Mike's New Lungs

4 years ago I had a double lung transplant – now I’m running in the 2012 London Marathon.

Post Transplant - Day 3 Post Transplant - Day 10

Let’s rewind just a little…On 23rd September 2007, I underwent a 7.5 hour operation to have a double lung transplant, prior to that I was bed-bound and on a ventilator 24/7. I’d been in The Royal Brompton Hospital for seven months and had been in a wheelchair for half a year beforehand.

Because of the unfortunate death of a younger male whose amazing decision it was to opt-in to the UK Organ Donor register, I’m here today living the life I never thought I’d be able to lead. I don’t know anything about my donor but I’ll always have incredible gratitude and amazing respect for him and his family – he’s the reason I’m here today.

To celebrate all of this, I thought I’d set myself a challenge. A challenge that will really test my strength, agility and focus. I applied to the CF Trust to see if they would allow me the honour to run the London Marathon for them – they agreed…

Here’s my journey...

News

New Balance (Updated)

18th July 2012It's Time To Run. No, Seriously.

Well, after months of not really running (which seems to be the average response post-marathon for first timers) I’m back on the running “thing” again. This time, however, I’m changing tact. It all started when I recently decided to buy myself some new running shoes and after significant research, I’ve decided to go down the minimalist route. Previously, I used to suffer with knee pain when running, specifically striking. I’ve put this down to my heel strike technique. By going for a minimalist running shoe, I’m hoping to change my form and run in a more natural manner with a mid-to-toe strike instead. I’ve chosen the New Balance Minimus Zero (pictured left). Beautiful, aren’t they?

It may not be the cure I’m looking for, but many people believe that it has helped and freed them from injury so I thought I’d give it a go. There’s a significant introductory period to the new form and minimalist shoes so it’ll almost be like starting all over again. There are many arguments for and against minimalist but (to me), it makes a hell of a lot of sense. Most of all though, I’m looking forward to just getting back out there!

I will post updates on how I progress and what my findings are…

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Runs

2012 London Marathon map

Marathon Map

The Virgin London Marathon is one of the great British sporting events, combining elite athletics, mass participation and record-breaking fundraising in one race. The course is a gruelling 26 miles 385 yards long, passing through the streets of London from Blackheath to the famous finish line at The Mall.

Partners

NHSBT Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Find out more about my partners by clicking the links above