Last Run of 2007 & Races for 2008

In attempt to get next year’s training off to the best possible start I have just returned from a short 4k run taking approximately 20 minutes (route map above).

With just 15 weeks or so until the London Marathon I need to get a good basic level of fitness before my “serious” 9-week schedule kicks in on 11 February 2008. Week 1 of the serious schedule will see me running 35 miles (58km) in a week, the mileage reaching a peak in Week 6 where I will be pounding the streets for 49 ½ miles (82km). A full training schedule and my ability to match it will be published on here in due course.

Training races confirmed so far are:

Regents Park Winter Grand Prix – 10k – 6 January 2008

Regents Park Winter Grand Prix – 10k - 3 February 2008

The ASICS Kingston Breakfast Run – 16 Miles - 30 March 2008

Training races to be decided in due course:

Brentwood Half Marathon – 9 March 2008.

Win a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle

On the 13th April 2008 James Barnes will be taking part in the Flora London Marathon 2008. He is running on behalf of Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity.

By sponsoring James and answering the question below you could win yourself a superb bottle of Grand Siecle 'La Cuvée', the top cuvée of Laurent Perrier worth over £50.00.

Grand Siecle 'La Cuvée' is a non-vintage blend of three outstanding vintages; the grapes being taken from twelve of the finest Grand Cru vineyards. The result is a powerful and well-rounded champagne fragranced with aromas of honey and toasted almonds.

In order to take part you simply need to visit James’ “Just Giving” page, donate a minimum of £3.00 and then answer the following multiple-choice question and tiebreaker:

Q. Shelter helps how many people each year to fight for their rights, get back on their feet and find a home?

(a) 25,000;
(b) 75,000; or
(c) 170;000+

Q. To the nearest second, how quickly do you think it will take James to complete the Marathon?

Send your answer to both questions by email to winchampagne@googlemail.com

You can find the answer to the first question and read more about the work of Shelter by visiting their website.

Keep checking back on this blog to keep up to date on the progress of James’ training as this may give you some indication as to how quickly you think he can complete the marathon.

There is no limit to the amount of times you can enter this competition – but a minimum £3.00 per entry please!

Entries close: 23:59hrs 12th April 2008

Please note that the prize will not be coming out of the monies raised and is being paid for separately by James.

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