My running story proves it’s got legs

The only reason I wrote my book Dead Man Running, with BBC commentator Mark Church, was because we both thought I had a story to tell, and bizarrely, Mark’s mum wanted to read a book about my prostate cancer journey.

I’m therefore always humbled that so much has happened since it was published last September because, as I say in the book, I’m just an ordinary guy.

This week I discovered that a chat I had about the book for a podcast last year for Runner’s World magazine, one of the premier running mags in the UK, has been edited into a six-page feature plus editorial comment.

Whilst it was rather cool to see me mentioned in so much of the mag, it has also been a catalyst for more conversations about living your life the best way you can, and using events and personal challenges to raise money for a good cause by having a sponsorship web page.

I also found out that the book has now sold thousands of copies. I promise you that the income is only a few pence per book, so it’s not about the money. My goal was always to inspire other people – that was my purpose and it really helps my feelings of self-worth.

I was also told my book had been nominated for a prestigious book award.

I am under no illusion that it may never even get as far as a shortlist, but the fact that other people think it’s worthy of being considered does give me a bit of a buzz.

Perhaps you know someone who has done something that you think is worthy of a bit of extra praise? If you do, why don’t you see if you can nominate them for some extra recognition.

But make sure you tell them too so they know that you appreciate what they have done even if they never actually win the award.

OVERJOYED Kev with the article in Runners World