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Glenn’s Training Update: Week 6

This week, Glenn’s training hit another milestone on his journey to the Bath Marathon—completing a 15K run! Even better, his hamstring injury has fully healed, allowing him to complete the run without any setbacks.

In an interesting twist, Glenn left the music and technology behind, choosing to run without tracking his time. Instead, he focused on the rhythm of his breath, the sounds of nature, and greeting fellow runners.

Although Glenn’s physical progress has been strong, he shared that this week has been a tough one mentally. But training for a marathon isn’t just about the miles—it’s also about managing the emotional ups and downs, balancing the day-to-day demands of life, and, in Glenn’s case, dealing with the additional challenges of living with chronic pain.

We deeply appreciate Glenn’s honesty in sharing the full picture of his training experience—not just the victories, but also the struggles.

Next Challenge: 20K!

Glenn’s next goal is to complete a 20K run, which means running approximately seven laps of his training route. It’s another big step toward race day in March, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way!

Glenn’s training route

Have you ever tried running without music or technology? How did it change your experience? Let us know in the comments!

Stay tuned for more updates as Glenn continues his journey, raising awareness of chronic pain and supporting Pain Concern.

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Glenn's training progress

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Glenn’s Training Update: Week 5

Training for a marathon comes with challenges, and unfortunately, Glenn faced a setback last weekend when a hamstring injury forced him to cut his planned 14K run short. Rather than pushing through, he took the time to carefully assess his injury, listen to his body, and focus on recovery.

Focusing on Recovery: Overcoming Setbacks

Over the past week, Glenn has been stretching, swimming, and doing targeted exercises to regain strength. As a result, he has been able to support himself both mentally and physically through this setback.

Next Challenge: 14K Take Two!

Now that he’s feeling more prepared, Glenn will attempt 14K again tomorrow (Wednesday, 5th February). To reach his goal, he will be running a looped route 3-4 times.

Listening to Your Body Matters

For those living with chronic pain, it’s not just about pushing through. Instead, it’s about understanding your body, respecting its limits, and making informed decisions about movement and recovery. Ultimately, knowing when to rest and when to challenge yourself is key.

Highlighting the Realities of Chronic Pain and Recovery

We truly appreciate all that Glenn is doing to raise awareness of chronic pain while also supporting Pain Concern. His dedication goes beyond just training—he is willing to share the gritty reality of how injuries and chronic pain can impact daily life. By being open about both the challenges and the victories, he is helping to shed light on an experience that many people face but few openly discuss. 💙

Have you ever had to adjust your approach to training or daily life due to pain or injury? If so, share your experience in the comments!

Stay tuned for more updates as Glenn continues his journey, raising awareness of chronic pain and supporting Pain Concern.

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Glenn’s Training Update: Week 4

On Sunday, 26th January, Glenn took on the North London Hospice – Race the Neighbours 10K, finishing in an impressive 54 minutes and 26 seconds! Cheered on by family at the finish line, Glenn described the incredible feeling of a “runner’s high” after crossing the line.

Keeping the Momentum Going

With the Bath Marathon in March edging closer, Glenn’s training continues this week with:

  • Gym workouts to build strength
  • Physio-prescribed exercises to stay injury-free
  • Planning a motivational playlist – and he needs your help!

What are your go-to feel-good, motivational songs? Share your recommendations and help Glenn power through his next runs!

Next Challenge: 14K!

Later this week, Glenn will be stepping up the distance with a 14K run – another milestone on the road to 26.2 miles in March. 💪

Glenn says:

“The marathon is on my mind, and I am really trying to push myself. Having this as a focus has given me a purpose.”

Stay tuned for more updates as Glenn continues his journey, raising awareness of chronic pain and supporting Pain Concern.

Watch Glenn smash the Race the Neighbours 10k

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Glenn’s Marathon Journey: Week 3 Update

As Glenn continues his inspiring journey towards the Brighton Marathon, he shares the latest on his training:

“This week’s training has been going well. On Saturday 18th January, I ran a 5k, and my time was 23 minutes and 22 seconds 🙂. I also have a physio who I’ll be working with over the next six weeks to help with my flexibility and strengthening training.”

Glenn, who lives with chronic pain, is determined to tackle the Brighton Marathon while carefully managing his health. Working with a physio is a key part of his preparation, helping him stay strong, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury:

“I know my plan is ambitious, and I’m a little behind on my training due to my travels and health challenges. However, I’m working hard on my training.”

Next on Glenn’s journey is the North London Hospice – Race the Neighbours 10k on Sunday, 26th January. This event is another important milestone as he builds up to the Brighton Marathon, on the 6th April.

We are all in awe as we watch Glenn tackle his training with determination and resilience. We’ll hear from him again next week with an update on his 10k performance!

All the best, Glenn, on this weekend’s 10k!

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A Day of Innovation and Ideas at the RSM

On behalf of Pain Concern, I attended the Royal Society of Medicine’s Pain Management Outside the Box conference on Wednesday 16th October. It was held in a large room with books from the floor to the ceiling. These shelves, bursting with years of research and information, reflected our meeting: a conference brimming with new ideas and fascinating research from an eclectic range of doctors and academics. The programme ranged from hypnosis for pain management (Dr Rebecca Berman) to the placebo effect (Professor Flis Bishop), to name only a few.   

Pain Management - Placebo Effect

Exploring Alternative Perspectives on Pain Management

All the talks were fascinating. They encouraged further dialogues about alternative methods for and perspectives on pain management. For example, one discussion re-evaluated how people who live with chronic pain perceive time (Professor Ruth Ogden). There was also a perfect pre-lunch talk on the relationship between microbiomes and pain management and the recent use of faecal transplantation (Dr Gillian Chumbley (OBE)).   

Pain management and it's relationship with microbiomes
Bacteria Lactobacillus in the human intestine

The highlights for me were Dr Deepak Ravindran’s opening talk on the importance of trauma-informed care and Professor Rui Loureiro’s discussion on virtual reality for rehabilitation.  

The Role of Trauma in Pain Management

Dr Ravindran presented the integral role that trauma can sometimes play in a patient’s pain. He discussed how conversations about childhood adversities between medical professionals and patients are as important as conversations about a patient’s drinking or smoking history when determining a care plan. Dr Ravindran’s convictions on trauma-informed care were very interesting and it was extremely refreshing to hear from someone who clearly puts his patients at the heart of everything he does.   

Virtual Reality: A New Frontier for Pain Relief

Professor Loureiro’s talk on virtual reality and the possibilities of using technology for pain management left me reeling. The professor talked us through creating an interactive environment and combining virtual reality with robotics for motor control. It was especially incredible to see how this combination could be utilised to help those with phantom limb pain. Pain can be alleviated by allowing the user to trick their mind into thinking their limb is there through the virtual reality environment.   

Pain management - virtual reality headset
Virtual Reality headset

A Stimulating Day of Cutting-Edge Discussions

Overall, the conference was extremely stimulating. It was exciting to be surrounded by so many pioneering minds and discussions around pain.   

Reported and written by Beth Evans, arts editor with Pain Concern. Edited by Megan Hayes © 2024 Pain Concern.   

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Dr. Lars Williams is consultant anaesthetist and pain specialist working for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Pain Service, as well as the Scottish National Pain Management Service.  In this article, originally published in Pain Matters 87, Dr. Williams explores the complexities of using opioids for chronic pain management, reflecting on the evolving understanding of their benefits and risks.

Finding a way through the opioid conundrum

When I started working in pain medicine 20 years ago, opioids (morphine-family drugs) were still being promoted in the UK as an effective solution to chronic pain, which everyone agreed was shamefully undertreated. Since then, clinical and societal experience has been that long-term opioids do more harm than good for most people who take them. The limited research supporting opioids has been picked apart and found to be wanting, leading to strong recommendations in UK guidelines that opioids should not be used at all for chronic pain, simply because they don’t work. As a person struggling with chronic pain, you may well feel frustrated by this seemingly abrupt shift from one extreme position to the other, more so if the narrative of opioids = bad doesn’t reflect your own experience. 

Research findings vs individual experience

Research studies tell us how a population, on average, will respond to any intervention. These are studies of probability: they give us a sense of how likely any particular response is, but they can’t predict whether you as an individual will have that response. Some responses, such as changes in blood pressure, are easy for healthcare practitioners to measure objectively. But there is no objective measure of pain. Pain is a subjective experience and this is a problem when it comes to research, because studies of probability are less reliable when they are based on outcomes that can’t be objectively measured.  

Although research can guide us as to whether or not a drug is likely to help, it is your experience of the drug that really matters. And your subjective experience is all anyone has to go on when it comes to pain. Your GP can easily see whether or not your blood pressure medication is working, but only you can say how effective your pain medication is. A key part of self-management of chronic pain is taking a step back and getting a clear-sighted view of what your pain medication is actually doing to you. How much is it helping? Does it reduce your pain, and by how much? Does it improve your sleep, or allow you to walk further? Conversely, how much harm is it doing to you? Do you get side effects? Do your family say that you seem withdrawn? Does it stop you doing things you want to do (for example driving, or going to the pub)? The first step towards a sustainable approach to opioids is getting this clear view of what these drugs are doing for (or to) you. If they are causing you more harm than good then you should stop taking them – slowly, of course, to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Unlike medication for high blood pressure, you don’t have to take pain medication. Your underlying condition won’t get worse if you stop (it might even get better). This realisation can be empowering. 

Using opioids sustainably

Population studies suggest that a small proportion of people (maybe 10%) will continue to benefit from opioids in the long term. But for most people, any benefit wears off, or side effects begin to outweigh the benefits, after a few months. By conducting an honest appraisal of your medication you should have a clear idea which group you belong to. If your opioids are no longer helping, or they are causing you more harm than good, you have two options. You could slowly reduce them with the aim of coming off them completely, or you could continue to take them, just not every day.  

Rethinking Opioid Use: From Daily Dosing to As-Needed Treatment

Received wisdom used to be that constant pain is best treated by round-the-clock opioids. But this goes against what we now understand about tolerance to opioids. A common sense approach would be to use opioids only for short periods, perhaps to treat a difficult flare up of pain, or to support an activity which you know will be painful. If you are not taking opioids every day then your morphine receptors are more likely to remain sensitive to the effects of opioids, and you are less likely to develop the side effects we talked about in the last column. There is a small amount of research evidence to support this common sense approach – a 2011 Canadian study showed that people taking opioids only when required took much lower doses and had fewer associated problems compared to people taking opioids regularly for the same problem. 

Making Changes Safely

So, we can be guided by population research and by clinical experience, but ultimately this is about finding an approach that works best for you. Take some time for a frank and honest reflection on what the medication you take does for you. Ask your family or friends what they have noticed – the insight of those around us can be invaluable. If you want to change, reduce or stop, then see your GP or the prescribing pharmacist attached to your GP practice, so that they can support you to make any change in a safe and controlled way. If you want to find out more, the NHS GG&C pain service website has links to some resources you may find helpful.  

© Lars Williams. First published 4 December 2024. All rights reserved. 

What matters to you?

Lars would love to hear what readers think so please do contact him at editorial@painconcern.org.uk.

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Glenn in running gear

In this second blog post, we catch up with Glenn’s training progress.

Glenn has been working hard to prepare for the Brighton Marathon, starting with two Parkruns this month. He says:

“My first Parkrun on 4th January took me 26 minutes and 38 seconds, and I placed 94th out of 240 runners. It felt great to hit that milestone!”

On 11th January, Glenn pushed himself further despite challenging conditions.

“The weather was so cold, and running conditions weren’t great. I even had to wear a coat, but I still managed to finish in 24 minutes and 21 seconds, placing 62nd out of 222 runners.”

Reflecting on what keeps him going, Glenn shares:

“Having the support of my family, especially my mum, really helps me power through to the finish line.”

Stay tuned for more posts about Glenn’s training progress!

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Hey, I’m Glenn, a volunteer for Pain Concern and someone living with chronic pain.

On the 6th April I will be running the Brighton Marathon as part of my fundraising role for the charity! My mission is to raise awareness and funds to support others facing this challenging, and often misunderstood, condition. When I’m not advocating for this cause, you might find me enjoying time with friends or on the football field.

I’ve not long returned from Jordan, where I was teaching English, trying new food and joined a hiking club

Glenn's Marathon Mission Pain Concern
Glenn Herriott

Q & A – Insight into my Journey

What challenges have you overcome?

I have overcome feelings of negativity and “can’t do it” attitude. Also overcoming obstacles like feeling cold or pain.

What inspires you to advocate for others?

I get to meet other people with chronic pain, such as in their ankles, knees, and I want to run and represent them too during my running.

Can you share a bit more about your training process, such as challenges you face?

I stretch throroughly before and after running. Challenge is dealing with the weather. I don’t like the cold! Thankfully I have some underarmour vests to wear.

How are you balancing preparation with chronic pain?

I am pacing myself through the training and setting low expectations for myself. It may be that I’m only able to do the Bath Half Marathon in March. And that is fine with me.

Stay tuned for more about Genn’s progress!

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The North British Pain Association (NBPA) held its Autumn Scientific Meeting on 8th November 2024 in Edinburgh, focusing on the theme of Pain Management Across Identities.

Thank You!

We thank the NBPA committee for organising a day of engaging talks and discussions. It was inspiring to hear about efforts across the NHS to improve access to pain management services.

Professor Sonia Cottam

A fantastic session was delivered by Professor Sonia Cottam from Pain Association Scotland. She shared her work on understanding chronic pain in prison populations. Her presentation highlighted the significant benefits for both inmates and staff, emphasising the value of tailored approaches to pain management in these unique settings.

Prof. Sonia Cottam of the Pain Association speaking at the NBPA Autumn Scientific Meeting 2024

People’s Choice Award

We are also thrilled to celebrate the success of our own Lars Williams, Pain Matters columnist, and his colleague Heather Harrison from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Their project, Pain Clinic Letters Sent Directly to Patients: A GP Perspective, was honoured with the People’s Choice Award. This recognition celebrates their innovative work to enhance patient communication and care in pain management.

Lyn Watson speaking at the NBPA Autumn Scientific Meeting 2024
Lyn Watson (Chair of NBPA) and Dr Lars Williams (NHS GG&C) speaking at the NBPA Autumn Scientific Meeting 2024

Congratulations to all the contributors, and thank you to everyone who made the NBPA Autumn Scientific Meeting such a success.

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It’s always good to look back at previous editions of Pain Matters and it’s from issue 38 that I take great delight in sharing some words for wisdom from Dennis Turk and Frits Winter, “Pain needs competition”— social contact, creativity and fun all help us to put life in the foreground and pain in the rear.

Here, adapted for pain, is my list of creative activities for Christmas.

18 Creative and Crafty Activities

  1. Decorate a Christmas tree – Keep it simple and enlist help for heavier tasks. 
  1. Make holiday cards or decorations – Use easy crafts like sticker kits or pre-made sets. 

  2. Colour holiday-themed pages – Therapeutic and low-effort. 

  3. Bake or decorate cookies – Choose pre-made dough or no-bake recipes to reduce physical strain. 
  1. Watch Christmas movies – Create a cozy spot with blankets and supportive cushions. 
  1. Listen to holiday music or audiobooks – Pair with soothing lighting or aromatherapy. 

  2. Drink festive beverages – Hot cocoa, tea, or mulled cider can bring comfort. 
  1. Write a gratitude list or journal – Reflect on meaningful moments from the year. 
  1. Host a small, low-energy gathering – Virtual calls can work too if in-person feels overwhelming. 

  2. Play light board or card games – Choose simple games that don’t require much movement. 

  3. Exchange small gifts or notes – Focus on thoughtful gestures over material items. 

  4. Enjoy festive lights – Take a slow walk or drive around neighbourhoods to see decorations. 
  1. Sit outside with a blanket – Enjoy crisp air and any winter scenery. 

  2. Visit a Christmas market or event – Choose accessible options with seating. 
  1. Take a warm bath with holiday scents – Epsom salts can ease muscle tension. 

  2. Use a heating pad while reading – Pair it with a cozy book or magazine. 

  3. Try gentle stretches or yoga – Choose movements that soothe rather than strain.

  4. Wrap presents at your own pace – Use gift bags for less effort. 

Now, what other activities come to your mind?

Andy Jeffrey

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Andy is a writer. Negotiating life with pain and fatigue has meant discovering new ways to celebrate Christmas. In this series of anecdotes, Andy shares how difficult yet joyous that journey can be.

1. “The Christmas Light Dilemma”

Every year, the twinkle of Christmas lights feels like a promise of magic. But untangling those lights? It’s a marathon for my body. By the time they’re on the tree, I’m lying on the couch with a heating pad, half regretting even starting. But then I catch my kids’ wide-eyed faces, or see the glow against the window, and for a moment, the pain fades.

2. “The Uninvited Guest at the Table”

Christmas dinner feels like a contradiction. Surrounded by love and laughter, I’m also quietly navigating how long I can sit before the ache starts. Someone asks me to pass the gravy, and lifting it makes my arms scream. I smile and joke through it, because explaining again feels harder than just bearing it. Chronic pain may be invisible, but on holidays like these, it’s my constant companion.

3. “The Joy of Saying No”

It took years to learn that I don’t have to do it all at Christmas. One year, I was so flared up that I had to cancel hosting dinner. I thought I was ruining Christmas, but my family showed up with food and love. It reminded me that sometimes, Christmas magic is about letting people care for you.

4. “Silent Nights”

The world quiets down on Christmas Eve. For me, it’s the one night I don’t feel pressured to explain my pain or keep up with the world. Sitting in the glow of the tree, with hot tea in hand and soft blankets, I don’t feel left out of the celebration. In that stillness, I find peace that no holiday hustle can provide.

5. “The Double-Edged Sword of Family Time”

Christmas gatherings can be joyful, but also exhausting. There’s the awkward moment when a well-meaning relative asks, “Are you better yet?” or when someone offers unsolicited advice on curing my pain. I’ve learned to laugh it off and gently redirect, but it’s always a bittersweet reminder of the gap between their understanding and my reality.

6. “Decking the Halls, Fibro-Style”

Decorating for Christmas used to be one of my favourite traditions—pulling boxes from the attic, arranging ornaments, climbing ladders to hang lights. Now, I approach it differently. One year, I skipped the tree altogether and decorated a small potted plant instead. It felt like a loss at first, but when I looked at my little “tree” glowing warmly in the corner, I realised Christmas wasn’t about perfection—it was about adapting.

6. “Decking the Halls, Fibro-Style”

Decorating for Christmas used to be one of my favourite traditions—pulling boxes from the attic, arranging ornaments, climbing ladders to hang lights. Now, I approach it differently. One year, I skipped the tree altogether and decorated a small potted plant instead. It felt like a loss at first, but when I looked at my little “tree” glowing warmly

in the corner, I realised Christmas wasn’t about perfection—it was about adapting.

7. “The Energy Budget”

Christmas is a season of abundance, but for me, everything comes at a cost. I’ve learned to “budget” my energy like money. If I bake cookies, I might have to skip the carol service. If I attend the family dinner, I can’t help clean up. Chronic pain has made me redefine what it means to give. Sometimes, my presence is the best gift I can offer.

8. “The Flare that Stole Christmas”

One Christmas Eve, I woke up in a full-blown fibro flare. Every joint throbbed, my skin felt sunburned, and fatigue weighed me down. I cried in frustration, mourning the plans I’d have to cancel. But that evening, my best friend showed up with leftovers from her family dinner and sat with me on the couch. We watched cheesy holiday movies, and I realised Christmas doesn’t have to look a certain way to feel special.

9. “The Gift of Saying No”

Chronic pain has made me a master of boundaries, especially at Christmas. I used to overcommit—attending every event, shopping for the perfect gifts, cooking elaborate meals—only to crash by Christmas Day. Now, I say no more often, and yes to things that bring true joy. It’s not easy, but every “no” creates space for a holiday I can actually enjoy.

10. “A Different Kind of Warmth”

On cold December nights, my fibromyalgia makes my muscles stiffen and ache even more. Hot water bottles, heated blankets, and a good cup of tea have become my survival kit. Last year, my partner surprised me with a set of Christmas-themed heat packs. It was such a simple gesture, but it felt like they saw my pain—and loved me through it.

11. “The Invisible Pain of Celebration”

Chronic pain is an invisible illness, which means I often hear, “You don’t look sick!” at family gatherings. The truth is, I’m smiling through a fog of pain and fatigue. I’ve learned to excuse myself when I need to lie down and to accept that I don’t have to prove my struggles to anyone. My health is not up for debate, even at Christmas dinner.

Andy Jeffrey

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The festive season can be a joyful time, but for those living with chronic pain, it often brings additional challenges. In these moments, showing yourself compassion is not just important—it’s essential. Andy Jeffrey, a Pain Concern volunteer, shares his handpicked selection of compassionate Christmas films to inspire warmth, reflection, and comfort this festive season.

Always good to look back at previous editions of Pain Matters and it’s from PM75 that I take great delight in sharing some words of wisdom before some compassionate Christmas films.

What Does Compassion Mean?

Compassion is described by the Dalai Lama as: ‘A sensitivity to the suffering of self and others, with a deep commitment to try to relieve it’ What is involved in being compassionate? First it requires strength, you need warmth and to be caring, genuine and approachable.

Some Christmas films radiate compassion and warmth, beautifully capturing the spirit of the season.

8 Compassionate Christmas Films to Watch This Season

1. “It’s a Wonderful Life”

It’s a Wonderful Life” remains a timeless masterpiece, reminding us of the immeasurable impact one person can have on others. George Bailey’s journey, guided by an angel, highlights the power of love, community, and human connection.

A vintage movie poster for "It’s a Wonderful Life", featuring a man (James Stewart) lifting a smiling woman (Donna Reed) in a joyful pose. The text highlights Frank Capra’s classic film, a timeless compassionate Christmas film.
Promotional Poster from the Film “It’s a Wonderful Life”

2. “Klaus”

In a similar vein, “Klaus” reimagines the origin of Santa Claus with a deeply moving story of unlikely friendships and selflessness. The film’s message about how kindness can spark transformation resonates profoundly, wrapped in stunning animation and humour.

3. “The Polar Express”

The Polar Express” invites us into a magical world that champions belief, friendship, and rediscovering the wonder of childhood. It reminds us that the magic of the season often lies in the connections we nurture.

4. “A Christmas Carol”

Another heartfelt tale is “A Christmas Carol“, particularly in its many tender adaptations. Whether it’s through Scrooge’s redemption or the simple joys of giving, the story remains an enduring lesson in generosity and compassion.

5. “Last Christmas”

Last Christmas” blends humour and emotion in a modern tale of love and second chances. With its themes of forgiveness, healing, and helping others, it stands out as a deeply compassionate holiday film.

6. “The Snowman”

A poster for "The Snowman", an animated short film based on Raymond Briggs’ story. It shows a boy looking up at a smiling snowman in a snowy setting, a heartwarming compassionate Christmas film.

Meanwhile, “The Snowman” offers a wordless yet profoundly touching narrative about fleeting connections and shared wonder, amplified by its ethereal score.

7. “The Family Stone”

For those seeking family dynamics with a mix of humour and tenderness, “The Family Stone” navigates the joys and challenges of coming together during the holidays, ultimately affirming the importance of acceptance and love.

8. “Elf”

And in “Elf,” Buddy’s boundless enthusiasm and kindness serve as a powerful reminder that joy and generosity can soften even the hardest of hearts.

Each of these films embodies the heart of the season, celebrating empathy, love, and the transformative power of kindness.

Andy Jeffrey

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