My partner Laura and I are aiming to stretch the boundaries of our fitness at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in support of Spinal Injuries Scotland! 

Since my injury in 2020 I've been trying to slowly build my life back to something approximating normal. That is a work in progress as a life with spinal injury is undoubtedly one that comes with significant challenges, including but not limited to difficulties managing bowel/bladder, chronic pain, overwhelming fatigue, musculoskeletal strain (using your arms for literally everything!) and generally trying to get by in an inaccessible world. 

I could whinge all day (Laura will tell you that for free) but instead I'd like to focus on a common goal that helps support others in my position. One of the biggest sources of motivation and hope for me in the initial stages of my injury was seeing others do what I thought wasn't now possible, and groups like Spinal Injuries Scotland provide connections and support that make this a reality.

Laura is a relative novice to running and she'll be taking on the 10k on the Saturday 27th May. She has never run 10k before and generally finds running nonsensical and disproportionately difficult - like most people - so this is a big step for her. However, in the name of cardiovascular fitness and SIS she will be toeing that start line on the 27th!

I on the other hand was a seasoned runner prior to my injury, but that means very little when you have to run 42km with your arms! So I'm starting from scratch, at a completely new sport and training my arms up to carry me for a marathon. It's the sort of thought process that goes "Sign up now, worry about consequences later". I'll aim to release weekly video updates in the run up to the marathon festival weekend. 

Hopefully you enjoy the videos and consider supporting us!