I wouldn't normally share something like this on LinkedIn but ...

seeing all the sad, heart-breaking, and toxic things being published in the media at the moment that is getting us all down, I’m hoping just one person might read this, be inspired, take action and get some extra fulfillment in their life too.

Since the COVID-19 bomb dropped on us earlier this year, it’s easy for excuses, reasons, and feeling a victim to what’s going on around us to become the norm.

So, I decided to embark on a challenge, something I hadn't planned to do that would push me to my limits and that I had no one to blame but myself if it didn’t work out.

I decided to take on Race At Your Pace’s ultimate monthly running challenge - 300 miles during June (10 miles each day, every day – miss a day it’s 20 miles to catch back up!).

Starting 5 am each day (so it didn’t interfere with work/home life), and carrying a leg injury from day one, I felt beaten so many times and unable to face another day.

Today though it’s all over and I’m feeling rather chuffed – I’ve completed it, a total of 312.72 miles to be precise!

This, without question, has been the most mentally and physically challenging thing I have ever done – it’s so fulfilling to have finally accomplished it especially during such challenging, frustrating times (I still can’t believe I’ve done it!).

Moral of the story – it doesn’t matter if you’re down, finding things hard at the moment and/or getting frustrated with life, commit to something outside of your comfort zone that you wouldn’t normally do, something that challenges you and will give you joy and fulfillment when you complete it. Something that when you reflect back on this year shows it wasn’t all bad!

 I‘m a massive fan of Race At Your Pace as they offer such a wide range of affordable challenges for adults, families, and children, from walking 5 miles in a month to swimming 200. July entries are now open, check them out www.raceatyourpace.co.uk (you even get a medal if you complete your challenge).

 Be safe, Mark x