingly tired still. The legs seem so heavy and the right leg in particular has no uphill stamina. Of course the left heel is as bad as ever.

Today stuck with the more familiar trail to Spennymoor and back. A strange thing, felt so weary but was actually running quite a bit faster than I though. Not a bad time as it was very humid and close. A few cyclists about and even a couple of runners. One a rather severe looking man with a wife and child riding ahead on bicycles. He looked very cross and didn't even acknowledge a friendly smile and gasped 'hello'.

Have booked a place in the Auckland Castle 10km race this weekend, but am aiming for a modest time only.

14-8-5 The next day rained even more so no more chance to run until this morning, just before heading back to Bishop. A longer run this time, through the Thetford Forest. Again the heel was so painful and feel so unfit, but managed 10 miles in the end. Of course staying the extra day meant missing the Darlington race, but judging by current running standards would have been lucky to finish in under 50 minutes.

Amazingly there is so little to see in the forest. The trees are all planted so close as to leave a black desert underneath, so very few birds or other wildlife.

12-8-5 Next run, but in a new location. Had intended a visit to my parents this holidays, but my Brother in Law was having his 50th birthday on Friday night. Having completely disrupted everybody else in the families plans travelled down the 200 miles. So pent up after the journey just had to get out and had a reasonable 4.5 mile jog in the nearby forest.

Good to see the family again. Of course as a barbeque had been planned, the normally baking hot Norfolk summer was transformed into a series of rain showers. Our nephew had been assigned BBQ duty but neglected it in favour of more indoor pursuits leaving the hardy Northerners to sizzle sausages in the rain. We even ended up doing the washing up as well. Now that was a good birthday present.

The night finished with everybody sitting outside, staring up at the sky watching a meteor shower at 1-30 in the morning.

8-8-5 On holiday at last. Not much chance of running though. My legs are still very sore and of course holidays are a chance to get things done around the house. Also there are two more youngsters to start on a pump, plus some lectures to give in Newcastle. So with the Darlington 10km run to consider this Sunday decided to get a bit of speed training in. Off to the college running track for a very lacklustre session. Felt very dull and sluggish and that left achilles tendon is no better.

2-8-5 Three runs under the belt so to speak, and on three consecutive days. The pains are no better but its just a case of grit your teeth for the first mile and get on with it.

Sunday and Monday were the usual around the town circuit but run in the opposite direction on Sunday. On a mildly hilly course  where you encounter the hills does make a difference. Normally the first 2 miles are flat or gently uphill followed by a long steepish hill and a couple of short steep ones. On the opposite run the first hills are steep short and intensive after a mile with a long downhill section. Trouble is being currently so unfit can't tell if it makes a difference or not!

Then tonight decided to go for a bit more of a workout, so that means a mile up Busty Bank. No prizes for guessing why it was called busty as I bust a gut getting up tonight. The legs really felt quite tired. Only a month ago I could have run 3 consecutive 10 miles , now half that is taxing. Patience, fitness will return.

30-7-5 No runs since Wednesday night, a combination of being on call and foul weather. Still Wednesday was an interesting experience. Wanted to do more than just run the usual town circuit and doubted my left Achilles tendon would be capable of a hilly run. Decided to try some specific fitness training instead. Headed off to the only thing resembling a running track in Bishop Auckland, an old, overgrown, cinder circuit in the playing fields of the Technical College. The mile run there served as a warm up. 

Then it was a succession of 400 meters running at a fairly fast pace, followed by a slow jog for 200 meters. The idea is to build up running speed and lets face it these past few months have all been about plodding on for mile after mile. Once again the heel was excruciatingly painful for about a mile but bearable thereafter.

It could have been a pretty boring half hour but there were a group of about 8 children aged 7 to 10 or so. Well of course they thought it was a real hoot watching this old man running around a track either dead slow or a bit faster for no real purpose.

The first circuit was punctuated with calls of 'up one two three', 'keep it up', 'run Forest run' and a whole series of other completely original quips. The next time around a couple of the younger ones waited for me to draw level and then raced me around for a couple of hundred meters. One of the smaller ones was really quite a neat little runner and was able to keep up well. After that they took it  in turns to run with me, some a lot better than others. They asked what I was doing, told me that they were in athletic clubs and generally got quite chatty. The nine sessions went along very nicely.

So all in all a very pleasant training session. Whether it will make any difference to the running will find out later. Had hoped for a short run out tonight but still heavy rain. Maybe tomorrow.

25-7-5 Only two runs since the last entry, 8 miles on Friday afternoon and 10 this evening. Have a severe left Achilles tendonitis. It is tender to touch and there is a searing pain with every step. After about a mile the pain eases to a dull nag aggravated by running up slopes. At least the groin pains are easing off. So far each increase in distance has seemed alright until the last couple of miles when all strength goes out of the legs but tonight the legs still had running left over even after 10 miles. Should really be planning for races but if truth be told, am not sure the body is ready for it yet. The Lyke Wake really took it out of me.

Still before the run on Friday had the very great pleasure of starting two more people on the pump and am finalising arrangements for the next 2 to start, one local youngster and a lad from Newcastle. There are also a couple of others wanting to start soon so will have to get organised. It won't be long before there are thirty pump users. That is more than I could ever have hoped for two years ago when the appeal first started. We owe so many people so many thanks.

20-7-5 Feeling a bit more relaxed. Still lots of twinges but nothing too serious and have managed a couple of 6 mile runs. Tonight's run was in new territory, running towards Tindale Crescent before heading up the hill towards Etherley. Then back through Bishop Auckland, down to the river before back uphill to home. Deliberately choosing a hillier and slower course.

On call again tomorrow night but hope to put in a longer run on Friday, perhaps 10 miles again. We'll see.

17-7-5 Great relief. Went out again tonight. Although my groin was very sore this morning it seemed to have eased off. Took a chance with another run, but intended perhaps just 2 miles. Strangely enough had nasty pain in the left Achilles tendon, around both knee ligaments but only occasional twinges in the groin. All but the Achilles tendon resolved with the running. It was almost as if the ligaments and tendons needed a bit of oiling with exercise. SO relieved!

One thing that did astonish me though is how much wastage there has been of my thigh muscles in the last week. Perhaps a combination of extreme exertion on two consecutive days with inadequate fuel intake is responsible. Whatever my fitness level is very low at present.

Still the reason for all this running was reinforced today. The last three recipients of a pump came to exchange their trial pumps for the real ones they get to keep. They are all still so happy to have them. Then the next two pump users came to collect their trial pumps today. Hopefully they will start properly this Friday, up to 27 then. The next two starters have been identified.

16-7-5 The first run for a week and things are not looking so good. Felt a pull in the groin and knew at once that this could be serious. Three years ago had a similar pain in the other groin and it took 2 months to settle enough to start running again. Managed to finish 5 miles but towards the end it was so painful and my left hip wouldn't bend properly. We'll see tomorrow but this could be disastrous.

10-7-5 The Great North Walk. After yesterday this was not high on my list of things to do before you die! It was very painful getting out of bed, and even Ibuprofen could only ease the aches. The difficult things were lifting my legs to go up stairs, and even worse going downstairs. Still we had the T shirts and I had promised Colette I would walk with her. Of course another scorching hot day and who could grumble after a pretty poor year for sunshine so far. We set off, well prepared with water and sandwiches to the designated car park at Wolsingham and took the bus into the town. We seemed good and early so had a cup of tea/coffee in the one open cafe before making our way to the start. Walking helped to keep the pain under control. Photographs

The last official start was at 11 am and we set off at a fairly brisk pace and pretty soon hit the hills. Despite the heat we made pretty good time and was mostly overtaking slower walkers. There were quite a few children there and some were great little walkers, and the littler ones great trotters! After an hour we reached the top of the hills above Weardale, some 1200 ft with fabulous views. There was a great picnic area just before the downhill section. One old soldier was there in full 1940's desert gear, complete with wooden rifle. Apparently in his 80's and slow but very steady.

The section downhill was very difficult and tiring. My thighs and ankles were not at all happy but eventually the trail flattened out and the rest of the walk was fairly level. For the last 2 miles all I wanted was for it to finish and eventually it did. Photographs We got our goody bag, and a medal which for once I felt I deserved and then it was up the dales to Daddry Shields. Mine House Open Garden

9-7-5 The Lyke Wake Race. At this moment in time the first time and probably the last! Was very well prepared, lots of drinks made up, a jam sandwich to keep up the energy levels, even laminated maps of the route printed out. Even better was the support of my eldest son John, who spent the day driving between checkpoints in order to keep me supplied with fresh drinks. Arrived at the start well in time to find there were only another couple of runners waiting to begin. Hearing them talk I realised that my estimated time of 7 hours might be a bit too optimistic, especially as by 9 am it was already very hot with barely a cloud in the sky. Still slapped on plenty of sun tan oil, strapped on a water holder and set off. Photographs

Not a great beginning, the only other runner to start with me hared off into the distance so by the time the first major route change arrived he was nowhere to be seen. My laminated maps didn't actually give a detailed explanation of which one of the possible routes to take so wasted 5 minutes looking. Finally found the right one and headed off into the woods and hey presto got lost at the next parting of the ways, losing another few minutes. This was an endlessly repeating pattern for a few minutes later, the same thing happened again. Fortunately the next few miles were fairly straightforward, navigation wise but the terrain was now definitely challenging with a pretty unrelenting climb of around 1000 ft, followed shortly afterwards by a drop of several hundred feet. I was now definitely sure my original estimate was going to be a very long way out! Still the views were tremendous, as was the heat. At times it was stifling, with sweat pouring off me. I was unsure if I could drink fast enough to stop getting dehydrated. Photographs

Things weren't too bad for the next few miles with no dreadful climbs, but plenty of muddy patches. It was at this point my complete unsuitability as a fell runner started to be demonstrated. The paths were often through knee deep heather. They were narrow and the base often hidden. With a shuffling type gait my feet would invariably hit a stone and send me off stumbling, kicking myself and often very close to tumbling over. Still was approaching the first 10 mile point, again very steeply downhill, turned left instead of straight ahead and found myself several hundred meters in the wrong direction, again.

Next another dreadful climb that seemed to last forever but finally topped out at 1500 ft. Very hot now but apart from continually tripping over, fairly steady especially after reaching an old railway track. This meandered around for about 3 miles, again with very wet sections to negotiate before reaching the Lions Head Checkpoint. After stocking up with more drinks it was time to negotiate the bogs. 

Awful is the mildest word to describe this section. Slow, painfully slow at times, trying to negotiate the stinking black ooze and there were occasions when it was calf deep. I hate running with wet feet! Once past the worst of the bog it reverted to thick heather and narrow tracks, and another wrong turn, for a long way this time. There just weren't any people to follow. Now were some of the worst times as I fell over quite forcefully onto my face, grazing a knee and elbow. It also seemed to be getting even hotter. At the next checkpoint it was obviously proving too much for many of the runners who just couldn't take the heat anymore. 

Now came a fairly steep drop downwards and I was passing quite a few of the slower walkers, another steep climb out followed by a further passage across the moors complete with nice boggy sections, stony trails which led to a further fall amongst many stumblings and occasional sections which were fairly easy to trot along before another descent then crossing the North Yorks Railway before the next checkpoint at Eller Beck bridge. Took the opportunity to change my trainers and socks. So far only one blister and headed off again. It was getting a bit easier with other runners and walkers trailing ahead, so less likelihood of getting lost. Then another bog and I was regretting having changed trainers as once again it was ankle deep in the boggy water. The blister now burst and the acid bog water kept reminding me that a raw blister can be quite painful. Leaving the bogs to more sandy trails meant running and of course another fall. How I didn't break anything? A combination of tired legs and uneven surface accounted for most of the trips.

By now my legs were feeling the strain and the next 5 miles were  not so comfortable. Another very steep descent and even worse ascent at a place called Jugger Howe came before the penultimate checkpoint.  Photographs  Desperately hot and dry but unable to drink enough there were only a few more miles to go. A long mile of climbing but the last mile was all downhill and I finally reached the end after eight and a half hours. Photographs

The end of the story is one of near complete exhaustion. John drove me home although at one point he had to stop quickly to let me vomit up the last pints of water drunk. I ached so much but at least had finished it. As for dehydration, even after drinking, my bodyweight was at least 2 kilos down, and I didn't need a wee from first thing in the morning till bedtime 16 hours later!

Photos to follow.

7-7-5 The pace never lets up! This is not a moan but haven't been to bed before 12-30 for over a week. Every day and night has been too busy and full to go running until tonight. Very conscious of the need to be careful before the weekend so took what I thought to be a very easy 5 mile run around Bishop Auckland. Of course not having run since Sunday meant easy was much faster than intended. Now am so tired have to have an early night. Aiming for 11 pm. The good news is that a lot of money has been donated over the past week (see the fundraisers page) which means that we should have enough for another 5 children to start in the next few weeks.

Tomorrow have to start getting ready for the Lyke Wake run. Starting to get just a little bit worried.

3-7-5 A weekend full of events. Yesterday was a village fete at Barningham to launch the 'Best foot forward' fundraising event. This will be a sponsored walk along the Teesdale Way, 100 miles in 8 days, to take place in September. Whilst there had an opportunity to meet with many of the people who are helping out including Chris the vicar of Barningham and his wife Chris. St Michaels. Also received a cheque from the amazing ladies of Staindrop Shape & Tone. Photographs

Today was the big Weardale fund raising with the Weardale walkers pushing wheelchairs from Harperley POW camp up to Killhope Wheel at the top of the dale. Weardale Walkers

Starting at the other end, from Killhope were the Weardale Whippets, local runners using the Stanhope half marathon to raise awareness. I was very privileged to get to run with them. The run started at 11 am in glorious weather. Sun shining, a cool breeze on our backs and a gentle start. There were thirteen runners altogether including one of the youngsters on an insulin pump, Terry Photographs. He'd never run far before, certainly not a half marathon!.

I followed the front runners, one wearing what looked like two pairs of dark glasses. As we were running on the road we had to take care for the traffic but he seemed fairly oblivious. He seemed to know his way very well, should do he'd run it so many times. It wasn't until after the first mile that another runner said not to follow him too closely as he couldn't see very well! Shortly afterwards got to start chatting to one of the local family doctors, Steve Lumb. He is a really good fell runner, and used to win lots of races. Mind he looked the part, tall slim and an effortless running style. As we chatted we drew ahead of the other runners. You see one of the advantages of the run was it was downhill overall so really quite fast. It was really very good of him to keep his pace slow enough for me to keep up.

Water stops were provided at intervals by people with cold boxes at their back doors and gardens, a real DIY race, but whereas on things like the Great North Run where the water is warm, these drinks were cold from the fridge, a real bonus. 

Anther advantage of this run was the sheer beauty of the surroundings. It was glorious to see. Great fun having somebody to talk to and the miles just flew away. Eventually we stopped just outside Stanhope to allow the others to catch up so that we could all go into Stanhope together. We had to wait a while but eventually Terry on his first half marathon joined the bunch. What an amazing thing for him to do. I remember the first time I ran 2 miles and thought I was going to die!

Our first 12 miles had been quite fast, the last a pleasant and sedate affair.

Once back at the start there were presentations from Richard Maw and the Penrith Co-op, refreshments and even commemorative medals for the half marathon, engraved 'John Tinkler Memorial Run 2005'

All in all an eventful weekend.

1-7-5 The first run of the week and the new month. Only time for 5 miles, but chose the hilly route to test the legs. Surprisingly stiff after the weekend. Now is the time to taper down in readiness for the Lyke Wake run and in preparation for the half marathon this weekend.

28-6-5 A very eventful 2 days has passed. Ran back from Darlington again yesterday. Very different from the Saturday being so much hotter. Took extra water but even so was feeling very hot and dehydrated by the time I got home. Amazingly after having a drink and a shower I suddenly felt quite ill and queasy, presumably the dehydration catching up. I checked my weight and had lost over 2kg on the run. settled down after an hour or so.

The run itself was fun. The legs weren't too tired and sunshine just feels good. I had excellent music to listen to and having just finished working the weekend having time to myself was a bonus.

Then today, no time for a run but several donations arrived at the hospital, bringing the total to over £71,000. Tonight I was invited to a presentation by the Rotary Club of Bishop Auckland. They have worked tirelessly over the past year raising money and handed over a cheque for £5,000. An amazing sum of money, enough to buy another 2 insulin pumps. I couldn't thank them enough.

25-6-5 Seem to have been a bit taciturn in the last entry. Cumulative fatigue no doubt. The trip to Glasgow on the Tuesday was tiring enough. The people organising the exams had arranged a room in a good hotel. The problem was that U2 were giving a concert in Glasgow that night so all the rooms were full. The room allocated to me was incredibly hot and stuffy and when I opened the window to let in some fresh air, discovered that the main air conditioning unit was right outside. So that night was spent in what seemed the exhaust trail of a particularly noisy jet engine. Expectation of sleep 0, reality of sleep, a couple of hours. 

The exam itself was quite a stressful and arduous affair. Over the day twenty four trainee paediatricians were examined in a variety of ways to ensure they are fit enough to become specialists. 

After the examiners discussion meeting there were still a couple of hours to go before catching the train home so met up with our eldest who lives in Glasgow and went out for a meal at a place called the Mussel Inn. Good seafood and the chance to catch up with all the news. It was a late return so still tired and this weekend am on call in Darlington.

As usual we get to swap duties half way (I'm working Friday morning to Saturday Mid-day and then from Sunday Mid-day till Monday afternoon) and I ran home from Darlington. The weather was great, a headwind all the way meant for a relatively cool journey. Had often wondered why the run back to Bishop felt tiring for only 15 miles. I have a program that downloads the data from the GPS watch which includes elevation data as well as distance and direction of travel. Well the journey profile is one of unrelenting uphill for all but the last couple of miles, so no surprise there!

23-6-5 After the run last Saturday, felt really quite unwell for the next 2 days. Rather sickly and lacking energy. Surprisingly the body didn't ache too much, in fact if anything the very unpleasant tendonitis in the right foot has started to ease off.

By the Tuesday felt a bit better. Had to travel to Glasgow that evening to examine trainee paediatricians on the Wednesday so took the opportunity for a quick 5 miles miles. Still felt rather weak but managed to get round in a reasonable time. No chance to run on Wednesday but after clinic today set off for a hilly 10 miles around Westerton. Still tired with no real running strength in the legs. Hope it all gets better for July and the Lyke Wake run.

18-6-5 Two runs to report. Yesterday a steady 10 mile up to Etherley which went fairly well. Didn't feel too drained,  so today thought to run a bit further. Initially 12 miles seemed OK then decided on 15 but finally, knowing that Sunday was going to be spent collecting children from York and Sheffield,  decided to go for a twenty plus run.

Decided to run to  Durham via Brandon and then back to Bishop via Spennymoor, a round trip of about 23 miles.  It had been so long since a really hot run that I underestimated fluid losses and was really quite dehydrated by the time Durham arrived. There was no way of completing the run without some more water so decided to call on a couple I know on the old Great North Road.  Thank goodness they were out as there can't be many more unpleasant sights than an extremely hot a nd sweaty person dripping all over the place. Fortunately the back garden tap was easily available so topped up with water and set off at a slow but steady pace. 

By this time I was really quite exhausted, the worst I have felt running for years. There was no choice but to keep on going, a slow slog through Tudhoe and into Spennymoor. Once again I'd drunk most of the water and was still very dehydrated so this time I had to stop off at a pub and beg a drink of tapwater. The landlady, bless her, put ice in the glass which certainly helped. 

The last 5 miles back to Bishop were very slow but eventually I made it. Not at all feeling well.

14-6-5 Only one complete days rest but the evening schedule for the rest of the week looks very crowded so it meant a run out tonight. Made the mistake of forgetting my MP3 player and the prospect of a silent 10 miles didn't appeal. On the other hand it would probably have been very foolish to run so far after such a long outing on Sunday.

My legs were really stiff and uncomfortable with no real bounce in them. It ended up being a relatively slow 5 miles in the end. The wind was pretty fierce too and although not too cold it didn't help the pace.

All sorts of events have been planned by lots of people to raise funds. I'll be putting in more details about them in the events section.

12-6-5 Today was to be another attempt at a long run. The plan was at least 30 miles and again the weather forecast looked good, overcast, cool and only occasional light showers. How much do you believe in the weather forecasts for a country where our climate is so unpredictable it forms a regular topic of conversation? Yes it was overcast, and cool, but there was a near continuous drizzle punctuated by 'showers' that would have been no disgrace to a power shower! 

One of the things to guard against as a runner is carrying too much weight, but wet running clothes can add at least half a kilo. This time at least there were no burst bags and any wetness felt was natural. 

Not surprisingly there weren't a lot of people out on the tracks today. Here's me in running shorts and a running T shirt, they're all wrapped up in rain capes, hats and gloves. Even the dogs were subdued. Running generates enough heat so that you only really feel cold if there's a strong wind blowing, which thankfully there wasn't.

Even the wildlife seemed dulled by the weather. At one point ran past a couple of young rabbits who saw no real threat, hardly bothering to skip off the path as I approached. A few more fledgling birds learning to fly and a dead mole. Even the old dog at Park terrace couldn't be bothered to do more than glance as I passed.

The cheap little step counter recorded 41,665 steps for the 30 miles. Running that far is really a matter of mental discipline. After about 10 miles there are inevitably some aches and pains which gradually get more intrusive as the miles add up but from about 20 miles you have to start thinking positively about how there's only another 10 to go and keep a cheerful attitude. There are times, especially with hills when the legs feel weak, and some of the twinges threaten to get worse but at the end I still felt as if there was plenty of running to do.

The next two days will be interesting. Having your guts shaken up over 40,000 times does affect my appetite, so much so that the 3,900 calories burnt up on the run can't be replaced straight away. It's not until at least 48 hours have passed before stocks are being replenished and then the appetite is formidable. Almost like being an adolescent again. I become a fridge magnet, the hand reaching for the fridge door every time I pass, looking to see what is there to nibble.

It will also be interesting to see how long it takes to recover enough to go out for another run.

9-6-5 Phew!  Holidays induce a kind of 'schizophrenic' state. On the one hand I really look forward to having a bit of time to myself and doing things that get left when its busy at work, like running, decorating etc. But I dread coming back to a desk full of things to sort out and problems to solve whilst still having to keep up with all the other scheduled duties. Ideally the first day with nothing major planned allows for a bit of catching up. But this week every spare minute was filled with lecturing or teaching or clinics so even more work is piling up. Feel even more stressed now than before going on holiday! What a sad man. Having said that it is good to be working with the children again.

Tonight was the first chance of a run and even then it was too late for anything more than five miles. Five quite slow and stiff miles too. This seems to happen after a very long run at the weekend. The legs seem to seize up. Still it was warm and sunny and a chance to get out and everything felt more comfortable 

5-6-5 'The best laid plans of mice and men gin aft awry'. Apologies to Robbie Burns but that could have been today's theme poem. The plan was to run 30 miles in preparation for the Lyke Wake run. Got up early in anticipation, stocked up on gels and Turkish delight bars for energy supplies and filled a water bladder to keep me well hydrated. Altogether this would added an extra load of 2kg to run with. 

The extra weight and anticipation of a long run had my heart rate much higher than it should have been for the initial steady pace, and it was very difficult to relax more. But the weather was perfect for long distance running, overcast, cool with virtually no wind. After about 5 miles, heading into Willington a steady drizzle started and shortly afterwards I could feel water dripping onto the back of my T shirt. This was very strange as it didn't seem such a heavy rain to cause a cold wet back. A minute later my shoes started to fill up with liquid and it was then that the penny dropped.

The water bladder, containing one and a half litres of a rehydration drink (sugar, salt and water) had sprung a leak and was pouring out of the running rucksack, all over my back and into my shoes. 

Disaster! Quickly taking the rucksack off and drinking what little liquid remained,  it was clearly going to be impossible to run another 25 miles without becoming dehydrated. There was nowhere practical to get a drink unless I returned home. I knew that a return would end the run, as temptation to stop would be too great so decided to plough on. At first I was cross with my plans for a long run in tatters, but very quickly I could see the funny side. As long as there were no wasp nests or beehives nearby to attract stingy insects I would be OK. It should still be possible to go for 15 miles. Then again my load was a good 1.5 kg lighter than it had been. Its an ill wind....

As it turned out I continued to Langley Park a full 10 miles out and still felt full of running on returning to Bishop so carried on back towards Spennymoor but made a conscious decision to only run a marathon distance rather than risk dehydration and injury. Those blasted black flies were still along the track, trying (successfully) to fly down my windpipe!

So all's well that ends well. I still felt pretty good at the end and am sure 30 miles would have been pretty straightforward with enough to drink. Will have to review the strength of water bladders in future.

Another item of interest; when in town earlier in the week had bought a very cheap step counter from the £ shop. It seemed to work well and accurately on a counted trial so thought I'd see how many steps or rather strides 30 miles would take. After the end of the marathon the total stood at 30,505. So that only works out at 3 days worth of recommended exercise!

One final note, by the time the run had finished the running gear had nearly dried out,  my shorts were stuck to my legs with a syrupy goo, and socks and shoes felt horrible. I had to wash everything thoroughly . Probably would have tasted nice though!

3-6-5 Lost a couple of running days. One because we started another child on an insulin pump. Still despite the rather uncertain looking weather set off this mid-morning for a planned easy run. Met another runner heading towards Bishop and met him again on the way back, but otherwise the track was quite quiet. A fledgling tit was fluttering by the side of the track both directions. Must have fallen out of the nest. Hope there aren't many cats about for its sake.

Flies! Little black evil things in thick swarms along the track. So many that it felt like running through a black hail storm. Had to breathe through my nose to prevent inhaling them. Don't remember plagues of flies before.

Later today in town met another runner, Melvyn. He has run all his life and recently retired. He now finds the time to enter so many races, and his running times are improving substantially. It would be quite nice to be able to run for a goal other than fund raising, but we're not there just yet.

Will try for a short training run tomorrow and then for a 30 miler on Sunday, all being well.

31-5-5 Well the running is going quite well all told. Every day of the holiday so far. Each run has been at least 10 miles, in fact yesterday was 12 and today 10. Yesterday was a leisurely lope towards Brandon, but only ran a mile past Willington. For the end of May the weather was really quite cool especially running into the wind. As might be expected there weren't too many people out on the trails with it being so cool. Today decided to stick to the roads with a run up to Etherley. Again took it fairly easy. If the mileage increases too fast you are asking for injury and at 182 miles so far that's the second highest monthly total since June 2003. At least 60 miles a month more than any other month this year.

Having got to Etherley and turning back for home saw another runner ahead. He was moving quite a bit slower so it wasn't long before I caught up.

Now I am not a very competitive person and racing is something done for a personal satisfaction but this runner clearly didn't feel so equanimitous. As soon as I caught up he increased his pace to run alongside and then ahead. It wasn't for a chat either as trying to engage in conversation didn't result in any meaningful exchanges. It was difficult running behind as my pace at that time was a little faster so I overtook, only for him to stick to my heels for the next mile or so when we parted down different roads. Quite a contrast to the last close encounter with another runner.

Finished off the night by getting some decorating done. Much harder work than running!

29-5-5 Decided to have an early start today. Yes you are supposed to have lie ins and relax on holidays but lying in bed is just a waste of time when all is said and done. So up and about, sort out the freezer after de-frosting, a quick breakfast of 2 bananas and 2 cups of coffee. Music drinks and GPS set up then away. Hoping to get another 20 miles of running in by the end of May so rather than a 15 or 20 miles run decided on perhaps just a half marathon. My feet have been particularly sore this past couple of weeks so probably should ease off the miles a bit.

First problem came with the GPS unit. For some reason despite the reasonably clear skies, it kept losing the satellite signals and would record me as running a mile a second, not! Apparently going from -200 feet to 500feetin 5 minutes! That was a bit annoying as had hoped to more accurately map out the routes taken. Another day perhaps.

The running was fairly relaxed though. Still very breezy but that doesn't seem to matter as much when the pace is easy. Early starts mean quiet runs with only a few people out. Coming into Willington a child of around 4 years at most came running after me shouting "You've got women's clothes on!" referring to the lycra shorts I tend to wear. Ordinary running shorts cause my legs to chafe badly so have little option. He did the same on the way back too! I really like children but you can go off them sometimes.

Remarkably few cyclists too. Only one horsewoman and one lady runner with her dog. My legs were very sore by the time I got back. Need to build up the miles though if I'm going to successfully complete the 42 mile Lyke Wake run.

28-5-5 The first day of a weeks holiday and a late start to the morning. Lots to get through these next few days. All the things that got put off because of being too busy at work. At least will make a determined effort at getting some serious running in.

So a first start of 10 miles to Spennymoor and back. The wind was too strong to make the whole run pleasant and even though it was after 10am before starting, there were very few people out on the tracks. 

A pleasant diversion came at Park Terrace. On the way back caught sight of the old sheepdog. Well I don't know what has changed, perhaps its the sunshine, but in any event when he caught sight of me it was just like old times with him racing ahead to sit waiting at the end of the field, wagging his tail in obvious enjoyment. No accounting for it.

25-5-5 Well it wasn't to be a long run tonight. Just didn't feel my legs would be up to it, and events of the day didn't leave me feeling like a long run anyway. So another 5 mile circuit around the town.

Tonight was a little different. After a mile found myself behind another runner, and eventually caught up. We ran together for almost another mile and it was a pleasant change to have somebody to chat to. The other runner was training as a tri-athlete.

Tomorrow am on call in Darlington so no more running until Friday. 

24-5-5 A hard rain has been a falling, all day but stopped in time for me to get out for a quick run tonight. Sunny but very breezy. My legs are still very stiff from the 20 mile run on Sunday so took it fairly easy around the town. Also being in Darlington this week means lots of stairs, so will have to nurture the knees a little.

Am hoping to run back from Darlington tomorrow night. We'll see. 

Have had to order a new pair of trainers over the internet. Just haven't had a chance to get out to buy any and this last pair have run well over 500 miles now. They reckon 500 miles is the most you should run in a pair of trainers. The rubber stiffens and makes you more liable to injury. Even though they are the same make as usual, feel uneasy about buying shoes that I haven't tried on first. Still its risk new shoes or injury. Its a bit more expensive than buying tyres. They cost almost as much and don't last nearly as long. 

Actually when you think about it, running is a good deal more expensive than driving. If you buy bottled water, that costs as much as diesel per litre. Then there is the cost of all the extra food eaten, the replacement trainers, the running clothes, watches etc. If somebody costed my time at a commercial rate that would really raise the price.

One thing you can't put a price on is health and at this moment in time, the sheer delight given to a child with diabetes when they start on insulin pump. Keep on running.

22-5-5 Couldn't believe it had been 4 days since the last run. Where did that time go? So it had to be a full 20 miles to make up for lost time. Worried the track might be too wet with recent rain but not a problem. Also set out very early, by 8am so it was a cool run before the sun got too hot, ha! Not a lot to report. Very quiet at that time of day with only a couple of cyclists and dog walkers out. Saw a couple of rabbits hopping languidly across the path but not much else in the way of wildlife, not even many birds to begin with. Usually you can expect to see a few magpies, but today a scattering of hedge sparrows.

The running was easy, the time was quite fast but my legs felt quite sore by the time it finished. Still felt good overall. Last week there were more children interested in starting on a pump so will have to go and order some more. Demand certainly isn't slowing.

Another difficult week coming up, working the days in Darlington makes it difficult to get back in time for an evening run. May try a couple of runs back from Darlington.

18-5-5 Had to travel to Darlington today to give a couple of lectures. Seemed to good an opportunity to miss so took a bus there and ran back home after the lectures finished. Was in a terrible rush getting ready to go so wasn't best prepared, no gloves for example, but for all it was cold, windy and gray the wind was from behind. Tail winds are cope able with. It feels mostly uphill so will have to run the opposite way sometime.

At one point just on entering School Aycliffe there had been an accident on the road with all traffic diverted. I was allowed to run through, a whole big road all to myself. Nice change from the constant roar of traffic up until that point. 

It decided to drizzle for the last three miles and by this stage running into the wind as well as definitely uphill.  Good training! Met one other runner coming the opposite direction near to Woodham. Obviously running back from work too. Mind you he looked as if he did this every day, very fit and fast.

Legs were aching by the end, but had also put in a fast 10 miles on Monday night. Monday had been a desperately sad day and not even running could help that.

15-5-5 Although the ward had been a bit busier, things were still quiet enough to allow for a quick run around Bishop Auckland. Not as windy as yesterday. The wind had made the speed training a bit of a challenge. Running around a circular track guaranteed at least 50% of the time running into a headwind (OK and 50% with a tailwind) so the speed varied between 8.5 and 10 miles an hour depending on which part of the track.

Anyway it was more pleasant today as the wind kept it a bit cooler. Legs were very stiff, which surprised me as I didn't think the previous days session had been particularly difficult. Perhaps it was the fast hilly run on Thursday catching up.

Have picked up a bit of a new injury. The instep and just before the heel on the right foot are very tender. Don't think it is the bone, probably another episode of tendinitis. As long as it doesn't interfere with the running.

14-5-5 The ward was quiet this afternoon so took a chance on a run close to the hospital. All the running guides suggest speed training as a way of improving running times. The most favoured way seems to be interval training, running quite hard for about 400 metres then jogging to recover and then repeating. Head off to the Technical College playing fields where they have an old dirt running track. Basically ran intervals for about half an hour. They say it takes a couple of months to see any result so will have to make this a regular thing. As long as there is time.

Two of the latest pump users came back for a review. They are both really happy and have no intention of returning back to injection therapy.

12-5-5 Another long week without a run but at least got home early enough for 10 miles tonight. No chance for another long run until Monday so took the option of a tough one, the route around Westerton. As mentioned before Westerton is the highest point close to Bishop Auckland. To get there involves a fairly stiff 2 mile climb, knee-crackingly steep at times along the bypass. Then a mile downhill before turning back towards Coundon. A turn up towards Leeholme, with another hill then back down to Coundon before turning off uphill to Westerton.

The descent from Westerton is very steep and puts more strain on the knees then after a short relatively level stretch more steep downhill, then uphill, downhill back into Bishop Auckland and then a fairly level final two miles back home. It is a good test of fitness and stamina so particularly pleased to get a fast time of 80 minutes for the 10 1/2 miles.

The day was rather special for other reasons. One of the youngsters attending the diabetic clinic has been a steady fund-raiser along with her family. Today she brought in £800 which she had helped to raise from a coffee morning, sounded more like a full blown social event with all sorts of things arranged.

Also the three latest pump users have all been doing extremely well, and are very happy with their pumps.

Guess that's another few thousand miles to run then!

8-5-5 With another weekend of duty approaching, today was the last chance of a long run for a fortnight. Was a bit concerned because with all the running last week and yesterday spent running about with children at the Diabetes UK families open day is not a good preparation for a long run. Need not have worried. The miles just slid along and although finished after 20 miles, could easily have run for another 10. What a strange thing. I should have barely been able to crawl along, especially after a particularly restless and sleepless night.

Every run out is different. Even along the same track and at the same time of day. This Sunday was dog walker day. Almost everybody out on the track was walking at least one and occasionally there were people with a pack of 3 or more dogs. It is an old cliche that people buy dogs that resemble them but it is so true, especially with the less common breeds. There were at least three white Scotties, and the last one in particular had that dour, sour face, perfectly matched by his owner. Then the poodles, primped and coiffured, long and elegant. I have never seen a poodle with an overweight owner. There was one particularly large pack of dogs who at first sight all looked different. They were indeed all different breeds but all shared common features. They were all long legged, narrow faced and elegant. So were their owners.

This week there were also a lot of cyclists, including the father of one of the young people attending the diabetic clinic. We stopped for a long chat about how the family were getting on. And then just heading past Sunnybrow on the way back met up with a couple of runners.

When I headed out the weather was pretty well the same as for all week, sunny and with a cold wind. Didn't make the same mistake as earlier in the week by wearing a pair of gloves. Having warm hands seems to help me keep from feeling cold. Haven't a clue how but it made the run so much more pleasant. Certainly hadn't been expecting a four season run, but just in the last three miles the sky blackened, and down came the rain, and hail. Didn't last long but had to put up with another heavy shower just before reaching home.

SO all in all a really interesting and challenging run.

6-5-5 May has started out very well indeed! 

Good for running, with the 40th mile in 5 days run tonight. Once again the easy option of a run to Spennymoor. Dressed for Spring with a light shirt and no gloves. Well the thermometer said 12.5 degrees, more than enough to work up a sweat with. Hadn't reckoned on the wind though. It was an icy near gale. Despite keeping up a good pace there were times when I was really cold and almost shivering. A very good example of the 'wind-chill' factor. In winter you expect it so dress up appropriately. Never felt that cold even during the last winter!

An old 'friend' has started to turn up on the Spennymoor runs again, the old sheepdog from Old Park Terrace on the way out. There used to be the three of them but sadly only the old dog left now, He lies sunning himself on the track and hardly looks up as I pass. A big change from the stalking ways when there was a pack of them.

Today was also rather special with another three people starting on their pumps. Having diabetes is such a drag for a young person and wearing an insulin pump instead of having to give injections makes such an enormous difference to them. It gives them a real sense of freedom. Looks like I'm going to have to keep running.

3-5-5 Torrential rainstorms throughout the day meant no point in splashing along the old railway tracks. They'd be slippery and very muddy. So it was off on the old winter circuit around the bottom of the town, back up Cockton Hill then past the hospital towards Escomb. By this time the sun was out so it felt quite warm and very humid. The pavements were drying out but the roads were flooded in places, a runners nightmare, well this wimpish runner anyway. Have to confess to an aversion to getting my feet wet! 

Several times on a converging course with a puddle and a car and only once did the driver race through and soak the path. Thank you to all the considerate drivers.

Also experienced that bizarre weather phenomenon of being rained upon from a clear sky and blazing sunshine. Knowing it would be humid opted for a running vest. Bad move as the arm holes chafed badly against the inside of my arms. It was really very sore especially with the sweat trickling down. I ended up having to run with my elbows pointing outwards. A bit like doing the funky chicken, cluck, cluck!

2-5-5 Had hoped to get a short run in yesterday but things got too busy for that. So after handing over today, getting the shopping in and sorting out a few things at home was eager for a run. Took the easy option with a run to Spennymoor again. Weather so much better today with a cool breeze and pleasant sun. Had a problem with the music as had forgotten to charge the player which ran out of power within 5 minutes. It left more time for thinking through problems.

So many people out today. Mostly walkers and cyclists but of all ages and usually in groups. At one point there must have been a guided walk, probably looking at industrial history as there were at least 30 people standing on the track listening to somebody giving a lecture. It would have been impossible to run through them all but they very kindly parted, a bit Red Sea like to let me through. There were families out on bikes and at one spot where there is a long gentle slope, two little girls were being taught to ride their bikes. On my way out to Spennymoor they needed their parents hands on the saddle the whole time but half an hour later passing them on my way back they were managing with only occasional guidance. Unfortunately one of them steered off the track into a patch of nettles. Poor child was distraught with the pain and no Dock leaves around to ease her suffering. 

Hoping to get a run in each night this week.

30-4-5 A busy day at the hospital but not with ill children so a chance for a short run around the town. As I'm never more than 10 minutes from the hospital, carry a mobile phone and have another doctor covering the ward I don't feel too guilty and it does help to keep a balance when you are on call from Friday morning through to Monday afternoon. Felt a run was deserved after some late night/ early morning calls. Legs only a little stiff and again relatively cool so a very pleasant run. Mind on all sorts of problems so didn't notice the time passing. 

Almost got knocked down by a car though! Was running past a blind side street when a car came straight through the junction. Despite me already crossing just carried on and I had to fend myself off the bonnet. Obviously rights of way do not apply to pedestrians or perhaps they were concentrating so much on approaching traffic that they didn't see me. That could have had a limiting effect on the mileage!

27-4-5 Snatched 10 miles tonight but so uncomfortable. The legs were both stiff and jelly like, a really peculiar sensation. Normally things improve after a few miles but not tonight. Obviously pushing the miles this last week had taken its toll. It was just a case of gritting the teeth and getting on with it. At least the breeze was strong enough to keep the flies away and the sweat out of my eyes. Surprisingly enough managed to run quite fast despite the discomfort. 

Another surprise was how few people were out on the tracks. With spring definitely in the air you would expect more people to be out exercising. It is usually the same faces out there. Had hoped to get in another 10 miles tomorrow but feels very unlikely now. 

25-4-4 Another weekend on call coming up so want to get in a few more miles. So even after the 25 miles at the weekend decided to get out again tonight. However had to get back in time for a quiz night at a local school. So only time for 8 miles. Just as well as my legs felt really tired. Again the weather is really pleasant, breezy enough to keep the flies away and to make the running comfortable.

24-4-5 An easy 15 miler today. An early start so still cool but nice and sunny. Quite cold at times running into a head wind for the first 5 miles or so. Hardly anybody on the tracks at all to start with and not much to report. However past Willington met up with a young patient being pushed along by her Grandad. She seemed to recognise me and started to wave madly. On the way back stopped by her to have a chat. Her Grandad must have wondered who I was. By this time people were appearing from all over. Walkers, runners, cyclists, whole families on bikes, the tracks were getting positively crowded. 

23-4-5 Familiarity breeds content. There are obvious differences between running a well known route and blazing a new trail, especially in a strange town or city. It really struck home today what some of those differences are. 

The first puzzle was why it seemed to take so much longer to run a distance in a strange place. My theory is you are having to concentrate all the time on where you are running, looking out for hazards and where to go next. On a familiar route you already know where everything is and only new or changing objects and scenes impinge on your awareness. This allows the mind to drift off in all directions. For example on the run to Spennymoor this morning ideas segued from new children starting on pumps, letter writing to the PCTs, information from the meeting in Glasgow, to the weather, and this conundrum of running time etc.etc. So even though it was twice as far, the time seemed to fly by so much more quickly. 

They advise you to keep trying out new routes to stop boredom and that is probably very sound advice, but then I would also lose out on an awful lot of thinking time.

It was glorious running out today. It was surprisingly cold, only 6C and a strong Easterly wind. Regretted not wearing gloves until the hands warmed up after 3 miles. Being so early on a Saturday morning meant for an initially quiet track too. Shortly before reaching Spennymoor people just started appearing. One man who looked a lot older than me was jogging determinedly along, a couple of cyclists and increasing numbers of dog owners. Running back crossed over with the old jogger and a couple of cyclists. Also caught up on a woman out running her dog.

Spring is also crawling along much slower than expected. It seemed months ago when the first flowers were out and bushes swelling with new buds. Only now are leaves appearing. Probably this prolonged cold spell.

22-4-5 Back from Glasgow. This was the week of the Diabetes UK annual general meeting. Arrived late Tuesday night and woke obscenely early on Wednesday morning. The hotel was located very close to Kelvin Hall Park. Glasgow is said to have more public parks than any other European city and Kelvin Hall is not ordinary. It is set around the Kelvin river with a hill to one side. There are all manner of monuments, sculptures and fountains scattered about. At the top of one hill a monument to the Crimean war, the Boer war elsewhere, a concrete tiger thing. So wherever you run there was always something interesting to see. Also with all the hills it was possible to run around the park several times without repeating a route. 

Running in other places is always good fun, new views, a bit of an edge and the well being of exercise after what is usually a tedious journey.

The conference was very good. Also an opportunity to try and move things along for children with diabetes.

17-4-5 The day of the London Marathon. Also our 26th wedding anniversary. Went out for a meal at an old favourite restaurant in Newcastle so very late back. Didn't wake until just before 10, the longest lie-in I can remember for years. Knowing the weather was going to turn bad later on meant having to get out quickly, but not before watching Paula Radcliffe winning the women's marathon in a cracking time.

Again it was obvious that the tracks were going to be flooded so started out on the same route as yesterday, a circuit around the bottom of the town, back to the top of Cockton hill, past the hospital then out towards Escomb then Witton Park. Instead of coming back through Phoenix row as usual headed towards Hamsterley. Once at the A68 its a left turn uphill towards Tofthill. This is the hardest part of the run. It has been pretty well uphill all this time but this final stretch is very steep. Then back through Tofthill itself, a gradual downhill and around 8 miles from starting. Next a long downhill stretch into West Auckland, onto St Helen's Auckland, back to Bishop Auckland and a four mile circuit around the town before returning.

So much nicer running today. Even though it was still cold and windy, the sun shining most of the time gives a real lift. Deliberately took it easy as well and so even after the 16 miles felt good enough to continue running. Hardly anybody else out exercising though. Probably in watching the marathon! 

Wore the GPS speed and distance monitor to get an update on the distance. It does vary according to weather conditions as cloudy days mean a poorer signal. All went well for the first 11 miles and then the device went crazy, recording stupid distances. By the time I finished apparently the total distance travelled was 36 miles! I don't think so.

Later this week will be in Glasgow at the Diabetes UK conference. Hope to get some running in but will have to see.

16-4-5 One extreme after another! This week had been so busy especially in the evenings. Tuesday night was an evening meeting with other paediatric endocrinologists, Wednesday on call and Thursday night a celebration of 40 years at the local school our children went to. So was really looking forward to a run out on the Friday afternoon or evening. Was supposed to have the Friday afternoon off but around 2-30pm looked out of the window. Rain was pouring in sheets down the street. It always looks so dramatic when you see the curtains of rain driving along faster than the cars. No way was I going out in that!

Fortunately today was a bit of an improvement. Freezing cold, windy but no rain. Can live with that. It was pointless going onto the old railway tracks as they would be flooded after all the rain so took the route out past Witton Park and Escomb. Not too bad, running fast enough so as not to chill, but not too fast as I wanted to keep some reserve for tomorrow. That is one of the contradictions of running. By taking it easy you can often end up running faster than intended which is what exactly happened. Coming back into Bishop was overtaken by the only other runner out at the time. 

11-4-5 After the famine, a feast of running, sort of. Another 10 mile trot to Spennymoor and back. A bit faster than yesterday and the weather was perfect. Early morning with bright sunshine and only a gentle breeze or dead calm. Of course running at 8 miles an hour generates its own breeze. A few people out walking and lots of responsible dog owners today. One lady out running her dog, and a man cycling out his. 

10-4-5 Run to Spennymoor today. Nice weather, hordes of cyclists, some very determined, including a group of six thundering along the track, and only a couple of frisky dogs and careless owners. 

Its one of those interesting observations that incompetent dog owners always react in the same way when their pets behave very badly. Of course the first error is not to bring their dogs to heel, or restrain them at all. Even though they know the dog will chase bike riders or runners, its just too much effort to hold onto the animal. Instead they call out completely ineffectually, 'come back, here girl, good dog etc etc'. The dog totally ignores them of course. 

 Knees felt surprisingly good. Will try for another 10 tomorrow.

9-4-5 Almost a week since the last entry, almost a week since the last run or even a chance to run. Working in Darlington during the week means a late return home and dropping into Bishop Auckland Hospital makes it even later. By the time I get back to the house just haven't the energy to start running.

Its not all bad though. The Special Care Baby Unit is at the top of the hospital on the 6th floor, the canteen in the basement, and the children's ward on the 2nd floor. If the baby unit is busy then there's plenty of exercise running up and down the stairs. 

Also this last week the 21st young person started on their insulin pump. It would have been better if they didn't have to pay for it themselves though.

So today was the first chance to get out. With the weather turning so cold it was very difficult to motivate myself to get out and it wasn't until after 5 0 clock. Was a bit milder then though still very windy. Tried to take it easy but pretty quickly discovered a disadvantage of running up all those stairs. The first hill set of sharp pains in the left knee. All those stairs had caused a tendinitis in the ligaments around the knees. The bad news is it hurts, the good news that the pain eases off as the run continues so it doesn't make you stop, just takes away a bit of the pleasure. Usually settles after a few weeks. Nothing much else to report though.

3-4-5  Oh the joys of working a weekend! Obviously if you're working it is not possible to run far if at all and this weekend has been very busy. Fortunately because I am also due to be working in Darlington all next week one of my colleagues offered to do my on call tonight which meant I could get out for a quick 10 mile run.

It felt so good to stretch the legs again. Have a bit of an injury problem with tendons around both knees feeling sore, especially going uphill or running fast. Probably due to the erratic running over the past month caused by a bit of overwork. Didn't try too hard and the run felt very good. A pleasant evening and not too many people out. However with the better weather come the flies. Columns forming along the paths especially in the evenings. Must remember to breathe through the nose or choke.

The next child to start on a pump will begin next week, all being well. His family are paying the costs themselves despite my offering to cover the costs. They live in an area where the PCT is refusing to pay for insulin pumps. Coming of age with 21!

28-3-5 Obviously spoke too soon about the joys of approaching spring as the weather has been truly dreadful these past few days. The anticipation of milder days meant a distinct lack of enthusiasm for running yesterday, cold and raining. Stay at home and eat chocolate was the obvious solution!

No excuse today, cold, drizzly but not bad enough. After heavy rains the old rail tracks are miserable places to run, muddy, slippery with rotten leaves and too many puddles. It had to be a road run. Took a turn around the bottom of the town before heading towards Witton Park. Essentially an uphill slog for 4 miles or so, followed by a very long hill up towards Toft-Hill. The good thing about running uphill is the inevitable downhill that follows, all the way into West Auckland. From then back through St Helen Auckland to Bishop with another circuit, this time around the top of the town. 

Overall a 14 mile circuit, fairly tough at times and of course being on paths a bit harder on the knees. There isn't as much in the way of interesting things to look at although the streams were very swollen after the rains. Only another 13 miles till 2900, should make 3000 miles by the end of April.

23-3-5 Another early morning run. It was meant to be a gentle 10 miler to Spennymoor, but running gently doesn't seem to happen. Legs very achy since then.

What is it with daffodils? One minute its cold, dreary and a few clumps of green leaves, then a day of mild weather and the yellow heads are everywhere! Yellow is obviously a spring colour because the broom is all in yellow flower too.

Amazing how much of a difference to running comfort temperatures make. Today air temp was around 9-10, almost optimal. No need for gloves or ear muffs, not so hot as to cause torrential sweating. Although the legs are a bit stiff the running was pleasant. Lots of people out on the track, cyclists, a couple of runners and lots of walkers. 

22-3-5 One of those strange phenomena are the holiday 'blues'. For many years now it has always been that taking a holiday after a particularly busy period means a cycle of well (or not so well) being and mood changes. There is an initial euphoria lasting for a day or so, followed by a profound melancholia and complete exhaustion. It is if a monstrous flywheel set spinning by stress and busyness slowly comes to a halt, leaving an emptiness and inertia that takes a few days to be replaced by your new 'holiday' life. This is why the best holidays last at least 2 weeks, though of course it then takes a few days back at work for the flywheel to spin up again.

Today started to feel a bit better after the usual 2 day glums and went for a run with Colette. Well we started off at the same point and time, but Colette went at her pace, and I went at mine. Fairly zippy but not as fast as it could have been. 

20-3-5 As the late Winston Churchill reportedly said "The best holidays are doing a different kind of work." The shed in our back yard has been 'repaired', or rather rebuilt, many thanks to our next door neighbour for all his help. So spent yesterday wiring it up. It is actually meant to be a replacement for an old workshop, that we're hoping to turn into a gym. No more stuck indoors with rotten weather when we get a treadmill! Hadn't reckoned on something like wiring circuits to be so physically tiring. 

This morning had intended a 20 mile run but the legs were very heavy and reined back the ambition to a more modest 15 miles. Just as well. Hadn't run more than a couple hundred yards when trod on a loose rock and badly twisted my ankle. Surprisingly enough I've found that running through the pain allows the joint to recover and by a mile the ankle was pain free. Unfortunately the stress of running a little bit more cautiously resulted in the knee ligaments protesting from mile 2 till the end. Nothing too bad but enough to make it a little uncomfortable. 

Weather wasn't too bad, with a temperature around 11 and a moderate breeze on the way back. Lots of walkers out today, a few cyclists and a similar number of riders. Met a group of three runners just 2 miles from returning home. 

The sea fret meant grey overcast skies, but every now and then the sun almost broke through giving a strange steel like quality to the light.

18-3-5 Only four days since the last run but it feels like four weeks. So much has been happening, overloaded to the point of inefficiency. Anyway today was the last working day before a weeks holiday. So needed. Despite a lot of sleep deprivation the thought of a few days off meant the leisurely 10 mile run was a real pleasure. Relaxed and of course in mild conditions. The wind didn't bite into you as it has these past weeks, and there are signs of spring everywhere.

Took the trail to Spennymoor. Remember the dogs, well they had been absent most of the winter, sensible animals, but saw one today, curled up in a bale of hay. It obviously saw me but wasn't going to bother itself with a bark. Then there were a few cyclists about. One elderly man was racing along, actually looked the part with a Ferrari cap on. No runners though.

So this next week should see some more running.

14-3-5 What a week! Monday saw another visit to London. This time it was to highlight the work a group of youngsters from the Bishop Auckland diabetes clinic had carried out a few years ago. They were helped by an organisation called Investing In Children to look at ways of improving the clinic, and suggesting ways in which we could make it more relevant to their needs. They were helped to visit a clinic in Sweden and there discovered that many children were using insulin pumps. They then came back and asked if they could have them. They were the ones who triggered off the whole campaign. Well one of the youngsters, Sarah came with me to a meeting at Lancaster House to spread the word that the most important people in the Health Service are the patients and they are more than capable of working out the best ways of being helped by the professionals. At the same time Sarah made sure that the message about insulin pumps was heard, and we even had Sir Nigel Crisp, the boss of the NHS ask about the difficulties in funding. One more step along the road.....

Then on Tuesday another three children started on their pumps. The total stands at 20 and then over this weekend another couple of families from outside the area came to find out about pumps and are wanting to start their children on them. They are willing to pay, and indeed when I offered one family support they said they would rather pay themselves and fight for funding. I guess more and more families are going to want to start, and who can blame them!

As for running. Well fat chance. Either on call or back home too late. The only chance was for a ten mile dash on Wednesday evening and again tonight. Have quite a stiff and sore right knee but not bad enough to prevent running. Oh when will the weather improve. It is so dispiriting being out in the cold winds. It feels like forever.

6-3-5 Last long run for a couple of weeks as am working next weekend. As it is the legs were rather achy from Friday's hilly run and ended up only running 17.5 miles. Didn't even think about using the old railway tracks as they were bound to be muddy and full of snow still, instead headed out towards Tofthill via Witton Park. It is also uphill for most of the first 5 miles including a very steep section just before getting to Tofthill. It started out wonderfully with a blue sky and very light breeze, even if it was bitterly cold. After 30 minutes the clouds scudded in, the wind picked up and once again it was a cold gloomy day. Felt like ending at 15 miles but gritted teeth and settled for a couple more. At least that is another nice round number totted up, 2800 miles. A long way to run but worth every step as the next three youngsters are lined up to start in a couple of days time. Very exciting.

4-3-05 It feels as if every week is the same. No chance to run through the week, too awful to run or too late, then desperate to catch up at the weekend. What dreadful weather. The good news is that another young person has started on their pump, and another 3 will start on Tuesday. That will bring the total up to 20.

Anyway finished work a little early yesterday so headed off for a quick 10 miles. Thought the route to Spennymoor would be clear but once onto the track hit deep slushy snow and a very waterlogged surface. The thought of running 8 miles in slush was not appealing so took a detour back to the main road and hit the hills instead. Up the steep hill past Coundon on the way to Spennymoor, and then up to the top of Westerton, through Coundon then up the Coundon bypass, back through Bishop. A pretty tough course and foul windy weather. Still it got rid of the headache. If there is no running for more than four days headaches start. This is clearly exercise withdrawal symptoms. Wouldn't be so bad if there was a high from exercise but sadly not. So a bit like smoking. Doesn't make you feel better to smoke but you feel awful if not.

With a bit of luck should get out for a run tomorrow.

27-2-05 A bit of a tough week all round! It would have been a challenge with the weather alone but much more than that has been happening. 

First of all on Monday I went to a meeting at Portcullis House, the annex to the House of Commons in London. The meeting had been organised to highlight the present inequities around funding for insulin pumps. A more detailed account is given in the campaign section Portcullis House. As always for a meeting in London you spend a day travelling there and back for a meeting that lasts a couple of hours. If it helps further the cause it will have been worth missing a run and getting back after midnight.

On Tuesday there was another journey away. This time to Edinburgh where I was observing exams to pick out paediatricians of the future. Had to travel the night before, stay the night and then examine the next day. Another couple of late nights and no chance of runs.

Thursday was on call so couldn't go for a run and then on Friday after work travelled to the village of Barningham. Each year the church hold a fund raising event for the church funds and a local charity. The reverend Cowper had heard of the charity appeal through the Rotary club and asked if I would be interested in taking part. Absolutely! Met at their house both husband and wife are called Chris along with other members of the fund raising team. They are planning to walk the Teesdale way, a mere 100 miles in a week. Couldn't get the time off to do that but the thought of perhaps running it over 4 days is taking hold. We'll see and more news to be posted on the site soon.

Yesterday was the first chance to run, but having to start on call duties in Darlington at midday restricted me to a mere 5 miles. Then it was a hard 24 hours on call. Didn't finish with emergencies and other work until 1 in the morning. Then had a call for advice around 2-30 am. Tried to get back to sleep only to have a high pitched whining noise start. It was too loud to ignore but too quiet to definitely identify. I went around the on call flat switching everything off, taking out plugs, checking phones etc. but just couldn't locate the source and becoming more desperate for sleep. Eventually  managed to drift off with a pillow held tightly over my head. 

After handing over to my colleague headed home. Still very cold with flurries of snow but decided a run was definitely needed. Wrapped up warm and then headed out for at least 10 miles and whatever would work out. Strange thing but have noticed before that when really mentally tired the legs don't seem to be as affected. Headed off towards Etherley, lots of uphill and then continued up the hill before the descent into West Auckland. After that rather than sticking to the road gave the old railway track a go. Not wise as the conditions were very messy. Still all in all a cold but satisfying 14 miles. So despite all the hurdles February has turned out quite well.

20-2-05 Looking over the comments made so far this month it does look as if the weather has featured almost every day. The last two runs are no exception. Knowing that the weather forecast was going to be dreadful decided to abandon the long Sunday run in favour of two shorter runs on Saturday and Sunday. Yesterday was a surprisingly fast early morning outing. No rain or snow but a bitter biting wind. Despite the weather there are lots of indications of Spring. The hawthorn bushes are actually showing flowers and lots of shrubs have leaves bursting through the buds.

Today was very different. The snow was thick on the ground to start with, and clouds heavy with snow. My youngest son asked if I wasn't mad to be running in the snow. "You'll slip and break a leg!" Actually fresh snow is fine to run on. Most decent trainers have more than enough grip to keep things steady. an added bonus of the snow is that it is much softer to run on and takes some of the stress off the joints. Problems arise when the snow gets packed hard and then is really slippery. I was surprised to see how many people had already been out, judging by the number of footprints and tracks early on. However after a couple of miles there were areas where nobody had been at all. 

Unfortunately after a couple of miles the blizzard started and I was running straight into it. Visibility got worse and worse, not just from the heaviness of the snow but because my glasses were getting covered in snow as well. Knowing the route so well allowed me to keep on running without too many problems. Then after another ten minutes the sun starts to shine. With the snow coming from the north and the sun in the south it seemed bizarre, running in a sunlit blizzard. Then the weather settled down to mostly sunshine. Towards the end I actually felt too hot and had to take off the running gilet and gloves. After yesterdays fast run my legs had no strength in them at all so it was a lot slower.

18-2-05 Another challenging week. So many things to organise. Amongst the most pleasant was demonstrating the insulin pumps to the next four users. They have now all chosen their pumps, they've all been ordered and all should be wearing them before Easter. Anyway, exhausted by this evening still decided to get out for a quick 5 miles. Hardly left the door when the wind picked up and within minutes was running through a hail storm. I was rapidly freezing so had little option but to return home after only running 2 miles. The weather was horrendous. Still typical outcome for today when pretty well nothing has gone right. Hey no point grumbling. There'll be other opportunities.

13-2-05 With the best of intentions I'd hoped to run another marathon today but the weather was so foul it didn't seem sensible. High winds and snow made for a devilish wind chill factor. Also my feet were getting sore and I ended up with a blister, the first for ages. Not surprisingly the tracks were pretty deserted with only a few hardy souls walking dogs or just walking. No other runners until just before Bishop when I came across somebody running their dog.

Apart from the weather the only other problem was choking on a Turkish Delight. Its not the jelly bit that causes the problems but the chocolate coating. The deeper breaths taken while running lead to the chocolate being inhaled. Not pleasant and needing a bit of oral manipulation to prevent. At least I ran the whole 20 miles, even if it was very slowly.

11-2-05  As usual no real opportunities to run since last weekend.  But today was a bit special. First of all the 16th child started on their pump, and the youngest to date. He was so pleased. So decided to leave work a little earlier today and go for a run in daylight. Well a kind of light. The weather was dreadful, windy and raining the whole 10 miles to Spennymoor and back. Still when you are running at a good pace the cold doesn't seem to matter so much. 

6-2-05 The longest run of the year, a full marathon running to Durham and back then to Bincester and back. Although cold and drizzly for most of the run it didn't feel too cold except for a mile around Brandon when it started to rain more heavily. It was one of those runs where the body seems to work well, fairly effortless. With such a long run planned the idea is to improve duration by having short walking breaks. This is when you take the opportunity to rehydrate and stoke up with food. Everything went according to plan until the last 6 miles when I just ran continuously. 

People ask if running is boring. You can un