I REALLY BELIEVE IN MOVEMENT AND CONNECTION WITH NATURE
By Jodie Quigg
Jun 26, 2025
Running Isn’t My Forte – I’m More Of A Cyclist!
The name’s Missen. David Missen. And over the past year he’s been on a mighty MOVE mission…
“Eleven down, one to go. I’m getting more tired as the year goes on and as the fatigue is accumulative, it feels like there’s less and less time to recover. If truth be told, running isn’t my forte – I’m more of a cyclist!
The idea to do one marathon a month – every month – for a whole year came about when I was out running with a friend. She suggested that I do 12 in 12 and before I knew it I heard myself saying “yes!” I couldn’t believe what I’d just agreed to but there was no going back – once I commit to something I won’t back out!
I decided to run for Move Against Cancer because I know so many people affected by cancer – including my friend Mary – and I just wanted to do something to help. I also knew Move co-founder Lucy Gossage from the Cambridge tri club (I used to swim there) and I’ve been involved with the local 5k Your Way group. I know the positive impact of being active and I want to help get that message across.
The first two marathons I did pretty much no problem but I really struggled with the third one. Luckily a friend offered to coach me for the rest of the year and that made the world of difference. I would have been trying to do too much in training so happily he kept me in check! The summer was hard because I found running in the heat tough. I’ve much preferred the colder, winter runs. Most of the marathons I’ve run with others but the September one I ended up doing on my own as my friend couldn’t make it. I never run that kind of distance on my own so it was a massive deal for me. I felt really proud of myself; although I’m doing these marathons for Move, there have been personal achievements for me along the way…
The whole challenge has made me think about life more. Spread over a whole year it’s made me quite reflective as seasons change and one month rolls into the next. I’ve had to arrange the rest of my life around each marathon and all the training inbetween. My wife’s support has been amazing and by way of a thank you I’ve taken her off to a hotel when we’ve gone to each running event!
The last marathon on 15th December is going to be fancy dress. So if you’re in Peterborough and you see a giant elf running then that’s me! My cycling club will be supporting me along the way. I’m at £4727 with my fundraising so far and I’d love to get to 5k. In fact, that has a certain ring to it – getting to 5k my way!”
