Most half-marathon runners worry about the distance. Daniel Fairbrother is worrying about the wind, because he plans to run with a garbage bin strapped to his back.
The 37-year-old from Stevenage will take on the St Albans Half Marathon on 14 June as “The Bin-credible Hulk”, carrying a 30 kilogram (66lb) bin after getting permission to use it from the borough council.
Fairbrother said the bin would be harder to carry than the fridge he previously ran the London Marathon with, and harder than running in a pair of sliders.
“I’ve got the bin propped up next to the sofa. I lower myself down, I get the straps as tight as I can, and hopefully I can stand up.
“It’s a good half a foot taller than the fridge and it’s going to weigh about 5kg (11lb) more.
“It’s bigger and heavier, it’s a lot more difficult, more challenging.
“Obviously it’s a large shape, a large mass on my back.
“The wind catches it, the slightest breeze, and it’s knocking me all over the show, so it just uses up extra energy.”
He said he had been keeping the bin in his living room between training runs, “as it’s too precious to have outside”.
Fairbrother said his knees had “already taken quite a pounding” in training.
“I can feel the shin splints coming back, I’ve got to be really careful.”
He also said he had not prepared for the hills on the St Albans course, which were highlighted on the event website.
“I did miss when I booked it.”
Fairbrother is raising money for Harper and Marlowe, five-year-old twin sisters with cerebral palsy who are close family friends.
“I’ve got to know the girls over the last few years, and they’re amazing.
“They’re the brightest, bubbliest girls you’ll ever meet.
“Their parents are endlessly trying to fundraise for additional therapy, intensive therapy and physio sessions, along with equipment. I’ve always wanted to do my little bit for them.”
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