The lentil and bacon soup is one of my husband's favourite. I dissolve 3 Knorr ham stock cubes in a large pan with probably about 2 litres of water (have never measured the water as I know by the pan how much to put in but better to start with less and add more if too thick). One teacup of red lentils, one grated carrot, one medium sized chopped onion, one large diced potato, one teaspoon of dried herbs. I don't soak the lentils but you can if you want to.
Bring to the boil and simmer while grilling four rashers of back bacon. Chop the bacon into small pieces and add to the pan. Simmer until the potato has boiled down and thickened - I use a potato masher to mash it down if the potato pieces are still whole. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can then see if it is too thick and add some more water. This makes enough for 6 people so I usually freeze some.
I'm hoping for at least 1lb as it will be started to slow down now 
I've put in my weight, height, calorie intake, exercise levels etc into a few web sites and if I don't have my treat day (I can't see that happening) I should be on target by the 31st August so I'm aimimg for 30th September 
Biggins I hope that you are working on your legs ready to kick stuartboy in the shins 
Anybody else who wants to join in please feel free the more the merrier even if its just adding advice its all appreciated. 
The same sort of weather was here about two years ago and a lot of the runners were dropping like flies. Where is your sponsorship link Glassy??
The hotel is set in acres of parkland so shall go for a walk before our meal tonight and try to be good. Don't know if the hotel has wifi but will let you know tomorrow how good/bad I was. 
)