Marathon Blog: The Bet

What I am about to do can go one of two ways. If I am successful in what I am about to attempt then my rotund friend Jay, who currently lives in China, will be forced to run naked around Tiananmen Square. If I fail then I will have to call him “Sir James” for the rest of his life.

So what I am about to attempt? Well, for success I have to not only run the Virgin London Marathon, but run it in 3 hours and 20 minutes. If that is achieved then my friend Jay could be facing the wrath of some fairly angry Chinese policemen. (Incidentally, if I do it in under three hours he’ll stick a picture of Chairman Mao to his bottom.)

On first impression I may have the better part of this deal (I’ve heard Chinese jails aren’t particularly nice). However, I think this only shows how hard the challenge I am taking up will be. Incidentally, I also foolishly took up another marathon-related bet (£100 to the person who completes it in the fastest time with my annoyingly healthy colleague James Thompson – another consequence of the pub.)

My lifestyle over the past couple of years has probably varied quite drastically from that of Paula Radcliffe, for example. Whilst we both may take the odd moment to relieve ourselves in the street, a diet of fags, booze and large amounts of food have not put me in peak marathon-running condition.

Now, thanks to housing charity Shelter, who found me a place in the London 2011 race, I am on a strict regime of healthy food, limited alcoholic consumption, and no fags. The strict regime has not gone 100% according to plan – but then the pressure of training often leaves me feeling in need of a spot of relaxation in my local hostelry.

However, I am determined to achieve this (it would be really embarrassing to have to call my friend Sir James). I’m aiming to raise £1,500 and anyone kind enough to help me with a bit of sponsorship can do so by visiting my Just Giving page.

If anyone else is getting involved in the London marathon or any other then do let me know by joining the marathon runners group on the Property Network.