A CARRBROOK man is going the extra mile – well, an extra 26 actually – by running a marathon in the name of one of the idols.
But Simon Barry admits his only previous athletics experience was doing a fun run as a child in his home city of Leeds.
However, it could be said completing one is something he has dreamed of – because he has, literally!
The 45-year-old has signed up the run the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 23 next year after being in awe of the former rugby league star’s efforts, both on the field for his beloved Leeds Rhinos and to raise awareness of motor neurone disease as he lives with the devastating condition.
It would also mean pounding the streets of his home city after going through training in this area – and he can hardly wait after a premonition.
Simon, of Huddersfield Road, said: “I’ve followed Leeds Rhinos for years and Rob’s unbelievably emotional and inspirational at the same time. MND is a crazy disease.
“Other than doing a fun run at 13-years-old, that’s it in terms of running. It was probably about three miles and it was like a local fete we had.
“But a week before deciding to do the marathon, I actually had a dream about doing a marathon and doing it within five hours. Then someone at work told me about this marathon being set up.
“I looked online and signed up that evening with the Leeds Hospitals Trust.
“I suppose the target is doing it in five hours but as my colleague, who is a marathon runner, said, ‘Just aim to finish it.’”
Simon has another hero who is inspiring him to run the marathon, which is being held in support of held in support of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal as well as the MND Association.
Seeing Kevin Sinfield, who ran seven marathons in seven days, 101 miles continuously and is likely to do another challenge this year, on the go spurred him into action.
Simon added: “Kevin actually started near where I live and I really wanted to get down there but I never knew what time he was setting off.
“What he did, though, was unbelievable. It was such an inspiration. Then watching him run 101 miles, I was live tracking his progress and he finished just before the kids went to school.
“Every time I go for a run. I think about the reason I’m doing it and getting out, even in the rain – ‘Rob is probably set inside unable to do this.
“’Get your backside out there and do the run for him.’
“When I’m out, I have the fluorescent orange bib on, just to highlight the MNDA cause and show what I’m running for.
“I remember seeing Kevin and Rob play but after seeing Rob retire and the disease take hold and how quickly it came on was just staggering.
“It hits home when it’s someone you remember and idolised.”
Simon’s training is going well as he builds up to the marathon distance but he admits it can be hard.
He told The Correspondent: “First week you’re straight out of the door, second week you’re like, ‘Wow,’ and it’s really hard fitting it in with work.
“With my age, cardiovascular-wise I feel fit enough but the body starts aching! I’m running further each time, I just need to understand my body a bit better.
“My daughters, 10-year-old Isis and Nyla, 8, didn’t really understand what I was running for at first, until I showed them footage of Kevin and Rob.
“They think I’m a little crazy but they understand why I’m doing it and my wife Jane is supportive too. I think she sees it as a way of getting me fit too!”