From ordinary to extraordinary. The story of a runner who has gone from nothing to training for the toughest foot race on earth!

In just a few years, Ivor transformed from an unfit thirty something to a passionate runner preparing for one of the world’s toughest races, the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert. His journey is not only inspiring but also filled with valuable lessons for anyone looking to take on a significant physical challenge. Listen to this inspiring podcast here

• Starting Out: A Journey to Running

Ivor began his running journey in May 2022, motivated by a casual conversation with a colleague who was participating in the London Marathon. Despite having no prior running experience beyond a 5K, Ivor signed up for the marathon, later realising the enormity of his commitment. He recalls, "I completely forgot the whole conversation we just had… it was like no 26.2 miles. Which one? London Marathon. Okay. So it was kind of a big deal."

His initial motivation stemmed from a desire to support the charity Dreams Come True, which helps children with severe disabilities. Reflecting on his early days, Ivor admitted, "I still don't qualify or identify myself as a runner," yet he was determined to change his lifestyle and take on the challenge. He was about to go from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Training for the London Marathon

With just four to five months to train, Ivor dedicated himself to running and improved his fitness significantly. He shared, "I was not fit… I was probably topping out 105 to 110 kilos." His transformation involved not only physical training but also addressing his relationship with alcohol, which had impacted his health for years.

On race day, Ivor experienced the highs and lows of marathon running. He described the joy of seeing his family at the halfway point and the pain of blisters that developed in the second half, humorously noting, "If anyone takes anything away from this, don't wear cheap socks."

• Building Momentum: From Marathons to Ultra Marathons

After completing the London Marathon, Ivor felt a newfound passion for running and wanted to continue pushing his limits. He entered several half marathons and again tackled the London Marathon in 2023, this time with his wife, which added a special emotional component to the experience. He explained, "Doing it together… feel quite emotional talking about it was just awesome."

However, the couple faced the challenge of fundraising together, which nearly doubled their targets. Ivor creatively approached fundraising by organising events such as a pub quiz and bake sale, which raised thousands for their charity.

• The Leap to Ultra Marathons

Feeling comfortable with his progress, Ivor decided to tackle his first ultra marathon, the North Downs 50. Reflecting on his journey, he admitted, "I was completely unqualified to even take part in this thing… but ignorance is bliss for the most part." Despite the challenges, he continued to push himself, taking on various races and ultimately setting his sights on the Marathon des Sables.

In discussing the ultra marathon experience, Ivor captured the emotional rollercoaster of such events: "You get to the start line, you kind of a bit anxious, bit nervous… And then you go past the marathon point and you think I could probably do this for another few hours."

• Key Takeaways

Ivor’s journey from a sedentary lifestyle to preparing for one of the toughest races on Earth is a testament to the power of determination, community support, and personal growth. Key takeaways from his story include:

1. Embrace challenges, even if they seem out of reach.

2. Support from friends and family can enhance your experience and motivation.

3. Fundraising for a cause can make your journey even more rewarding.

4. Always listen to your body and learn from your experiences, especially regarding gear and preparation.

Tags: running, marathon, ultra marathon, fitness journey, transformation, fundraising, health, Marathon des Sables, personal growth, endurance sports.

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