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Finding more time on his hands than when busy with various interests
in London, Mark got involved with the Oddbods Theatre Group in
Kettering, and then went on to train as a Samaritan, both being
skills he had previously developed. However, he still felt there was
a gap to fill in his life and so decided, with a justified prod from
his girlfriend, to fulfil a life long ambition by applying for a
marathon place, the very next day following the 2006 Marathon.
In 2007 the Royal National Institute
of the Blind has 74 Marathon places, of which just four are being
taken up by visually impaired runners. Once he was offered a gold
bond place, Mark was asked if he would like to have a co-runner.
Initially sceptical, Mark finally agreed and was put in touch with
his local athletics club. Mark was fortunate enough to come across
Paul Brain, who will now become another marathon novice at the age
of 35. There are eight other members from Corby Athletics Club
running the 2007 London Marathon.
Members of the athletics club in
Corby know Advance Performance well. Mark and Paul were directed
there, being told ‘It is a specialist running place which will
provide exactly the right shoes for the job’. Mark comments, “They
know their stuff alright. After watching my running movement being
analysed on video, I could understand why a particular shoe would
support my feet and help avoid injuries.” Managing Director of
Advance Performance, Samantha Hale, was only to willing to help and
has provided running shoes for their London marathon training.
Commencing his first ever physical
training in September 2006, Mark says he could only run for a
maximum of 15 minutes to begin with. Working out in a gym and
starting to train with Paul opened up a new world for him. Mark
says, “Paul is very supportive in just the right way, making me
believe I can do it. He just gives me the facts I need when
describing the terrain we are running on which is ideal. We have
developed a safe road strategy and are now good friends. Paul can be
a hard task master at times but he knows how far to push me.”
Commenting co-runner Paul Brain
said, “Initially tempted to apply as his co-runner in order to
obtain a guaranteed marathon place, I have now been working with
Mark over the last four months and genuinely getting to know him. It
is a team effort and, as novices, we really spur each other along.
Mark is tenacious character who sets his mind to a goal and doesn’t
stop until he has achieved it. I am learning a lot from Mark and he
has made the job easier by being such a strong character.”
In the London Marathon, Mark and
Paul are hoping to achieve a time of four and a half hours. They
have now done some hill training, increasing their inclines by 10%
each time. From early January they have started sometimes running 13
miles in one session, the most that Paul has ever run before.
Together they are pacing themselves, running five times a week,
following the official London Marathon 12 week training regime.
During their initial training Mark
and Paul visited Advance Performance to have their running styles
assessed and for Mark to be individually kitted out with the correct
shoes. Paul has already a half marathon and has previously sustained
injuries from running. Now that he has seen what Advance Performance
can offer, he feels confident they will succeed without damaging
themselves. Paul comments, “The shoes we are now training in suit
the business of running longer distances. We are covering 30 miles a
week at the moment which can add up to a lot of stress on the body.
Advance Performance is highly regarded by the athletics club and it
is well worth the trip to Peterborough. It is a combination of the
shoes and the support from both Advance Performance and Corby
Athletics Club, which will see us through.”
For Mark, running will continue to
be part of his life even after the London Marathon. He wants to keep
on running and is committed to competing in smaller races on a
regular basis. Whilst he is seen as an ambassador for the blind and
many other disabled people, Mark insists that, “Disabilities should
not stop anyone from doing anything. It is simply a matter of
confidence and determination. There are individuals and
organisations out there to help everyone.”
January 2007
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