Run from Clevedon Pier to St Peters Church, Filton to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society in memory of my Nan (Anne Philp)

Originally, I'd planned to start at 6:30 in the morning, but the weather didn't look so hot and I fancied having a bit of a lie in, so my Mum picks me up at 8am.  We drove part of the route in reverse, just to remind myself of what to look out for.

Dad was waiting at the pier and so I started off at around 8:45.

Heading toward Lady Bay the sun was shining over the estuary and it looked really picturesque.  One of the great things about running is being part of the scenery and being able to really explore and enjoy what's around.  I always start a little more slowly and gradually build up to a sustainable pace.

I passed the only other runner that I saw in Clevedon before I left the coast and started heading down towards the town and the motorway.  I always say hello to people I pass - there were some cyclists and later on there were a couple of ladies on horseback - but I especially say "Hi" to other runners - I find it encouraging myself when others smile and acknowledge me.

Under the motorway and through Tickenham.  Normally, I'd be whizz ing through there in a car, but again it was lovely to be able to appreciate just how pretty the village is.  There are some amazing houses and gardens and I realised that there were more garden centres round there than I could shake a stick at.

There were a few right-angle bends at the far end of Tickenham that I had to take care with; I'd often step back and let the cars go past as I'd rather they didn't run me into the nearest wall or thorn bush.

Then came The Hill.  Hills don't really bother me too much usually; I live in Eastville and regularly go running over Purdown, up Muller Road or sometimes down round the harbour and then up through Leigh Woods, however this was a much bigger hill than I'd ever tackled before.  But I was distracted by some amazing views (and being able to really appreciate the environment - ie other people's gardens!).

Half way up the hill I saw my mother ready with a camera, cheering me on!  That was encouraging.

Up and up and up - just a steady and continual pace; probably a minute a kilometre slower than my normal running pace.

The next bit was pretty boring.  Long straight roads with not much to look at, other than my Mum appearing every few miles to take photos and cheer me on.  Somewhere in Failand I passed the half-way point and was feeling great!  It was a bit like being stalked by my own familial paparazzi.

I was glad when I turned left towards the Clifton Suspension Bridge, past the top of the Ashton Court Estate.  I began to see many other people, even a few runners (although they were all coming towards me).  I did pause briefly at the bridge to take a photo.

On the other side both my parents were there taking photos and cheering.  I could have died with embarrassment!  But I really appreciated the encouragement.

When I got to Pembroke Road I was officially as far as I'd ever run: thirteen-point-one miles as I got to the junction and still feeling good.  Psychologically I knew that I had another hill to climb.  Pembroke Road is much shorter than the hill by Tickenham and much less steep, but somewhere up there my legs began to really ache.
 Al
I had a phone call from a friend when I got passed the Downs.  Not wishing me well: he'd forgotten about the run.  Just for a chat!  So I was on the phone for 10 minutes "yeah, I can't really - sorry - I'm in the middle - sorry - I - I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF AN 18 MILE RUN!"

Kellaway Avenue is quite undulating, but I was losing speed.  I couldn't give up though as I had no idea when the paps would appear next … and I had had so very much support from friends, colleagues and even a large number of people I have never met.  I couldn't stop.

Horfield Common saw me with 2.5km to go - the final push.  My legs alternately ached and were numb.  I wasn't sure which I preferred more.

The finish came about ten minutes later - it was really emotional!  My family, my partner and Mitsy the dog were there and they'd done a special finish-line for me to run through!

Initially I just sat down, but then I was a good boy and did my stretches before walking down to my parent's house for a cold bath.  They didn't have ice, but even a decent cold bath speeds recovery and so on Monday I was no more achey than I'd been the first time I ran thirteen miles!

I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who supported me.  I've not collected all the sponsorship yet, but together we've raised over £500 for the Alzheimer's Society.  I now need to put the application into ALD, who may double the amount!

http://www.justgiving.com/Andy-Skingsley