An Auchinleck man has completed the extraordinary physical feat of running 100km in one day.
Jason McGinn took on the ultimate test of endurance, stamina and mental focus for Back Onside, a charity which supports those in need by reasons of mental health issues, disabilities or challenging life circumstances after it helped him through a difficult period in his own life.
But having previously been unable to run even 15 miles, 38-year-old Jason is now no stranger to gruelling challenges. Last June, he ran the West Highland Way and climbed Ben Nevis in 48 hours – something which took him completely out his comfort zone.
Now, he has his own podcast and blog documenting his mental health and running journey and on Saturday 27, just two days before his birthday, exerted himself again by running from 7am to 8pm, completing 100km and raising an incredible £1,355.
Jason told the Chronicle: “It all started last year when I was going through my own mental health stuff. I started up a podcast on mental health and through that got in touch with Back Onside. One of the first shows I did was with one of their patrons and now I’m an ambassador for them.
“I got into running through lockdown like a lot of people but never to any great extent. I knew through my mental challenges what I could withstand so I wanted to put that to the physical test. Running really improves my mood so I want to encourage other people to get out and active through lockdown.
“The first loop was 35k and I felt fine after it but as soon as I got back to the car, my legs froze and it was hard to get going again. At the 50k mark, I hit a real wall. It was mentally tough to motivate myself but that’s why I was doing it, to build mental resilience.
“I felt as if I’d been running for a week.”
Jason believes the physical strength built up through runs such as this are a reflection of the mental fortitude we all have inside us.
He added: “You have to work to find a way through these challenges but it shows you how strong you are. I had nothing left to give and I wanted to stop, but I didn’t. Although it’s tough, you can do it.”
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