From Devastated to Ironman: Danny's Story of Running for His Dad

Danny's had a six-pack since he was a "tubby toddler," ran a sub-3-hour marathon on his second attempt, but this episode isn't really about any of that.

In December 2023, Danny's dad Steve was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Two and a half years later, in May this year, he passed away. In the middle of that, Danny signed up for Ironman Wales — a 2.4 mile sea swim (jellyfish and all), 112 miles on the bike, then a full marathon, all inside 17 hours - to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and show his dad exactly how much he loved him.

We talk about hitting the wall at mile 23 of his first marathon (nutrition lesson learned the hard way), training for an Ironman around a 9-day fortnight and family life, the doom-scrolling that eats more time than you'd think, and the work colleagues who are matching every pound raised and taking a Friday off to run or walk a full marathon along the Southeast Coast Path with him.

This one's honest, funny in places, and properly moving in others. Danny's monthly Instagram videos with his dad have had us in tears more than once — go and watch them, and if you can, throw a few quid at the JustGiving page linked below.

Support Danny's fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association

Follow his Ironman training and his dad's story on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/dannysknight/

If you've got a running story worth telling, get in touch — I'm always looking for more people to put through the podcast wringer.

#running #podcast #ironman #motorneuronedisease #marathon #interview