Today marks the 30th anniversary of my coming into the world and rather sadly, I have had a realisation. It turns out that 5am alarm clocks, 2 hour commutes, deskbound days and an (un)healthy appetite for burgers actually aren’t that great for my waistline. Who knew?!? So on that bombshell, I’ve decided to get out and do something about it. But before I introduce you to my challenge, 30 at 30: The Cotswold Way, let me tell you about
my history with exercise…
…although I’ve never been a natural athlete, I did manage the Cheltenham Half Marathon in 2015. It was by no means spectacular and I struggled with fitness, having not kept up with my training.
I already knew the answer, but I thought I’d check my RunKeeper app to see what I’ve run since then. Apparently I managed to plod 8 miles one cold, wet February night earlier this year. There were also two shorter token runs in 2016. Way to keep going Adam!
I think my main issue with exercise is a lethargy inducing combination of boredom, a lack of purpose and the sheer volume of alternative opportunities in the Cotswolds and Bristol; none of which involve turning myself into a sweaty pufferfish. I technically have gym membership at work, but heading out to an event or home to the sofa is categorically always a better option after a tiring day.
Once I get home and shut the door behind me, I could go out running again. It seems like too much of a chore though. After all, if I’m not going to become Mo Farah, I don’t really need to physically be able to run a long distance. Sure, improving my general health and wellbeing should be a fantastically good reason to exercise but whilst I am not overly suffering the effects, I just can’t get my brain to think that way.
So what is 30 at 30: The Cotswold Way?
Put simply, I plan to run the equivalent of 30 marathons over the course of my 30th year. You’ll note that I said “equivalent”; this isn’t a cop-out, I just won’t have time or the fitness needed to run 30 actual marathons. Instead I will run the same distance (a mere 786 miles, or more scarily 1,265,850 metres. Yes that’s a million, people!) but spread out over several runs a week, possibly with some longer marathon style runs if time and fitness allow.
So far, so easy right? Well, in an attempt to address my lack of purpose, I plan to run the last 4 marathons by tackling the 102 mile long Cotswold Way. In one go. Gulp!
Whether I have to run, walk or crawl, across 2 days, 4 days or a week, I will depart from Chipping Campden, running through the beautiful yet hilly Cotswolds (4000m of ascent), to arrive outside Bath Abbey. To give you an idea of how hard it is, I found a review of the Cotswold Way Century Ultra Marathon. In 2014, over a third of the runners dropped out; these are proper runners who actually enjoy ultra marathons.
If that isn’t enough to convince me to get myself out running and fit, I’m not sure what will.
Giving Something Back
I recently saw Gloucestershire’s very own superhero, Jamie McDonald aka Adventureman, at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, talking about his latest adventure for charity; running 5,500 miles coast to coast across America. A modern day Forrest Gump if you will. I left feeling rather inspired and cooked up 30 at 30: The Cotswold Way whilst driving back home. It’s nothing compared to Jamie’s epic feat but he pointed out that anyone can be a superhero to someone else, and give something back.
I’ve not got a cape but with Jamie’s words ringing in my ears, I thought I would try and raise some money for two amazing local charities along the way. They are:
Winston’s Wish
Winston’s Wish was the first charity to establish child bereavement support services in the UK. They lead the way in providing specialist child bereavement support services across the UK.
Since 1992, they have developed a range of practical support and guidance on bereavement to children, their families and professionals via a national helpline and publications for all ages. They also provide in-depth therapeutic help in individual, group and residential settings. They offer specialist support programmes for children affected by deaths related to murder, manslaughter, suicide or the military community.
Maggie’s Centres
Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends.
Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, Maggie’s Centres have professional staff on hand offering the support people need. They are places to find practical advice about benefits and eating well; places where qualified experts provide emotional support; places to meet other people; places where you can simply sit quietly with a cup of tea. I will be raising money for their local Cheltenham Centre.
How can I help support Winston’s Wish and Maggie’s Centres?
I’ve set up a Virgin Money Giving page for donations and I’ll make a big push closer to the big run. Hopefully you’ll be fed up of regular photos of my face, shining in the night sky like an asthmatic Rudolph. If you are, perhaps you’ll feel kind enough to donate; either out of pity, or simply because you are a great human being. Either way, I’ll say thank you now. Your donations will make a huge difference to both the charities and my motivation!
I’ll be posting regular updates on my progress on the blog and Twitter so keep in touch and feel free to share your own experiences.