Continuing on from my February update, March commenced with a steady 22 mile jog which put me in good spirits for the coming month. I rested the following days and joined the TROTs for a 5 mile jog on the Thursday evening, my last run before the Llanelli Half Marathon.

On the Sunday morning I ate my toast, banana/weetabix and drank carbohydrate fluid for breakfast; put my kit on including plasters over my nipples to prevent bleeding caused by friction. I checked my bag and set off to the Millennium Coastal Path at Llanelli.

The race started at 11.30 so I arrived at about 10.25 which gave an opportunity to have a look round and spend a penny! I had a look at the view across the bay which was pretty wild that morning, and promptly went back to the loo! I also found some fellow TROTs wandering around the start area, obviously also searching for the toilets. One essential suggestion if you ever take part in a race is to bring your own toilet roll as they invariably run out due to spreading panic and nerves among the participants. Anyway by 11.20 and following several visits and a brief warm up I was lined up at the start and waiting for the claxon to sound.

Although the course is fairly flat, save for a few rises where the path crosses the railway I could see that the wind blowing along the course would be problem. Although it looks pretty idyllic weather in the photo it was actually (honest!) cool and windy. I had planned to run at 7:50 per mile and set off at that pace. Quite a number overtook me in the initial rush although I noted that I pegged back may of these as the race progressed. From the start we turned northwest directly into the wind which brought stinging hail at various intervals. After about 3 miles the field turned back south east with the aid of the wind back passed the start to around 10 miles. The final 3 miles were a case of head down, taking each step into the wind and then pushing for the finish line. I completed the race strongly in 1hour 42 minutes 24seconds at 7:49 per mile, one second inside my target pace and felt surprisingly comfortable despite the weather.

The Llanelli Half marathon is always a well organized race with a lively atmosphere, wide range of runners and as a result an enjoyable experience thanks to the organizers. It also gave me a chance to meet up with Jeff Partridge and his family from Swansea, a fellow 'Action for Children' London Marathoner. Jeff is seen on the right in the photograph and I hope to see Jeff in London over the marathon weekend.

Although feeling satisfied in the aftermath, I developed a niggling pain behind my left knee so I’m monitoring this at the moment. This a crucial stage in the build up when the long runs are important and the mileage peak causes maximum stress to the legs so I am a little concerned and will have to decide if I continue or ease off to prevent a major setback.

Fundraising is progressing well and nearing the £1000 mark. My thanks to the residents of Reynalton who have donated £200 collectively. Everyone’s enthusiasm and support has really spurred me on with renewed determination. Tickets are selling for the ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ fundraising dance at the Picton Centre next to County Hall on 4th April. Live music, disco, bar and cawl supper. All for £10, and in a good cause. In a few weeks I’ll be visiting St Florence School to set in motion the ‘Children taking Action for Children’ fundraising jog. Finally look out for me at Morrisons in Haverfordwest on Saturday 18th April, just one week before the marathon.

Next step is to monitor my left knee prior to embarking on this weekend’s scheduled 22-mile training run. I’ll let you know how I fare!

Don't forget, if you would like to donate to the appeal then just follow 'my justgiving page' link on the right hand side.