Treadmill marathon
Craigwillspend24hoursonequipmentforcharity
A Stonehouse man is preparing to hit the treadmill for a gruelling fundraising challenge.
For Craig Russell will spend 24 hours running and walking on the equipment while carrying a 40-50lb rucksack, allowing himself only quick toilet breaks.
The unique fundraiser, to be held this summer, is in aid of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), which is close to Craig’s heart.
The 33-year-old has battled depression, and hopes the event will not only help with his own mental health, but inspire others with their own struggles.
He explained: “I decided to do this challenge as I love to push myself physically and mentally beyond my limits.
“I do such events as no one else would consider doing them and dealing with mental health myself, it’s to show that even with a mental health illness you can still push your mind beyond its limitations.”
Craig was brought up in Stonehouse, and has only just moved away from the village to live in East Kilbride.
An ex-soldier, he was in the Scots Guards until being medically discharged with a knee injury in 2002.
Now a personal trainer, Craig works at The Club Gym in Glasgow and runs his own PT business, Tailored Physique Fitness.
He will hold the fundraiser at The Club Gym from 7.30pm on Monday, July 24.
And it’s fair to say training has begun in earnest, with Craig spending between two and nine hours at a time on the treadmill.
He said: “For the challenge, I’ll be setting a minimum incline of three per cent, and minimum speed of five per cent. There will be a change of gradient and speed throughout the 24 hours.
“I’ll also be carrying a bergen of 4050lbs (18-22kg). The only reason for me to come off the treadmill will be to use the toilet.
“All eating and drinking will consumed while I’m still walking.
“I have been training doing full body endurance circuits to get the body conditioned and ready for such event, carrying 19kg bergen and aiming for 22kg on event day.
“I’ve been training between two and nine hours at a time on the treadmill frequently, as well as doing speed work such as weighted hill sprints, sledge pushes and battle ropes.”
Anyone who would like to donate, can do so at http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ craigrussell33 be