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401 corp pack
- 1. SUPPORTING
- 2. Welcome to the 401 Corporate Pack! On the 1st September 2015 I will begin one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I will be undertaking a World Record attempt which will see me run 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days around 309 different locations of the UK mainland. The challenge will aim to raise both awareness of the issues of bullying in our society and 贈250,000 for two amazing charities dedicated to tackling bullying. The two charities are called Stonewall and Kidscape. Both these charities work tirelessly to support award winning initiatives which really get to the heart of bullying in our UK schools and society in all forms. The 贈250,000 that will be through generous donations from UK business and the public will help support both these charities carry on the amazing work they do. Through the use of social media, The 401 challenge Facebook page has already over 1000 followers and growing every day, our Twitter feed has just over 300 followers to date and we are seeing great interaction on both formats. Every day, messages from the public both here in the UK and abroad come in wishing me luck and asking how they can be involved. The 401 challenge is starting to inspire people even before it has officially started, the positive engagement and passion people are showing is truly humbling and motivating. On top of this we have managed to secure some high profile sponsors that are dedicated to supporting the 401 Challenge eitherthrough financial sponsorship to help cover costs of the challenge or through material sponsorship to help with the everyday needs of the challenge. Im extremely lucky to have such amazing sponsors, friends and family members that believe in what we are trying to achieve, we couldnt do it without them. The aims and objectives of The 401 challenge are simple: Raise 贈250,0000 to support Stonewall and Kidscape Raise awareness of bullying in the UK Complete and achieve 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days Involve as many people as possible and inspire people to push their limits With a collaborative approach to planning this challenge over the past 2 years, we have been able to involve over 250 EA approved running clubs throughout the UK, over 300 qualified therapists and over 100 schools already, all of which are onboard and supporting the 401 Challenge with either routes, therapy or opportunities to talk within their school on the subject of bullying.
- 3. My Story Now you know a little about the challenge, I suppose the next question is who am I and why am I doing this? Well my name is Ben, I am 33 years old and live just outside Bristol in the South west of the UK. I am a pretty normal guy but I think what makes me slightly different is my past. At the age of 10 I went away to school. My father was in the forces and at the time we lived in Germany and to ensure my schooling wasnt affected the decision was taken to send me to boarding school in the UK. Coming from a very close and supportive family environment I found myself alone and very insecure; it would be fair to say it was a shock to the system and a change I wasnt completely prepared for, this meant I was an easy target for school bullies unfortunately. Over the following 8 years I became more and more reclusive and unsure of myself. I turned from an outgoing and excitable child into a very shy and under confident individual. The daily physical and emotional abuse broke me and unfortunately at the age of 18 I tried to take my own life after suffering a nervous breakdown. Growing up as a teenager is hard enough without having to through mental and physical abuse at the hands of your peers. After leaving school I went straight on to university where it was clear that the bullying had left its mark on me. I was unable to trust people, make friends or even function some days, I spent most of my first year automatically feeling people were out to get me. Whilst at university I suffered from depression which led me to try and take my own life again, I just didnt want to be alive anymore and didnt see any way of getting myself out of the situation I found myself in, I felt alone and unable to talk to anyone about it. My studies suffered and on leaving full time education I didnt really have a clear understanding of who I was and what I wanted to achieve in life. Over the next 12 years I led what could only be described as a routine, normal existence. I focused on accomplishing things others wanted me to do, never really having the strength or motivation to make my own decisions, I suppose you could say I became a professional at this. The turning point for me came when I was 31, after years of doing what others wanted me to do, acting in a way others told me to act I took charge of my life and finally came out as gay. It suddenly felt like my life made sense, no longer did I pretend to be happy or act in a certain way to successfully fool people. I was finally 100% congruent with myself, which brought about feelings of complete inner peace and strength. The bullying I had faced at school had stripped me of my ability to accept who I was but this was no more. Around 3 years ago I started running; I got into it as a way of reducing stress in my life. I was overweight, depressed and needed something to focus on. I cant count the number of times I had watched the London marathon on TV and wished I could do something like that. I started with running a few miles and then completed a few 10K races and then my first half marathon in 2012. The feeling I got from running was a sense of accomplishment I had never felt before, I was hooked. Having never been very good at sport at school you could say I had started from nothing which made the achievement even sweeter. Around 2 years ago I decided to plan a challenge that at the time I honestly didnt feel I would be able to do; this is where the 401 challenge was born. In 2013 I completed my first two marathons, then in 2014 I completed 18 marathons within the year all around the world and this year alone I have completed 10 marathons of which 7 were back to back marathons in the states. My confidence has grown massively, with 30 marathons under my belt in just 2 years, a wealth of knowledge gained from working with some of the best health professionals around I feel as ready as I will ever be to take on board this huge rewarding challenge. Having a close network of friends, family and sponsors on board has been integral to the success of the 401 Challenge so far. The strength they have given me to accept who I am has led me to be able to use my own experiences from my past and present to stand up and be counted when it comes to stamping out bullying. Its important to point out, the 401 Challenge isnt about being a victim, the challenge is about showing people that no matter what you go through growing up there can always be a positive outcome if you want there to be. Why not become part of The 401 Challenge family?
- 4. Tolu Osinnowo: The 401 Project Manager What can I say about Tolu that will do her justice? You know when you meet a person in your life where you immediately get that feeling that they are one of the special ones, one of lifes great people. Well this is the feeling I got when I first ever met Tolu. Othe rmembers of the project team and I decided to ask Tolu if she would come onboard because of her expertise in project management and graphic design, lucky for us she said yes! Since being involved in The 401 Challenge, Tolu has worked tirelessly alongside her evening job (for free!!) to ensure the project has an identity and is clearly focused on its objectives. Tolu has been responsible formanaging relationships with key supporters of The 401 Challenge. Tolu is one of those people that is so creative, has amazing ideas and constantly looks outside the box for inspiration I dont even think she knows there is a box to be fair! Beverley Smith: The 401 Health Manager My Mum! I have to say ever since I was born my mum and I have shared a special bond, she is simply put one of the most incrediblepeople I know. Mum has had a fair share of bad experiences in her life which have constantly tested her strength of character, her belief in humanity and her shear will to keep going. She is an incredibly strong minded person and has been a massive source of inspiration and support in my life. Im lucky to call her my mum, no matter how moody I may be, how crazy my ideas are, nothing ever fazes her! (Im yet to find anything she hasnt accepted about me!). Mum has been committed to helping people throughout her life. She worked as a nurse for 30 years and as a counsellor for a further17 years. Mum has been helping people to identify their potential, motivate their minds and achieve their goals, (makes you wonder whether it rubbed off on me just a little!). This has ranged from supporting people within the NHS, the educational system, the RAF and also private sector organisations. She has also worked within the charitable sector and has successfully run a charity in the past before retiring. Mum is responsible for organising all of my pre and post marathon care. She has been liaising with numerous therapists up and down the country and organising all of my therapy. This will make sure I am fit and ready to run each day. Stephanie Blake: The 401 Head Therapist I met Steph at the Bournemouth Marathon in 2014 and we have been close friends ever since! How can I describe Steph? Shes one of those people that gives literally everything, be that in life, in work or to her friends and family. She has such a kind spirit about her and a great set of guns to match! Steph is heavily into cross fit, running and cycling. We have a long standing joke about who is more hardcore/insane and she wins this every time, dont know anyone else that can do five cross fit sessions each week, spin at least four times a week, run and then find time to run her own business. Steph is supporting me with regular free remedial massage sessions to ensure I stay injury free on the lead up to The 401 Challenge and then during the event when she can. She is extremely qualified in many areas of massage therapy and I am lucky to have her on board with the challenge. Andy Davis: The 401 Personal Trainer Andy has been working with me for over a year and a half now and has basically changed my life. Under his guidance and expertise I have transformed my body into a lean mean running machine and I owe this all to him. Andy has become a close friend and has always been on hand to answer any stupid questions I have had about exercise and nutrition and I tell you there have been some stupid ones! Andy has competed in athletics and rugby from a young age to an elite level and this has meant that he has been very committed to exercise and nutrition all of his life, keeping his body performing at its best as well as preventing injury, two points that have been extremely useful in training me up for this challenge. Andys experience in strength and conditioning and sports specific training have been a good match for The 401 challenge, Andy has been training me for free recently and will continue on the run up to The 401 challenge, without his advice, expertise and constant motivational attitude I would be in the position I am now. Peter Smith: The 401 Operations Manager My Dad! An amazing man to say the least - has seen more things in life than most of us could imagine. I have always been close tomy Dad even though he served for 39 years in the military and was away a lot. My Dad has always been a grounding force for me, always someone you can call and talk things through with, always able to give the best, the most logical and sound advice even if he doesnt know what hes giving advice on (he knows everything mind). Dad served with the RAF for almost 39 years, serving as anAerospace Battle Manager. His final post before retirement was as the Senior Instructor for Advance Air Warfare at the RAF Air Warfare Centre in Lincolnshire. Dad has advanced leadership and managerial skills and is capable of motivating at all levels. Dad brings his strategic and operational experience to The 401 challenge which has been invaluable. Dad has been collaborating with over 250 running clubs all around the country and has been solely responsible for organising all of 309 club routes required to complete The 401 Challenge, put it this way Dad knows how to get things done. Chris Kay: The 401 Running Coach Chris is new to the team and has come onboard as The 401 Running Coach. I have been working with him over the past few months and will continue on the lead up to The 401 Challenge. He has been focusing on my technique and in turn making me a more efficient runner, its paying off massively already. Chris is a fully qualified Sports Rehabilitation Specialist from St Marys University in Twickenham however he has been at the Bristol Running School since it launched. Chris has experience in both running as well as coaching, competing in half marathons and 10ks all over the UK as well as having worked at the London Marathon. Chris is also a practitioner at the Bristol Physiotherapy Clinic which is directly associated with The Running School. He has also worked with International Rugby Teams such as New Zealand and Australia along with London Welsh and London Irish Amateurs. Vicky Burr: The 401 Communications Expert Vicky Burr has around twenty years commercial experience across marketing, communications, business development and operations. Over the years, Vicky has been involved as a volunteer, either fundraising or more directly, with several charities, including Make a Wish Foundation and Wildlife Aid. Vickys passions mostly involve spending time with her daughter and running. Lucky enough to win a place on Womens Running magazines Project 26.2, Vicky recently had the benefit of fully supported marathon training, bringing her a long way from her NHS Couch to 5K start less than 3 years ago. Vicky is an active member of the C25K community and regularly meets other members of the virtual team at races around the country. She now has her eye on her first ultra and is planning to run an ultra with her daughter in 2016. Vicky is delighted to join the 401 Challenge team, as it supports causes close to her heart. Knowing several children who have been bullied extensively, including her own daughter, she is passionate about raising awareness and funds to support the work of the charities and help get the messages across. Mike Karthauser: The 401 Website Designer I met Mike around 2 years ago when I started running with Southville Running Club. Mike is an avid runner and has completed a number of grueling running adventures in his years of running. Last year he completed his 365 challenge and this year he trained and completed The Green Man Race, a grueling 45 mile Ultra run all around the city of Bristol. After putting out an advert for help and support for building a website Mike offered his expertise, the rest is history. Mike has been developing websites for over 15 years and he jokes that he would build you a CMS as soon as look at you. He understands things so you dont have to, he has taken all the ideas and functions I wanted from an interactive website and come up with a real gem that completely delivers on what the challenge is trying to accomplish with focus on interaction and involvement to build awareness of bullying and raise money as well. Mike co owns Brightstorm Web Design and Development and they are managing The 401 Challenge website pre, during and afterthe event. Meet the Team
- 5. Stonewall is the leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality charity. It was founded in 1989 by a group of people who wanted to break down the barriers to equality. Stonewall continue to campaign and lobby government to change laws to ensure everyone, everywhere is free to be themselves. Stonewall is renowned for its campaigning and lobbying and over 16,000 people have joined its NoBystanders campaign which asks the public to stand up to bullying and teasing language. As part of Stonewalls Education Champions programme, local authorities work with Stonewall and each other to establish ways in which they can address homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for all young people. More than a quarter of all local authorities in England and more than one third of the London boroughs are already members of the programme. I am supporting Stonewall and another anti bullying charity called Kidscape, 70% of the proceeds will end up with Stonewall. The aim is to raise 贈250,000 through this project Stonewall works in partnership with a growing network of organisations to help create real change for the better. It campaigns to eliminate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in communities, and empowers LGBT people and their allies to be role models wherever they live, work, shop, socialise or pray. Stonewalls vision is of a world where all people everywhere are free to be themselves without fear from discrimination, and are accepted without exception both here and overseas. For more information please visit Stonewalls website: www.stonewall.org.uk Charities
- 6. The 401 Challenge is passionate about supporting charities which support the idea that bullying isnt a way of life and should not be tolerated. We are proud to be supporting Kidscape in its mission to equip young people, parents and professionals with the confidence and skills to challenge bullying in all its forms. You will see below an outline of Kidscapes work and values, I urge you to read them, support them and learn more about what they do. Without your help, charities such as Kidscape would not be able to continue their vital work supporting children and families in need. Vision Kidscape believes that all children should be able to grow up in a world free from bullying and abuse, and that all adults should keep children safe and help them to reach their full potential. Kidscapes work Kidscape works directly with young people aged 9-16, parents, carers and those in professional contact with children. Its current projects and services include: Advice and information on bullying, cyber bullying and e-safety freely available to young people, parents and professionals. Free assertiveness workshops for young people who have experienced bullying and their parents or carers teaching children practical strategies for dealing with bullying and giving parents expert advice on how to best support their child. Anti-bullying programmes in schools which offer early intervention, fully funded support to students and professionals. Training for professionals working with children, giving them the necessary knowledge to prevent and tackle bullying and safeguarding issues. Charities Kidscapes impact Kidscape has boosted my confidence and changed my life around. I now attend the activities that I want to go to, and I feel much more confident in my school work and going out. I truly thank Kidscape for what it did for me. Ross, aged 14. After the last few months of my son being bullied at his school, we appreciated that at last someone was trying to help, and that we werent isolated. On meeting other children and their parents through Kidscape, I felt that we could get and give support to each other and I thank you for that. Parent. Thank you very much for the support you gave to us as a school. We feel more empowered to tackle bullying. I know it is going to be on going, but the foundation you have laid is solid. I had feedback from parents that were in the workshop and they were so pleased that they attended. Primary school staff, Newham. You can learn more about Kidscape and how it helps by visiting its websites. www.facebook.com/kidscapecharity www.twitter.com/kidscape
- 7. Training for a challenge like this isnt easy, especially when you add in managing a challenge like this and also a full time job that is demanding on my time. My training has been structured in a way to build my confidence, knowledge of my body, reduce the risk of injury and decrease my recovery time. Through the experiences I have had over the past two years of running marathons and the people I have been working with I have learnt a lot about the biomechanics of running, the toll marathon running has on my body and the importance of diet, training and rest. Training, Health and Equipment Stage 1 Training In 2014 I completed 18 marathons in a year; the aim of this was to un- derstand the biomechanics of running and also to understand how far I could push my body sensibly without risking injury. During this year I ran in 15 counties all around the world, met some amazing people and learnt an awful lot about my limits. All of this was self-funded but was worth the expense as it built my confidence and passion for running even more. Stage 2 Training At the start of 2015 I completed 10 marathons in 13 weeks, of which 7 were back to back marathons in the states. This was my first taste of back to back marathon running and I got to speak to some incredibly experi- enced Ultra marathon runners one of which was Larry Macon (the cur- rent Guinness World record holder for the most number of marathons run in a lifetime 1500+). Experiencing this and meeting these amazing people has given me foresight and advice I will use to achieve the 401 marathons. Apart from the marathon running, I train in a specialized gym with a personal trainer 3 times a week and work with a running coach to ensure I am running in the most efficient way. I also run every day of the week to get used to the idea of being out every day and from time to time when I can fit it in I spin. The planning and training part of this challenge has been extremely impor- tant in ensuring I am ready for this challenge. In addition to this I have spon- sors on board that will be supporting me with supplementation, blood testing and analysis, tailored food supply, recovery supplementation and therapy.
- 8. 贈250,000 sounds like a huge number and it is, so we have designed and incorporated a number of creative ways to raise this money, pre, during and after the challenge. The 401 Online Shop The 410 challenge will be offering official merchandise in the form of wristbands which can be bought individually or as part of a box set which includes 30. These will be sold for 贈1 each excluding P&P and will be sold through the 401 online shop which is incorporated into the 401 website. We are looking at selling boxes of wristbands to schools, colleges, business and running shops all around the country. Virgin Money Giving: Unlike other fundraising platforms, Virgin Money Giving does not make a profit from donations, so more money can be then be directed to the cause. Money raised can be distributted to multiple charies, which is ideal for The 401 Challenge. We have a designated Virgin Money Giving link that has been setup to enable people to donate directly to the 401 Challenge EasyFundraising.org.uk Ever asked people to donate to a challenge or a cause you are doing and got the response, Oh sorry I cant afford to do this at the moment, well we have a way round this. Easyfundriasing.org.uk is a way to raise money for good causes such as schools, charities, sports clubs, religious groups, community groups and more, simply by shopping online. People are able to shop with over 2700 top retailers and choose from over 55,000 good causes of which The 401 Challenge is one of them. A percentage of what they spend will automatically be donated by the retailer to the 401 challenge at no cost to the person donating making it easy to donate and still afford to do the things they need to do. Even businesses can set themselves up with regard to any supplies they may order, check out the link and setup an account now to help benefit The 401 Challenge at www.easyfundraising.org.uk ETCHROCK Etchrock is extremely excited to be part of The 401 Challenge, so much so that The 401 Challenge is their flagship challenge for their new re launch. Etchrock is an online virtual challenge hosting platform with currently over 40K global followers and growing. They specialise in creating virtual challenges to inspire people to push their limits. Etchrock will allow all supporters of The 401 Challenge to be involved in their Run with Ben virtual challenge. Each individual logging miles with the Run with Ben challenge will help spread the word of The 401 Challenge and the great work both Stonewall and Kidscape do. Each individual will be able to create their own virtual challenge, link it to The 401 Challenge and get started, every mile logged, every training session completed will all be able to be shared via social media and will grow The 401 community, this twinned with Etchrocks global reach means greater opportunities to grow The 401 Challenge profile. Every person that takes part in the Run with Ben challenge has the capacity to become a fundraiser themselves as they join in the challenge with all proceeds linked directly back to The 401 Challenge. Its yet another creative and engaging way to involve people all over the world and raise money for these two amazing causes, check them out at www.etchrock.com. How do we aim to raise the 贈250,000?
- 9. Southville Running Club: My current running club and one of the main reasons why I have such a passion for running. Over the years Southville Running Club have been so supportive of what I am doing, they will be joining me for runs in Bristol once the challenge starts, including planningall nine Bristol routes. The 401 Challenge has a regular training group that goes out on Tuesdays and Thursdays dedicated to help inspire runners to push their limits. SponsorsAs I have mentioned before, we have a number of sponsors already onboard which are supporting The 401 Challenge in a number of specialist ways, these include the following: Ben Coomber - TDT: Ben Coomber, one of the UK leading nutritionists has developed a brand of performance and recovery sprays that The 401 Challenge will be using. TDT at its core is a company that focuses on performance and recovery enhancement. Oral supplementation can be ineffective with certain nutrients due to absorption time and competition for absorption in the gut, thus some nutrients can be impaired and absorbed none optimally. Oral supplementation also has a non-localized effect and especially in the world of recovery, localized effects can be highly beneficial. BAA Clothing: Be An Athlete (BAA) is a premium sportswear brand, committed to delivering exceptional quality and style. Specialising in luxury, sports-inspired fashion, including T-shirts, leggings and sweatpants, their concept is to create apparel that epitomizes the commitment and drive of a professional athlete. Be An Athlete will be supporting The 401 Challenge by providing downtime sportswear. From luxury tracksuits and t-shirts, to a selection of premium headwear, including hats, snapbacks and caps. Be An Athlete sportswear is not only incredibly comfortable and stylish, but also extremely hardwearing and durable which is exactly what you need when facing a challenge of this magnitude. Zoot Sports: Zoot Sports, a global leader in endurance sports is 100% focused on providing the athlete with the ultimate in performance apparel,wetzoots, footwear and accessories. For 30 years, they have been pioneering innovative product solutions that cover the athlete from start to finish and head to toe. Zoot continues to draw on its history to deliver the most comprehensive, technologically advanced and complete multisport product line in the world. Zoot Sports is providing The 401 Challenge with all the running kit and trainers required to complete an event like this. Etchrock: Etchrocks main aim for The 401 Challenge will be to raise awareness and engagement surrounding the challenge. They aim to give people the chance to support The 401 Challenge in more ways than a simple donation, the main way being through the virtual Run with Ben challenge. Etchrock will provide a platform where people will be able to not only support the challenge, but also be part of the challenge themselves and raise donations. Gore Bio Sciences: Gore Bio Sciences provide an in depth biochemical analysis to help you achieve greater potential. Throughout the challenge Gore Bio Sciences will be testing my blood, analysing its content and then reporting back to me on what I need to change in my diet to maintain both my macro and micro nutrient levels. This will ensure I stay at optimal fitness throughout the challenge and will give me an indication of anything I need to change. Stephanie Blake Massage: Steph is on hand to offer free remedial massage therapy pre, during and after the challenge, she will be working closely with all therapists throughout the UK to ensure my recovery treatments are tailored to offer me the best chance of recovering fast enough to run the following day. Steph will travel with me from time to time to cover areas which are not currently covered by therapists. Pure Results: Andy at Pure Results has been training me for over a year and half; his programmes have been tailored to ensure my body is in the best possible position to endure this challenge. Andy will continue to train me up until the start of the challenge and then will be on hand throughout to offer expert advice. The Bristol Running School: Chris Kay for The Bristol Running School has been working closely with me to ensure I am running in the most efficient way possible, Chris will continue to train me up until the start of The 401 Challenge and then will be on hand to offer advice throughout.