Tim's Column - 2006 Back Issues

Issue 8 - The Eve of The London Marathon

There are “0 days 16h 17m 16s“ before the 2006 London Marathon and I’m bricking it.  The anticipation and fears don’t lessen, even though this will be my fifth marathon (4^th London).

It’s been almost four long, cold months of running at least 4 days a week and following a gruelling schedule. So much has happened the past four months; particularly the last two when I have been tea-total and Guinness have taunted me by bringing out a new invention (the Guinness Surger) which  sends an ultrasound signal through a glass to separate the black body from the creamy head, just as a pint settles when poured in a pub.  So I decided to be a bit more practical and ended up buying a shiny pair of silver running trainers which make me look like a poncy Premiership footballer, but they seem to do the job!

I’m also beardless (until next Christmas) and have had my hair cropped for that extra bit of aerodynamics, though I opted to stop short of the sack, back and crack wax as I didn’t think the benefits would outweigh the pain.

So – what are my expectations for tomorrow?  Well, it’s a bit of a lottery, as my past 4 marathons have been timed at:

• London 2001:           4:00:05
• London 2002:          3:52:50
• Paris 2004:             4:18:00
• London 2005:          3:58:08
• London 2006:          ?:??:??

All I can hope for is coolish conditions and not to pick up an injury!  The rest is down to luck, good support, a strong mind and knowing I’m running for a great cause.  See you at the finish!

Issue 7 - Beard Growers Special Edition

Welcome to the first in a new series of column entries for 2006.  We are now almost one year into the challenge and a lot of concrete and pints are behind us, but the good news is there are even more ahead!  I have a place in the 2006 London Marathon, running for a very worthwhile charity.  You’ll also be able to spot both JJ and I in other running events up and down the country during 2006.  However, I will devote more of my column inches to the running side in the near future.

The more observant may have noticed that I am currently sporting a beard which I treated myself to at Christmas.  I’m pretty sure it will only be on show until the end of January, so catch it while you can!  In fact, it may stay a bit longer as it is going down quite well with the females.  Only the other day I was out for a training run and I am certain an attractive young lady seductively mouthed the words “Bearded Warrior” at me as I sprinted past…

The drinking challenge is continuing to delight guests and web followers alike.  Please keep your emails coming, but be aware that we cannot personally respond to every email we receive.  We are also relieved to have not been ejected from any drinking establishment… so far.  (This is surprising given the less than undercover approach we take with our scorecards and photo-taking).  

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