Going the Extra (26) Mile(s) for TST

We, Joe Wyatt and Claire Wyatt, are very close siblings and have decided to take on a challenge.  On May the 31st 2015 we have signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon in aid of The Small Things.  The marathon is 26 miles!  To say this is a challenge is an understatement.  The founder of The Small Things and our cousin, Bekka Ross Russell, has really inspired us both to help support such a great charity.

Claire and Joe

Claire:  I am very passionate about The Small Things and I am so pleased that we are able to run in aid of this great charity. I have been out to the orphanage in 2012 and 2014 and have seen not only the children develop but also the charity itself. It is a very special organization and has opened my eyes in so many ways and I will always be thankful for the opportunities I have had to work in Tanzania. I am fortunate enough to be heading back out to Tanzania this June and July.

Nkoaranga kids and Claire

I am studying at Loughborough University and playing hockey regularly.  However, hockey is based on interval fitness with short bursts and rest!  Running has always been a hobby but distance has always been a hobby but distance has always been problematic.  I like to run short and fast so the marathon is a huge task that really requires me to change running habits.  Training got off to a slow start with injury creeping in.  One sprained ankle meant two weeks off training.  However, my training has reached up to 20 miles which I am very pleased about.  I have experienced running in the snow of England and in 30 degree heat in Bermuda (as seen in the pictures).

I cannot wait to finish the marathon alongside Joe.  Not just an achievement but an experience that I am able to do with my brother!   
 

Cold training conditions

Joe:  I am very excited but nervous for this challenge.  I have found it difficult training with a full time job.  Training takes three hours out of your day so when I finish work at 7:00pm all I want to do is go to bed but instead I have to run.  I am very happy that we can support The Small Things as it is a charity very important to our family.  Bekka, our cousin, has done a fantastic job and we are glad we can support her.  My training is going well and I have reached 20 miles.  I am looking forward to proving to people that we can do this!  

Hot training conditions

 If you would like to support Claire and Joe in this impressive challenge, you can sponsor them here.  Best of luck, Claire and Joe!