During the COVID-19 crisis I have really struggled to maintain my motivation to keep my training up. I had several big races planned including two marathons and a yomp round the Isle of Wight. All of them have obviously been cancelled or postponed. Coupled with work being really hectic and everyone else having to stay at home I have barely run 5 miles in one go for some weeks now. In fact I have questioned whether I'll ever feel like running properly again. 

But also during the COVID-19 crisis I have worked a couple of shifts on Henderson Rehab Unit. Whilst I was there this weekend I supported a gentleman who casually dropped into conversation that "in his day" he had run more than 50 marathons. Mr R, well into his 80s and recovering from a long stay in hospital, regaled me with against the odds stories of running all over the world, marathons and ultras, road and trail runs and races - until his health meant that he'd had to stop. I shared with him some of my running tales and for 5 minutes on Saturday afternoon we chatted, runner to runner (if you know you know!) and it was like the whole world was normal again. 

As I left, Mr R said to me: "what he'd give to run another race". 

So...

Inspired by my new kindred spirit I have signed up for run a virtual marathon during lockdown. I will complete 26.2 miles around the car park of Henderson Rehab Unit on the 8th May. It will not be fast and it will not be pretty! 

Once it is completed it I will "upload" my evidence and will be sent a medal. I will give Mr R that medal as he will have run every step with me in spirit.

Mr R and I have talked through raising some money and he would like any money we raise to go to Henderson and Skylark Rehab Units.