Week 3 fell apart! only did runs 1 and 2 then various things happened (I won't bore you!) so I re-did week 3 and all was well. Two runs down now in week 4 and all going well although I wish someone would level the routes - I never did like hills either running or cycling and home means most runs are uphill and from my static caravan in the Peak District everything is hilly!
Why have I used 'Pacemaker' in my ID? It was decided I needed one about 6 years ago. From age 18 I was a blood donor on and off (97 whole blood donations), then I was asked if I would donate platelets (used extensively in cancer treatment), and I agreed. This is more invasive as the donor is connected to a machine for 90 minutes or so as blood is taken, processed to remove the platelets, then returned. This is repeated many times until the units have been harvested. The check-up prior to each donation includes a pulse check (it must be between 50 and 100 beats per minute). Mine on two occasions was low and I was refused and sent to a cardiologist. The first time it was OK and I returned to donating but always ensured that I was nearly late so that by running from the car park to the donor centre I pushed my pulse rate up and passed the test - until - one day I had to wait and the pulse had settled. Back to the cardiologist, ECG, "I think you need a pacemaker", said he, and within the month it had been fitted. If I had not been a donor I would not have known there was anything wrong. Giving blood is painless, helps to save many lives, possibly even mine in this case. If you are able please consider contacting the Blood Service and donating - it will help others and perhaps even yourself. Because I have the pacemaker and I am 80 I am no longer able to donate and I miss it! Nice to still be around to run.
2 Runs left ..... How did that happen? 
Returning to the programme
Week 5, Runs 1 and 2
I did it! I finished the programme :)
Being a blood donor and a runner.
