7 Marathons in 7 Days

I am 37 years old, about 5’ 8” and weigh 168lbs. I currently do strength training at a gym Monday through Friday, and log between 70 and 80KMs of running most weeks. 

I have run a Marathon in just over 4 hours and recently ran my first ultra-marathon, completing 80KM in about 12 hours. 

An objective measurement of my fitness level would rank somewhere above average but certainly nowhere close to elite. Like anyone pursuing increased athleticism it is a slow, linear journey “laying bricks” day by day that pave the way to increased capacity. No shortcuts, just show up, do the work, and get better slowly over time. 

This short prelude intends to offer some context for my current fitness level. Good, and getting better – but not world class by any reasonable measure. 

So on to the big challenge!

This August I will embark on a lofty physical challenge by running 7 marathons (42.2Kms) in 7 consecutive days in support of the Winnifred Stewart Foundation . 

Based on my current athletic abilities this won’t be a cakewalk. 

Start with the why

My passion for running and fitness was forged through COVID a few short years ago (as it was for many). I began my mission focused on rewiring my brain by (very publicly) committing to run 100KM every month for 6 months straight. I was successful and it proved to be a transformative experience physically and mentally and I learned a lot through the process . 

I am now extremely motivated to set a new goal that I very publicly commit to achieve. One that represents another significant challenge in my running journey and most importantly, a challenge that yields benefit and value to an entity other than myself. This represents an adventure into the unknown and a glorious intersection of passion, grit, struggle, and community - for a worthy cause. 

My hope is through this effort it can also inspire movement in others. I am an ordinary person pursuing something difficult not because I have to do this, but because I get to do this. We all have an opportunity to challenge ourselves to accomplish something extraordinary – whatever your marathon might be.

The how and the when

Commencing the morning of Friday August 12th, my route will consist of two complete loops starting from the Valley Zoo, running east along River Valley Road, behind the Rossdale Power Plant, and across the newly minted Tawatina bridge. Each day will be self-supported, meaning I will carry all the necessary hydration and nutrition to complete my journey without the need for aid stations or a crew along the way. 

Follow me and Accurate Network Services on Instagram for more information as well as daily start times, updates and a diary documenting the challenge. Supporters are welcome to run any leg of the route with me each day and I am grateful to the friends who have already committed to participate in sections of the journey.

This will not be easy! Covering nearly 300KM of distance in a short 168-hour window constitutes significant load for pretty much any athlete and the risk of burnout and injury is significant if not probable. No matter how much grit and mental fortitude I can bring to bear, preparation and a plan to manage the nutritional and physiological demands of this feat are paramount. Follow me on social media as I document the preparation (and partnership with some amazing supporting businesses).

The Winnifred Stewart Foundation

To support individuals with developmental disabilities to meet their potential and have full lives in an inclusive, supportive community” the Vision of Winnifred Stewart resonates with the core of my being and parallels the Vision of my company Accurate Network Services, "to better the lives of those we work with". Through Winnifred Stewart's Joey Moss Memorial Fund, adults with diverse abilities are supported to challenge themselves and work for their dreams of finding employment, and to be recognized as valued employees and contributing community members.

This Go Fund Me Page has been setup with the goal of raising $25,000.00 over the course of the challenge. Every penny donated will be used to further progress the vision and mission of the Winnifred Stewart Foundation and create awareness of the importance of inclusive employment. 

I am excited and inspired to cross that finish line together.