Starting on 1 September 2021, I am going to run ten ultra-marathon distances in ten days.
Steven
Running for his son, Ryan, living with Crohn's
An ultra-marathon is anything over the 26.2 miles distance. I, however, am going to be doing a minimum distance of 30 miles on predetermined routes every day for ten days. These are going to be off road routes along coastal paths, Dartmoor, Exmoor and hills, forests, and canal paths. This makes it even more challenging due to the hills, mud, and terrain.
As a novice runner I am not a member of any running clubs or even know any other runners, but I'm speaking with some local race organisers and athletes for some help, advice, and support which could possibly lead to running parts of the distances with me. I'd never run before March 2020 when the gyms closed and have been overweight and unfit for most of my life. I ran about a mile to work one morning and was exhausted. I left it a day and tried again. Then I ran further and, two days later, further still. I then started running the long way to work and within six weeks I'd managed to do a half marathon.
My eldest son was diagnosed with Crohn’s five years ago.
He was diagnosed with childhood ME as a young child, which we now believe to be a precursor for Crohn’s. He has to inject himself every week, and he does this without any fuss. His iron levels are very low, and he is waiting for an iron infusion. He overcomes physical and mental obstacles daily to live the life of a typical 18-year-old. Even with a lot of time off school and college he applied himself and did really well in his exams. He works, is studying A-levels and is the most amazing person I know. He is caring, considerate, loving and just gets on with things.
I want to push myself both physically and mentally, overcome obstacles put in front of me, push my mind and body to it’s absolute limit.
My feelings, emotions and physical discomfort will be temporary. My son’s won’t be. With this challenge getting ever closer, I'm feeling more and more determined, but also getting quite nervous as I've never done anything like this before, not even close. When I'm out running and in my own headspace, I can smash this, but when I'm having a low moment I fill with doubt. I'm lucky because my partner is really supportive, encouraging me to get out and run or train. My children are getting involved too, keeping asking questions and talking about it which makes me even more motivated. My son makes me so incredibly proud. He is my idol and if I can push myself to an extreme point, and raise money for this amazing charity, then I will give it 110%.
Ever since Ryan has needed help from the NHS, I have been amazed at the work ethic of everyone we’ve met.
There has always been clear dialogue and genuine care shown to Ryan, along with the support given to his mother and me. When he was older, and eventually diagnosed with Crohn' disease, his IBD team at Bristol Children's Hospital were incredible. Everything was always explained in age-appropriate language which really had a positive impact and helped Ryan accept his disease. With my youngest son in the process of trying to get a diagnosis, he has also benefitted from the positive approach by the NHS teams. I now work within the NHS and so get to see first-hand the incredible work ethic of so many people. The manner in which these people overcome obstacles and constraints to be able to deliver a world class service is superb and I am proud to be a part of it.
