How's your Winter been? If it's anything like mine it's probably dragged on a little too long this year! At the turn of the year I set myself a goal of running another half marathon, my first in over 10 years. Friends of mine had taken part in last years London Landmarks Half Marathon and it looked amazing. Next thing I know I'm signing myself up for the ballot.

A few months pass and the inevitable 'you've not been successful' e-mail lands in my inbox. Not to be deterred, I started looking for Charity places and as twist of fate would have it, my good friend Leandra offered me a place running for her amazing local Charity Molly's Gift who aim to help local disadvantaged children and young people have the same opportunities as their peers in Sport & Physical Activity.

Training has gone pretty well (there's life in the old dog yet it would seem!) I've even managed a trip down to Bushy parkrun, where the very first ever parkrun was held on October 2nd 2004, and what a spectacle it was.

Things took an unexpected turn last weekend due to injury and I couldn't train. I was left wondering if I'd be able to make the start line on April 7th. How did i overcome this setback and not let it affect me:

• Redefined my goals - I might not be able to hit the time I've trained for but with the extra enforced recovery and rehab i should be able to make the start line and finish.
• Reminded myself why I'm doing this - 10 years ago my focus would have been purely on competition and PB's. I'm doing this to raise money for an important cause and to enjoy the spectacle.
• Does it really matter that much? - In the grand scheme of things, stuff like this doesn't matter that much. They'll be more opportunities some other time if i don't make the start line. Either way I'll be heading down to London to be part of the event with my family in tow, and i know they'll be proud of me regardless.

Clara and i have also been busy volunteering at Sence Valley parkrun in Ibstock. Clara is already half was towards her 10 t-shirt and is looking forward to giving the first timer briefing and setting the course up with me this weekend.