Posted By Peter MacDonald Did Malcolm finish the marathon but can't get out of bed to let us know his time? Did he heed the advice given? What was his time? I open the Malcolm's Marathon Time Sweepstake with 4hrs 36mins. Winner shall receive a free 'Friday Rant' on any subject they choose*. *Does not include frivilous postings / bad grammar. Peter

Posted By Jonathan Breeze I'll go for a pessimistic 4h 45m

Posted By Bill Fisher Peter The Moderators have carefully considered this Thread in relation to the intended use of the Forum: "The discussion forums are intended for professional discussion and debate on a variety of issues relating to health and safety in the workplace. By using the discussion forums, users are deemed to have agreed to the acceptable use guidelines and the terms of use that cover the whole of the Site." Whilst the Thread is in breach of this aim we did like your cheek in setting a "Friday Rant" to the winner - following your rules of course! To make amends the Moderatators have decided to leave the Thread in place on two conditions; they are: 1. You persuade the winner to post a "rant" within your rules, and 2. YOU! post/start a Thread in a professional tone on a professional topic of your choice. Are you up for it? Regards The Moderating Team P.s. The Team offer 4 hours 50 minutes.

Posted By Malcolm Hogarth Yipee I did it!! (Thank you Mr Moderator for your understanding on this one) I was a bit too tired to update you on Sunday and was tied up with work all day yesterday out of the office. I spent a couple of hours last night thanking all my other supporters and sponsors and didn't get round to you lot. I don't know what to think about having a sweepstake on me but I suppose I am flattered. I took on board all the advice and am pleased to say that it seemed to work. I did the half marathon distance in about two hours which was about 10 minutes more than I had done in training and then I started to get tired at about 15 miles. I did 20 miles in about three hours and fifteen minutes, which again was slower than in training. And then...... the wheels fell off!! My heart and lungs were fine and I did not get out of breath at all - I just ran out of steam and had to resort to walk - jog. I think I even walked a whole mile between 23 and 24. However I never stopped and with tremendous support from the crowd and a couple of fellow runners I eventually 'sprinted'(yeah right) down the Mall. I was hoping to get somewhere between four and a quarter and four and a half hours and was pretty pleased with four hours twenty nine minutes and 19 seconds. I believe I was in the top half of all finishers. Not bad for a first at 49 and twelve and a half stone eh? Thanks for all your interest and support. Marathon Mal.

Posted By Clairey O Well done malcolm. how are your legs feeling?

Posted By Bob Thompson CMIOSH on a professional note, what are the ergonomic implications of this fete of endurance? are there any heat stress implications .? I will go for 5 hours 20 and ask if the working time directives apply Does this count? Bob

Posted By John McFeely I think Malcolm deserves 10 CPD credits for his efforts. Congrats Malcolm

Posted By Malcolm Hogarth Thanks for your kind words Peter but I think I will hold off on the west highland whatsit if you don't mind - after all I don't want to cramp your style. Malcolm

Posted By Bill Fisher Malcolm Hearty congratulations from the Moderating Team. Peter Well it looks like Jonathan Breeze gets the 'rant'! You will ensure that it is a meaty one on Friday? And you? Best wishes to all.

Posted By Descarte Dam, and there was me wanting to do a rant about the cost and usefullness of safety training videos, will have to save that one for next time. Anyone doing the Great Scottish walk? In Edinborough I think

Posted By Peter MacDonald I formally announce Mr Breeze as the winner and with the blessing of the moderators bestow the honour of this weeks Friday Rant to him. Thanks to the Moderators for their GSOH and apologies to those offended/bothered/upset by my original frivilous posting. I have also been challanged to come up with a professional posting and this will follow once I've thought of one......don't hold your breath though. Well done to Malcolm too. Regards