A KEILOR man who two years ago weighed more than 100 kilograms will next year try to run 162 kilometres in 24 hours and raise more than $25,000 for young people living with cancer.
Brett Saxon, the western suburbs’ own Forrest Gump, only recently developed a “real passion” for running long distance, a transformation he finds hard to explain after having never previously been interested in running.
The 41-year old hopes to complete the extraordinary run for CanTeen – equivalent to four marathons in one day – on 29 March 2008.
The run starts in Keilor Village on the Old Calder Highway and finishes in the bayside town of Indented Head on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Rewind two years and the 175cm tall father of three was heading into a downward spiral.
“In general I was pretty unhappy with what I saw and how I felt. I always felt tired and had little energy,” Mr Saxon said.
Working long hours at his electronic security business in Eltham, eating badly and shunning exercise, Mr Saxon decided he needed a change.
The first month or so was restricted to cycling to avoid injuries, then he gradually tried swimming and running short distances.
“I started feeling a little more energetic and happier with life in general after a few months of training,” he said.
Nowadays Mr Saxon is not only about 30 kilos lighter, he has also competed in five 10km Olympic Dream runs, several half marathons, several 20-55km training runs, and his first full Melbourne marathon last year.
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And just over a month ago he braved one of the toughest team challenges in the world – the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker – in extreme heat during the day and wet, freezing conditions overnight.
Mr Saxon believes the single most defining point for his running so far has been an inspirational book, Ultra Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes, given to him by his sister, Kylie, in 2005.
“Until I read his book, I thought 10km to 15km runs were about my limit,” he said.
“It’s funny how small things can achieve big results. For instance, my sister giving me Dean’s book, and our local fruit and veggie man, Pat, supplying our fresh fruit and vegetables and his encouragement and support through giving me a training program getting me through my first marathon.”
Mr Saxon said even his neighbours supported and encouraged him when he is out training.
And he said he couldn’t do without his family who patiently support his new addiction, despite the time-consuming nature of juggling his priorities.
“I don’t have any children with cancer or know anyone close with cancer, but my heart is very much touched when I see stories about young cancer patients,” he said.
Mr Saxon is training between five and seven days a week, and seeking corporate and individual sponsorship.
His greatest fear is suffering an injury that will render him unfit to carry out this dream.
But if all goes to plan, Mr Saxon, in true Forrest Gump style, will pound the pavement with followers who are already promising to run legs of the course behind him.
If you are interested in finding out more about the run raising money for young people living with cancer, see www.brettsrunforcanteen.org
