Why?
Why Manchester 2025?
I really wanted to retire from long distance running in 2024, but there was something in me saying 'I still have more.'
I detest running most of the time, but I love the high that comes with it, and as hard as I have tried over the past two marathons and ultra, I still have not run a marathon in under 5 hours. So that's the target for this one.
The great part about that is that the Manchester Marathon is the flattest in the UK (I have an allergy to hills), I have two dear friends taking part which will spur me along and ultimately, running is so much cheaper than therapy!!!
Why is it Madness?
Over the years I have become an expert in sitting around and doing nothing. I like nothing more than a trip to the pub and guzzling cider or diet coke. My favourite diet is generally anything that starts with a C: Cheese, Chocolate, Cake, Cola, Crisps etc. For me exercise is something that other people do. I generally have an unhealthy lifestyle, so the thought of doing another marathon is absolute madness. I'm renowned for giving up easily and so committing to such an immense task, again, is madness. This is 100 days of pure(ish) training. Most weeks I will be out running 3-4 times, whatever the weather. When I'm not running, I'll be (at least) trying to concentrate on my diet - that may not go to plan. This is going to be hard. This is going to be long. This is going to take a lot out of me. This is total and MANCHESTER MARATHON MADNESS!
Why The Burnt Chef Project?
Although they aren't a registered charity, (yet), they are a social enterprise working their hardest to help manage mental health in the hospitality industry. This is an industry I have spent the majority of my career in and to be honest I love it. However, having spent so much time in the industry I have seen the darker sides, whether in myself or others. I have experience (again personally and through others) stress, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self harm, self medication, and unfortunately suicide. In such a huge industry this is unacceptable. The Burnt Chef Project provides mental health training (online and in person), a network of ambassadors worldwide, a support helpline and much more. Click on the button to visit their website.
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