MOVE and Shine: A Journey of Strength and Support
By Naz Wardle-Bi
Sep 13, 2024
Adam’s 55 marathons in 55 cities
Adam Rodriguez from Bath explains why he’s attempting to run 55 marathons – one in every English city – over the course of a year…
“A few years ago my mother bravely battled large B-cell lymphoma in 3 places and while she survived, the journey tested every part of our family. A reminder of the quiet, relentless strength it takes to face cancer, not just for those diagnosed but for everyone who loves them. I’m passionate about trying to raise money for Move Against Cancer because they bring hope, movement and community to people navigating the weight of cancer, reminding us that no one goes through it alone. I’m doing this challenge to see every corner of England, to test both my body and my mind, and to embrace the adventure that comes with pushing beyond comfort – one marathon, once city, and one story at a time.
My first marathon will be in Hereford on Saturday 5 July and then I’ll run 54 more marathons across England, finishing in Salisbury on Sunday 28 June 2026. I’ll be doing a marathon in London the day before so I will finish with a double marathon weekend! As I work full-time the marathons will all be run on a Saturday or Sunday and tracked using a Strava device. I’ve always been active and I’ve always loved running. In terms of the fitness side of things, I’ve run many marathons and half marathons before. Although it won’t be easy I’m confident I can make it work!
Throughout the year-long challenge I’m planning to join some of MOVE Against Cancer’s 5k Your Way groups along the way. It’s going to be such an honour joining the participants and ambassadors of 5KYW across the country. These are the people creating community, encouragement and strength at a local level and I’m excited to hear their stories, share the miles with them and highlight the real impact Move Against Cancer is making on the ground.
Training is going well at the moment but the real challenge will be recovery, especially on the few weekends where I’ve got two marathons back to back. The funny thing about marathon training is, no matter how hard you go at it, 26.2 miles always finds a way to humble you. I’m having to be super sensible with how I train, fuel and rest, even if my legs would prefer a lie-down and a cuppa. Add in the joy of British weather and the odd city that feels more like a mountain range, and it’s shaping up to be quite the adventure! My mum is looking forward to watching my journey and says she has every faith I’ll complete this!
I’ve been to several of the cities on my list before but the one I’m looking forward to visiting the most is Newcastle as it’ll be my first time there. I’ve always found something iconic about the north east spirit, and the chance to run across the Tyne Bridge is going to be a real moment. Plus, the Geordie support is second to none, so I might need to rely on this energy if times are getting tough!”
Inspired by Adam’s marathon challenge? Donate to his page here: http://bit.ly/3UMNPIC
