Sore points

Political blogging may be a little light over the next day or so. I've stepped off the news treadmill for 36 hours.

I'm also recovering from the London Marathon. I ran, should you be interested, 3hrs 12mins 08secs, finishing 1,782nd behind Tarzan and Elvis but in front of most of the 35,00 runners.

I am now officially "good for my age". Alas, I am also feeling my age and can now only go up or down stairs with the speed of a dalek. (A sunburnt dalek at that, it was quite warm out there)The London Marathon is the most democratic of sporting events - today's politicians would probably call it "inclusive".

I can't have a kickabout at Old Trafford with Ryan Giggs but I can take part in a race alongside Olympic champions on the same course before the same cheering crowds.

My time qualifies me for a guaranteed entry for next year. Er, thanks but no thanks. I'll be joining the crowds in 2010 to cheer on the runners.

It will also leave the field clear for Chris Bryant to storm to victory. I'm not too much of a gentleman to point out that I beat the Rhondda MP by more than half an hour, although he had rather more money for a good cause dependent on his run.

Marathon update - life begins at 44

The results are in: I finished 2,763rd among the 34,000+ finishers, in a time of 3:17:36 . I came 579th among fortysomething men but was beaten by Scooby Doo.

More importantly, NCH, the children's charity, will be able to bank more than £4,000 after giftaid, thanks to the generosity of my sponsors.

It was a fantastic experience. In the first mile, a priest stepped out of his church to spray holy water in the direction of the runners. That sort of spirit continued along the route, with noisy crowds several deep lining the final, painful miles.

I've lived in London almost 20 years and it's not the friendliest city on the planet. But marathon Sunday is the one day in the year when Londoners of all colours and backgrounds talk to - and cheer for - strangers. It kept me going.

The marathon is a unique event. In what other sport can middle-aged plodders take part alongside the world's finest? It really is the taking part that counts, especially for the thousands of us who stand no chance of winning.

I was beaten by Elvis, and several men in tiger print loin cloths. I fear Borat in his mankini may have arrived at the finishing line ahead of me, but it was an incredibly uplifting day.

A word for my sponsors. Politicians and their staff often enjoy a reputation somewhere between that of estate agents and journalists. They are often badgered for cash by good causes. Many are already committed to their own charities, but still gave willingly to mine - in some cases without being asked.

Five of the Liberal Democrat members of the Welsh Assembly coughed up, as did three of the party's four Welsh MPs (there are absolutely no prizes......).

I'm no Lord Levy. Fund-raising, even for a good cause, is not a pleasant experience, although you do learn a lot about human nature when you ask people for money. Getting cash out of some highly-paid executives proved harder than running the race.

I'm still trying to work out whether rich people are rich because they're tight-fisted, or tight-fisted because they're rich and want to hang on to the cash.

But the generosity of sponsors, and the total raised, far exceeded expecations. If you didn't get around to sponsoring me, you'll be delighted to know there's still time - see the link on the right.

Forgive the self-indulgence in a blog that is normally about other people. Normal service will be resumed once Parliament returns on April 21.

I'm off to negotiate the stairs.....I may be some time.

Donations that aren't dodgy

I've been lucky (?) enough to obtain a place in this year's London Marathon.

I'll be running the 26 miles and 385 yards on April 13 (9 weeks next Sunday) for NCH, the children's charity.

I'm normally sceptical about hacks who make fools of themselves for "char-i-dee" but fatherhood has changed my perspective on life in many ways.

NCH help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK. They make families happen for children who would otherwise be in care, helping to give them a better start in life.

I should, as they say, declare an interest. NCH played a key role in bringing our family together - that's one reason why I've chosen to run for them.

Before you rush to post your cheque, let me alert you to an easier way of giving - justgiving.com/davidcornock. The site explains more about NCH and what they do.

You can also donate by cash or cheque - or even via a think tank of your choice. You can claim tax relief on donations - and you don't need to declare it in the register of interests.

All contributions, however small, gratefully received. It's a very good cause - and you get the bonus that I'll be gaining sore legs, blistered feet and aching muscles in the process.

The marathon may be two months away but please give now before you forget. It'll save you a knock on the door from my heavies in April. Remember, I know where you live....(well the IP address anyway).

Thanks,

David