21st September – Run 17 – 5.45 miles (11.11m to go)

I can feel the end now. I know for some, 60 miles is nothing in four weeks, but for me, it’s always felt like a proverbial mountain (it’s felt literal, given some of the hills I’ve run on). I remember getting to 40 miles and thinking how much more running there seemed to be for me to do. At first, my legs ached after just a mile or two, but that’s the point, isn’t it? I wouldn’t have done this for charity if it was something I did every day. I couldn’t say next month, ‘I’m going to run 60 miles for charity and have the same buy-in because it’s a feat I will have achieved.

What I hope this has demonstrated to you is that you really can do anything you put your mind to. 60 miles was almost twice as far as I’ve ever run in a month before, but I’m relatively confident I could do 100 miles if I wanted next month. That change has happened in what, three weeks? Just by getting out each day, running increasingly longer distances and remaining focused when there are setbacks, I’ve stretched my capability. You can too.

Just three years ago, I remember my then-neighbour doing a challenge, running a mile every hour for 48 hours (I think that was it). I did a little run with him, and I got perhaps 100 yards up the road. I even had to lay down when I got back, having done a mile in about 15 minutes. Now look where I am. I’m not blowing my own trumpet here, I’m demonstrating that anyone can change their lifestyle. I have friends who knew me properly back in 2010 who cannot believe I could walk five miles in one month, let alone run 60.

I’ve done this for CALM, and we’re so close to £500 – it’s brilliant, thank you. I’ve also done it to demonstrate to those struggling with their lives right now, that change is right there in each and every one of you. All you need is the determination to make the change.