Dan Dares: Abuse during training

9:28am Tuesday 30th September 2008

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I HAVE now failed my first two Dan Dares tasks and am training towards my third challenge of running in the Greenwich half-marathon on Sunday (Oct5) with just three weeks training.

In fact, in reality, it is much less than three weeks. My makeshift coach, Scott Mullins, has told me to rest three days before the event, and given that I have so far mustered just four five-mile runs - I am a long way behind schedule.

There really is something completely unenjoyable and unrewarding about running by myself. Maybe running in London - with its disgusting air - is the problem, or maybe it's the weather which puts me off.

But I think the main reason is that, as a novice runner, I am a sitting duck for abusive chavvy little kids.

My running career is in its early stage and yet already I have been subjected to numerous insults.

Some people simply shout out "you look knackered", others throw conkers, and some find it amusing to walk alongside me - proving just how slow I am running.

I am trying my best to blend in to the background but for some reason I seem to attract unwanted attention.

To sponsor Dan please make a cheque payable to Greenwich Starting Blocks and send to Greenwich Starting Blocks, 31 Thomas Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HU.

• To read the latest on Dan's training and to catch up on his previous challenges click here