The Journey of a Special Needs Father's Blog by Gary Herbert

The Challenge: Running 23km a week for a year and going Sober (no alcohol) for a whole year.
February 2026 Update: 11 weeks of Double Challenge completed - I've managed to run 288km in 11 weeks (35km ahead of schedule at the moment). I am also 4 months alcohol free (last drink 28th Sept 25).

I feel physically and mentally stronger and fitter than previously.  As a result of my double challenge I'm having more good days than bad, I still have bad days where I just can't fight off the black dog, but I've grown to except that these particular days I'm just not going to win whatever I do (and that's ok).

My plan is to remain teetotal for the rest of my life and I hope that people will be supportive.

Massive thanks to those who have supported me so far on my challenge and have given very generously to Lewis appeal and sent me very kind and thoughtful messages.

If you would like to support my challenge and in turn help Lewis, then this is his fundraising page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-for-lewis-appeal

I have also had a month off all social media which I have enjoyed, and I plan to continue with this abstention moving forward.  Social media is a great and very useful tool if it's used in the right way!, but unfortunately so often it isn’t.  On this note, should anyone want to contact me then please do so through this website.   

Thanks everyone for your support.

Best wishes,
Gary xx
#teamlewis

Nov 2025: The Challenge: Running 23km a week for a year and going Sober (no alcohol) for a whole year.
I have decided to do a year long running challenge for Lewis.

Having not run for over 2.5yrs my very good friend David Liddle inspired me to get my running trainers back on in October where I managed to run 50 miles for Prostate Cancer Research. I enjoyed being back running in Oct, as it has so many health benefits.

As someone who needs a target, routine and a reason and with Lewis’ 23rd birthday approaching I have decided to set myself a challenge of trying to run on average 23km every week for a whole year. 1km for each year of Lewis’ life so far.

As well as the running challenge I am also committing to going sober for a whole year (no alcohol) between 12th Nov 25 till 12th Nov 26. The running challenge will be during the same period of time.

The Reason
Past history has taught me that running and abstaining from alcohol improves my physical and mental health immeasurably and in so many positive ways (to many to list here). The combination of the two enables me to deal better with all the curve balls which life can throw at us all.

Exercising on a regular basis and not drinking alcohol for a year certainly won’t solve all my problems and stresses, but I know it will enable me to think with more clarity and perspective.

Challenges of Challenge
I envisage this double challenge for Lewis to be my hardest so far. I am six years older than the last time I did an endurance challenge for him, nowhere near as fit, heavier, greyer and consistently fitting in the weekly runs in and around family and other commitments for a whole year will be a challenge. To successfully complete this dual challenge will require dedication, resilience and a lot of self-discipline in social environments, but I’m willing to give it my best shot!.

Gary x #TeamLewis