Ready to run
Last updated: 10th April 2008
Terry: born to run
I was told yesterday there's a bloke who's 100 who's going to be taking part in the marathon. I reckon it's going to be a good race between me and him.
Terry O'Connor
Quotes of the week
To find out more about Steve Prescott and the Steve Prescott Foundation CLICK HERE
Terry O'Connor has not been short of a few hints and tips as he prepares to run the London Marathon.
As you can see from the video at the top of the page, Terry has been collecting advice as he prepares to take on Sunday's race in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation.
Everybody from Boots 'n' All colleague Phil Clarke to Castleford's 100 metre champion Dwain Chambers has had their say, but Terry admits some of the tips have been far from useful.
"I'm getting ready to go down there and have a good race," he told Boots 'n' All.
"Dwain Chambers gave me some good advice - he said I'll definitely be the fattest bloke ever to take part in the marathon.
"Phil Clarke gave me some good advice too - he said eat loads and loads of wine gums and jelly babies. Whilst in training for the marathon I think I'm the only person to put weight on!"
Terry is refusing to set himself any targets in terms of time, but while he is nervous he is determined to complete the course.
"I think the St John's Ambulance are going to come round with me," he added.
"You talk about being confident and being in peak physical condition - well I'm none of those.
"I'd rather run into Sam Burgess than do this on Sunday, but I opened my big fat mouth and I've got to go through with it now.
"My goal is to complete it and to get round without walking. Twenty-six miles is very tough. Playing rugby league and running into people is a tough thing, but I've never known my back and my groin tighten up so much.
"Seriously, I'm looking forward to it. I'm running round with Chris Joynt, David Lyon and Steve Prescott and I can't wait to get down there and take part.
"Everyone tells you that the emotion of the day will take you round and I hope that's right because the furthest I've run is 21-and-a-half miles and swear to God I hit the wall.
"But it's something I'm really looking forward to."
One piece of good news for Terry is that he might not be the slowest man to be taking on the course after all.
"I was told yesterday there's a bloke who's 100 who's going to be taking part in the marathon," he continued.
"I reckon it's going to be a good race between me and him."
Tez has been writing a blog on skysports.com as he prepares for the marathon. Check it out here.
To sponsor Terry, Steve, Chris or David CLICK HERE.
To find out more about Steve Prescott and the Steve Prescott Fund CLICK HERE
- Video
