BIKE, RUN, WALK, RUN, BIKE, RUN AND A RUN TO FINISH

From time to time I take part in a few running and cycling events throughout the year. I enter these things for normal purely selfish reasons in that I want to do them.

I am a keen plodder, admittedly not very quick and a little wobbly, and also like to get on my bike at the weekends. I am fortunate that I am a member of a great local running club and have some close friends with whom I cycle. Just do it for a bit of fun.

This year I have entered, what I consider, some big events. Some call them races but it is about being able to breath at the end for me.

1. Ride London - is a 100 mile cycle starting in central London, heading out to the countryside of Essex before finishing (hopefully) on Tower Bridge

2. HARP 24 - Harp is a local Southend charity working those members of the community who are homeless. HARP 24 is a 24 hour non stop

run/walk/crawl through the woods of Hockley and Cherry Orchard. The person who completes the long distance with 24 hours is the winner. The record is 127 miles. Last year I got 30 miles.

3. London Duathlon - is a multi event which comprises of a 10k run followed by a 44k bike ride finishing with a 5k run. The duathlon takes place in the glorious surroundings of Richmond Park.

4. The iconic Great North Run - this has become one of the must do runs in the UK. Run on the streets and through the city of Newcastle the atmosphere is second to none. The course is 13.1 miles, a half marathon.

So for this year I have decided not to be totally selfish and along the way would like to raise a little bit for a charity. DEBRA is a charity close to the hearts of pupils, staff and Kingston Primary School community.