Story
Well the phone call came to say that I had been successful for the Brathay 10 in 10, which in basic terms means 10 marathons over 10 consecutive days.
I start this attempt on 9 May 2014 with 14 other people. We all have our reasons but mine are simple.
I think the charity is an amazing one and helping disadvantaged children can only be a good thing and the Brathay Trust do this year on year.
I like a challenge. My first marathon was the Snowdonia Marathon. I only managed 20 miles of it and I succumbed to unbelievable cramps and the pain was immense.
My second marathon in 2011 was again the Snowdonia Marathon and this time nothing was going to stop me. I trained hard, very hard. Running throughout the year in deep snow and sometimes -15 C temperatures, but it all paid off and I finished it and enjoyed it at the same time.
Then 6 months later in May 2012 I did the Windermere Marathon (nothing like doing potentialy the two hardest marathons in the UK one after the other). It was a lovely day and the course was just as spectacular as the Snowdonia one. The atmosphere was electric and even my good lady came along in her heavily pregnant state to support me, and providing haribo at certain points around the course (bless her).
I did however, get cramp again at the 20 mile point and that really knocked me for the next 2 miles and my time suffered. But I pulled myself together and did a bit of stretching at the side of the road. I was soon off again and I hobbled to the finish. I still really enjoyed the whole day and the atmosphere was amazing.
This was where I heard about the 10 in 10, and me liking challenges had to do apply for it (not thinking for one minute I would be picked).
Basically, the Brathay Trust organise the Windermere Marathon Which happens one Sunday in May. As part of the Marathon they select a few to attempt the 10 in 10, the tenth marathon being on the actual day of the main Windermere Marathon. In 2014 the 10 in 10 starts on the 9 May and finishes on the 18 May.
So here I am 37 Yrs old, training for the next 10 months to try and physically plus mentally finish this truly epic test.
To find out more about my challenge please follow this link: http://www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk/brathay-10in10.aspx
Please help me raise £3000 for the Brathay Trust, it is a truly worthwhile charity that needs your help.
Thank you for all your support.
Mark