Iain Chapman

It’s getting real now — just 2 months to go.

Training has stepped up into Phase 3 “Getting Specific.” The back-to-back runs are now a regular part of the week, training in full race kit, averaging around seven hours of running each week. The workload is increasing, and every session feels more focused on what lies ahead.

Pacing is still a skill I’m working on, but with the Colchester Half Marathon and Stafford Half Marathon coming up over the next three weeks, there’s a perfect opportunity to sharpen that side of my running. As a team, we’ve also managed to get some training runs together and hold meetings to iron out the final administrative details.

The excitement is definitely building,  mixed with a fenerves,es but that’s all part of the adventure. The countdown to Paris is well and truly on. 

Old age or the miles?

The new training regime is now in full flow running four times a week, including two back-to-back run days. It’s definitely more intense than anything I’ve done before, but this is my first time training for a multi-stage event, so it has to be.

I’m feeling every ache and pain right now, but I’m blaming that on the increased mileage and frequency  not old age! I know this is all part of the process, and over the coming weeks it’ll start to click.

The plan is simple and structured: Stage 1 – getting into the routine, Stage 2 – building the base, Stage 3 – getting specific, and Stage 4  putting it all together. Trust the process, stay consistent, and keep moving forward one step closer to the Run2Paris start line.

“Plus que 4 mois” (Only 4 months left)

A month of steady miles done, keeping the legs ticking over. Christmas is behind me, the New Year is almost here, and now it’s time to switch focus. A 16-week training plan starts now.

The mind is locked in, the goal is clear. Four months to build the strength, resilience, and belief to stand on that start line ready. One run at a time, the journey to Paris has truly begun.

A Tough Month, but Only a Blip

It’s been a real stop start month of training, and I won’t lie,  it’s been difficult. I’ve picked up an ankle injury, and between that, the miserable weather, and the darker nights drawing in, the motivation has definitely dipped a bit.

But setbacks happen, and I’m staying positive. I know it’s just a blip, not a breakdown, and I’ll be back at it in no time. The goal is still there, Paris is still waiting, and once the ankle settles, the miles will start building again.

One step back, then many steps forward literally.

2025 Done Paris Here We Come

Counting down the days - 211 days or 7 months

That’s another month ticked off and two races in the bag! The Great North Run was without doubt the best and worst race I’ve ever taken part in. On the one hand, it was my slowest time to date, I just couldn’t find my rhythm and pacing felt like a constant battle. On the other hand, the atmosphere was out of this world, easily the best I’ve ever experienced at a race.

Hot on its heels came the Stafford 10k, which I had the privilege of running alongside my 15 year old son. We crossed the line together in 53:28, which was even more impressive considering he was battling through a heavy cold on the day. A proud dad moment for sure.

A huge thank you again to everyone who has supported me so far – I’m now just £30 away from reaching my £400 target for Parkinson’s UK and SSAFA. Every donation makes such a difference, and it really keeps me motivated as the Bin2Paris challenge gets closer.

8 Months to Paris The Journey Begins

“The Start” Sunday 17th August 2025

I’d never even heard of Run2Paris until recently. Funny thing is, my late dad once did a charity cycle ride to Paris, so maybe it’s meant to be.

I only really got into running a couple of years ago, after a total hip replacement and finishing 25 years of service in the British Army. Since then, I’ve pushed myself through 10Ks, several half marathons, and even a full marathon. So this should be easy, right? Four half marathons in four days.

Sounds straightforward until you remember that I’ve never once crossed the finish line of a half and thought: “I’d love to do that again tomorrow… and the day after… and one more time after that!”

But I’ve committed. Training has already started, alongside five of my workmates. I love a challenge, and this will be exactly that, a test of mind and body like nothing I’ve done before.

Follow me on the journey to the start line at Wimbledon in May 2026, and all the way to Paris.

From The Kerbs Of Stafford To The Cobble's Of Paris

Five mates. Four days. A half marathon each day. A bucket list finish under the Eiffel Tower.

We’re 5 bin workers from Stafford running 225 miles from London to Paris in the Run2Paris relay, raising funds for Parkinson’s UK and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Every step takes us closer, please support our journey!