This is a story about type 1 diabetes, a 150-mile foot race across the Sahara Desert and an unlikely cover star.
And it features our very own Misery Guts, aka Daddy here at Crummy Mummy HQ.
Itβs been almost eight weeks since Misery Guts completed the Marathon Des Sables, dubbed the toughest foot race on earth, and while you probably know all about it if you follow me on Instagram, itβs not something Iβve really touched on in too much detail here on the blog.
To be honest, in the weeks that followed, I wasnβt really sure what to say. I was β and still am β in awe of the undertaking, waking up in the morning and remembering that heβs actually done it, my type 1 diabetic husband ran 150 miles across the Sahara Desert and smashed it.
The weeks that followed have also been a flurry of post marathon activity neither of us bargained for, and I thought now would be a good time to share what happened next.
When Daddy ran 150 miles across the Sahara Desert: what happened next
βDo what you canβtβ is among Misery Gutsβs reasons for attempting the Marathon Des Sables after a lifetime of being told what he canβt do owing to having a chronic condition – type 1 diabetes – for which there is currently no cure.
He ran the race for three diabetes charities: Diabetes UK, which supports diabetics here in the UK in all aspects of their lives; T1 International, which saves the lives of diabetics in parts of the world with no access to insulin; and JDRF, which funds research into improving the lives of type 1 diabetics and finding a cure. So far he’s raised almost Β£4,000 and – somewhat surprisingly – the figure keeps going up.
Since crossing the finishing line of the Marathon Des Sables his story has been picked up by Diabetes UK, who have not only made him the cover star of their latest members magazine, but sent a camera crew to make a short film all about it.
Heβs rather embarrassed by his 15 minutes of fame, but Iβm not: if I were a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic, or the parent of one, what heβs achieved proves the disease doesnβt have to be a life-limiting one.
It hasnβt been an easy journey β it took three years training (him), weekend after weekend of being a running widow with three kids to look after (me) and blood, sweat and tears (both of us). There were moments in the run up to the race when I seriously questioned whether he would even make it to the start line, never mind the finish line.
But now itβs all done Iβm so proud of him and itβs time to bathe in the glory. Which in this case means being the lead story in Diabetes UKβs Balance magazine and starring in a short film on Diabetes UKβs YouTube channel. Thereβs a call to action at the end: βwhy not push yourself to achieve a life-long goal?β and Iβm so pleased the positive spin Diabetes UK has put on his story (you can watch it below, itβs only three minutes long).
If his story inspires just one other type 1 diabetic to achieve their life-long goal then I think thatβs pretty amazing. And I canβt think of a better role model for our children than that.
I would have been worried – my husband talked of doing this one. Really stressed me, just the idea. After 15 marathon, his knees are gone. So alas his running career is over. #Stayclassymama
Yay! Well done Rob. He totally smashed it.
You must be one very proud wifey π x #MMBC
Amazing achievement X #thatfridaylinky
An amazing story, no wonder you are proud of him #Abloggimnggoodtime
Wow what an achievement and well done to you for supporting him to train and finish such a hard race #KCACOLS
And again for #KCACOLS
Well I’m impressed. Marathon des Sables is definitely up there as a world leading endurance event and I couldn’t attempt it thanls to an injured ankle. Well done Rob #thatfridaylinky
Amazing! What strength and determination! I can imagine how proud you are. Thanks for linking up to #KCACOLS. Hope to see you again next time
Wow what an amazing achievement! As you say his story will bring a ton of hope to those new to diabetes. #KCACOLS
Wow what an amazing achievement and such an inspiration to your children and other people who struggle with illness and disability. Well done to him. I canβt even run 150 meters down the road so this blows my mind! #kcacols
This is so incredible. I rode camels in the Sahara. I know how brutal it can be. I can’t imagine doing this race in any condition. Congrats to your husband!
Well done your husband! That is such an amazing achievement.
How exciting to be featured in the magazine and have the short film made. You have every reason to be proud of him. x #MMBC
Just amazing. So glad that his 3 years training prepared him and he did it. Not surprised you’re proud of him. #MMBC
Wow!! I am super amazed! What an amazing story! And such an incredible thing as well. I am so happy I read and watched this! #KCACOLS
I’m in awe as well and he deserves every minute of his new found fame and glory. Well done Misery Guts. #KCACOLS
What an amazing achievement,I had a friend who attempted this and didn’t quite make the 150 miles. Your husband should absolutely be proud of his 15 minutes of fame! #KCACOLS
This is so inspiring to read! I bet you are both proud. I’m sure he couldn’t have acheived this without your support. That is quite a distance to run for sure. I’m sure he’ll continue to get more sponsors after all of the coverage on him. Congrats to you both! #KCACOLS
What an absolutely incredible thing to do! I’m absolutely awestruck! wow wow wow! #kcacols
What a great achievement anyway. But to do it with diabetes too? He deserves every accolade. Nice to see him recognized. #KCACOLS
Wow, amazing. I can’t imagine doing anything like this. Even without diabetes. #kcacols