Liverpool joiner’s challenge to do 7 marathons in 7 days for Alder Hey

Less than two years ago Liverpool joiner Joel Poole was unhealthy, unfit … and unhappy.

But after embarking on a strict training regime to get himself in shape the 21-year-old from Speke is feeling better than ever and plans to test himself with a physical challenge: to run seven marathons in seven days and raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Joel admits: “Why am I doing it? I don’t really know why. But I have always liked a challenge and this is certainly that.

“I like pushing myself to the limit to see now what I can do, and while people have said it’s crazy, I’m determined to do it. I believe it’s all in the mind.”

He adds: “I’m doing this to raise money for a hospital that looks after kids, some of whom would love to be able to run but can’t.

“I know I’ll get such a huge feeling of satisfaction when I’ve done it – and I won’t stop unless I can’t physically take another step.”

Joel, who works for his dad’s construction firm, Caterfab UK, will begin his challenge on Thursday, May 2, setting off on a set route from Sefton Park at 10am and running through Otterspool and along the Dock Road, past the Liver Building and on to Crosby, before coming back via the same route.

He will complete the same circuit every day until the last day, Wednesday, May 8, when he will start later at 12 noon and end that marathon at Alder Hey itself.

“When I was about 19 I was out of shape and unhealthy. I was getting up each day but I wasn’t satisfied, until I had a conversation with a lad about life in general who said if other people can train and do things, why can’t you?

“It flipped something in my head and I started training to become better and fitter.”

Joel has already raised £5,900 for Cash for Kids with a 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge last year.

But this year he wanted to do even more and, despite never having run more than 10K three months ago, he decided to do seven marathons in seven days.

Joel's Liverpool marathon route — Joel’s Liverpool marathon route

“I think I want to see what I’m capable of. A lot of people have said I need far more training than I’m able to do for even one marathon, but I’ve done my research and I want to prove them wrong.

“Training has been crazy. I train twice a day, once in the gym, Transfit in Widnes, either weights training or strength training, and once running.

“Because recovery is a massive thing, I have an ice plunge every day, a steam sauna, a massage, and physio.”

Joel runs 80-90 miles a week in training and even got to run the Manchester Marathon just over a week ago when someone else dropped out. He didn’t aim for a time but completed the race in around four hours: “I had a day’s notice, and I learned a lot. But I felt fit.”

The main concern going into next week’s challenge for Alder Hey will be remaining injury free so that he’s able to complete the mammoth task he’s set himself.

“I chose Alder Hey because of the incredible work it does. I have been in Alder Hey although I’ve never been really sick, but you read about all the amazing things they do, and being from Liverpool it seemed a good charity to do it for.

“There’s been a lot of stress. When I first set the challenge I don’t think I realised how big a challenge it was – and I hate running! But now I’m just excited to get started.

“I have different friends running with me every day so they’ve trained really hard too. And if people think I can’t do it? That just makes me more determined than ever.”

Before he’s completed this challenge Joel has already set his sights on another one: the Hyrox fitness race which sees people competing in running and fitness challenges across the globe, and culminates in the ultimate World Championships.

“I’m competing in Paris in November and I aim to get to the World Championships next year,” he vows.

“That will take 100% focus but I believe the mind is a powerful thing and I have willpower.

“I am setting myself crazy big challenges. I’m the same person as everyone else but it all depends how much you want something – and I think I just want it more!”