If you thought one marathon was bad enough, try three!
Huddersfield-bred dad and running novice Dan Williams, 31, is to run nearly 80 miles in a challenge he says is “to celebrate my man boobs”.
And Dan - who has never run a marathon in his life - is blogging every step of his gruelling journey as he loses the pounds and gains his stamina with just days to spare.
Dan, who is dad to two-year-old Alfie, says he piled on the pounds when living in France for three years as he gorged on bread, cheese and wine.
But since moving to Belfast and having his son, he has been determined to shed the weight to set an example and in doing so has lost two and a half stone.
His next challenge will be his biggest, as he attempts his first marathon in Manchester on Sunday, before running them in Belfast and Derry over the next few weeks.
Watch last year's finish line at the Manchester Marathon
The challenge is in aid of children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent, for which he has already raised £330.
Dan, who grew up in Thurstonland, where his parents live, said: “I signed up to do one to get into shape, but I thought loads of people run a marathon for charity, so signed up for the Manchester one as well.
“Two didn’t seem like a well-rounded number, so I signed up to run the Derry one as well.
“I decided to raise money for CLIC Sargent because my son is the light of my life. I can’t imagine what it must be like for parents going through the hell of having a child with cancer.”
TV listings writer Dan has only had since November to train, breaking for three weeks in January following an injury.
He has been blogging every step of the way, which he said helps to document his journey.
But the doting dad says he can’t wait to see Alfie and partner Becca to cheer him to the finish line. Three times.
“That for me will make it all worth it”, he said.
“It’s a crazy challenge to set yourself when you’re just starting out but I can now comfortably run 15 miles so I feel fairly confident.
“Hopefully each one will get a little easier.”
To sponsor Dan, visit: https:// www.justgiving.com/Dansmarathons .
