50+10+30+5+3+1

So here we are then.  That's 99 done with just one run remaining.  It's been really worthwhile, although I may not think that tomorrow when I'm approaching mile 10.  Here's why:

1) I've raised nearly £1,570 on my just giving site with donations in cash from work colleagues, friends and family (thanks must go out to my Mother-Law Ann who sent me a very generous cheque along with a lovely card this morning). My Mum and Dad got the ball rolling with a generous donation on my site, and I had many friends of my sister Lucy's who donated after she encouraged them to do so.  My brother in Law, Mike made a lovely gesture by mentioning the challenge in his wedding speech and encouraged the guests to donate to my cause. This money will go direct to JDRF, the leading charity dedicated to funding the research to find a cure for type-1 diabetes.

2) I've come into contact with some amazing people -Parents of children who have been diagnosed at both Jake's age and much younger, some with other underlying conditions to treat as well as type-1 diabetes, as well as Adults who either have lived with type-1 for many years themselves, or have been recently diagnosed.

3) Parents who take action and get involved with campaigning, setting up groups such as Diabetes Power,  and those who campaign for against decisions to cut funding for beneficial medicine for those living with type 1.  Those who live with type-1 and act as JDRF T1 Ambassadors - sharing experiences and encouraging others to get involved.

4) Raising awareness of T1.  There are around 20,000 children living with T1, and they all do brilliantly in accepting they will have this for the rest of their lives, or until a cure is found.

5) I've had some good press in the Oldham Chronicle, Saddleworth Extra (thanks Lewis), Saddleworth News Online (thanks Richard),  Manchester Evening News, Saddleworth Monthly, Northern Running Guide Online, Running Fitness Magazine (thanks Tina).  This has been possible with the assistance of Louisa Sampson from JDRF's Press Office, thanks Louisa.

6) I've been the recipient of kindness from Helly Hansen, in particular Jax, who decided my challenge was worth a punt and provided me with a full running kit.  Rainbow Running also sent on 2 tops (thanks Michael) and as I've mentioned earlier in this blog, Beth and Nigel Marr of A3 Sports of Liphook were fantastic, and I'll wear their t-shirts with pride tomorrow.

7) Everyone has been really encouraging.  Friends old and new, neighbours and strangers - I've been really touched.

8) It's very hard to get recognition on Twitter.  I've had a couple of RT (retweets) and attracted a modest following, however I don't think my challenge has been given the "wow factor" on twitter the newspapers gave it.  I tried requesting RT's (modern "shout-outs") from Great Run (organisers of tomorrow's race), and the top running stars, as well as 5live, but so far nothing.  I'll give it one last go later then knock it on the head and use twitter to send messages to my mate Edwards.  All my friends on facebook have been great commenting on my posts and "liking" my status, even though they must be sick to the back teeth with me going on about the 100 runs challenge.

9) The running has ensured I stuck to the training.  I've really enjoyed the feeling you get when you know you've made progress.  My "Hill Legs" will be my secret weapon tomorrow.  I'm most grateful to Patrick Warrington, Colin Bishop, Gareth Dean, Frank Buckley and Mick Sheehan, who have supported me by joining my runs and given me some great advice and encouragement.  Take to the streets and Map My Run were valuable, as was Ann, my Mother-in-Law who assisted with routes to around Loch Gur and the Ballyhoura Mountains.

10) Last of all, the biggest thank you goes to Carolyn and Jake.  I must admit I had doubts about the feasibility of the challenge myself, but to have their support has been truly wonderful.  They've accommodated my challenge throughout weekends away, holidays in France and Ireland.  I've lost count of the amount of times I woke Carolyn up by mistake (and trying to be quiet) getting up at some silly hour in the morning because I had a hectic day at work and needed to be in the office early.  Carolyn also has had to put up with me disappearing in the evenings to type up the blog.  Thanks for arranging the massage at run 50, and for everything you have done. Jake has been so sensible and mature beyond his 7 years in living with type 1.  He agreed to run the last 100 yards of today's 6.2 mile run.  He's the inspiration and my reason for banging on about why things have to change.  I dedicate run number 100 to you both.

Run 99.  Driving rain and Jake joins me for the last 100 yards

Sponsorship Update

I'm really pleased to say that I have hit £1,200 on my "100runs4jdrf" JustGiving page.  Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.  My target is £2,000 and to reach £1,200 at this stage is brilliant news.

Everyone who donates via the JustGiving page should automatically receive a thank-you and acknowledgment, I've also made space to mention them on this blog, however I've had more donations since I last did this, so to bring it up to date I'd like to thank:

Yogita Mistry, June Roebuck, Kirsty Jones, Lucy Howard, Laura Brown, Fran Benson, Gareth and Nicky Dean, Jaci Morton and Jacqui Stephenson-Kirkbride.

Thank you!

My sister gets married next Saturday, where I am due to undertake the role of Master of Ceremonies.  Lucy and Mike have made a very touching and generous way of acknowledging the 100 runs challenge on their big day and I'm very humbled by such a gesture.  When the wine is flowing, who knows? I may enlist more runners to join me the day after for run number 93...

Running partner for number 99

Run 85 completed.  I chose the Diggle-Dobcross-Scouthead loop, and at 6.7 miles it's good to get it over with as early as possible on the weekend.  When I got back from the run, Jake was asking about what is going to happen on run 99.  I haven't given it much thought to tell you the truth, except I am proposing to do the bare minimum in preparation for the Great North the day after.

However since noticing his picture in Running Fitness magazine, it seems Jake has taken a keen interest in the runs and asked "You know when you do your 99th run? Well can I run some of it with you?" When I said, yes, I would really like that, he replied "Well, I'm just considering it...for now"

I know I have spoken about many highs that this challenged has given me, however this must be up there with the best of them.  It'll be great to run back down the Boat Lane and meet Jake halfway down and run together for the last few hundred yards.  The last time we ran together was in the Great Manchester Mini Run at Man City's Stadium, I really enjoyed it - so I'm looking forward to running down the Boat Lane towards home with the pair of us in our JDRF vests.

Running with Gareth and Frank

An evening run today, and it was a faster-pace one at that.  Gareth and Frank are both running with me on the final 100th run, next month's Bupa Great North Run, so this evening's run was a tester for me to keep up with their pace.  I'm sure Frank is half machine, the way he shot up Friezland Lane towards the Bridle path that led us out to Mossley Hollins School and down to Micklehurst, before heading up to Top Mossley, Grasscroft, Greenfield and back to Uppermill.  It felt good to be tested, as when I'm out on my solo runs, it's easy to fall into a comfortable pace, then stay like that until the end of the run.  I led a couple of times, although I wasn't sure if it was adrenalin kicking in on my part or the others had dropped back to make me feel better...Either way it was a really enjoyable run and clocked in at 8 miles.

Thanks to Gareth and Frank for the company and pace setting.  The speed I thought I lost during the runs in the heat in France has returned, along with the fire in my belly!

Yesterday's run - 6.3 miles
Today's run - 8 miles

Run to the hills

I have to admit that it was a treat to run somewhere so flat over the past 11 days, I realised It would be difficult to have to go back to hill running back on home soil.  Yesterday I did the Friezland loop, which is the flattest route I know around here, so it was with a heavy heart that I decided to bite the bullet and go for the hills.  The weather was perfect, the traffic was also light due to the Rushcart taking place today and tomorrow, so I decided not to get caught up with both boozy morris men and weekend pagans in Uppermill and kept to a faithful Dobcross - Standedge route. 

Today's run - 6.4 miles

I suppose my new aerodynamic hair cut at Bryn Daniels In Grotton (a trim to prevent me from reslembling a fuzzy tennis ball) helped me adjust to the hills.  I had words of support and encouragement from the proprietor Bryn, and one of the regulars wanted to sponsor me too. Bryn raised a lot for Carolyn's trek last year and is a good mate.  We had a great night last December when we saw Half Man Half Biscuit in Holmfirth. He's up for running in the Great Yorkshire Run, so I'd better get weaving and book my place - I'll see if Pat's interested too.

Only 29 to go till the big day - my number arrived in the post on Friday:

Twitter

I've never got my head around twitter.  Referring to other conversations with the "@" symbol and all this "#" business makes some modern text-speak look pretty legible in my book.

However I'm in the business of spreading the word with the blog, facebook and now twitter (although I don't think I have any followers yet).

So get updates on both the blog and now twitter.  Follow me at the below "Handle":

@100runs4jdrf



Yesterday's run - 7 miles.  I'm pleased with this as I haven't been feeling too good since we came back from our holiday.  A combination of cold, crap weather back here, a pile of work waiting for me in the office and seeing shops in Manchester city centre still boarded up was pretty depressing.  I have number 71 to perk myself up with after Jake's swimming lesson.  I'm also conscious that I have a lot to cram in before next week's trip to Ireland, starting on Wednesday, so I'm calling into the office tomorrow to get on top of things.

59-69. St Cyprian, France

We're back from our holiday in France.  We had a great time, the weather was hot and breezy and Jake kept his blood sugar in check by sampling various ice creams (bubble-gum flavour was his favourite) and swimming in both the pool and the sea.  I read "Born to Run" and it was fantastic - very inspiring.

Any doubts I had about the feasibility of running in the area were eroded as we approached the campsite.  On each side of the road were these cycle/bridle paths - ideal for running routes, and I was able to try out a few routes - some planned, others made up on the hoof, so to speak.  I also switched them around to allow for time for all three of us, ensuring that whilst the runs were undertaken every day, I remembered that the reason we were away was for a family holiday.

Along these bridle paths were all kinds of apparatus for stretching, hurdles etc - a real runner's paradise.  I exchanged a few "Bonjour's" with my fellow runners.  Some replied, some didn't.  I spotted one, wearing a Newcastle United top, who said a hearty "Bonjour" and I replied "Hi there" - he then turned at me surprised that I recognised him as a Brit  - come on...who else would wear that top?

On the first day, I trotted out at around 5pm, and got lost on what I thought was the return leg of a 6.3 mile loop.  Finding myself in the middle of nowhere with no phone or money wasn't the best start.  My limited French would be useless as well, so just like Forrest Gump...I kept running. After getting my bearings, remembering that traffic approaches from the opposite side of road.  I also had to remind myself that I was lost, with no money, no phone, a very basic grasp of the language.  All I had was basic common sense, internal compass and 2 eyes to read the road signs. I eventually found my way home albeit an extra 30 mins longer, but played it cool and told Carolyn and Jake it was "All part of the plan"...

I have to say that the Helly Hansen top worked a treat for the duration of the holiday - leaving me nice an cool, either running in the morning or evening it kept the sun off and most of all - dry.  Thanks once again to Jax @ Helly Hansen for sending me the free running wear - it worked wonders when I needed it to.

My first Injury of the challenge was a nipple related injury, a combination of sunburn, and chaffing from the New Balance top, when the HH top was hung out to dry.  The pain was so bad this morning that I ran in just a pair of shorts and trainers for this morning's run along to the port and back along the beach.  I felt a bit of a charlie and a show off, but needs-must and there were plenty of others doing the same who were show off's and charlies. Macho Man, indeed.  There will be none of that back in blighty, I promise.

Here are the runs, which were tracked on a scrap of paper:

08/08 Run 59 : 9.3 miles - I got lost!
09/08 Run 60 : 6.2 miles
10/08 Run 61 : 6.6 miles
11/08 Run 62 : 6.6 miles
12/08 Run 63 : 6.3 miles
13/08 Run 64 : 6.3 miles
14/08 Run 65 : 6.8 miles
15/08 Run 66 : 6.2 miles
16/08 Run 67 : 6.3 miles
17/08 Run 68 : 6.9 miles
18/08 Run 69 : 6.2 miles (Bare Chest Cheek...)

I got a message from Gareth, where he had it confirmed that his fracture is actually a break and the cast needs to stay on for another couple of weeks.  I know he can run the 13.1 of the Great North backwards and still get a decent time.  He texted me last night to say he's defied the Doctor's orders and undertaken a 5 mile run and felt great - good on you Pal!

I'd like to say a big thanks to my big sister Lucy for her sterling work in spreading the word via Twitter of my campaign.  I've had recent donations from her friends Jane and Fran, and Lucy's been great in spreading the word - thanks for your support!

So there we have it.  One of the most challenging sections of the 100 runs challenge so far and it's back to running in Saddleworth until Weds, when we are visiting Carolyn's Mum in Limerick with Pat's family for a week.

Thank you to the Roebucks

I'd like to say a massive thank you to Julia Roebuck's Sister in Law, who arranged a very nice surprise for me when I was passing on Shaw Hall Bank Road on the run this morning.  Julia, who's today's run is dedicated to her son Alex, had asked when I would be passing on that route, so I gave her a rough estimate of around 9:30.

I planned to do the 6.4 mile route from Diglea to Friezland Church and back, taking in Dobcross and Uppermill.

As I passed Friezland Church, I kept my eye out for anyone loitering around the house where Julia had told me her relatives live, but nothing.  I carried on running, however caught sight of the time when I was passing Greenfield train station - I was at least 15 mins early.  I ran down top the top of Chapel Road, then turned back and did another lap back down to the church.  This time I noticed there was now a huge banner tied to the railings outside the house with "WELL DONE TOM" and "RUN 58" emblazoned in huge font.  I also got a wave as I ran past.  To say this gave me a boost is an understatement.  I was grinning from ear to ear, and finished the last 3.5 miles at race pace - a real high.  Thank you Roebucks - I really appreciated that!

I'm so glad I turned back and did the extra lap.  The kindness and support was amazing - and from people I don't know, I've only communicated with Julia, and she picked up on the link to my blog as it had been posted on twitter by another mum who received an earlier dedication.

Today's run - 7.4 miles, dedicated to Alex Roebuck and thanks again to all the Roebucks for your support

Today's run is dedicated to Charlie Howard

One of the things that I have really enjoyed during the challenge is to be able to raise awareness of fellow families with children living with Type 1.  One of those is young Charlie Howard, who I am dedicating today's run to.

Lucy Howard, Charlie's Mum told me:

"Charlie was diagnosed in January 2010 at the age of 13 months following 2 trips to our out of hours Dr who told us he had a stomach bug. We insisted on taking him to hospital where he was diagnosed within 10 minutes of arriving. After 2 nights in PICU and a further 10 days in hospital we were allowed home on the basis we could ring or return to hospital if necessary. Charlie was very lucky as he received an insulin pump a week after diagnosis. The pump has made a huge difference to Charlie's blood sugar levels as we can tailor it to meet his needs. That's not to say that every day is easy - he's recently starting having tantrums which makes hypos more tricky to spot but is reassuring in that he's just like any other 2 year old! We all get involved in looking after Charlie, our daughter Kate is 4 and she's a dab hand at reading the meters and telling me if he's high or low. Having a child with Type 1 diabetes does change life for the whole family but we try to do as much as anyone, we just have to plan things carefully. Meeting other families in the same situation has been very helpful, we can share experiences with people who really understand."

Read Lucy's entry on the JDRF 1 Campaign scrapbook:

http://www.jdrf1campaign.org.uk/scrapbookgallery.asp?section=79&sectionTitle=Type+1+scrapbook+gallery+%2D+how+type+1+affects+other+people%27s+lives&page=2&profile=308

Today's run: 6.4 miles

Today's run is dedicated to Imogen Keywood

I'd like to dedicate today's run to young Imogen Keywood.

Imogen's Mum, Teresa told the JDRF 1 Campaign :

"My baby daughter was diagnosed with type 1 at just 15 months old, and it has totally changed our lives. There is a huge amount of ignorance when it comes to type 1, and nobody understands how dangerous type 1 is and the difficulties that you come up against on a daily basis. Having children is a huge responsibility in itself, but having a child who has type 1, you are faced with fears and worries daily that most people do not ever have deal with in their whole life. Insulin injections just keep type 1 diabetics, it does not cure this dreadful life threatening illness.  There needs to be more government funding for type 1, so that there can be research into finding 1 the prevention to type 1, and 2 the cure. All type 1 should be entitled to have the choice of an Insulin Pump that tightens control, and thus gives type 1 sufferers a better, healthier and longer future. An Insulin pump should be standard to all type 1 sufferers. There should also be more awareness. Although Type 1 is rare in children under the age of 4, it is becoming and more frequent illness with more children being diagnosed at a younger age."

Imogen is now 2 and a half years old and I'm proud to dedicate today's run to both Imogen and her family.

Read the scrapbook entry at:

http://www.jdrf1campaign.org.uk/scrapbookgallery.asp?section=79&sectionTitle=Type+1+scrapbook+gallery+-+how+type+1+affects+other+people's+liv&page=12&profile=172

Today's run - 6.4 miles
Yesterday's run - 7 miles

Brand new leg muscles

The first run in the second half of the challenge took place this morning. I don't want to speak too soon, and I'm not being offered any endorsements to say this but my legs feel like brand new after yesterday's massage.  I over took 2 runners on the A62, just before the Albion Farm Shop - I even over took a cyclist on the climb up Woods Lane in Dobcross - It's a case of so far, so faster.

On the decent down Wall Hill Road, I used the number of lampposts to include a little speed reps and increase the heart rate.  I caught a rare glimpse of a donkey being walked by a young girl on the Delph Donkey on my way back to Diggle via the canal side. 

I'm away in Edinburgh with work over the next couple of days, so will scout out a couple of routes and take the GPS with me.  It'll be nice to run in a different place, also prove to my work mates up there that I am really doing the challenge and not making it up!

Lots of people around this morning, as they are heading into Uppermill for the celebration event that is Yorkshire day.  Yorkshire Day is celebrated on 1 August to promote the historic English county of Yorkshire. It was celebrated in 1975, by the Yorkshire Ridings Society, initially in Beverley, as "protest movement against the Local Government re-organisation of 1974", The date alludes to the Battle of Minden, and also the anniversary of the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834, for which a Yorkshire MP, William Wilberforce, had campaigned.



Today's run 7.4 miles

The Half Way Mark

That's 50 done.  It feels good to be able to sit down, take stock and realise that I'm now officially over the half-way mark - or will be after tomorrow's run.

I took advantage of the good weather by running one of my favourite routes - Start at the wonderful Diggle Hotel (Best pint in Saddleworth) up to Standedge Cutting and up to the Trig Point above Castleshaw, round the reservoirs and back home via the boat lane.  I knew that Carolyn was planning a surprise, but I was not expecting a cheering station at the end, complete with JDRF balloons, followed by a nice carb-heavy lunch.  The promised massage was later at 4pm, so I have to take my hat of to Carolyn for making the run one to remember.

Although a variety of my running partners were unable to join me (Pat - Cambridge Folk Festival, Colin - Injured his calf, Gaz - Fractured his wrist), no matter - It was a run I had been looking forward to. 

Spurred on by the good weather and sense of occasion I wore my faithful team Pingu JDRF Vest and set off.  On the decent from the top of the boat lane I was greeted by Carolyn, Jo Taylor and her son Ned cheering and clapping as they came into view.  Again, not wanting to labour the point but I was really touched and have to add here how much a good support Carolyn has been since the challenge started.

Energy boosting cake...

I've just come back from the sports massage that took place at Body and Mind in Mossley and it appears that my leg muscles were not in the knotty mess I presumed they would be in.  It was good and I'll go again before the challenge is over.  They've got a great set up and really friendly, professional staff - there is even a loyalty scheme in place, so I'd recommend it.  Their website is http://www.bmtcentre.co.uk/

I dedicate today's run to Ryan Welton (see previous post).

It just leaves me to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me, Jon and Louisa at JDRF, Those who donated to the charity, donated free running gear and discounts, joined me on the runs and offered encouragement - it's very much appreciated and will keep me going through the next 50 runs.

Today's run - 7.6 miles

Today's run is dedicated to Ryan Welton

Well, the half-way mark is here.  I'm going to enjoy today's run because:

1) I'm heading out around 11:30, and there was no getting up at silly o'clock today - it is a Saturday, after all...and the sun is shining so to be running on the fells looking out over cattleshaw is going to be great.

2) It's good to have 50% of the challenge under my belt, and I can start counting down until the Great North Run.

3) I'm feeling the benefits of the daily 10K's - Running further distances, motivated to do more, and enjoying work during challenging times.  I've lost a few pounds too, which needed to happen.

4) Carolyn has booked me in for a sports massage this afternoon, and everyone I know has been full of support, encouraging me and donating to the charity.

5) That today's run is going to be dedicated to Sarah Brown's son Ryan.  Sarah works with me, although she is based in Southend and we have yet to meet up in person she's been a great support ever since Jake was diagnosed with T1.  Sarah does a lot of campaigning and has introduced me to other areas of support such as Diabetes Power.  Thanks Sarah for all your advice and I'm hoping to be in Southend soon so I can thank you in person.  I'm proud to dedicate my 50th run to your son Ryan.

Sarah tell's Ryan's story:

"I will never forget the day those three words ‘Type 1 Diabetes’ entered our lives.  It was August 2008, the height of summer, when my son, Ryan, fell ill.  He had seemed to be the picture of health albeit drinking more than normal but only to be expected with hot summer days spent on the beach. He liked to sleep during the day, but what teenager doesn’t? Mood swings were common, just teenage traits surely? It wasn’t until he fell extremely sick with vomiting and extreme weakness that we took him to see the doctor who immediately admitted him to hospital as an emergency after doing a simple urine test.  The rest was just a blur.....  ketoacidosis.... type 1 diabetes.... blood tests...... needles.... insulin.....  It was simply the worst and most frightening day of our lives!

Since then Ryan has learned to cope with several daily finger prick tests and injecting himself with insulin and I feel as if I have become an expert of the condition after reading all the literature I possibly can! He has involved his friends, giving them knowledge on his condition so they can support him in his daily life.

Our latest challenge is obtaining an insulin pump for Ryan.  This will put an end to the several injections a day he has to endure and will mean he will have a pump attached to him with a constant delivery of insulin to keep his sugar levels at a more stable level.  We have to wait until the end of the year to see if he will be granted one but, as with many things, it is all down to funding and, at present, this is not available so we shall have to wait patiently..... or take our fight to the PCT for something that should be readily available to give Ryan a better quality of life. 

Since Ryan's diagnosis, I have built a large support network of friends on the internet, all of whom either have Type 1 Diabetes or are parents of a child with diabetes.  Without these people, I would have found it even harder to cope with the many ups and downs that looking after and supporting my son brings.

Tom only wanted a couple of paragraphs and I feel I have gone on quite long enough now but, when it comes to our lives with diabetes, I could truly talk for England!  I just want to say a huge 'thank you' to Tom for this incredible challenge he has taken on to help raise funds for vital research into, hopefully one day, finding the cure for Type 1 Diabetes and is a great honour that he is dedicating run number 50 to my dear son, Ryan."

Look out for the second blog post later with details of today's milestone run

Today's run is dedicated to Loraine Sheils

Jake and I are in Liphook for a few days, staying with my Mum and Dad whilst Carolyn is "away with the girls".  A long journey yesterday, hampered by all cliches regarding the M25 becoming reality.  The area seems to alter every time we visit.  The biggest of these is the new A3 Tunnel at Hindhead, the famous bottle-neck that caused countless delays for commuters and holiday makers travelling between London and Portsmouth over the years.  This will come to an end next week when the tunnel opens, however I can't help feeling annoyed (along with my fellow drivers yesterday evening) that the tunnel has been ready for over 3 weeks, and on the busiest Friday of the year it remained closed.  It appears this is due to waiting for the current Minister for Transport to find a window in his diary to commence the pomp to snip the tape.

I'd like to thank my Mum and Dad for the generous donation they made last night on my justgiving site - this really gives me a boost and helps with the confidence they have in me to reach the 100 - thanks again!

Jake opted to sleep with me last night, and getting up early for the run today I thought I had managed to get away without waking him up.  Not so.  I heard a small voice from behind the door as I tip-toed down the stairs.  "Dad - my legs are aching...".   A quick check of his blood sugar reading confirmed this and he was soon playing on his DS whilst taking a glug of Lucozade and a couple of biscuits.  Job done.

I did the route I worked out yesterday, taking in old familiar sights of the A3, Hammer Vale - passing the Prince of Wales pub, where I used to drink way too much of the lovely Butser Ale, and the strong HSB.  I made my way back to Lynchmere, over past Highfield School and back around the village and my old schools.  A trip down memory lane if ever there was one.

Elizabeth Sheils has asked that I dedicate today's run to her Mum, Loraine which I am happy to do - in fact today's run will be dedicated to both of them.

Here is Elizabeth's email to me regarding the dedication:

 "I have had type 1 since the age of 5 (and I am 21 now!) The diabetes technologies and knowledge back in 1995 were not as they are today. I went onto a mixed insulin syringe regime and only go introduced to carbohydrate counting and multiple daily injections when I reached secondary school. I have just recently gone on pump the beginning of this year!

Being diagnosed so young I really had no idea what was going on, which meant my mum had to fully look after me. During the early months of my type 1 I had panic attacks in the night which we were told was my bodies way of dealing with the stress and confusion. Being 5 years old I didn’t really understand why people were trying to put needles into me and say I had to eat at certain times without sweets.  I do remember my mum, Loraine Sheils, staying with me in hospital overnight which made me feel a lot less anxious. Being the first type 1 in my primary school caused a lot of concern for the teachers. It meant my mum had to be on call just in case my blood sugar was too high or too low making it impossible to have paid employment. She was and still is always there for me.

My mum has done a wonderful job in supporting me these past  16 years. I haven’t had much support from friends during my school years and my family were reluctant to get too involved. Therefore she has been my support system without having anyone herself to lean on. She has given me the guidance and confidence to manage my diabetes and has always taught me not to let it get in the way of my life. I have learnt the skills to be able to manage my type 1 to the best of my ability whilst working towards all my other goals in life.

I am passionate about trying to improve the lives of those with type 1 and hope to raise as much awareness as I can. I have been working with JDRF for the past three years as a T1 Youth Ambassador and I am currently working with a clinical psychologist in a diabetes centre as part of my psychology degree. I know I never would have achieved all the things I have without the ongoing support of my mum. "

Read Elizabeth's JDRF 1 Campaign Scrapbook entry:

http://www.jdrf1campaign.org.uk/scrapbookgallery.asp?section=79&sectionTitle=Type+1+scrapbook+gallery+%2D+how+type+1+affects+other+people%27s+lives&page=4&profile=286

Thanks Elizabeth - today's run is for you and Loraine

If in doubt...try a new route

The pressure was off this morning.  We are visiting my Mum and Dad, so I knew I could start this morning's run a little later and perhaps try a new route without having to rush back to get ready for work.  I am officially on holiday until next Tuesday.  That's holiday from work, not the running, by the way.

As I made my way down Sam Road and onto Huddersfield Road, my mind was racing - should I stick to one of the 6.2 mile "easy" routes, or should I throw caution to the wind and try a new, longer route?  I kind of did both - thinking I would do the new route that passes Albion Farm Shop.  Instead of dropping down Wall Hill Road (in the words of Forest Gump), I kept going...

I ran to Scouthead, dropping down Platting Road, looking for "a great quiet road" according to Patrick, who advised me of this route when we were out last week.  I turned down Lovers Lane and realised that I didn't know where I was.  A lovely splash of sunshine met me on Burnedge Road and I noticed local hills Pots and Pans and Alphin, so I just followed them.  It felt great to be on almost the shoulder of another hill, Wharmton as I took this country lane down into Dobcross and made my way back to Diggle.

I've had a really nice email from Julia Roebuck, who has an 18 month old boy, Alexander who was diagnosed with type 1 aged just 11 months.  Julia and her husband grew up in Saddleworth, living in Greenfield, however now live down in Exeter.  They came across the blog via a link on Twitter - Thanks for your kind words of enthusiasm, Julia and I'll be honoured to dedicate a future run for young Alexander.

On the downside, I've lost one of my running partners for at least 4 weeks.  Gareth has fratured his left wrist whilst playing football on Wednesday evening.  Chin up, Gaz and we'll pick up the runs when the plaster is off.  I really feel for him, as that's 4 weeks out of action, with only 8 weeks to go until the Great North Run.

Making my way down to Liphook in about an hour's time - I've already got a route planned for the runs down south.

Yesterday's Run - 6.2 miles
Today's run - 8.1 miles

NICE decide Lucentis is not an effective use of NHS resources - JDRF News

A new treatment for visual impairment caused by diabetic macular oedema (DMO) has this week been added to the list of medicines that are not considered an ‘effective use of NHS resources’. NICE has concluded that it does not recommend Lucentis® (ranibizumab) for use within the NHS in England and Wales for the treatment of visual impairment due to Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO).

JDRF believes it is vital that patients with diabetic macular oedema receive safe and effective treatments for their condition. This is why we supported the early development of Lucentis through our Innovative Grant programme. Further collaboration with Genentech, a biotech company based in San Francisco, and Johns Hopkins Medical School, enabled clinical research to help reveal the full therapeutic benefit of the drug for people with type 1 diabetes.
DMO is caused by swelling in the centre of the retina – the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye that provides detailed vision. The swelling results from damage to small blood vessels caused by years of elevated blood sugar levels, which –even with the best possible treatment – are hard to avoid entirely when living with type 1 diabetes.
The standard treatment for DMO has been the same for the last 25 years – laser treatment to destroy areas of abnormal blood vessel growth at the back of the eye. However this treatment does not improve vision, it only slows the progression of the condition.
Therefore the decision by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to not recommend the drug ranibizumab (marketed as Lucentis) for use within the NHS to treat DMO is disappointing. Current research indicates that ranibizumab is highly effective in treating DMO and, significantly, that it meets an unmet need for patients who do not respond well to the current standard laser treatment.
Lucentis has been approved in the USA for the treatment of DMO, and is also approved in Europe for treating another eye condition, wet age-related macular degeneration. The fact that ranibizumab has not been NICE approved for the treatment of visual impairment caused by diabetic macular oedema means that clinicians may be forced to turn to unlicensed and therefore untested alternatives, putting patients’ sight at risk.

If left untreated, diabetic macular oedema can lead to vision loss. The condition affects approximately 28% of people who have had diabetes for at least 20 years. The standard treatment of this condition has been the same for the last 25 years – laser treatment to destroy areas of abnormal blood vessel growth at the back of the eye. However, despite reducing the progression of the condition, this treatment does not improve vision.
JDRF campaigns to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes, informing key decision makers about the issues people living with the condition face. If you haven't already, get involved with JDRF's 1 Campaign. Together we can lobby the Government to invest more money in medical research and to improve access to treatments.

Getting closer to the magic number 50

Well, I'm edging closer to the half way mark.  I keep thinking about the route I'll be taking that day, and how I will mark the occasion, given that It falls over a weekend.  Whatever I decide on, it'll be a great feeling to be on the countdown to final half of the challenge.

Last night I was joined on an evening run by both Gareth and Pat, where we ran the "Mossley loop", just over 7 miles from Uppermill, through Greenfield and up to top Mossley and back.  It almost felt like a day off to not get up before 5am to run, and It was cool to have company on the run too, so I'm grateful to both Gareth and  Pat for joining me, and setting a good pace.  I'm toying with asking a group of friends to come on the next evening run, but then it could get a bit "Forest Gump" couldn't it?

Last night's run - 7.2 miles
This morning's - 6.2 miles

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run, where the countdown to 50 can really start.   It's also the first run I'm dedicating to someone living with type 1.  Step forward young Finlay Bloxham - tomorrow's run is dedicated to you - more in tomorrow's post.

Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement so far - it's all appreciated

Get moving

I've been using the weekends to get away from the "routine" of very early starts and road running, switching to later runs, with company (my running parnter Pat) and swapping asphalt for the fells.  This worked a treat yesterday, however I was determined to pay close attention to my pace per mile on this morning's run.  I set off at 6am on the dot and decided to get weaving whilst there was a let up in the monsoon that's been ever-present in the district since Friday night.

All was going pretty well, clocking on average 8m 20 secs per mile, according to the GPS.  I had to find a secluded spot for a very quick toilet break, however my pace was broken by not one but two seperate lorries of workmen I met along stretches of the A62.  They must have come in from Oldham, in need of directions to a place called Diggle (followed by a chuckle). I must have the kind of face that says "Stop me, please - I'm happy to give you directions..."

I'm also betting Usain Bolt dosen't get this on his daily runs.

I was running the new route I made up on the spot on Friday.  On the way back along Dobcross New Road, I treated myself by leaving the pavement by the Newbank Garden Centre and joining the "Delph Donkey" and back along the canal side to Diggle, and home.  Whilst ever so slightly shorter than Friday's route, it still came in at just over 7 miles.

One of the local Micro-breweries, Greenfield Real Ale produces top quality real ales, one of them is named after the Railway Line that used to connect Oldham and Greenfield to the Huddersfield line.  It closed in 1955, and the "Delph Donkey" trail is where that line used to be.  The Greenfield Brewery ales are sold on site or in local outlets as well as selected pubs. 

I'm going to suggest to Pat that we reward ourselves with a tour of the brewery when the challenge is over.  Visit the site at www.greenfieldrealale.co.uk

Today's run - 7.1 miles

Dedicating future runs

I mentioned in an earlier post the idea that Colin and Carolyn put to me around deicating a run to someone living with type 1.  Well, it's picked up some momentum this week.  First of all I was in contact with Sarah Brown, who is going to send details and a picture of her son Ryan for a dedication.  I contacted Jon Medcraft at JDRF to see if he could assist with finding anyone else who would like a dedication, and he has sent on four already, which is great.

I've pencilled in dates for these dedications, and hopefully can do a bit more to raise awareness of what it is like living with type-1, especially with young children and the challenges they face, their hopes and fears for the future.  Thanks to Sarah Brown, Louisa Bloxham, Angela Allison, Sabrina Dawe and Teresa Keywood.

Looking at the rain outside, I think flippers rather than trainers are best for today's run...

Going the extra mile

It's a phrase that is often used these days, but perhaps is often used in the wrong context.  Offering your seat to someone elderly or opening a door for someone isn't really going the extra mile - just good manners, really.

A sudden bust of energy saw me break away from the usual routes and venture across to Dobcross and Delph.  I pretty much made up the route on the spot, which considering it wasn't a weekend run ment that I put a fair amount of pressure on myself to clock up the required 6.2 miles without getting hopelessly lost at the same time.  The Broadcaster Stuart Maconie has described all the Saddleworth Villages' names as sounding like Trumpton Firemen  - Delph, Diggle, Dobcross, Denshaw, etc.

It went to plan, and it was a pleasure to take in the early morning views back to Dobcross, then Delph, especially when passing the Albion Farm Shop (home of the best cooked breakfast in Saddleworth, since you ask), then looking out over towards Pots and Pans and Greenfield.

I clocked 7.5 miles this morning, and it felt great to put in more than was required.  As I walked into the office this morning, I passed a sign that read "Will you go the extra mile today?" I smiled to myself - "Already have, thank you".

Yesterday's run - 6.2 miles
Today's run - 7.5 miles