A significant step (and a foolish bet)

5.2 miles in 40:36 (PB)
Route: Highbury and Islington Circuit 1

Suprised to find that this was a personal best time - didn't feel like I pushed that hard and, after a week of fine food and boozing, I didn't think I'd be in very good shape (and wasn't!) I effectively gave myself last week off to enjoy my last week as PS/Hope. I was out just about every night and on Friday found myself in not one, but two drinking contests (nuff respect Richard Porter and Brian McBride - sorry about thrashing you at straw-pedo). But today marks the start of a new week and, I hope, the start of a new phase in my training. I have the week off and intend to run at least three times this week - plus a return game of squash against Andrew.

The weather today is beautiful - sunny and cool with a soft, autumn light that makes you want to go for long walks in the park. Today's route, however, was an urban one (with the exception of Highbury fields) so I had to be content with the leafy Islington neighbourhoods.

Fitness-wise, I didn't feel too great today. Understandable after a week of partying I suppose. That horrible statistic comes to mind - "A study by scientists in Sweden found that after only six days of rest, up to 10% of aerobic capacity had been lost." Bloody Swedes. Haven't they got anything better to do than depress us all? No wonder there's such a high suicide rate there.

In better news, significant progress has been made on the sponsorship front! The amazing people of Private Office and Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate at the Department for Education and Skills have got me up to a whopping £817!! Amazing. People have been so generous - a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored me. It makes me even more determined to get out there and prove that I can do this. And Shelter is such a brilliant cause - what more motivation do I need?! (if you haven't sponsored me yet - what are you waiting for!)

One point of concern. I have made a foolish bet with Susan Pember and Stephen Marston that I can beat my personal best time by 10 minutes. I don't have a PB marathon time so I multiplied last year's Windsor Half by two, making my 'unofficial' PB 4 hours 8 minutes. Therefore, I have to get around in 3 hours 58 minutes to win the bet (and claim their significant contributions)!!

Susan, Stephen: you're on!