401: The Man who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days and Changed his Life Forever

by Ben Smith

Overview

The story of Ben Smith, who decided to run 401 marathons in 401 days. People thought he was mad, until they heard his story, then they began to understand. Having endured years of bullying as a child, Ben tried to take his own life. In adulthood, Ben struggled to feel content with the life that was mapped out for him. But having found his passion in running, Ben sold his possessions, escaped his old life and set off on what seemed like an impossible mission – The 401 Challenge.

During his 10,506.2-mile odyssey criss-crossing the UK, Ben ran in 309 different locations, accompanied by more than 13,500 people. He visited 101 schools, burned an estimated 2.4 million calories, wrecked his back and braved every extreme of the British weather, while raising £330,000 for charity, touching the lives of millions.

This is the inspiring journey of a previously lost and broken man who discovered that anything is possible, if only you choose to search for what makes you truly happy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472963864
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	06/25/2019
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.14(w) x 7.84(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

Ben Smith ran 401 marathons in 401 days to raise money for the charities Stonewall and Kidscape. He has since launched The 401 Foundation, which provides grants to small grassroot organisations and individuals which help people build confidence, improve self-esteem and tackle mental health and self-development issues.

@the401challenge

Table of Contents

Foreword Steve Cram Paula Radcliffe ix

Prologue - Nothing Special xii

Chapter 1 Broken 1

Chapter 2 My Normal 13

Chapter 3 A Little Bit Unhinged 20

Chapter 4 Rationalising Madness 34

Chapter 5 A Beautiful Mind 50

Chapter 6 Is That It? 59

Chapter 7 The Perfect Partner 72

Chapter 8 His Saving Grace 92

Chapter 9 A State of Disbelief 107

Chapter 10 Problems Staying Straight 131

Chapter 11 Falling Apart 144

Chapter 12 A Very Wonderful Adventure 157

Chapter 13 Shall We Go Home? 169

Chapter 14 Give Me a Break 178

Chapter 15 Just The Beginning 190

Chapter 16 When You Know, You Know 203

Chapter 17 A Nice Place To Be 213

Editorial Reviews

Takes you through Ben's 401 marathons from start to finish, with evoking pictures, excerpts and comments from some of Ben's supporters, runners, friends and family. You won't be able to put this book down.” —Outdoor Fitness, Book of the Month

“Sports Book of the Month. [An] extraordinary tale of how he formulated and then completed an outrageous sporting challenge” —Bristol Post

“A heartfelt and personal story of how running can help you redefine yourself.” —Outdoor Fitness

From the Publisher