Name:  Michael Strange (Mike)

Age:  38

Job:  Self-Employed Floorlayer

Charity running for: The Samaritans http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelStrange

Tell us a little about yourself:  

I think im going through a midlife crisis lol, I  have not been much of an athlete till about seven weeks ago, I am normally what you would of called a couch potato.

Now – If I’m not working (which I do too much of) I’m out running or cycling and loving too. (Can’t believe I just said that)

I have 2 great boy’s aged 11 and 8 who are proud that I’m doing something worth while and cant believe how much I have progressed.

Is this your first Marathon? 

Yes this my first marathon, I’m very excited, but very nervous! A lot of dedication to be able to do this!

Why have you decided to run the London Marathon?

Good question! I think its probably a midlife crisis, lol, if you had said to me 5 or even 10 years ago I wouldn’t be doing this, I would have laughed and said no way.

Are you currently involved in other sports/fitness activities?

I like mountain biking been doing it a lot of late to make my lungs and heart strong (its working!)

What training have you been doing so far?

I have been doing the NHS couch to 5k programme and I am on week eight, also a fair bit of mountain biking – I do about 15 miles three times a week.

What training do you plan to do?

Well, once I make it to the 5k mark I need to build up on the distance, I’m trying to run every other day and cycle when I’m not running.

What is the best & worst advice you have been given?

The best bit of advice I have been given was from the lady who sold me my running shoes. That was the first 5-10 mins of running your body tells you want to stop, but once you past this and settle in to a rhythm its easy how true this is. All the advice I’ve been given has be useful so far. 

What kit have you bought to train & run? (brands/models if known)

Trainers – Brooks adrenaline GTS,  my other gear is Adidas Formotion shorts and T Shirt (well good!) and Nike Dri-Fit T Shirts

What time are you aiming for?

What time? Not sure at this stage of the training, just to complete it would be a great sense of achievement and would make me very happy!

 

Good luck Mike!

 

If you would like us to publish your story & a link to the charity you are running for just leave us a comment on this post and we will get in touch!