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Lee Collier, 42, is a photographer based in Dorset. This year, he’s attempting to break two World Records while dressed as our mascot Paddington Bear™! His first attempt will now happen at the Virgin Money London Marathon on 22 April. It’s after the Bath Half was cancelled in March because of heavy snow. We caught up with Lee to find out how his preparations are going…
How did you feel when the Bath Half was cancelled?
I was gutted to be honest! During the week leading up to the race all the momentum started to ramp up and for the first time I actually felt really, really positive about achieving the goal! But you can’t control the weather so you’ve just got to crack on with it and focus on the next challenge.
We’ll come on to the ‘big’ one in just a sec…You’ve already organised another half marathon haven’t you?
Yes, that’s right! I’ll be running the ‘Salisbury Half’ on 7 October and aiming to beat the record there. With Bath being cancelled it’s actually made me even more determined to do well. Plus it gives me a bit more time to get fit, so ‘every cloud’ and all that!
"A World Record is a World Record, so it’s never going to be easy. But one thing’s for sure I will definitely give it my best shot!"
Right, you’ll be running 26.2 miles in the Paddington costume on 22 April - how has training been going?
Well I did a few marathons last year (and actually ran two in December) so my general fitness has been pretty good. However, over the start of the year I did struggle a little to get back into it…I gave myself some time off over Christmas and definitely ate too many chocs!!!
What’s been the hardest part?
The hardest part for me is motivating myself to get out there and run especially as we've had such horrible weather. And for some reason I always seem to pick up calf problems around this time of year. I could just feel it tweak when I was running a race the other weekend – nothing serious, but things like that can niggle in the back of your mind.
"Try not to go off too fast... make sure you have your name on your vest as the crowd calling your name is amazing... and enjoy it!"
How confident are you about breaking the World Record?
Hmmm…being completely honest I’m 50/50 at the moment.
A World Record is a World Record, so it’s never going to be easy. But one thing’s for sure I will definitely give it my best shot! If it happens, then it will be amazing; if it doesn't, then I will focus more for Salisbury and who knows maybe try again next year !!
Careful, we might hold you to that! Your girlfriend Alie’s also a keen runner; will she be running with you on 22 April?
Well, Alie is doing her first London Marathon so she is really excited about being part of this incredible day. I've bigged it up a lot to her, so fingers crossed she loves it! But we will be running the race separately so that I can concentrate on my pacing. We will celebrate together at the end though.
How many marathons have you run before?
I’m not sure exactly, but I think it’s around 15. This year - along with London - I have 14 planned and Alie has 15!!! We’re obviously gluttons for punishment!
Any tips for first time runners?
Um…I would say: Try not to go off too fast (which everybody does); make sure you have your name on your vest as the crowd calling your name is amazing - especially if you’re struggling; and enjoy it, the atmosphere is incredible!
You can find out more about Lee’s fundraising here.
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