Having just completed my first marathon in Amsterdam at the end of October, an amazing experience although possibly the hardest thing I have ever done, I'm looking forward to a slightly shorter, though never the less demanding, distance. One of the most important questions when faced with a challenge such as this is: do I wear a Santa outfit and stay warm in this cold weather OR wear an elf outfit, be cold but more aerodynamic? When your coming in level peggings to the last kilometres these decisions can be the deciding factor.
There has even been some fighting talk, which has resulted in a competition between a number of us to see who can complete the race in the fastest time. Fellow developer Imran is feeling pretty confident he can pip me to the post, with the shorter distance not being my typical race distance. Having bigged myself up as a keen club runner the pressure is on for me to deliver. If all else fails, I've got a bag full of race excuses which I can look to churn out. Excuse number 1: I've just come off working nights for the last two weeks and I'm still tired. Excuse number 2: It was the Zipporah Christmas party on Friday.
On a more serious note, we will be having 'Coffee and Cake' days on Friday 29th Nov and Friday 6th Dec in our Cardiff Office to help raise some funds towards the challenge. As well as each member of the team looking to families and friends for their donations.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated, or if your in the Cardiff area on 8th December then head on down to the Bay and watch what could turn out to be a tight contest!
Or if your feeling adventurous you can enter at http://welshhearts.org/santa/.
Nick Masefield
Web Developer
