Where I find inspiration
I enjoy a challenge at work, but next week my ‘out of office’ will be on and I’ll be in New Zealand. I won’t be running projects I’ll be running 250km through the South Island. Some people think the challenge I’ll be facing is bonkers! It is, and here’s why ...
One week to run 250km over six stages. Racing the Planet New Zealand, 3-9 March 2019
The race I’ve entered is a 250km ultra-marathon. It’s an adventure. This seven day, self-supported event crosses some spectacular scenery around New Zealand. Other than the challenge of four back to back marathons then a double marathon, I’ll also be carrying a week’s worth of supplies on my back. There are no showers and we will be camping!
Bonkers maybe; but inspired for sure.
Inspiration comes in many forms
When I was 14 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Back then the outlook was pretty grim: no cure, daily injections and blood tests for the rest of your life, plus a higher likelihood of medical complications like amputations, heart disease and blindness by the age of 50. That’s pretty confronting for a teenager that has big dreams or just wants to fit in... Back then 50 seemed a long way off.
Today, it doesnt seem so far away, or so old. Some things have progressed but young kids diagnosed with type 1 diabetes still face the same outlook that I did in the 80’s. There is still no cure and you still need to take blood tests and insulin every day. However, health care professionals and good work from support organisations like JDRF mean that managing diabetes on a day to day level is getting easier, and easier.
My inspiration for this challenge comes from my idea that I’m #fitterforhavingit. In fact, rather than diabetes making me a complicated medical mess, I’m now in better shape than ever. My life of loving sport and managing type 1 diabetes around a full time career has set me up for a good chance of finishing strong in New Zealand.
That’s the message I want to share and there are three things which helped me.
First: a doctor who ahead of his time encouraged me to play sport, keep fit and enjoy life. He knew back in 1986 that healthy participation in sport, as much as my daily insulin injections, diet and blood testing, would be good for me and essential part of fighting off future complications.
Second: a footballer called Gary Mabbutt who played for Spurs and England and proudly showed kids like me that even with diabetes your dreams of the highest sporting achievements and adventure can be achieved.
Third: a father that believed in me. He told me I could do anything and taught me that with hard work, preparation and with several Plan Bs virtually anything is possible.
It is because I have diabetes and because these three things came together that I will be in New Zealand with my toe up against the start line on Sunday. Inspiration got me to the start line but hard work, planning and my #fitterforhavingit outlook will get me to the end. Plus of course loads of encouragement and good wishes from family, friends and contacts like you.