The journey begins...
My long distance running journey began in September 2008. I foolishly chose the notoriously hilly Great Langdale Marathon to make my distance debut, primarily to raise money for the neo-natal units at Hope and Burnley General hospitals which had cared for our severely premature first born son.
I really didn't know what to expect to the extent that my brother-in-law acted as chauffeur in case my legs were completely unusable after the race! The two-lap hilly-as-hell course was tough going but 4h 19m after toeing the line I'd done it and was seriously chuffed, especially as in the process we’d managed to raise £2620 – £100 per mile!
Over the following few months I dabbled in a few long fell races including the infamous Tour of Pendle and Yorkshire Three Peaks. Then in May 2009 I pulled on my road shoes for my second marathon, this time at Windermere.
It was a cold and wet morning and I remained huddled in the car for as long as I could. As the rain finally subsided, I made my way up to Brathay Hall and witnessed what would turn out to be a memorable moment and foundation for my impending challenge.
A small circle of people were gathered on the lawn, clearly connected in mutual thought and support. Over the PA system someone announced that these guys – including the legendary multi-marathoner Steve Edwards – were running their tenth marathon in as many days. What?! WOW!
My first thought was how can anybody even contemplate that, they must all be mad! But as I watched them set off then made my way down to the start amongst the masses and behind the pipers, I felt genuinely humbled and awed by the 10in10ers setting off on the last leg of their journey and the unmistakable sense of togetherness they had.
Now a mere nine years later it could be my turn to be part of the 10in10 team and experience the “Brathay Bubble” – I hope you’ll follow my journey…
I really didn't know what to expect to the extent that my brother-in-law acted as chauffeur in case my legs were completely unusable after the race! The two-lap hilly-as-hell course was tough going but 4h 19m after toeing the line I'd done it and was seriously chuffed, especially as in the process we’d managed to raise £2620 – £100 per mile!
Over the following few months I dabbled in a few long fell races including the infamous Tour of Pendle and Yorkshire Three Peaks. Then in May 2009 I pulled on my road shoes for my second marathon, this time at Windermere.
It was a cold and wet morning and I remained huddled in the car for as long as I could. As the rain finally subsided, I made my way up to Brathay Hall and witnessed what would turn out to be a memorable moment and foundation for my impending challenge.
A small circle of people were gathered on the lawn, clearly connected in mutual thought and support. Over the PA system someone announced that these guys – including the legendary multi-marathoner Steve Edwards – were running their tenth marathon in as many days. What?! WOW!
My first thought was how can anybody even contemplate that, they must all be mad! But as I watched them set off then made my way down to the start amongst the masses and behind the pipers, I felt genuinely humbled and awed by the 10in10ers setting off on the last leg of their journey and the unmistakable sense of togetherness they had.
Now a mere nine years later it could be my turn to be part of the 10in10 team and experience the “Brathay Bubble” – I hope you’ll follow my journey…
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