KCN were lucky enough to be awarded a place in this years London Marathon. We are delighted to introduce you to Chris, our determined runner! We are sure you will join with us in following his progress and wishing him all the very best! I will hand you over to Chris for the first in his series of blog past charting his journey...
"I have mixed emotions, I am conflicted! You see, I’ve never been much of a fan of modern running (or cycling) attire. I have always believed that men, being men, shouldn’t be parading about in what is effectively a leotard. They result in a little too much being on display than is generally comfortable. You never see it in rugby for example, where thick cotton shorts and tops are still the norm (although admittedly the latter have been getting tighter). I do, of course, understand where there are exceptions. Athletics is one - you wouldn’t want to get a baggy shorts pocket stuck on a hurdle or get a pole vault caught in your v-neck."
But I have never understood why this stuff is so necessary for runners. It’s not like they go fast enough for wind resistance to be a concern. Neither is it a sport that requires the use of implements that could catch or tear something. It’s just one foot in front of the other. Repeat. I assumed it must be a combination of marketing and vanity – “look at me, I’m so fit and fancy”.
So I rebelled. I already had some shorts and t-shirt. My only expense when I started training before Christmas was a decent pair of trainers because I over pronate (whatever that means). Even that seemed a bit soft. What’s wrong with my £10 Dunlops I’ve had since 2001?
Well my rebellion lasted exactly 2 weeks!! Look at all this extra wonderful and completely necessary stuff I must have!!
a. Leotard item number 1 (short sleeve top)
b. Leotard item number 2 (long sleeve top)
c. Shorts
d. Leotard item number 3 (leggings!)
e. Arm band (for my gels)
f. Gels (yes, gels. Smh)
g. Running socks (there’s actually one for the left foot and one for the right!)
h. GPS running watch
i. Leotard item number 4 (headband)
j. Leotard item number 5 (running gloves)
k. Water bottle
Here’s me in all my gear looking like a plonker.
I’m already running faster! I am in week 7 of my training, with 10 to go. I have already discovered that I have bones like biscuits (I’m only 34 for god’s sake!). I have to do a significant amount of stretching after a run, otherwise my knee grates constantly. I thought this was going to be easy! After all, it’s just running right? I don’t have to hit, jump, kick or throw things. Just put one foot in front of the other, and repeat. For just over 26 miles. My hardship is nothing in comparison to that of the people supported by the charity I am running for though. I will be doing this in aid of the Kingston Carers' Network (KCN) and their Young Carers' Project (YCP). Unpaid caring and carers feature increasingly in our society, as people live longer and as government-funded healthcare struggles to keep pace with the strains and stresses of individual and family needs, especially amongst the most vulnerable.
KCN works hard to relieve hardship, improve carers quality of life and reduce the isolation of carers through a large range of services. Additionally, the Young Carers' Project provide fun and friendship for young carers ensuring that children are thriving and protected from inappropriate caring roles.
Please feel free to sponsor as little or as much as you can, here is a link to my fundraising page. I have a target of £1000 but I hope to raise more. Thank you for your generosity!