Jogging through Bishops Park is one thing. But attempting a 156-mile ultra-marathon in the Sahara in 50 degree heat is in a different league.
Fulham cybersecurity consultant Jeremy Maddocks, 59, has been getting into peak condition by doing runs along the Thames from his home near Craven Cottage in Doneraile Street, Fulham, ahead of attempting the Marathon des Sables – reckoned to be the toughest foot race on the planet.
Next April, under a ferocious sun, he'll start running for six days, up and down sand dunes, carrying a 10kg backpack with all his supplies. And he's doing it to support the people of Ukraine.
"It's for the Hell's Kitchen charity in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where my son Hamish spent months working as a volunteer, providing food for people whose homes have been destroyed by war," he said.
"I am training along the riverbank every day, doing between 10 and 20 miles. People can spot me with my trademark orange backpack and two dogs!"
Training on sand
The race is entirely self-sufficient, with Jeremy having to carry all food, water and supplies on his back through sandstorms, endless dunes and across rugged terrain. At night he'll sleep in a tent under the open sky.
"I've never done it before. My brother did it a few years ago – he was in the Team GB triathlon team. He got me thinking about it, and he's given me a few tips."
Such as? "Do as much training as you can on sand." Which is easier said than done in SW6.
"I started training in May, and have to go out in all weathers, carrying increasing loads. I expect, when I'm out there, I'll be dreaming of the freezing cold!"
Local jogger
Jeremy was in his school cross-country team, and has always been a local jogger round the bridges, but the ex-Royal Marines officer admits: "I'm actually nervous as hell about it!
"The heat is something which will be very difficult to cope with. You fix gaiters to your trainers, but no matter what you do the sand gets in. Then you get blisters, and that's the most painful thing."
He'll carry freeze-dried food to minimise weight, but that means he'll also have to carry something to cook it in.
The Hell's Kitchen charity cooks hot meals for Ukrainian residents under fire, producing more than 1,000 meals a day, distributing medical supplies and clothing.
"What I endure in the desert for six days is nothing compared to what those brave people suffer every day," said Jeremy, who spent 15 years of his working life in the former Soviet Union and Ukraine.
"Your generosity won't just fuel me through the burning sands of the Sahara, it will send an unshakable message of solidarity to the people of Kharkiv and ensure that the charity can continue to stand strong in the face of unimaginable adversity."
