I am a relatively late comer to the wonderful world of running. I started in earnest around 1999, mainly because it was the cheapest way I could think of keeping trim…..and it fitted in nicely with my anti social nature!

 After a few months and much cajoling from my sister Mary, I joined Hinckley Running Club and took part in the local road and XC races and thoroughly enjoyed it - although never trying to take myself too seriously (look at me for heavens’ sake!). I had, and still do (hence the present predicament) the attitude that if I could run 3 miles round the block then 4 or 5 shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I always remember running to Sharnford and back, about 5.5 miles and blurting out to Niki that it was the best thing since marmite and honey sarnies.

Anyway I eventually decided to enter the 2002 London marathon via the ballot and much to my surprise (and shegran) was accepted. I was then persuaded to enter the Nottingham marathon 2001 so that when London 2002 came around I would, in theory, know what I was doing…hhuummm. I got round Nottingham despite myself (a little to eager at the start – I passed ole timer Mr Oliver at about 6 miles and he imparted a bit of advice which I never forgot – ‘20 miles is the half way point’ he said ‘OK’ I replied and gaily went on my way. 22 miles came and Mr Oliver offered me a mint as he passed me by).

I can’t rightly remember my first dip in to distances further; it may have been a 40 mile run in Derbyshire. I do remember looking at my watch after that one and nearly wetting myself to see that I been out for 7 hrs. So then I just did runs that looked like good fun, be they LDWA ( Long Distance Walking events –for runners as well – just in case you’re wondering) events or longer road races like the Dartmoor Discovery- always trying to ensure that enjoyment was the paramount experience but nevertheless always giving it my utmost.

Everyone has a weak point though and mine is that if I have an idea, running wise, then I do like to see it through. Thus I started doing things like running the Leicestershire Round (100 miles XC give or take) unsupported, in a couple of days, carrying all my gear or doing the famous triple of Beachy Head, Snowdon and Dublin marathons on consecutive days and then the last big one which was the Marathon of Britain – 6 days, 175 miles etc etc. Always my down fall being (apart from a slack jaw) well if I can do that, well heck this is only a bit more.

And so, one winter’s evening with the fire blazing and with the discussion centering on what Niki’s Dad could do to celebrate his 65th year,  I piped up with this one ‘Lands End to John O Groats’ him cycling me running – what a numpty!

And here we are. I can safely say I have never run so far, cycled so much and slept so soundly (much to Nik’s annoyance at times) as I have done in preparation for this event. I may succeed, I may fail, in the end it doesn’t really matter so long as I can say above anything else is that I tried my hardest and I enjoyed it.

Hairy McNair