Hi Everybody!! well we have just finished another day and we are in Tuba city in Arizona!! The team is doing ok, even though they keep saying “I’m fine” and “yeah good” really what they mean is “ouch my back” and “Damn those blisters”.  The support crew are now running at nearly full strength as Kester is nearly at full operating strength.
Kester has now picked up some more nicknames  they are as follows: Kester Sicknote Subway Kessymodo Right Angle Jackson. Since the arrival of the Colonel Kester has developed a rebellion and is forming the militant wing of the Gumpathon as we speak…
The support crew is battling on as always with the orders being barked from above we rebel and do the opposite as that’s what men do…??? However we have managed to get rid of Claire for a while as she goes in search of our Royal Marines PTI RI in Albuquerque! BLISS hahahaha.  
Toddy is still flexing his biceps, CPL Lloyd Fenner is still cracking on practicing the Team America Secret Signal as he runs, MD is still honking, Chunks is still 10 minute mileing and not a niggle wrong with him (slow and steady wins the race). Mark is setting higher and higher standards every time he runs and  Jamie Jobson RM is being Jamie…I seem to have been acquiring more duties along the route too, I make sandwiches, cut hair, do some running, do some driving, cover for Kester as he goes off on a jolly, boost morale, wind people up and just be me (people who know me will at this point be sympathising with the team). Knock knock jokes go down well…
Today we went through the middle of nowhere and met some really interesting sheep and saw some really cool fields…Mark resumed his position in the car of a slight 180 degrees angle, mouth slightly open and having a stare out with the back of his eyelids, I had to disturb him as we went past a really big Tumbleweed (first one I have ever seen)…lets just say he wasn’t as energetic as I was.  
Today saw me jump out of normal routine and have an attempt at a personal challenge set by Damian and Chunks to honour The Royal Marines Birthday. My challenge was to run a half marathon, those of you who know me know that I am not a runner, however I will always have a go… So I started and after about a long 0.3 of a mile I had had enough…we had a MASSIVE headwind that was proving to push us back every time we lifted our feet, however I cracked on and listened to some music on my ipod (absolute godsend!!).
After around the 4 mile mark the dreaded shin splints started again, I had the old battleaxe chunks behind me not letting me stop and Mark listening to hip hop music whilst driving the Range Rover. We approached the 10 mile mark and I really wanted to give in, just then I looked up at a 3 mile stretch of straight road with a big hill at the end, such a warming sight to see!! As we approached the middle of the hill Mark shouted out “that’s a half marathon mileage baby” and I can only explain that it was the best thing he had said all day…then he said “but you can do 15 miles, just imagine me doing this with weight a weapon and twice the mileage” CHEERS MATE!!!! so with that I HAD to go to the 15 mile point…I saw Kester chilling out at the side of the road awaiting us so MD could start running, its was a good sight (don’t get excited Kester). Mark and Chunks then realised we were 0.2 of a mile short but as I had worked so hard they let me off…NOT!!!! off I trotted for 0.2 miles then there was the magic beep of the horn to indicate it was all over!! 15 miles is the furthest I have ever run and I did really struggle on this run. The guys are doing the same if not more mileage a day everyday and I’m aching after one day! I am in no way, shape or form a runner and don’t think I ever will be but to taste what these guys go through everyday leads me to once again remind you all of why we are here, please guys help us to raise our target! Visit us at www.thegumpathon.com or there is the text to donate 50555 $10 USA or 70800 £5 UK! 
Well I best go and sleep now and get geared up for another day!!Think of us all out here and we will all be home soon (I will only do a few autographs and photos at the airport so first come first serve people!!hahaha) lets make a million!!
Paul AKA: Toady!!x