Hi Rob. What have you been up to recently? After eight months of running in the UK, I decided to take my challenge to run a marathon every day over to America and take part in Race Across USA. So far, I’ve run through Los Angeles, Arizona, New Mexico and am now making my way through Texas. There just were not enough official marathons in the UK, so in order to break the record for most marathons run in a year, I felt it necessary to head to America and up my challenge.
Where’s your favourite place to run? It’s scary to think how many runs I have been on in Richmond, but I do love the Richmond Park marathon course. It is beautiful and my go-to running place. But on a summer’s day, along the Thames is just as lovely.
Do you remember your first ever race, as a school kid? I was never a big runner. In fact, I didn’t like running that much, but did the odd 5km race now and again – I actually thought it was incredibly boring at that age. I’m really just an ordinary guy and now that I’m so involved, I realise how big the running community is and find the sense of camaraderie is really welcoming and inspiring.
When people ask you for a training tip, what do you tell them? Have fun! When I run, I sing songs, give others piggy back rides, lie on the floor for others to jump over – anything to keep things fun and interesting. Injuries usually come from taking things too fast or serious so having fun holds you back a little.
Do you ever struggle with motivation? All the wonderful people I meet and the connections I make keep me going. There is a family-like feel, even though you are competing against the next person. And, of course, the knowledge that I’m helping to make a difference by fundraising for Dreams Come True, NSPCC and Great Ormond Street is invaluable and such a strong motivator on those low days. My biggest inspiration is my partner, Joanna. Day in and day out, she is there for me and our children. In the end, I have always believed that if you have a good heart and a strong mind, with the right support, your body will follow you through whatever lies ahead.
Do you listen to music when you run? Never! I have made it a rule of mine not to listen to music as I see it as stimulant and I want to be running on sheer willpower alone.
Do you like running gadgets? No, for the same reasons as above.
What’s the worst thing about running? It is tough, really tough. You have many bad days, but as long as I can get up and walk to the start, I can finish. My throat once closed up due to a swarm of flies that surrounded me during a marathon, but I was still able to finish. It’s also been difficult to keep going financially since since making the decision to give up my job and take on the challenge full-time, but I am determined to complete what I’ve started.
What’s the best thing? I love having people to run with everyday, so probably that. All the people I’ve met though this journey and sharing an experience with them. That is what life is about, sharing an experience! Even at the end of my challenge I don’t think I’ll be able to give it up and stop running completely.
What’s your post-race indulgence? I must admit, I do love junk food.
What do you eat for breakfast before your big runs?My diet is simple: eat whenever and whatever you can. To be honest, burning so many calories, I just eat what I can in order to get the calories in fast. Believe it or not, I tend to lose my appetite and sometimes have to remind myself to eat.
Who is the greatest ever runner? I don’t tend to have sporting heroes because I try to see everyone in the same light. Also, I’ve met so many inspiring runners on my travels, it would be impossible to choose just one.
Sponsor Rob and read more about his challenge at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runfordreamscometrueandnspcc or marathonmanuk.com
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