Run around the grounds

[p][u]The challenge [/u][/p][p]On 7th March 2020, starting at Old Trafford, I am going to attempt to run thousands of miles around England and Wales. I aim to run consecutively to every single one of the 92 football grounds in all four divisions of the English football league system. Raising money for charity, I will be running in between every ground and travelling throughout most of the country unsupported and self funded with all my kit on my back. When moving between each of the grounds, I'll be using no other mode of transport but my two legs. As I run around the clubs of England and Wales, I'll eat and sleep wherever I can and begin the next day's run where I finished the last. I will be running between 50 and 100 miles a week and I have calculated a rough distance of 2,000 - 2,500 miles. I am hoping to finish the challenge inside six months.[/p][p][u]My story[/u] [/p][p]I am a 28-year-old father, former soldier and engineer from Greater Manchester, UK. In January 2019, I was struggling with my own mental health,feeling unhealthy and unhappy with my weight and was finding it difficult to cope following the loss of two close family members within a year. I turned to running as an escape. Having never run a marathon before, the prospect of running one seemed impossible. But in April 2019, I ran two in the space of a week. After my first ever marathon in Manchester, I ran the Paris marathon the following week. After completing those two marathons, I began to contemplate and question my true capabilities and limits. Fast forward to July of this year and I have realised running is a great way to keep my morale high and retain my focus, keeping both my mind and body healthy. But I needed a greater challenge.[/p][p][u]The aim[/u][/p][p]At the heart of this challenge are two things I love: football and running. I have always wanted to visit every football stadium in the English football league but I could not help but wonder if anyone had ever run to them all before. As far as I could see, no one ever had. The prospect of being the first person to ever do this inspired me to take on this challenge. Furthermore, it was going to be an amazing opportunity (and excuse) to see the country. There are two motivating factors for this challenge. Firstly, my personal motivation is to challenge myself physically and mentally. But more importantly, I want to encourage and inspire people to get out running so they can have the same success I have had in battling demons through exercise. I want to encourage and stimulate discussion about mental health by raising awareness through fundraising for ‘Mind’, a charity that helps people who are struggling with mental health problems. I will also be fundraising for ‘Super Josh’ which is a great charity based in Bury, where I was born. The Super Josh charity does some incredible work helping children and their families who have brain tumours and post-surgery disabilities. [/p][p][u]Get involved [/u][/p][p]I am also inviting anyone and everyone, who would like to run with me, to join me when I pass through their part of the country. I will also be grateful for any support along the way. I know that a number of people have visited all 92 grounds but, as far as I know, nobody has run to them all. I have saved up, left my job and put my life on hold to complete this epic challenge and it will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Please help me by showing your support, spreading the word and in making any donations you can to the two worthy causes.[/p][p][u]Plogging[/u][/p][p]I will also be incorporating ‘Plogging’ into some of my runs and asking people to join me. 'Plogging' involves running with a plastic bag and picking up rubbish as you run along. It’s a great way to get fit and to clean up the streets and help the environment as you go. [/p][p]I will be posting my daily running mileage and photos/updates so people can follow me and see my location. You can find these updates on my various social media pages:[/p][p]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Runaroundthegrounds/[/p][p]Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nathrich92[/p][p]Instagram: www.instagram.com/Nathrich92[/p][p]Please also visit my website for more info: Nathrich.com[/p]