So it would seem the running shoes that a certain high street ‘sports’ retailer advised I buy were actually only good for one thing. The bin.

I went to see a physio yesterday as my right knee has been hurting a bit for the last week or two. Whether it was a case of too much too soon (it’s not like I’m trying to run a marathon though) or just rubbish trainers, she’s getting me sorted and advised I buy something proper for my feet. If you need to see a physio, I can highly recommend Stella at Physiofit in Horsforth.

A trip into Leeds followed where I got some great advice from Up & Running on Boar Lane and came away with what I can only describe as ‘running slippers’. They are SO comfortable!

Hopefully now I’m going to be alright to cover the last 4km of this trip quickly enough…

Other than that, preparations are going well! Travel is booked, language basics are being learned and I’m about to get a small amount of 5 different European currencies ordered.

Finally I would like to say a huge thank you to a former colleague of mine from my Philips days, Chris Ashton. Chris does a wonderful thing where each month he donates to charity a day’s salary from his dog walking and pet sitting business, Chocolate Tortoise. After seeing my last blog update on Facebook, he has very kindly chosen to support Sands for his March and April donate a day. Thanks again, Chris, for your wonderful donation and kind words of support.

Sands is an incredible charity who provide support to anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

If you would like to make a small donation, you can do so via my Just Giving page. Thank you!