It happened a few years ago now. I was getting into off road military style running events and it was a wish of mine to get all of my mates to do one together for a laugh and a bit of male bonding. A night out playing pool seemed the perfect opportunity to coax everyone into it, especially after a few beers and a bit of banter.
As I expected a lot of them poured scorn over the idea and a couple of people came under fire for being unfit/lazy/too out of shape to make it round the course etc. As the beers flowed the banter became more targeted. One of them was taken a back somewhat at being put into such a category and vowed to do it.
What happened from that point forward has been nothing short of astonishing, though I should have known because he's always been the sort of person that if told he can't do something, will make very sure he does, and will do it very well. That has always been his major strength – determination, will power and a never-say-die attitude. Needless to say he ran the race, he did well but felt he could do better and myself, him and another friend began to enter all kinds of races, both on and off-road.
His relationship with running has always been a bit love-hate. It loves him, and he hates it! He's lost weight, is less stressed and more healthy in general but because he puts so much effort into it, there's always a large part of him that dreads the idea of it. Personally I think that comes down to the fact that he won't just go out for a jog, he will do his best to go out and beat the last run he did so he can see evidence of progress… That's him, always pushing himself to do and be more.
Anyway, it just occurred to me, just over a month away from starting his first marathon what an incredible journey he's been on, and it's been a pleasure being there with him. 200+ runs, well over a thousand miles covered and 170,000 calories burned. Take a bow Eamonn Foy, you are a genuine runner, whether you like it or not! ; )
