The Challenge:

a) Complete a total of 500 kilometres between 01 January and 26 March 2023;

b) Including at least a 5k run (or walk - following doctor's orders), minimum, EVERY single day, for 85 days consecutively, without fail (come rain, wind, snow-or even trickier... hangovers & a friend's stag weekend away!)

c) Culminating in the Liverpool half marathon on March 26th.

Who are the charity?

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) are a growing community of patients, families, researchers and healthcare professionals striving to find a cure for pulmonary fibrosis so that everyone affected by the disease has a better future. APF also provide support to patients and families.

Why APF?

As many of you know, we sadly and suddenly lost my Dad, Bob, in May last year to pulmonary fibrosis. I appreciate there is a cost of living crisis and money is tight for many at the moment, however, doing this challenge will raise awareness of the disease, and hopefully a few quid for a great charity. If you can donate, thank you and please remember to add Gift Aid (at no extra cost to you) when it gives you the option.

Why is it going to be a challenge?

In summary:

I hate running (last jog was in September)

I especially hate running in the cold

I've never ever in my life run more than about 7k, certainly not a half marathon. Before anyone says "it's only a half", in my defence, Liverpool don't do a full marathon and I missed out on London (that's my excuse anyway!)

Cheers for reading this far, you can track my progress on Strava at https://www.strava.com/athletes/54115716 and the occasional video update!

Gareth