Down man to run a marathon a day for May
He hopes to raise £1,308 pounds for two charities
821.2 miles in one month – that is the massive undertaking of a 25-year-old man from Donaghadee during the month of May.
Joshua Eastwood’s goal is to raise £1,308 pounds for Cancer Research UK and the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust.
Pre-pandemic Joshua was not a runner, but during lockdown he decided to lace up his trainers and start to run the roads.
He said: “I picked up running in lockdown because I thought it was good exercise, you just throw on your shoes get out the door and it helps with any anxieties, mental things, you can just get out there and go for a run.
“Then I just kept the training up and I’m obviously trying this challenge because I thought I might as well use it for something good.”
So far Joshua has been coping well with the huge task he has set himself.
However, he said he is struggling trying to consume enough calories to keep his body well fuelled.
He added: “I’ve never been a big morning eater.
“I need to have about 5,000 calories every day.
“I’m just trying to eat as much as I can and then I go out, full stomach and I’m trying to run but after about five kilometres I feel like I’m good.
“Surprisingly the body’s okay I think it’s more of a mental task of I’ve got so much to do.
“But I can’t get overwhelmed with the task ahead, I’ve just to stay focused and stay present in the moment.”
Running 26.2 miles everyday on your own is no mean feat and doing all of those runs alone can get lonely.
To combat this Joshua has encouraged members of the public to join him on his daily run in the Co Down area.
He said: “I encourage anyone who sees me around Bangor or Donaghadee to join me.
“You can join me for a few kilometres or half marathon whatever you want, I would be happy for people to join in.”
“It’s surprising the first few days I was kind of going well and then I decided to slow it down because I was feeling it a little bit.
“It’s just trying to manage the recovery, so I’ve actually woke up today and there’s no real pain in my legs.”
“These people with cancer and these terminally ill children who would love to be able to have no stress and be healthy like I am.
“I kind of think of that and that spurs me on, but of course I’m always concerned about injury that’s why I try and pace myself.”
To track Joshua’s route, click here.
To Support and Donate to Joshua’s Go Fund Me Page click here.
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