A post thanking everyone so far for their support on the JustGiving page.
The pic explains loads of how the human race is a wonderful beast. The fantastic event that was the Liverpool Half Marathon wasn’t only about the party, but stories like Zaheer’s.
The loss of his son, a fit, healthy 7-year-old who died suddenly. Over 10 years he battled his demons, however fitness, predominantly running, had brought him out of his depressive ways. On the day of the “Half” he met 2 Irish men who had been described as doormen on route!! One slightly hungover, the other a ball of eagerness and, I suspect, nerves.
I got speaking to Zaheer and his crazy music (he ran with his phone, no headphones, so everyone heard it…). His motivation!! Me & Terry’s annoyance! It was his first ever run, 13.1 miles. He spoke about losing weight, loving life, tragedy, and asked could he run with us for the duration. From merely 2 miles onwards his aim was to break 2hrs, also our aim, so we did, until 10.5 miles. A long way with that music, a cross between Hindu and yogic beats!! WTF
With temperatures soaring we took a breather. Zaheer, the perfect gent, wanted to stay with us but I shipped him onwards. Terry and myself got going again and little did we know we’d be tapping our mate on the shoulder at 12 miles, in need of a pick-me-up. His “Guardian Angel”, he said. Still with phone in hand, music blaring, he cut a sorry figure.
Half marathons, marathons can be sorrowful places. The mind does amazingly silly things, but the body only does what the mind tells it.
A cliché until you’ve been there, as Terry & Zaheer found out. That last 1.1 miles was tough going for both of them. Anyways, we ran across the line. Such an achievement, such a relief for both of them.
I’m proud to have supported them both home in 1hr 58mins.
Let the party commence.
Check out Zaheer’s story here.
Fundraising is slow, so many people supporting so many great causes out there locally. Let’s hope in September I get my shit together!! Want to know more? Check the link out.
Catch you soon. G