So I have been putting this off... for quite some time.

I am running the London Marathon on 21st April 2024 and have committed to raise funds for MS Society, any and all support would be massively appreciated.

The last 6 months has been some journey. From fantasies of the perfect training plan coming together to the reality of a hectic schedule to fit the training in, illness, injuries, travel as well as drops in motivation and well… belief. This isn’t my first attempt at running my first marathon, it has been out of my grasp so far… but this time I’ve committed to getting to the start line, despite it being well… bloody hard!

Through training for this I have learned quite quickly it is one thing to think you could run a marathon, another to enter a marathon and something totally different actually do it. Simply put, this is by quite some way the toughest personal challenge I have ever taken on. It cannot be blagged, you will be found out.

As of mid-March I have now run more than 250 miles in training since the beginning of the year after having a run of illnesses and during that time completed multiple new personal bests for my longest ever runs so a complete turnaround.

So, having been largely in 'stealth' training mode till now it is time to put my head above the parapet and talk about some reasons behind WHY I am doing this and how you can support the fantastic cause I am running for.

- Keeping fit and active is part of my make up, I intrinsically believe exercise is a critical component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When combined with good nutrition and sleep as well as balance between work and personal life it has compound benefits which ultimately provide wellbeing.

- Purpose has a lot to do with it also, having something to work toward which is hard to overcome and requires attention and discipline in many areas of life can be very rewarding (although it has good and bad days!). This is also hard to juggle around family, however setting a positive example for my kids is so important also. It's not just about me completing a marathon, it's about showing what consistency and discipline can achieve, and that anything is possible if you apply yourself in the right way with belief, even if you haven’t managed it the first time round. The kids have enjoyed following the training plan stuck to the fridge and riding their bikes with me toward the end of some of the longer runs.

- As CEO of Nuzest Europe, the founding story of the brand is one which sits close to my heart. Father and daughter Trevor and Monique’s world was turned upside down when Monique was diagnosed with MS at the age of 22. What happened next was a journey which led to the beginnings of Nuzest and the 100% uncompromised nutrition products which are now available. It was these products which have contributed toward Monique better managing the disease and now being Head of Global Brand as well as having a family of her own.

There is still a long way to go though, MS is an unpredictable and incurable condition that affects people's nervous systems. It can attack suddenly or progress steadily, bringing a range of symptoms which can include sight loss, incontinence, fatigue and mobility problems. No-one with MS can be sure when or how it will affect them next.

The MS Society fund vital research into the causes of MS and possible treatments. They provide a helpline service, answering the calls of those looking for advice and support. They believe that together, we are strong enough to stop MS.

So please help me raise a minimum of £2,000 for MS Society as I take on this huge challenge on 21st April by running 26.2 miles. Anything no matter how big or small would be appreciated.

Some notable thanks for my training so far…

My wife, Mel. Without whom it would be impossible for me to train for something like this. The hundreds of small things each week which all add up to a huge difference in helping it all come together… team effort x

Phil Roberton told me (https://www.instagram.com/philroberton/), a marathon isn’t a running challenge, it’s a recovery challenge (good advice!).

So stretching, sports massage, foam rolling, compression tights, ice baths, extra sleep and of course the right nutrition have all been featuring regularly! Shout outs here to:

- Nuzest (www.nuzest.co.uk), the best nutrition supplements out there hands down

- Felipe Del Solar (https://www.sportsmassagebyfelipe.com/) for putting me through the pain cave many times

- Phil Goulding from S40 Personal Training (https://www.instagram.com/s40personaltraining/) who is the reason I’m able to run the distances I’ve been able to work up after years of working together previously

See you at the start... and the finish ;-)

Adrian