I first discovered running many years after school cross country after too much cava and a bet to run the London Marathon in 2002. First time out saw us managing 1 half miles and 6 months later happily running up to 20. It's been onwards and upwards ever since. I love the feeling of being so free, up and down hills along the trails round Hay. My dog Tarn often comes with me and next year we hope to enter the odd Canni X together.

Half way point 2000 meters up in Trans Gran Canaria 93k

Being part of the running club is one off my greatest pleasures (apart from a good glass or 2) The friendships and fun we have together, running races finding the best pub lunch afterwards and socialising with people who totally understand what it all feels like...the pain and the pleasure! As Club Secretary I'm very involved with the admin side of the club and the organising of both our races. .

My next challenge with my running mate Annie ('two stubborn women') is The Marathon Des Sables 2010. We are training well and have 2 Ultras under our belts in preperation. I really would never have thought a few years a go I could do a 10k let alone 6 marathons in a row (mind you we've not done it yet) It's really exciting!

Training nights have been a fantasic way of getting out especially in the winter and I know all that sprinting up and down the car park has improved my running no end. Along with Tim and Emma we throw a few triathlons into the mix during the summer adding some cross training to my training.

Have a look at what Annie and I are up to on our fund raising web site.

www.joandannie-marathondessables2010.co.uk

With My brother Michael