Sam

“Tomorrow will be my 3rd Marathon. I’ve been running for about two years now, I started exercising a year before that, walking up and down the hills. Originally I hated running, my friend had to force me to run a couple hundred metres. Then we started running in the park together, eventually I started loving it.

My motivation for running comes from a trip to Bangladesh a couple of years ago. Walking through the slums was such an eye opening experience, locals would come and talk to us and wanted to help us out in any way they possibly could. They were so happy living their lives, but they could never leave. My life is so different, I have the freedom to do what I want. I have a responsibility to make the most of my freedom, and I feel I’m making up for others lack of opportunity. If they were in my position they would do everything they possibly could. They’ve done nothing wrong – we’re all human beings – it’s just the patch of dirt we are born on.

I did a marathon and thought, I need another challenge. My coach had done this crazy thing called an Ironman, I thought, surely I can do that? I’ve done two half Ironmans now, my next challenge is the full Ironman in March next year. Physically and mentally it’s very difficult. I’m an all or nothing person, I’m never satisfied doing just half of something it has to be absolutely balls out. I give it everything I’ve got.”

– Sam