New Year's Day will Start with a 10K

What can I say apart from a huge thank you to all my donors. You guys are amazing. I set the challenge to make me run 10K on New Year's day of getting me to my goal of £1650 and you smashed it. I can't believe that with just under 4 months to go I have already raised £1715 and it continue to climb towards my new goal of £2000 which I would so like to get to. I have some fun events planned like a lemonade stand which hopefully will get me to that new goal because I have already asked my donors for so much I need to raise more myself!!!! Thank y'all once again for being so amazing.

Ready for my Christmas Day training run

Thanks to my fantastic donors I now have to run 10K this Sunday, Christmas Day. I have to admit, I am looking forward to it, despite the weather forecast....

So, just after the presents I will lace up my shoes and take an enjoyable, if not wet, run around the neighborhood. Still, the fundraising is still in full swing as there is still £90 I would love to complete my fundraising before Christmas. If you would like to donate, please do so at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyTate.

Pushing to the finish line

I can't believe that since I started running in June, I have recovered from a stress fracture and a sprained foot, nasty chest cold, got 2 3rd places in my group 5Ks, got 3rd place for my group in my 10K and have ran a half marathon. My longest run so far is 15 miles. I aim to get to at least 20 before the marathon in April.

As for the fundraising, £1528 raised towards £1650. That's right, only £122 to go. I'll take it in any way, online donations or cash.

If it happens this year I will lace up my shoes and run 10K on New Year's Day. If you want to help make that happen..... http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyTate

Remembering why I run at this special time of year

Mum and Dad, I run for you. 

Mum, keep fighting. 

Dad, I miss you every day. You made me the man I am today. 

I run with the support of my family. I run with the memory of my Dad, the pain of my Mum's Alzheimer's.  My parents taught me to treat everyone as an equal no matter their sex, race, disability, they are all equal. I run for an integrated and inclusive society for everyone. 

That's 13.1 in the bag, now on to 26.2

Well what a wonderful race. It was a cold Sunday morning in Dallas for the Dallas Half and Full marathon. I strapped up my ankle, taped my shoulder, put on my knee braces and headed out for my first ever half marathon. The alarm went off at 4:45am and after a good breakfast including a carb shake I headed downtown for the race. It was dark and cold, in the low 50s and I reluctantly gave up my sweatshirt, sweatpants and jacket. I made my way to my starting group at 7:30 and took a gel pack and water. Daylight brought cold winds making me wish I'd worn a warmer t-shirt instead of the vest. I met a runner who was doing her first marathon. Last year she did the half, next year a triathlon. We kept warm by dancing. Between the 5K, Half and Full marathon there were close to 20,000 runners.

At just after 8 loud fireworks made us jump. They were for Group A starting. a little while longer there were more as Group B started, then it was our turn.

I set off at a comfortable pace which I was able to keep to for the whole race. There were drink stations every mile where I drank Gatorade and water. I took a gel chew at 5 and 10 miles. I have to admit, at about 7 miles I drank a mimosa, for the vitamin C of course:) That was followed by a beer for the carbs;) Then it was on to the finish. My goal for the race was to finish in 2 hours. I beat that by a whole minute!!!!

I felt great. I felt like I could have continued and done the full marathon, but save that for April. They gave us beer afterwards which was so refreshing. All in all it was a great morning. By the end of the run it was in the mid 60s. I really couldn't have asked for better weather.

This is me waiting to run.....

and as I cross the finishing line....

 I'm feeling it in my legs this week. It was certainly a good workout. I'll get back to running in a couple of days then it's onward to London. As always, I'd love for you to make a donation to my marathon charity Phab Kids. You can donate at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyTate. 

Excited and Nervous

Well, this is the first real test and I'm not 100%. This Sunday is the Dallas Half Marathon. I'll be with about 12,000 other runners who are either doing the half or full and it looks like the weather is going to be perfect. The new shoes are working really well. A lot lighter than the old ones and give me better running posture. As I get back to full health I am aiming for a 2 to 2 1/2 hour half marathon. It should probably be closer to 2 but I have to take it a little easier. I can't believe we are down to 137 days until the marathon. I am starting to feel very confident. I came 3rd in my division in the 5K I ran last Friday, which was a miracle since i was coughing so much and struggled to cross the finish line!!! Still, the journey continues. I still need plenty of donations, so please consider making one at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyTate. Every little bit helps.

Ready to get back on the road

Wow, this virus I picked up certainly extended the period of no running. Only 2 short runs in the last month. Still, tonight I will push through and complete the Run The Lights 5K. Looks like there could be some rain showers and the temperature will be in the low 50s, but I really need a run or two under my belt before the Dallas half which is in just over a week!!!