Page 7 - Eagle Eye Spring 2021

Run Big Lad, Run!
By Sgt Keith Stewart
It was 8 December 2020 and I decided that I had to do something, so I did.
I have always been a big lad, and have recently started to struggle with my weight, partly as I don’t play as much sport as I used to. As a teenager I played lots of sport and rugby at a high level and I continued to play rugby when I joined the RAF, but it finally took its toll, whilst lifting sandbags out in Camp Bastion, I severely injured my back. One back operation later, when 3 of my vertebrae were fused with rods and screws, I found it an effort to do any activity.
With time the weight crept up, COVID restrictions did not help as I think we all put on a few pounds in lockdown. It was 7pm on 8 December when I came up with the idea of doing a running challenge with all proceeds going to the Royal Air Force Association. I was inspired by a friend, who had broken both legs in a motorcycle crash who after a long recovery, was now running half marathons before breakfast. If he could do that, then surely, I can run a small 5km. I knew I could run 5km as I had done a few park-runs before, however I had not run any distance in over 6 months. I decided to push myself and do sixty 5km runs each day totalling in 300km.
I created a just giving page and initially wanted to raise £500, now (day 51) I have raised the amazing total of £1620. Fitting in the running around Christmas and New Year
was hard, also finding a route to run that was not flooded made it even more difficult. I have enjoyed many great runs, where I was joined by friends and family, by far my most favourite run was with my son William who is only 6 years old, who was able to run the entire way with me. I have also had, not so great runs in the rain and cold and pain in my knees and calves. My times have got better and better and I have made an 8 minute improvement in time over 5km.
I have a Facebook page called Run Big Lad Run, where I post my routes and times and I record a video thanking all who have donated that day. The most rewarding part of the whole experience has been getting messages
from people saying that I had inspired them to go for a run, even a long walk. If I was able to inspire one person to get out for a run when they usually wouldn’t, it made it well worth all the pain and effort.
I shall be running my final 5km on the 5 February 2021, hopefully I can get a few work friends out to run this last one with me. As for running again, I will be doing the odd 5 and 10km but not every day!
Thank you to everyone who has taken time to run with me, donate and follow me on Facebook and Strava, but mostly my wife who has had to deal with me moaning how sore my legs are everyday.
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