"In 2008 I completed the London Marathon - after some vomit issues - and vowed not to run another marathon for at least five years. Two years later I found myself on West Sands beach in St Andrews, famous from the Chariots of Fire opening scene, starting a 263 mile trans-Scottish ordeal which involved running more than a marathon a day for nine days. The reason for this lunacy was the tragic death of my best friend Haris Ahmed in March 2010.
In his memory I would run to the Isle of Harris, a trip he planned but neverhad the opportunity to complete. The run would raise money for a building in his memory at the Malaika Kids orphanage in Tanzania.
Supporting me, with a car carrying my stuff was Gareth Mottram. I completed the emotionally, physically and mentally demanding journey in 46 hours 25 minutes, inspired by Eddie Izzard having completed an even more ambitious mission last year. I ran through 50mph winds, relentless rain, up 600m passes, on busy roads and in scorching heat, fuelling myself on 500g of pasta a night, energy drinks, the odd pint of stout and, of course, Jelly Babies!
When the weather turned sour, and being in Scotland this happened frequently, I donned my Quito waterproof. With its innovative zips and breathability, it kept my torso dry and relatively sweat-free, making what could have been a very uncomfortable 4-5 hours into a more tolerable experience. When I'd received a pair of Páramo Cambia Long Boxers I'd thought them a touch goofy. Little did I realise their brilliance! By wearing them every day (alternating between my two pairs!) I avoided the inevitable long-distance runners' leg chaffage - unfortunately there was little to be done for my derriere! The Páramo gear helped me keep going in sometimes adverse conditions, one of the numerous helping hands which allowed me to achieve what proved a sizeable challenge. Thanks Páramo!"
Ed Lemon
