Alright, I gotta 'fess up. That blue fleece of mine that features in the Llanstock photos is a geenuine 1999 Great North Run fleece I was awarded for fundraising (I just used threats and menaces on suppliers and they gave me stacks of dosh).

I ran it in 2hrs 10 min, but was all fired up to do it in under 2 hours this year. So I paid up and applied early, got accepted, but never got off my arse to start training. Mrs Skipjack said I'd kill meself if I started a fortnight ago as I was threatening.

So I've bunked orf.

There, I confessed, and I feel better. I'm off down to the sailing club for a pint or two, and good luck to the 39,999, in whose way I won't be getting!

Skipjack