Easy 3 hour jog around Barnstaple but included 630 foot Codden hill. Felt good and not tired. Have found that Pasta before longs runs always helps as well as an 'energy gel' and water every hour or so. With 2 weeks to go am planning an all day run - probably tomorrow.
My run is now receiving local publicity including a fairly prominent article in today's North Devon Journal which thankfully gave link to the justgiving website. Unfortunately however, they had gone to press before the news of Jon's death.
A very generous payment of £200 was added today - equivalent to 32p per mile, raising the total to 18% of the target! Very generous, especially as I have noted that most folks think I am quite mad! (My target if achieved, will mean £4.76 per mile - now that should spur me on when really tired!)

Ran for just over 3 hours today - went well but ground now very dry and previously muddy paths now 'ankle-turning territory' - so taking great care. Am breaking-in 2 pairs of trail running shoes for the main run - but now suspect I will need 3 pairs especially if the ground stays dry and hard.

So far a fantastic response to the Cancer appeal - 11% of the target amount in the first 12 hours of release of same on the internet! Many thanks to all of you. One was for 10p a mile! Also have had a very kind offer of B&B - including picking up from the day's 'stop point' on the path - will be very welcome as will have run over 500 miles by that point! Reminds me of a song ... "If you miss the train I'm on ...." (please don't sing Ian - Ed.)

Still thinking a lot about my dear brother-in-law, Jon. He was so special to me - many fine 'fun family' memories as well as his songs continue to motivate me.

Resting today after a very sad day yesterday - my dear brother-in-law Jon Robertson finally lost his fight with cancer. But we all believe he has gone to a better place. My dear sister Bernie agreed that I will now dedicate my 630 mile run to his loving memory. I now have his wonderful singing voice on my mp3 player to listen to during the run - I feel sure this will help to motivate me. (He passed away whilst I was completing a 4 hour training run on hills between Bideford and Barnstaple.)