Meet Fergus Jamison from the Experiment Group
24 February 2020
Keep an eye out weekly on Belfast Live as they feature each of our 15 Experiment 26.2 ambassadors as they train for their first ever marathon on Sunday 3rd May in Belfast.
Name: Fergus Jamison
Tell us a little about yourself: Average 55yr old man blessed with a lovely long-suffering wife, two great children, a dog and an unfulfilling career; a devotee of semi-detached suburban stupor.
What inspired you to take on this challenge? Coping with an incurable lung disease, you reassess your life and worth. This challenge is me shaking my wee fist at my illness and shouting, “I’m still here!”
It’s a massive step but in the words of a favourite singer, Mike Peters (The Alarm), “I’m never giving up without a fight.”
Were you an active person before you signed up? I started running 2 years ago and immediately felt the mental/physical benefits. I lost weight and felt “better” about me.
Longest run to date: Half Marathon
What has been the biggest struggle so far? Beginning, middle and end of every run!
Honestly eating right and continually educating myself not to “overdo” it and cause injury is a daily affair. I try to be the Tortoise not the Hare when my ego allows. Remaining motivated to run when it’s cold, icy or raining is a constant battle.
What are you enjoying? Seeing myself progress slowly, "bit by bit”.
What kind of things do you think about when you’re running? At my speed 26.2 miles affords plenty of thinking time; Family, Work, Friends; the “stuff” of life. I listen to music which helps maintain my focus.
Do you think you’ll keep up the running after race day? Absolutely. I’ve joined North Belfast Harriers and met some wonderful friends. I won’t give that up.
I also want to join the Parkrun “100” club. So I’ll continue to drag my “lardy” butt around the Waterworks most Saturday mornings.
Has your diet changed? Work in progress!
Most of the changes are ones we should all adopt as part of a healthy diet but I’ve been a reluctant student. Consistency -that’s my problem.
I also don’t drink enough water, so keeping hydrated has been challenging.
What’s the first thing you’re going to do after the marathon?
Undoubtedly, hug my wife, kids and friends. Then probably order a Chicken Dansak with an extra Nan to go.
