I’m ready for 66 marathons (From Southend Standard)

I’m ready for 66 marathons

7:00am Friday 7th September 2012 in Echo News By Chloe Chapman

A DETERMINED runner will attempt to complete 66 marathons in 12 months to break a UK record.

Heather McDonald-Hamilton, 51, of Tye Common Road, Billericay , only took up the sport six years ago when she began experiencing pain in her arms.

The self-employed property developer was prescribed anti-depressant drugs, but decided to take her health into her own hands with a strict healthy eating and exercise regime.

Mrs McDonald-Hamilton, a former nurse, completed her first London Marathon in 2007 and has not looked back since.

She decided to take on the world record attempt, which currently stands at 61, four months ago and has already run 40 marathons this summer. Mrs McDonald-Hamilton said: “Unless something goes wrong I am on track. There are so many things to take into consideration. You can never be complacent when it comes to running. You can’t take your fitness for granted, because an injury can happen at any time.

“Everyone always says you feel great after running and it’s so true. The endorphins start going through your body and you get such a buzz. My father is 77 and stills runs, so I’m determined that I will be like that too.”

The record-breaking attempt will come to a head in May next year when Mrs McDonald-Hamilton takes on ten marathons in ten days to raise at least £5,000 for Brathay Trust – a charity which works with disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

Mrs McDonald-Hamilton will join just 15 selected runners for the consecutive 26 mile circuits around England’s largest lake, Windermere.

She said: “I am very lucky that I work for myself, so I can train when I want and am not restricted to going out in the dark early in the morning or at night. I feel very sorry for the other people who are doing the ten in ten challenge and are working full-time as well.

“If I carry on training I should be fine, but it is more of a mental thing. You have got to be able to get up when you’re stiff, in pain and tired and do the course all over again.”

To sponsor Mrs McDonald-Hamilton, visit www.justgi ving.com/HMH10.