WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN?
First and foremost in memory of my late Grandmother Mary Milne.

I made a sincere promise to myself that I would never forget this wonderful lady, and all that my grandparents did for me during my early childhood, this is my own special way of remembrance and thanks.
My Nanny endured a decade of sickness due to the debilitating soul and mind stealing disease Alzheimers, my family and I watched our much loved Mary suffer and plummet deeper into a darkness, that no one could follow, so every year for as long as I can I intend to run the Many Miles For Mary, and with the help of others raise some awareness and funds for those whom have loved ones that suffer, and with the aim to help ease the journey of suffering in some shape or form.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Watching the effect this life changing event has on those who have volunteered for it.
The two previous MMFM charity events have been a memory and an achievement that will remain hard to surpass.
It is amazing to observe true human spirit and true mental fortitude in the face of physical adversity.
You can see it in the eyes of those taking part that they are giving it their all, leaving everything they have out on the road day in and day out. All for what, the service of others, it is a truly a humbling and rewarding experience to share. I can’t wait to witness it again this year.

WHAT ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Being navigated by my Uncle Stu’s Scottish highland G.P.S system, last year after running for two and a bit hours on day three I’m thinking

“Geez I’m making good time”……..I yelled out “Uncle Stu, how far to go mate?”

Stu reply’s “ Your going like a rocket son!, 4 km to go”

Now I’m thinking John Walker got nothing on me 4km to go and I’m killing it.
So I think to myself, ill give it a bit more throttle and finish in style, I’ll show the boys how the coach does it.

Thirty minutes pass
“Uncle Stu how we looking mate?” I yell out, by this time the old backsides starting to drag.

Stu replies and casually I might add

“Oh sorry Jamie lad, the G.P.S reset itself at the bottom of the hill you only have 14km to go mate!!!”
Those of you with any running experience reading this will know that’s the last thing you want to hear out on the road. So fingers crossed Uncle Stu’s GPS has had a systems upgrade this year.

GIVE ONE INTERESTING FACT WE DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
At the age of 15 I was forced to do something other then a sports related activity, so I did a year of rock and roll dancing in Rotorua (Go the Geyserland rockers!!!!) even competed in Greerton that same year.

The other day one of our support runners Aidan said to me in his thick Irish accent “Yeh neva lost it baby!!!!”

Made my day.