TEAM REPORT (RACE DAY)

After all the effort and sacrifice in the months leading up to the big day, here we were at Hyde Park Corner shuffling our way to the start line in amongst 25,000 fellow runners. It took some 25 minutes to reach the start line but I personally was savouring the oxygen whilst it was still easily available. Slightly nervous faces surrounded me as we neared the military band which was playing at the start of the course, but the nerves soon turned to focus of the task ahead as we crossed the start line.

The weather was perfect for running, slightly cool with the odd light shower to help keep you cool. With all the excitement and anticipation of the race, I set off a lot faster than planned but soon settled in to a more conservative pace after about 15 minutes. The atmosphere was brilliant with runners of all ages and abilities facing their own personal challenges and being helped along by the enthusiastic supporters who lined the streets of London.

Special thanks to MIDIRS Business Manager Andy Fisher, who had the idea of entering in the first place and to the MIDIRS supporters who travelled to London to support us on the day – the cheers they gave on Westminster Bridge certainly came as a welcome source of inspiration to me when things were starting to hurt near the end of the race. Lastly, congratulations to all MIDIRS runners for their dedication, everyone smashed their expected finish time and I think the photos tell the story of the day very well.

Steve Clayton
Graphic Designer
MIDIRS

a.k.a COACH CLAYTON.

It's been a long hard road

Words escape me when I think of how far the MIDIRS running team have come the past six months (personally I reckon over 200 miles in training…………WOW!). As I wait to start my last training session and with only four days to go until the 10k run, I feel moved to quote the immortal words of the great man himself ........... ............”Didn’t they do well”

Well I suppose Brucie’s words are a little understated, I’d put it a little stronger, we all did BLOODY WELL!!

Everyone has put 100% into the training and met their respective challenges with determination and resolve. It makes me very proud to be part of this team and you should all be congratulated on reaching the finish line (even before the actual race). Some people attain their goals in different ways but Julie falling pregnant is probably the most obscure one (well they do say that fertility is improved with fitness!).
So without further ado………

Congratulations - Adam McGahern

Very well done - Ann-marie Kelly

Gold star - Cara Gordon

Order of merit - Charlotte Robinson

Passed with distinction - Judith Sirr

Nice one – Julie Rogers

Good on ya - Michelle Brumby

Pat on the back - Steve Clayton (Coach)

Bravo - Vanessa Avery

Is that everyone?.................Oh yeah, I forgot…..…..Cheers - Andy Fisher (next year the marathon – now that’s a really good idea!)

Out of the running..?

Typical. Two weeks to go to the big day and I pulled my Achilles tendon showing off by running up a slope during a training session. Am gutted to get an injury at such a late stage as I really felt like I have been improving a bit over the past couple of months. The NHS has prescribed ice, ibuprofen and inactivity but hasn’t ordered me not to run (although a consultant at the trauma and orthopaedics clinic at the BRI where my Mum works has warned of the dangers of rupture-causing intensive exercise in cases of tendonitis!), so at present I’m still intending to give it my best shot on Sunday (although my husband has threatened me with divorce if I damage myself to the extent that I can’t help him put up the 10-person hyperdome on our two-week camping holiday that follows the race…)

My original goal was to get round the course without having to break into a walk, but at present my aim is just to start. And if I hobble anywhere near the finishing line among the pantomime horses, giant bananas and 90-year olds, then I shall consider that a major success!

Good luck everyone!

Update...Not Long to Go...

Well, today i'm feeling a little tired from the group training session yesturday, I have to say I have improved from when I started running in january which is a big relieve!!

I'm looking forward to the 10k in London - but a liitle nervous about the actual run, as long as i make it round picece I will be happy.

Not long to go now so Good Luck to Everyone!!!!

COACH CLAYTON (week 21)

TEAM REPORT (week 21)
As the big day draws ever closer, six team members attended the training session this week. After months of effort and continued improvement from all runners, the reality of the trial ahead has been marked with the arrival of our individual runners numbers and programme for the day. Only two more official training sessions to go and the mood in the MIDIRS camp remains positive with EVERYONE now tackling the longer ‘route 3’ each week which includes an energy sapping hill in the last mile.

I have recently discovered the wonders of an ipod shuffle whilst running which certainly helps to lift my spirits after i’ve passed through my usual comfort zone of about 3 miles. With only two weeks to go i’m now looking forward to the event and will be concentrating on staying injury free until at least the beginning of the race.

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP:
Play Your Favorite Music: Research has shown that listening to music while you workout can help you to work harder and enjoy your workout more.

INFO STORE:
Approximately 3 weeks before the race, check out the kit that you intend to wear on race day. Make sure that any new shorts, vest and socks still feel comfortable after 45 mins running. If you bought new shoes they should now be very comfortable.

The week before the race should still include some quality running, but short stuff. And you have 2 days off before the race - don't worry about this lapse, you won't forget how to run by race day! Eat more carbohydrates than you normally do in the last 3 days.

CHINESE PROVERB:
“To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.”

Pregnant and can't run anymore

Well I have great news, I am pregnant but unfortunately this means I am no longer able to run with my fellow team mates in the 10K London run. As this is my second child I already look about 8 months, I will however be cheering them on from the side lines with the other Midirs contingent. Bless them they have all just left to go running and most are attempting the big loop number 3 which some have been doing for a while now.

Good luck to them not that they need it.

Julie xx

COACH CLAYTON (week 16)

TEAM REPORT (week 16)

As the holiday season begins the MIDIRS 10K contingent was reduced to only six at this weeks training session. After a brief stretch out under the blazing afternoon sun we set off along our normal route of pain. Now usually the field will start and continue in roughly the same order each week according to distance running ability of each person, and this usually means Adam and Cara running at the front. For some reason this week I started at the front of the group, which caused me a slight problem, I am traditionally a sprinter, so if you show me some clear track I'll run into it as fast as I can – not the best idea on a distance run, but luckily after about a mile Adam passed by and order was once again restored to the universe.

With only seven more weeks to go until the big day, we all look for extra inspiration for our training and this came for some of my fellow team members this week. The Downs, where we train, is host to many a jogger especially on such a hot day, so when 'catalogue man' ran past us all with his semi-naked, bronzed, chiseled physique a few people quickened their pace in an attempt to stay with him, but to no avail; in a breeze of tanning oil and hair care products he was gone.

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP: 

When training for a race, keep yourself feeling motivated by varying your workout location – it's good to have something fresh to look at.

INFO STORE:

Every little helps – research shows that three ten minute walks is as effective as one thirty minute walk. So even if you don't have time for an hour's workout at the end of the day, you can find ways to fit things in throughout the day – walk to work, always use the stairs, etc.

CHINESE PROVERB:

Be the first to the field and the last to the couch.

COACH CLAYTON (week 9)

TEAM REPORT (week 9)

The Easter feasting is over and I think it’s finally getting to them – as I met with my fellow team members at this weeks training session I was greeted with mainly glum looking faces; was everyone just missing Adam who is on holiday this week, or was it just the thought of yet another run in the COLD that was doing it? After the usual warm up with partial comic value, we set off reluctantly. With Adam away, Cara led the field with 3 of the 8 runners on show taking on ‘route 2’. Andy showed a touch of the Dunkirk spirit, who after running ‘route 2’ with a heavily strapped knee injury, was lavished was applause from the rest of the team for his efforts. There was a no show from guest runner ‘Penn’ this week who having fallen off her horse, re-mounted and injured her ankle in the process. With motivation in mind perhaps we can all turn to the charity we are running for and this weeks topical Chinese proverb for inspiration.

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP:
Visualize Your Success: One of the secrets of top athletes is that they constantly visualize themselves achieving success, winning races, etc. The mind then directs your behavior towards achieving those goals. The secret is to picture yourself the way you want to be - how will you look when you've lost ten pounds, how will it feel to win the race, etc. Visualize this first thing in the morning, throughout the day, and as you go to sleep at night. You'll soon be on your way to realizing that vision.

INFO STORE:
Be strong: Runners work hard on training their legs, but you also need to workout your upper body and core stomach muscles to really improve your running. Start a simple daily strengthening routine - press-ups, arm curls, pull-ups, sit-ups. Do as many as you can and do them when you come back warm from your run. You should try to increase the number of repetitions of each exercise on a weekly basis.

CHINESE PROVERB:
“A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.”

COACH CLAYTON (week 8)

TEAM REPORT (week 8)
The MIDIRS 10K team was back in force this week, with a full compliment of 10 team runners and guest runner ‘Penn’ enjoying more civilized weather conditions than the previous week. Six runners managed ‘route 2’ whilst Julie and Charlotte joined Ann-marie in the achievement of making it around ‘route 1’ without stopping which is a huge step forward. Vanessa and Andy donned very expensive new running trainers, although the big man has irritated an old knee injury and rumour has it that his knee is very swollen this morning.

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP:
Monitor Your Progress: Many people keep a training log or diary - it's a great way to keep track of your progress, and also a motivator on those bad days - it will remind you of your efforts so far, and encourage you to not let them go to waste.

INFO STORE:
Once your activity or exercise routine is finished, its important that you take time to allow your body to recover, especially after a hard aerobic workout. Always let you heart rate come down gradually, if you simply stop at the end of a run, then its likely that the blood that was flowing smoothly around your body will simply be restricted in areas such as your lower legs (blood pooling) which will make recovery and stretching much harder. Aim to keep warm and moving, slowly taking your heart rate down for a minimum period or 5 minutes before you look at performing the cool down stretches.

At the same time you're cooling down, take in fluids to help your body recover

CHINESE PROVERB:
“Dig the well before you are thirsty.”

Back in the saddle

It was with no small amount of trepidation that I started out on yesterday's weekly run on the Downs. Having missed three consecutive weeks of training, I was sure that my fellow runners would leave me for dust! I was pleasantly surprised, however (more like amazed actually), that together with running buddies Julie & Ann-Marie, for the first time I managed to make it round ‘Route 1’ (2.3 miles) without stopping and in my fastest time yet! I guess that a week of holidaying and indulgence was not such a bad thing after all! (I'm trying to ignore the stiff muscles that I woke up with this morning!). Not being the most (ahem) sporty of people, when I first embarked on this training 'journey', I was haunted by memories of school PE lessons spent running around freezing cold cross-country pitches in the driving rain. I'm happy to say, though, that a few months into it, my exercise fears have not been realised and I'm actually beginning enjoy the challenge (yes really) and the opportunity to get fit. I only have to treble the distance I’ve run so far – that can’t be so bad can it??

COACH CLAYTON (week 7)

TEAM REPORT (week 7)
Freezing gale-force winds greeted the MIDIRS 10K faithful at this weeks training session. With Charlotte on holiday and Andy laid low with a cold, Julie re-joined the proceedings following illness last week to ensure we still fielded an 8 strong team against the unforgiving British weather. We were also joined by guest runner Sue Penn, MIDIRS Marketing Manager, who came out from behind her desk to enjoy some pain with the rest of us. All team members made it round one way or another with 3 people tackling the waterlogged ‘route 2’. Adam helped to drag me round the last mile on a day when I found myself having to run backwards occasionaly just to catch my breath against the wind. Well done to everyone – good character building stuff! I think the Chinese proverb is particualry apt this week.

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP:
Set Achievable Goals: Having goals is great for motivation - whether it's to lose ten pounds before the summer, or build a body like Arnie, goals give us something to aim for. But to constantly experience progress, break your goals down into smaller more manageable chunks, and reward yourself each time you reach a target.

INFO STORE:
Muscles can only achieve maximum performance when all their blood vessels are dilated, enabling sufficient blood flow. At rest, muscles only utilize 15-20 percent of blood flow, compared to 70 percent, or more, after only 10 minutes of activity.

CHINESE PROVERB:
“A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without trials.”

Vanessa Avery

Hi to everyone!! My name is Vanessa and I work in customer service along with Jude and my little sister Julie! I have been with Midirs for 6 years excluding a couple of maternity leaves in between to have my 2 boys Max, aged 4 and Will just 10 months.

I decided to enter the 10k in a bid to get my fitness up and running again after having had my second baby.

Coach Steve has been leading the team with his warm up exercising and words of wisdom and i must admit I am getting into this running game again.
After doing our lap no 1, I have improved my time by about 5 minutes over the last 6 weeks along with my running partner Michelle, and on sunday I did a 5k race within the grounds and woods of Ashton Court for the British Heart Foundation. It was very steep and muddy but I got around it in one piece without breaking something or collapsing.

I do however think I have taken it a bit far now as I have entered the Bristol Half Marathon which is in September so watch this space!!

I Made It Round.....

Hello, I am Ann-marie the Finance Manager at MIDIRS and I am 1 of the 10 taking part in the 10K run in July.

I have to say I am not a natural runner and at times can be rather clumsy but I have really seen improvements over the last 6 weeks. I have managed to make it to all 6 of the group training sessions and can at last day that I managed to run the whole of course 1 without stopping during our training session yesterday. I am so proud of myself and am so pleased that I have been able to make it this far already - There is still a huge amount of progress that I need to make before July but every little stepping stone helps push you that little bit further each time.

Will keep you updated as to how i get on over the next few weeks.

P.S. Special thanks to Jude who helped me through the run and made sure I didn't end up out of breath in a heap half way round the course.

COACH CLAYTON (week 6)

TEAM REPORT (week 6)
Another inspired performance from all those who attended training in the icy winds this week. Special mention to Ann-Marie, who after losing her training partners Charlotte and Julie to illness, still found the form to make it round the course without stopping. Everyone maintained or improved on their course time so big pats on the back for everyone.

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP:
The easy way to decide if you're working too hard, or in the wrong training zone, is the talk test, if you can hold a conversation easily, then you are probably working too easy - if you can't say a couple of words, you may be working too hard.

INFO STORE:
Stretching cold muscles is like stretching a piece of un-chewed chewing gum, it will simply split or tear, this is what can happen to your muscles; however once the gum is chewed, it becomes very pliable and you can pull it wide apart without tearing - once warm, your muscles will stretch further, giving a greater range of movement which will increase performance and reduce injury.

Therefore, ensuring that before any exercise you stretch not only your specific muscles for that exercise, but all muscle groups to some extent, will help you to prevent any damage or tearing.

CHINESE PROVERB:
“Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still.”

On the boulevard, wild and free...

Might I suggest some additional inspirational tracks. As I don't have an iPod I shall be singing the following out loud instead:

Running up that hill – Kate Bush
Born to run – Bruce Springsteen
Keep on running – Spencer Davis Group
Run baby run – Sheryl Crow
Run to you – Bryan Adams
The loneliness of the long distance runner – Iron Maiden
Running with the night – Lionel Richie
Run, run, run – Velvet Underground

Or anything by Run DMC or Runrig.

Inspirational Playlists

With a few people off will the dreaded lergy this week and me unable to shake a cold for a couple of weeks now, we were a little slim on the ground...

I decided I would have to make a playlist for my ipod to get me round, say around 25mins worth of inspirational music!! See what you think...

Track 1: Into The Groove - Madonna (Single version not the crapy immaculate collection one)
Track 2: Ready to Go - Repulica
Track 3: Don't Stop Movin' - Livin' Joy
Track 4: Breakout - Swing Out Sister (Just Cause)
Track 5: Going the Distance - (Bill Conti, Rocky Soundtrack)
Track 6: I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
Track 7: Before I fall to Pieces - Razorlight

Worked for me anyway...
Route 2: Time 00:25:56

(Picture exclusive of Flo Jo Below!!)

March hares

As I speak my fellow runners will be puffing and panting their way round the Downs on yet another training session. I, however, have had to decline to join them on this frrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeezing March afternoon! Normally I would have been well up for a vigorous jaunt of course, but have excused myself using the ‘too busy’ card. Yes, poor I know! And, yes I’m sure I will get some stick from my red-cheeked colleagues upon their return, however that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!! A forthcoming trip north to visit my older sibling necessitates time off work, and so – being the dedicated employee that I am – I felt I should do my duty and put in a few extra hours in advance of my (no doubt drunken) holiday. There – I now feel completely atoned!!

Week five (well three for me)

Another week, another slog round the Downs… Having missed two of the training runs, this afternoon’s effort will be my third official attempt at what is affectionately known as ‘Route 1’. Since last week’s exertion, I’ve noticed that my ‘DRI’ (dobbin-related injury – a cracked rib caused by parting company at speed from my mount on Exmoor last year) has been playing up… Not sure why – perhaps Coach Clayton with his expert knowledge of sports injuries could enlighten me? However, martyr that I am I intend to run through the pain and give it my all today.
Embarked on my first extra-curricular run at the weekend – made the mistake of tackling the aforementioned Route 1 with ‘im indoors. Had forgotten how competitive and smug he could be – within two minutes of setting out, my breathing, running style and speed had all been cruelly savaged. When someone condescends to tell you how to do something that you’ve managed to pretty much master over the past 32 years (breathing that is) it can be quite disconcerting and I found myself panting and wheezing as I attempted to emulate his ‘breath through the nose, breath out of the mouth’ mantra. Needless to say that will be my first and last marital training run – I shall stick to a more sensible pace with my running partner Vanessa in future!

Although the blogs only been up a week, we've been training for a couple now and progress is already noticeable. I thought I would share our training routes and show how we hope to build up to the big 10k...

Route 1 (as I'm calling it) takes us around the lower picturesque part of the downs, where we can take in the lovely views of the Avon Gorge with ice cream van pit stop point and cruising zone!! Google maps tells me it's 2.3miles (3.7k).

Route 2 incorporates route 1 but adds a little downhill stretch + plus temptation from a gorgeous smelling burger van!! Other obstacles include a flooded water hazard and five a side football teams!! I ran this route for the first time last night, it's starting to get tough to keep running the entire way round but I managed to keep going thanks to some Madonna on the ipod. Google maps tells me it's 3.3miles (5.4k).

So finally route 3, yet to be tackled by the team incorporates route 1 and 2 and for good measure another section this time up hill!!! its fare to say I'm a few weeks away attempting this one so cant really tell you much about the going, However it promises a nice view of Bristol Zoo and some lovely expensive apartments that over look the downs! I will let you know how I get on with this route later on in the training - Google maps tells me it's 4 miles (6.6k).

Julie Rogers

About Me.....

Well my name is Julie and I have been at Midirs 5 years this year as a Customer Service Advisor. I married Andrew in April 2005 and had our son James in July 2006 ( subscribers would of seen us in the Digest)
My main motivation for the run is to lose the final few lbs of my baby weight (I know you are all thinking wow that's taken a long time to lose baby weight) but most people don't put on 4 1/2 stone, I am nearly there now.

While on a family Villa Holiday my brother-in-law was in training for the Bristol half marathon we got back from out holiday on the Saturday and he ran it on the Sunday, he finished it and we were very proud of him. On the Monday back at work I was collecting sponsorship money for him and said to Andy (the boss) how well my brother-in-law had done, then the following Monday Andy has said that he'd entered us into the 10k at London.
At first I was pleased and thought 'yes' I can do it then after the 1st training session started to worry as i stopped after about 7 minutes and was so red in the face I thought I was going to die.

About my Training...

Monday - Nothing
Tuesday - Nothing
Wednesday - 2.2 mile run (which I walk some of) then Tap Dancing for 1hr in the evening
Thursday - Nothing
Friday - Yes Nothing again
Saturday - run in the morning
Sunday - Run in the morning if didn't run on Saturday

As you can see my training is not that good but with a 19 month old things are difficult, I'm sure it will get easier once the nights are lighter.

I am one of those people who finds running really hard unlike my sister Vanessa who just can do these things.

I will keep you posted on my progress........

COACH CLAYTON

COACH CLAYTON...

It is with great pride that I accept the title of ‘Coach Clayton’ from my fellow run team members, and to show my gratitude I will be posting regular weekly top tips for training and information from my extensive library of knowledge.

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About me...

I am a qualified weightlifting and fitness instructor and have a leaders award from the British Weightlifting Association. In my younger years I ran for Brimsham Athletics Club and represented the county at 400m although my main passion was always football.

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About the run (motivation)...

After breaking my ankle playing football last year I have let my cardio fitness slide and perhaps added a few pounds round the middle, so the 10k run has given me the perfect motivation to get running again and improve my fitness in a bid to return to my former glory! Also the idea of raising money for such a good cause is motivation enough.

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About my training...

Here’s my current training programme:

Mon – rest day

Tues – Kung Fu (2 hours)

Wed – running (2 miles)

Thur – weightraining (chest,tris,back)

Fri – boxing (1 hour)

Sat – weightraining (shoulders,bis,legs)

Sun – running (3 miles)

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Having 2 small children means that sometimes fitting in all this training can be easier said than done, so one solution was to use my 6 year old daughter as a training partner for my Sunday run (she gets to ride her bike).

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THIS WEEKS TOP TIP:

Warm up by performing the same activity at a lower level of intensity and cool down by doing the same.

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INFO STORE:

Cardio (aerobic) exercise is a vital part of any training programme. Cardio helps the body burn fat as fuel, improves cardio-respiratory health, reduces stress, helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and increases bone density and energy.

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CHINESE WISDOM:

With an interest in Chinese martial arts, Chinese art and Kelly Hu, I thought I would add some Chinese proverbs each week to add further substance to your preparations.

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“He who asks is a fool for 5 minutes. But he who does not ask remains a fool forever”.

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Coach Clayton.

Why Baby Lifeline?

Amongst the many charities being supported during this special annual event, one in particular caught the attention of MIDIRS.

Set up in 1981, Baby Lifeline is a unique national charity offering care and support to pregnant mothers and new born babies within the UK. Baby Lifeline helps raise funds to support:

• Hospitals with equipment ranging from digital weighing scales to major pieces of technology such as incubators and scanners
• Training and education programmes for midwives and other associated health professionals
• The production of a series of 9 interactive videos, with the help of leading experts in the maternal health field.

Endorsed by the RCM and RCOG, the B.I.R.T.H series has benefited maternity units throughout the UK.

To date, Baby Lifeline has contributed more than £8 million to Britain’s maternity hospitals and services. However, it is an unfortunate fact that even with the advances in medical care and science today and the continued dedication of maternity healthcare practitioners, more than 8,500 babies still die at or around the time of birth. There is still a lot more work to be done.
For further information about Baby Lifeline visit: http://www.babylifeline.org.uk/

OK, OK I'm the one who foolishly started all this running nonsense and looking at all the miserable faces at this weeks training run on the Downs, I don't think many people are thanking me for it just now! But just you wait until that sunny day on 6th July in London when you pass the finish line - what an achievement! It was a cold and drizzly day on Durdham Downs in Bristol last Wednesday, but nine of the team of ten showed up for the third training session led by Coach Clayton. Only one person (you know who you are!!) failed to show and everyone got around the course in record times. I must admit I struggled around the 3.5k course, finding it hard to breathe at times but I put it down to my days of drinking and hell-raising on my trip to Rome the previous weekend. All I could think of when I was running was that I must start taking this training more seriously, cut out the cakes & booze and definitely not miss any more training sessions, otherwise I will be walking the race in the summer. So no more excuses for missing training like when I missed the first session due to a bruised big toe sustained whilst kicking a dogs bone with flip flops on (yes I know how stupid that sounds!). I didn't get a lot of sympathy for my injury and some even suggested that I actually made up the injury to get out of training. So I posted a picture of my injured toe on the internal e-mail which hopefully, put all the rumours to bed!

Running for your little lives

MIDIRS confronts London run challenge in support of struggling maternity units

A team of ten determined MIDIRS employees are beginning to digest the reality of the challenge ahead of them as they get stuck into training for the 8th Annual ASICS 10km London run, taking place on Sunday 6th July 2008.

All funds raised by the not-for-profit organisation will be donated to the mother and baby charity, Baby Lifeline, helping to supply hospitals up and down the country with vital life-saving maternity equipment, as well as supporting training and education programmes for midwives, obstetricians and neo-natal experts.

As an organisation whose main customer base is maternity healthcare professionals, MIDIRS seeks to take advantage of this opportunity to support the important work of maternity units across the country amidst a time of financial hardship and resource shortages.

MIDIRS Business Manager, Andy Fisher, who will also be taking part commented, ‘In the midst of media attention relating to midwife shortages and the resulting impact on maternity care, we feel it is highly important to recognise and support the amazing work of midwives across the country in the face of these challenges, so Baby Lifeline was the perfect choice of recipient.’

Baby Lifeline is a charity that offers support for unborn babies, newborn babies and their mothers by providing additional funding to complement the NHS maternity services, helping to purchase technology to care for and monitor pregnant mothers and newborn babies, and supporting specialised education, training and research programmes.

This is very closely affiliated to MIDIRS own mission: ‘to be the leading international information resource relating to childbirth and infancy, disseminating this information as widely as possible to assist in the improvement of maternity care.’

Judy Ledger, Chief Executive at Baby Lifeline commented, ‘We were delighted when MIDIRS approached us about the race. It is always amazing when organisations and individuals go out of their way to help us raise funds, but with MIDIRS it is particularly pertinent due to the linkage in our organisational aims.’

So what inspired the run?
Andy Fisher, MIDIRS Business Manager, initially set the ball rolling in an aim to improve his own personal fitness. ‘When I came across the London 10km run I thought it could provide a fitness challenge, whilst raising much needed funds in direct support of midwives and the mothers and babies they care for. When I discussed the idea with my colleagues I thought they’d say I was mad. I was amazed when nine others were keen to take up the challenge,’ Andy said.

Regular team training sessions are now underway and a dedicated website has been set up to receive donations. ‘We were all quite blasé about the run when we first agreed to it, however, the reality of training has made us realise just how much of a challenge this will be!,’ added Andy.

Those who wish to share their support can do so by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/midirs10k