What it's like to... Be a marathon runner

With more than 50 under his belt, it's incredible that he only completed his first one 14 years ago.

And what makes it all the more remarkable is that he is blind. The father of three was just 10 when he was diagnosed with the eye condition retinitis pigmentosa, which brought on the gradual deterioration of his sight.

Since making his debut on the marathon circuit in London in 2002, the 58-year-old, affectionately known as Blind Dave, has continued to push himself further and further, raising more than

£3 million for charity in the process.

And his success has seen him conquer some of the world's greatest endurance challenges including becoming the first blind man to run seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days, back in 2008.

Dave has been supported by many guide runners including his friend Malcolm 'Mad Mac' Carr. Together they ran themselves into the record books by completing the challenge.

For the more recent Alcatraz triathlon, Tony Ellis was his running partner and they finished the course in four hours 13 minutes and 11 seconds.

But while his story is certainly unique, he believes that anyone can be a marathon runner as long as they are determined to see it through to the finish line.

"You have to respect it and you have to be committed. If you really want to do it, you can do it and your body can help you to do it, but I'm a great believer that 80 per cent of running a marathon is in your head.

"You've got to get your body in shape of course, but your mind has to really believe it's possible to finish the course."

Most people would probably think the actual running or the huge distance involved would be the toughest part of a marathon but Dave, who clocked up 160 miles through the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables last year, doesn't believe so.

"I think the hardest part is what happens after you first make the decision that you are going to take on a marathon because it means you have to pick up your kit bag, put on your trainers and go out of your front door. When it's winter and it's raining outside, it can be easy to think 'I'll start another day' and stay inside to have a cup of tea.

"Once you start training, the adrenaline will soon kick in, spurring you on. I think where some people go wrong is that they concentrate on the fundraising side and, while it's very admirable, often they don't think much further than raising money and dressing up.

"They think they can just turn up on the day and maybe run a bit and walk a bit and have some fun but they don't really realise how far it actually is after you leave the start line and what it takes out of your body."

For marathon veteran Dave, who lives in West Bromwich, preparation really is key for anyone looking to reach 26.2 miles.

"Because I'm training all the time, it's different for me but if you're a novice, you have to start thinking about it at least six months ahead of the event. Start with a few small runs to test your fitness levels and then keep going until you can do a few five mile runs.

"By this point you will start to get your breathing right for the longer distances and the pain will start ebbing away. Keep going until you get to the magic number which is 10 miles.

"After that, mile 11, 12, 13 and so on will not be easy but they will be easier and you can build up your miles until you reach something like 22.

"I never train the full distance. I've only ever done up to 22 because once you know you can do this, you know you can do 26."

Eating carefully is another essential part of marathon training according to Dave, whose latest challenge in June saw him brave the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay to complete the gruelling Escape from Alcatraz triathlon.

"While you are training you can pretty much eat what you want as long as you keep it in moderation and make sure it's healthy.

"But if you think you can train for a marathon and eat McDonald's all the time – then forget it.

"I eat plenty of meat, fish, vegetables and pasta but I can still have a pint or two as long as it's in moderation. It's important to put the right stuff into your body.

"Keeping yourself hydrated while training and on marathon day is very important – you may not eat during a marathon but you definitely need to stay hydrated and there is nothing better than H2O.

"I always set off holding a water bottle and make sure to keep taking small sips not gulps. When you get to 20 miles and the pain starts setting in and you feel like you're hitting the wall, being hydrated will make all the difference and ensure you make it to the finish line.

"I'm helped by the lads and lasses who run with me because while we are running, we are talking and putting the world to rights so we don't notice the miles going by."

"As well as helping in the obvious way, there is great camaraderie and they help me to focus when my mind drifts off."

So after months of training and eating healthily, what is Dave's favourite part of running a marathon? "Finishing – it's the best feeling in the world. When I cross the finish line I feel fantastic. When I've got that medal around my neck, the pain doesn't matter and there is a big smile on my face. You can go into work the next day, maybe a little bit sore but still smiling because you know you have done something fantastic."

By Heather Large