“I cannot imagine what my life would be like without sport!”
Josef Baines is our second marathon runner for next years London Marathon. Here’s more about Josef and the reasons why he’s decided to take on the challenge:
“When I was a child, I was always on the lookout for new and various activities to see if it suited my taste, but I eventually settled down on ski racing/downhill skiing, rugby, cross-country skiing and rowing. A big proportion of my leisure time is spent on rowing, it is such a demanding sport that requires high-level fitness, but that is not the main reason why I got involved.
“Personally, whenever I jump on the single scull and glide down the river, I always feel fantastic afterwards because of the powerful effects of meditation. This goes the same with downhill or cross-country skiing, it also feels as if though I have escaped from reality, hence why I love doing sport.
“I have decided to run in the London Marathon because I want to see what it is like to run for 26.2 miles. Before training for the marathon, I have never run continuously for more than 3 miles in my life, so doing the marathon would be no mean feat for me! I also want to run in the marathon because I want to fundraise for a ‘Disabled leaders in sport and physical activity’ project. I feel there are not enough disabled role models in leadership positions within sport and physical activity.
“The one thing that is interesting about me is that during my time at Brunel University, I was elected by students to become the Institution’s first deaf President representing 14,000 students. I also led the Students’ Union that had a company turnover of £2.8 million per annum and had 150 members of staff. I was this country’s third deaf president in the National Union of Students’ 95-year history.
“My primary aim in the lead up to the marathon would be to fundraise up to or beyond £1,800. As I do not hail from a running background, my secondary aim would be to cross the finish line without hitting the wall!”
To keep track of Josef’s marathon training preparations and fundraising efforts, please visit the following links:
My Virgin Money Giving fundraising webpage – http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JosefBaines
My Twitter handle: @bainesjosef
