Musings of a midlife crisis...
This is a blog about my midlife crisis, and its main manifestation, extreme running. It started with a marathon, and has since become a little more serious with endurance events of all descriptions considered. In 2010 I ran 4 road marathons and 3 Ultras including a 112km Mountain Trail race, and so far in 2011 I have run the London Ultra, the Nice - Monaco half marathon (but I also ran to the start, and all with a pack weighing in at 11kg!), the 'Big Beach Party', and the Ascension de Col de Vence. I am now looking around for more challenges, with 1 eye on the Nice Ironman in June 2012.
How did it all start? Back in November 2003, aged 31 and newly moved to the South of France, I saw the Monaco Marathon go past my new lodgings. At the time, I weighed in at 108kg (about 16.5 stone), and was doing my best to eat and drink my way through the Doctor's warning that I would not see 40 at the current rate of progress. Seeing these sinewy characters shuffle past in the rain, I thought to myself "I could do that". And then I forgot about it.
Kick up the backside
My mother was diagnosed with cancer and it was spreading. She started her course of chemo, and I started fundraising for the Monaco Marathon November 2004.
Finished
I trained randomly, running daily, missing weeks at a time, suffering numerous injuries, but I finished my first marathon in 2004. My mum saw me cross the finish line, and I raised several thousand for charity. I was bitten by the marathon bug, setting myself targets such as breaking 4 hours, and I enjoyed the health, fitness and challenge of the whole thing. I normally fundraise every two years, but cancer research remains a cause as close to my heart as ever. At the moment I have set myself the challenge of completing the Nice Ironman in June 2012, and the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc in August 2012.
Training and eating...
Now with the help of Mad Dog Mike, and my cycling friends, I train sensibly and eat properly. I have lost 35kg from my peak, weighing in at 73kg.
Team
Pussy Footing Around is also the name of the team under which some friends and I enter various events such as the No Finish Line here in Monaco. See the Team section for photos and upcoming events. When entering races, please don't forget to put Pussy Footing Around down as your "Equipe".
Fundraising
Every couple of years I fundraise for Cancer Research UK, raising over £10,000 in 2010 alone. At the moment I am raising money for Cancer Research UK - please visit my fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/ben-rolfe
RoadID
Having ended up in an ambulance after a long run several years ago, when I heard about RoadID I didn't hesitate to get one, and it now lives on my wrist at all times. If you are a cyclist, runner, walker or indeed anyone that leaves the house without ID, I heavily recommend you purchase a RoadID. http://www.roadid.com/?referrer=9056
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