Introductions

What is a mile? Its not simply a measure of distance, it truly transcends that definition.
A mile exists in its own space and in the minds of everyone. It can seem a long way as in "going the extra mile" and "miles away", but for the long distance runner it is like atoms are to the universe, the basic building blocks of our world. We use it to define how far or how fast we can go and whatever distance we run, its a multiple of a mile. A mile is thus both the reality of distance and a concept of progress and ambition for us.

So what is "a mile with me" about? Firstly inspired by some of the great running podcasts out there I thought it would be good fun to experiment with a show that will hopefully add to that existing body of content. These all help us through the famed "loneliness of a long distance runner"!

I also need to lose about 10Kg (22lbs) so this blog and the podcast will (hopefully!) follow that progress. I'm training for some great events during 2008, so the show will also cover that and listeners will get to hear about some activities and places that they may not know too much about. We'll talk with the organisers and the competitors and find out about the location itself - a type of travelogue.

With a mile having a place in the collective consciousness there are two additional elements that will be part of the show, and are the reason its called a mile with me.

Firstly I want the show to have an element of inspiration to help us on those long outings, so as part of each episode I plan to interview a person who has achieved something specific. By running a gentle mile with them, through the chat we can find out about their inspirations, goals and some tips.

Secondly, with the idea of a mile in mind, I want YOU to send in email and/or audio clip talking about your favourite mile of this planet. It will be great to hear about the mile that is special to you, whether it be a mile at a point in time (e.g. that last mile of your latest PR!) or a place you like to run, a course or a location that has a special resonance for any reason. By hearing these we will truly be sharing our miles together worldwide - quite literally keeping the world running !

Whilst we're doing this I also thought it would be great to try and raise some money for charity and hope that you will be able to help me in this! It would be great along with collecting miles and experiences to try and also use this collective effort for a good cause. More about this in future postings, but my objective will be to raise a $ for every mile around the world.

So the idea is now out there and its up to us to embrace it and make it grow. I hope you will enjoy the first "a mile with me" podcast when its posted shortly and send in your own miles. Each mile will help our global community on their long runs. With the charity aspect we can hopefully help others - for whom the leisure and sport we enjoy is a luxury they cant afford.

Thanks for listening and welcome to "a mile with me"