PDRC Member Spotlight - James Cooper
Running a marathon is a big deal. Running a marathon, every day, for an entire year? That’s what PDRC ambassador James Cooper is doing. Far from an ego stroking exercise, James is embarking on this arduous endeavor to raise money for the charity Samaritans. More than half way through the challenge at the time of writing, James has raised a staggering £40,000 via his fundraising page (link available below). What a bloke!
James Cooper – Pro:Direct Running Club
IG Profile: smilingggman
Fundraising Page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/smilinggg366
Age: 36
Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex, England
How did you discover running?
I was going through a particularly difficult period in my life at the back end of 2014. I was living in Vietnam at the time. My grandparents had both died in February and June, and this was further compounded by the slow breakdown of my relationship with my then girlfriend. I would lace my trainers as more of an escape from the apartment I shared and the depressed and painful feelings I felt. I found comfort in my running. I could lose myself in my runs. I rather prematurely signed up for the Da Nang Marathon that would take place in August 2015. My marathon training gave me a sense of purpose and I felt fulfilled. My best day of the week were always Sunday. It coincided with my longest run of the week. Good old runners high. That wonderful state of euphoria. Running has been one of the most important discoveries of my life.
What are your current goals and what drives you?
As I write this, I have just completed my 56th marathon in 56 days. I am embarking on running a marathon every single day in 2024. Completing this challenge will mean 366 marathons in 366 days - good old leap year! Since that first marathon way back in 2015, I have completed an annual endurance fundraiser for mental health charities. Originally Mind: The Mental Health Charity, I now fundraise exclusively for Samaritans Charity having lost my Uncle to suicide in 2017. Since 2015 we have managed to raise over £35,000 and the Smilinggg366 Challenge has already raised over £12,000 including gift aid. Making a difference to those that need our support is my driving force. To be able to combine something I love with helping others. That's a powerful tonic for my own mental and physical health right there.
What is the best thing about running for you? What is it about running that you find most challenging?
The best thing about running for me is who I become in the process. I see running as a time-lapse of life. You'll have good moments, challenging moments - I like to learn about who I am in these times. The key virtues that make us better humans. Cultivating resilience, discipline, the ability to keep going when times are hard. Not quitting. All these skills we can develop in our running and take them into life, which ultimately remains the longest endurance race we will ever face.
Favourite running shoe and why:
I'm a HOKA ONE ONE fanboy. I fell in love with the Speedgoat's a few years ago and now exclusively run in these for anything trail. I love the Bondi's for pavement miles. I broke my leg badly, snapping the tibia and fibula back in 2012 playing football. I find the extra cushion in the Bondi's work a treat. I've recently acquired the Gore Tex Speedgoat 5's as I run my marathons on a disused train line that has been converted to a trail. Having waterproof shoes has been wonderful whilst navigating this rather wet February.
What do you think about while running?
I have an initiative called Smilinggg - which centers around walking, jogging or running 1-mile a day. The G's represent Gratitude, Generosity and Growth. So whilst I am running, I make sure I dedicate a small portion of time to reminding myself of what is good in my life. This helps develop that abundant mindset. What other things do I think about whilst running? Sometimes nothing. Sometimes I process challenges I am currently facing in life. Other times I'll just listen openly to what is around me. I very rarely run to music, so there is the best part of 5-hours a day for me to think things through. Running is when I’m at my most creative. Stress, frustration and worries simply melt away allowing my mind to wander. Sometimes I think about how what I am currently experiencing on the run can be applied to life. Sometimes I am philosophical, other times I am simply thinking about what I fancy eating for dinner that day.
Do you have a message of motivation to runners out there:
This quote has become really meaningful to me since embarking on The Smilinggg366 Challenge - "Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey. - Michael Josephson.
Stay tuned to our social channels for more insight from the running industries most exciting brands and to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest running shoe releases. You can find us at:
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodirectrunning/
► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prodirectrunning/
► Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProD_Running
► Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/prodirectrunclub
► YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/prodirectrunning
Related Articles
