“If you’re going to run a Marathon, you better do a Half Marathon first”, was my wife’s initial reaction when I mentioned my gym-buddy Surgit expressed his desire to run one, and wouldn’t it be fun to do it together.
And so, taking her advice literally, I did as most men do, I jumped in with both feet and booked the most convenient Half Marathon I could find; 17th August, 2025. I knew nothing about Half Marathons, or in fact about running in general except to know that the weekly treadmill 5k staggers that Surgit cajoled me into were Hell on Earth.
My running style was more recognisable as a jog, with the occasional walk to allow me to catch my breath or give my aching legs a rest. I had never finished a 5k without being lathered in sweat and never less than 35-minutes; including the partial collapse as I staggered away from the machine.
But it would be cool to run a Marathon alongside Surgit. It’s that kind of “bucket list” thing that many itemise but few actually do. And taking on a Half Marathon, and all that such an endurance run entailed, would at least tell me if I stood a chance of a full Marathon…
Thus I was led on a journey like no other. One I never really imagined I’d be taking, let alone of my own accord.
My book, recording my trials and tribulations is currently being edited and I hope to have it available soon.