NEWSFLASH... Alan Fletcher to Run Marathon!

This may surprise you (especially if you've ever been drinking with me), but I have decided to run a marathon.

I recently had an epiphany in Roundtable Pizza. As I was gorging myself on a triple-meat-deep-dish pizza and several beers, I spotted an AIDS Marathon brochure lurking next to the ranch dressing. Having just turned 40 (and having recently seen my older brother), I have the feeling that my metabolism will soon start struggling to keep up with my intake of calories. So I decided this was the the time to get in shape.

Not being one to do anything half assed, I thought a full marathon would be a good place to start. After all, it's just running, how hard can it be? (left, right, repeat as necessary). I did a little of that in high school, I went skiing a couple dozen times 5 or 6 years ago so I should be fine. And if Oprah can do it, I can do it. So I filled in the form and went back to my pizza.

Two weeks later I went out to get the most technologically advanced shoes, microfiber clothing and GPS enabled heart monitor yet devised. Before even taking a step I feel much better prepared to complete the journey, and although no-one has mentioned anything I think I may have lost some weight.

Of course, it's not just any marathon, I luckily found one in Hawaii and I'm always looking for an excuse to go there. The Honolulu Marathon will take place on December 10, 2006 and my training lasts from June to December during which I'll run over 500 miles.

Now this isn't just about me, this is to raise money to help the San Francisco AIDS Foundation provide HIV services and prevention programs in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. A portion of the funds will also support treatment access in the developing world.

More than one million Americans, and 40 million others around the world, are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. With more than 20 million deaths so far, AIDS is now the leading cause of death among all people aged 15 to 59 worldwide.

To help this cause, I have made a personal commitment to raise at least $3,000 before August 25 2006, and I hope to raise even more. Any contribution you can make would mean a great deal to me. Contributions are usually tax-deductible (so part of this will be coming from Mr. Bush or Mr. Blair....)

You can donate easily, and securely, online at this site http://www.aidsmarathon.com/participant.asp?runner=SF-4071&EventCode=HN06.
Please note than many companies have charitable donation matching programs so please check with your HR/benefits department.

Thanks for your generous support.Alan Fletcher
P.S. Please feel free to forward this to any rich, generous people that you may know