Weatherman Alex storming towards the Marathon
It was a sunny summer’s day in primary school and I spent all lunchtime running around and around a large tree. I have no idea what the game was or who I was chasing, but I remember the distinct feeling I could have kept running forever.
Ever since I’ve always thought I could run a marathon. It’s taken over 30 years for it to happen, but hopefully it will come to pass on 24 April.
I am in the midst of a training regime that is (touch wood) going OK. It seems to me most men over 40 have a ‘dodgy’ something - ankle, shoulder, ear etc. Due to a combination of genetics (thanks dad) and having spent most of my 20s playing football on astroturf pitches of dubious quality, it’s my knees. As such I have been very conscious not to overtrain.
Training the house down
I found out I had a place in early December, but hey there’s no point doing anything before Christmas right! Since January I’ve been steadily building. I often cycle to work and so my base fitness was not the worst. Beginning at 5km I’ve basically been doing one run a week, running further each time.
I love a bit of research and I soon learned ‘the core’ is very important when running. I’m still not entirely sure where my core is, but Miss Google (as my five-year-old Maisie calls it) was very helpful in giving me some exercises for improving it and I’ve been lying on the floor in various strange positions three times a week ever since.
Work gives me great flexibility with the training as I work shifts. It also, perhaps more importantly, allows me to know when the weather will be good for getting out. I live about eight miles from work and I now can add running as a way I commute. It’s lucky we have showers and wardrobe space at work so I don’t have to do the weather sweaty and clad in lycra.
Getting the right equipment
I also love a new ‘bit of kit’ so it wasn’t long before I was in one of those very bright and sparkly looking running shops in my lunch break, jogging along in my suit and tie whilst the shop assistant checked me out from the calf down. The trainers I bought weren’t cheap, but are the comfiest things I’ve ever slipped my feet into.
I’ve already had lots of advice from friends and colleagues some whom have done it, some who just talk a good marathon. One of the make-up ladies at work leant me her running bag. It’s great for popping jelly babies in. I find looking forward to a sweet every two or three kilometres really keeps me going.
The home stretch
The final month of training brings tapering – this I like the sound of – reducing the amount of running before the race. But it also brings the ramping up of sponsorship. I know I am incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity to run in such a big event and I want to repay the MS Society for getting me on the start line.
I’ve been baking cakes for my colleagues in order to soften (and fatten) them up for when I ask for sponsorship and really hope to raise some good money for the MS Society.
It’s such a phenomenal charity. I love it because not only do they help people in myriad wonderful ways but being a scientist it’s so great to hear about the incredible research that goes on to beat MS.
Alex Deakin regularly presents the weather on BBC News at Ten, BBC Breakfast and Countryfile. Alex has a personal connection to MS and his awareness and fundraising activities for the MS Society include an appearance on Celebrity Mastermind! Sponsor Alex's marathon challenge.
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