I love meeting aces on races... and you’re run of the best, Rob

I love running but formal races beat training every time because they are structured.

You need to be at the start at the allotted time and complete a course without the ability to stop early or avoid a big muddy hill.

Every race also gives me the excuse to remind people that there is a cause close to my heart – Prostate Cancer UK – and show others that not trying anything should never be an option. Finally, running ultra marathons allows me to meet people more amazing than I am and catch up with others who I have met on races in the past.

Last week was no exception as I shuffled the 84-mile XNRG Druids Ultra, a wonderfully organised event along the historic Ridgeway, from Bucks to Wilts. While I met lots of great people and old friends, one guy, Rob Brown, sticks in my mind. Rob has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a much misunderstood illness that requires constant care. Rob, like me I guess, has put himself on the line for his cause and is competing in some tough ultra marathons. It’s hard for him. He passed out overnight after the first day’s race yet still picked himself up to finish days two and three – and beat my plodding time on the last day by over an hour. I’ll see Rob again next year in the Sahara, on the Marathon Des Sables race. Meanwhile, you can support him at justgiving.com/companyteams/ Diabeticdadruns.

Like me, Rob does not look ill and it’s a lesson for us all not to assume that all is well. So next time you meet someone for the first time, take a minute to see if there is something unseen under the surface, as it means a lot to that person that you care... and I should know that!

Until next week

This guy put himself on the line for 84-mile ultra... he passed out and yet still carried on

Kev