Doo's 40th and recollections of yesteryear!

It was my 40th birthday this week and sure enough I had the usual hippopotamus greetings and salutations on the celebration of my arrival into the World. Thanks to all those who sent me well wishes and the like. High five's to all those who sent me cards, texts, messages, monies and gifts.

A number of my cards appeared to follow a sporty theme. Lots of bicycles for sure. My wife SJ also got me a sporty birthday cake which was decorated with an impression of my good self cycling my commute bike. Nice touch and it tasted delicious!

A number of my gifts also followed a sporty theme. Such gifts included running arm warmers, whey and protein bars and a drink safe water-to-go bottle (all courtesy of Lin). With my birthday monies I purchased an awesome pair of Brooks PureGrit 3 trail running shoes and 2 pairs of running shorts (thanks SJ, Ma and Pa, Kim and Aunty Chris). I had a whole bunch of other great stuff too including a very classy watch (cheers SJ) indicating that my time is nearly up...

Am not sure how many days I have left on this planet but 40 does feel like a half-way point to me. 'Down hill from here mate'. Looking forward might be a good idea but I haven't done that, oh no, I've looked back and managed to find a whole list of previously completed sporty events. In this list is my first ever 5k and 10k race, as well as my first LEJOG trip. Wow, I ran a 5k race like nearly 7 years ago. Where does time go? Have a butchers at my list and you'll have some idea!

• 1 – 12 Sept 2009 LEJOG cycle, 971.57 miles (raised £372.10 for CMaD)
• 18 Aug 2009 Wedgnock Summer Race Series, Race 4 (Warwick) 10k. Finished 60/103 (50:35)
• 25 July 2009 Fierce 10 Run (Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire) 10 miles (harsh hills, mud pits, horse jumps and water wading). Finished 56/71 (1:31:18)
• 16 July 2009 Wedgnock Summer Race Series, Race 3 (Warwick) 10k. Finished 51/96 (48:55)
• 4 July 2009 Birmingham and Black Country 1/2 Marathon Run, 13.1 miles. Finished 281/637 (1:57:32)
• 18 June 2009 Wedgnock Summer Race Series, Race 2 (Warwick) 10k. Finished 65/118 (50:55)
• 21 May 2009 Wedgnock Summer Race Series, Race 1 (Warwick) 10k. Finished 81/126 (52:40)
• 18 – 25 Apr 2009 Lapland Husky Trail, Arctic Sled Challenge (Norway/Sweden) 250k. (Raised £128.50 for CMaD)
• 7 Mar 2009 Clumber Park Sprint Duathlon (Nottinghamshire) Run 5k – Bike 20k – Run 2.5k. Finished 70/134 (1:20:57). (Run 1 26:11, Bike 41:31, Run 2 13:14). (Raised £72.50 for CMaD)
• 31 Jan 2009 Wedgnock Winter Mud & Mayhem Cross Country Run, Race 3 (Warwick) 10k.  Finished 77/122 (1:05:37). (Raised £66 for CMaD)
• 27 Dec 2008 Wheaton Aston Road Run, Race (Stafford) 10k. Finished 291/387 (55:13). (Raised £134.65 for CMaD)
• 19 Oct 2008 Maid Marion Cross Country (Trail) Run (Nottingham) 5k. Finished 35/88 (28:47). (Raised £271.67 for CMaD)