A committed drinker until 28^th March 2004, and 40-a-day smoker until 16^th August 2007, I had expanded to a dignified 16 stone by February 2008, which apparently made me - officially - "very obese". I knew I would get a major resentment if I ended up keeling over with a heart attack so soon after beating my substance addictions. However, being a champion procrastinator, I eventually took up running in February 2010!

I completed my first 10k race in 53:10 on Father's Day, 20^th June 2010 at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, in beautiful sunshine. I've found the meditation aspect of Step 11 quite difficult to practice but I have found I can usually pray and meditate on runs so the race itself was a real spiritual experience for me (I did get a few weird looks when I was grinning from ear to ear as the endorphins kicked in at 8km). I reflected on how much my life had changed over the last 6 years. How I used to hang about these parks, paralytic, riddled with resentment at anyone who looked vaguely healthy. Beyond our wildest dreams indeed!

So in true AA tradition I felt it was time I worked this programme and did some fundraising for a cause which carries the recovery message - the Serenity Café - unity, service and recovery in action.

The Great Scottish Run, Half-Marathon, Glasgow, 5^th September

Set in the beautiful parks of Glasgow my Higher Power and me will run 13.25 miles. We are aiming to complete the run in less than 2 hours - but He told me to say I can't make any promises!

Please follow the sponsorship guidelines below to sponsor us for whatever you can afford - we suggest a total of either £6 or £13 - 50p or £1 per mile. All funds go directly to establishing permanent premises for the Serenity Café as an alcohol and drug-free gathering place in Edinburgh for those in recovery, their families and friends.

My AA sponsors have always told me I require A LOT of sponsorship so please help the Serenity Café raise funds and DO SERVICE by being my sponsor for 5^th September.

How to donate

Please:

1. Click on the Paypal button below

2. Enter your details 

3. Submit your donation

4. Don't forget to email me at roddysrun@gmail.com to let me know your donation so I can acknowledge it and keep you updated on how it goes

Thank you for your generosity which will help to keep us all sober - I will be thinking of you on the run!