So 3 weeks ago I made the decision to sign up for Race to the Stones. A 100km race across the Salisbury Plain in a single day, (race details here) and those who know me will probably have a few thoughts about this… I’m a bloody idiot, someone whose good at endurance stuff but maybe a just tad ambitious, and as I’ve over confidently proclaimed on multiple occasions “a natural born runner”.

The truth is the idea of something like this, scares the crap out of me. The furthest I’ve ever ran is a half marathon, this event is approximately another two marathons on top of this and all in the same day. I’m a smoker and I’m in rubbish shape (at the moment) and I think I’ll probably be running for a good 18 hours. Again, just to emphasise this terrifies the hell out of me. The most recent long distance event I did was an 80 mile bike ride in the new forest and within 30 miles all I could think about was how soon I could finish and when I could next have a cigarette. that said I have a pretty awesome reason for wanting to do it, I’ve always said to those who know me that a marathon doesn’t appeal to me (at least not unless I reach 100) and while I’ve only ever planned on a sensible ultra (half this distance) I want to do it for possibly the oldest friend I can remember.

I grew up with a guy called Steven Taylor (AKA Unit), I think he’s also the reason I probably support Arsenal, for that I will always be grateful. That said Steve’s been running his own race since he discovered he was battling bowel cancer in 2021, and if you know him, you’ll know how much of an inspiration he is. His love for people and his love for sport, I don’t think is matched by anyone I’ve ever met. I love the guy so much. His enthusiasm for life, his effort to be the best version of himself and the way he’s always positive, and he always wanting to make a difference. On a personal level, he has always stood up for what he felt was right and there was more than one occasion growing up where he made me feel important and a part of something. He stood up against bullies and he always inspired a self-belief that few other could.

I’ve also maintained if I wanted to raise money for something/someone I wanted it to be for the hardest challenge I could imagine, I wanted it to be gruelling; and this is pretty much it, I’m going to need to strengthen up in the gym and I’m going to have to run a lot of miles.

That said, when I think about my why, The reason is simple. I want to raise as much money as humanly possible for Steve and his family, it shouldn’t be easy. Its not for a specific charity, it's for them personally. I want them to make memories that’ll last a lifetime, I want them to have a little something extra for a rainy day. I want people to know that every penny I raise has been well earnt and I want Steve's family to know how much they mean to people and how much they’re loved. Please be generous and if you’re still reading this please check out his story here. And make sure your shits in order! (Literally!)