Can I ask for some help from you?
So here we are. One bloke, not quite so fat any more, testing himself beyond what he has ever done before.
Not many of you will know that I am one of the worst runners you can imagine. In fact, at primary school I regularly had to have special sessions as I just couldn't run properly. And as I got older, I just simply avoided it. Cross country was an excuse to sneak off and have a ciggie in the park.
There are however some things you can't run away from... and my bucket list is one of them. It's time to prove to myself - and more importantly, to anyone who could benefit from some inspiration - that I can do this.
I'd love to have you support me on this journey.
Why am I doing it?
I've already touched on the bucket list thing - but over and above that, there's a very real reason. My son Junior is autistic. His challenges go beyond those that I've ever seen anyone have to suffer with before. In fact, they make my waffle above about not being able to run seem entirely irrelevant.
I won't share the full details but those that know me well know the sheer depths of the challenges for him; both now and potentially in the future.
As a society, we've come a long way towards understanding neurodiversity - but we can always do better. And I hope that not only can I add a small amount into the coffers of National Autistic Society, but also that I can prove to all of my children, including Junior, that anything is possible. Due to the life changes that sadly happen to many I'm not able to be there day to day to set an example - so I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend that time doing this instead.
How on earth am I going to do it?
I have a plan, and a lot of hope! But that's about it.
Something that I know about my own personality is that I hate to let other people down. Hence the public announcement and kicking off the fundraising the moment I've started training. As soon as there's 'skin in the game' from others, I won't want to let them down.
<< This is why you need to donate NOW! >>
My first training session was tonight, 16 September. I'm jet lagged having just returned from Canada yesterday, and had to give up on my work today. So not the best start!
I did however complete the 1.5 miles on my plan, with an average pace of 11mins 20 seconds per mile. Yes, I took 17 minutes. So much for a four minute mile!
Google tells me that if I can maintain that pace for the whole marathon, I'll complete in five hours. But let's be honest - 1.5 miles was tough!
Soooooo...
We have 32 weeks from today. I have a 12 week 'base training' plan to get me to a basic level of fitness, ready to then start an 18 week 'novice 1' plan.
The whole intention of these plans are to help you to finish a race. Not to get any particular time. But, if I'm honest, I'd like to see if I can start working for a bit of pace. Unlikely but who knows?
All I do know is that consistency is the cheat code - and that I'm also of the age to now be worried about things like injuries and so on. So I'll consistently train, carefully, to achieve completion. Anything else is a bonus.
And the moment money is raised - completion will happen.
Even if I have to crawl like a baby!
Let's do this.......
IF YOU CAN SUPPORT, I WOULD BE IMMENSELY GRATEFUL.