Post by Yazmin El Ashrafi

Well, the route and daily distances are set – ranging from 17 miles to 40.5 per day, so it’s now time to seriously ramp up the training, diet and body conditioning. I’ve been to the doctor for a full medical and I seem healthy and fit for the challenge; found out my cholesterol was nice and low (2.6) in the process. I’d never given that a thought before…

So the training is getting harder, up to 40 miles a week running now with scheduled gym and personal training sessions as well, finding the time is becoming an issue. Particularly as the nights draw in and the mornings are getting colder. As with most of us casual runners, we get up, eat a light breakfast look at the weather and go for a run. Not anymore! It’s now an hour of warming up, stretching and light jogging before a the run. The runs themselves are between 6 and 15 miles whether it’s raining, windy or sunny, then we cool down and recover with a cold bath. That’s not pleasant! And there’s half a day gone. It is normally at that time I consider why I’m doing this in the first place and think about those boys who suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who face much greater challenges every day of their young lives.

The support and confidence I’m receiving from all those I’ve spoken to is amazing. I already have £2,100 pledged in sponsorship towards my £50,000 target. We have also gone live with my personal MyDonate Page: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/marksmith6   However if you know of anyone who would like to offer me corporate sponsorship, we still have some spaces available, from £500 to £1000. Please e-mail me at mark.smith@stephengeorge.co.uk for more information.

In terms of the support team, my friend Sarah Grey is supporting me throughout the challenge with physiotherapy. Adam Jackson –  part of GB triathlete team – is providing personal training with additional support from Uppingham School Sports Centre. Next month I am looking to get my accommodation and medical support for the challenge sorted out as well. So yes, it’s full on even a with 7 months to go.

You can find more information out regarding the challenge from my own Facebook page and through the charity Alex’s Wish. Fingers crossed I remain injury free.