My training is now back on schedule. This week I have ran twice, a 10 mile road run, which was slow and tiring and a longer run on the treadmill. I had planned to do a long run outside, but with the weather being bad, I decided to do it inside, on the treadmill. I turned up at DW with my picnic of drinks, fruit and sweets to keep me going. I set off running knowing my longest run so far was the 16.5 miles a couple of weeks previous, so I knew I wanted to better that. I had 18 miles in my head. Minutes, hours and miles went by, and there I was still running - I felt like Forrest Gump! I was signaling/attracting peoples attention so they would come and talk to me and help pass some time. As I approached 16.5 miles, I started to tire, but thought to myself I had to get to 18 miles and if I did, why not push it further and maybe do 20 miles. Running with the same view and a lack of fresh air was mentally draining - can you imagine? I was determined to get this big run done and get me back on track. With a mile to go I cranked up the speed from my usual 6.5 mph to 7 mph, then 8 mph and even up to 9 mph just to get it over with more quickly. Looking back, I can't believe I was sprinting at the end of a 20 mile run. I finished it in just over 3 hours, my knee was sore and I was walking like John Wayne, but I was really pleased and surprised I had done it with the way my training has been of late.

It has been good for me to talk to other people who are training for the Marathon, and hearing their stories of woe and how all the mileage takes its toll. Its reassuring to know that the training seems to affect most peoples immune system, making illness and injury all part of it. Running a Marathon sounds great when you first put your name down to participate, its not until you are well into the training, that you realise how hard it is, and that's when you ask yourself  'why am I doing this?' After completing the London Marathon in 2008 I vowed that I wouldn't do it again - and here I am.

I know that all rugby league fans have been very supportive of me and the Steve Prescott Foundation, but I hope that all of you at home can get behind me and Mike Denning and sponsor one of us - even if it's just £1. Because, without your help, we as a Foundation, would not be as successful as we are today. There is now a link on the Home Page to support my Marathon attempt. Thank you to everybody.