Total Guide To founder to run ultra-marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s

Our esteemed leader, Liz Hutchings, Director and Founder of Total Guide to Ltd, is doing an incredible (some would say crazy) thing this Saturday; not a half-marathon, or a marathon. Oh no! She’s running an ultra-marathon – that’s 32 miles people!

Her husband, Ross, decided this would be a fun and fitting way to mark Liz’s 40th in August, something special for them to achieve together. And while Liz may have initially been thinking she’d prefer a relaxing holiday, she has truly embraced the challenge and thrown herself into training.

“I’m actually really excited for us to take on this challenge together,” said Liz. “We wanted something that would really challenge us to try and raise as much money for the Alzheimer’s Society as possible. We both love the sea and the local running routes but the furthest I had run before I started training for this was a half-marathon, so I am nervous.”

Having lost her beloved Nan to Alzheimer’s, Liz has seen the cruel disease first-hand and knows many others who have experienced the terrible battle too. She said: “So much more is to be done in terms of research, diagnosis, treatment and support for the families of those affected, so we wanted to do our bit and help raise some money and awareness.”

The Run to the Sea Bournemouth Ultra Marathon starts at Moors Valley Country Park and ends at Hengistbury Head in Bournemouth, taking in some of the Castleman Trailway and stunning sea views along its 50km route.

Fitting the training in has been the real challenge; with Ross being in the military he is often away with work, so Liz is juggling running the business and caring for Florence (5) and Phoebe (2) - probably enough training in itself! She’s trained with little Flo riding next to her on her bike and even completed a half-marathon with Phoebe in the buggy, so the girls are both fully on board! 

There have been a few setbacks and Liz was advised to stop running for six weeks after being diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma, which is essentially trapped nerves in the feet and a burning/pins and needles sensation while running. But with new wide-feet trainers, pain relief and stretch stops while running, it’s now manageable and she’s hoping that this doesn't affect race day too badly.

She said, “I've really enjoyed the process, seeing how the body responds to the training is quite astounding. I remember doing my first long run of 18 miles and my legs feeling like jelly but feeling so proud (and amazed) that I'd run that far and then three weeks later I was able to run a full marathon on my own - no crowds or medal at the end! So, I'm hopeful that if I can do that, I can do 32 miles! I've no doubt Ross will smash through it in true military style and he'll be strong on the morale front!”

Liz and Ross are digging deep to complete this challenge, so any money you can donate would be hugely appreciated and will help them to push on through to the finish line. “We're really looking forward to seeing friends, family and our girls en route and crossing that finish line,” said Liz. “If you happen to be in Poole or along the prom anywhere from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head from about 11.15 on Saturday please come and cheer us and all the other runners on, it will give us a real buzz and morale boost!”

If you'd like to donate, please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lizandrossruntothesea

Alzheimer’s Society is working hard to find a cure for the disease but, in the meantime, aims to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice. For more information go to www.alzheimers.org.uk