Rob reflects on a memorable month
Rob Smith, formerly of Todmorden but now based in Edinburgh, completed two marathons and an ironman challenge to raise funds for three charities
A PERSONAL trainer for the army has had a September to remember after completing a gruelling trio of events for charity.
Rob Smith, who is in the physical training corps, took on two marathons and an ironman event with the aim of raising £1,000 each for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Rob, formerly of Todmorden but now based in Edinburgh, completed the Perthshire Marathon on September 1, the Ironman Wales on September 16 and on Sunday he finished the Loch Ness Marathon.
“It’s taken its toll on the body,” he said.
“It was mentally and physically draining. I was hurting on Sunday night.”
The Perthshire marathon featured significant stretches of uphill climbs.
“At about 18 miles I made a phone call to my wife and said I don’t think I can do this,” Rob said.
“I got a good telling off and she told me to get a grip of myself.
“I then finished in four-and-a-half hours. I came away from there feeling a bit better.”
Rob, 35, who has been in the army for 17 years, said the ironman event - consisting of a sea swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run - was the one he most enjoyed.
“I felt strong afterwards and was looking forward to the next marathon,” he said.
He then dug deep to complete the Loch Ness Marathon and achieve his goal.
“It’s the time to relax now and think ‘You’re crazy for doing that’,” he said.
Former Todmorden High School student Rob will be back in his hometown this weekend to catch up with friends and hopefully raise more sponsorship money for the three charities.
“I have aimed for about £1,000 for each charity as a minimum,” he said.
“I have still got friends in Todmorden who have done their bit.
“I’ll be in town this weekend so hopefully we can catch up and raise more funds.”
Rob’s epic feats are set to continue. He has already signed up for an ironman event in Bolton next year.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Crews called to house fire in Calder Valley
- Cheers at the Top Brink as it is voted pub of the year
- Dixon to guest present ITV slot
- Former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher was a “very nice lady” who paved the way for women, says councillor
- Cruel sting as lack of dock leaves leads to world championships being cancelled
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 4 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
