Only a few days to go until the Beachy Head Marathon and 10K. Followers will know that we are running to raise awareness of the work of UP, Understand Pain. UP is the social enterprise dedicated to changing the way society thinks about pain to reduce the enormous burden of suffering.
There are a number of things to get right when running a marathon. Fortunately I have some solid advisors around me for training, kit and strategy. Then there is the question of fuel, both day to day, before and after longer runs and during the runs — I have just had to accept that those gels are vile to get down but serve a purpose…
I must admit, I have enjoyed the eating bit of the preparation as I did before the London Marathon in 2017. Flaxseed, porridge, nuts, greens, juices, beetroot (and beetroot shots), pasta, rice, cheese…. yum! Then there are the energy bars; and I really like these. So, I was delighted to accept sponsorship by Pursu Nutrition, and not just because I had sampled and loved the bars during the experimentation process.
There is a synergy between UP and Pursu that started with the creator, Sanjay, coming to see me about a common cycling pain problem (pudendal neuralgia) that is typically enduring and limiting — his story to follow. It was during our work together when he overcame his pain, that Pursu came into existence. We chatted a fair bit about the bars, but mainly about the purpose, the mission, the ‘why’, which always resonated with that of UP.
I was most excited to be given a box of bars by Sanjay. I am pleased to say that I have managed to keep enough for the day, for both Jo (my wife) and I (this time Jo volunteered to run the 10k whereas previously I persuaded her do run the Royal Parks 1/2 marathon, apparently…!). I admit that I did eat two on the way home.
The rolling hills of the South Downs await us. This week is a little like a phoney war as others who have tapered will know. The feeling that I should be doing something has to be overcome by simply resting, stretching, moving, a couple of light jogs and then stuffing our faces on Friday. Ha!
Look out for our posts. If I can take footage on the run I will, to share the experience! Please share and spread the word about our work. We have an UP Workshop on Nov 3rd in Preston that is free for people suffering pain (click here) and the UP Programme will be on the website very soon as a starter to be built upon — a range of tools and practices; knowledge, skills and know how to overcome pain.
What is to overcome pain? This means living your best life, considering your circumstances, building wellness and focusing on what you can do each day to achieve a picture of success. Pain is not permanent; we change. I want you to reach your potential and overcome pain by living, feeling inspired, enabled and in control.
On we go.
understand pain 