Hugh, how did you conceive the idea of running 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days and what inspired you?

There are many reasons for this. Firstly having experienced endurance events in the past, there is nothing better than being outdoors. It beats the 9-5 desk job! I love new challenges and I have always been intrigued by how far you can push the boundaries both physically and mentally, testing yourself to the absolute limit. This is a very compelling challenge that to many seems incredulous! Whilst at my wife's family home in Portugal last summer, I thought, "Wouldn't it be fun to run home" I looked at the map, it was approximately 1300 miles, which equates to 50 marathons. Don't be ridiculous Hugh, it's impossible!

I then discovered that Eddie Izzard had completed an amazing 43 marathons in 51 days. "Perhaps this is plausible?", I thought. I went to see Greg Whyte, the former Olympic Pentathlete to undergo an assessment in September. I had not picked up my running shoes for over a year and luckily he said I had a good VO2 rate and solid base fitness. The idea was born!

Other than the challenge itself which will be incredible, I want to encourage and motivate others to join me on route (schools, running clubs, friends, family), even those who have never run before. If I can motivate others to join me then that is inspiring enough.

This is an amazing opportunity to do something completely different and hopefully look back upon completion with pride.

Who are you raising money for and why?

Marie Curie Cancer Care. Most people have been affected by cancer one way or other. Marie Curie provide home care for the terminally ill of all ages. Everyone deserves the right to die at home. We are supporting two lovely Nurses from West Sussex, Wendy and Sarah. We hope to raise £20,000 to fund 1000 hours of their time.

What related experience do you have?

Nothing at this level. I have climbed some mountains on various continents and completed the Marathon Des Sables across the Sahara Desert (6 marathons in 7 days) all of which have given me the endurance buzz and desire to push the boundaries further! Apart from the MDS, I have never run a conventional marathon.

What's the training like and are you disciplined?

You can see my training program under the training tab on the website. Greg Whyte, my trainer, updates this every 4 weeks. I have been training since early October and am now running 5 days per week. The intensity is extremely varied thankfully, mixing strength work in the gym, long runs, short fast runs, laps around the athletics track, core stability work etc. It does get more aggressive every 4 weeks.

I am pretty disciplined at sticking to the program, otherwise I would feel very guilty and ultimately I would only be kidding myself if I skived off! The more disciplined I am, the better the chances of success!

What do you dislike the most about training?

Definitely stretching! It is so boring yet so essential!

What motivates you?

It is simple and down to one word - FEAR! It's the uncertainty of the outcome of the challenge that drives me forward and the fear of not being able to achieve my goal that is and hopefully will, keep me going!

How about the nutrition?

Simple, I can eat what I want when I want and not put on weight! I have a big appetite and am eating lots of pasta, potatoes, steak etc! Could do better on the 5 a day mind you! I am also taking protein and carbohydrate supplements given to me by my sponsor, "Optimum Nutrition".

How long do you think each marathon will take?

Let me make this very clear! This is not a macho mission! I am a relatively slow runner and need to conserve energy over 50 days. I am not really timing each day. As long as I complete 26.2 miles per day, that is the goal. I expect if I am to estimate a time, it will be around 5-6 hours including some short stops. I will basically be dictated by what my body is telling me to do!

How many shoes do you expect to get through in 50 days?

I expect around 4-5 pairs

How will you break the monotony?

Regular phone calls to the wife and family! The IPOD will also be my best friend I guess. I might walk a bit here and there to break up the routine especially if there are big hills! Any one else wishing to join me on the road will also help the morale enormously.

What do you think will determine success or failure?

Aside from fitness, preparation is vital for this to succeed. I have an excellent support team helping with the Operations, Logistics, Sponsorship, Media and PR Campaign and Training. Without this support I would be a 'rudderless ship at sea!'

If I can keep injuries at bay, the psychological / mental side, will be what determines the end result. At the end of the day, it's mind over matter! It will be very interesting to see how I get through the 'lows' on the road, of which I am sure there will be many! With a great team travelling with me on the road (Op's Manager, Physio and Cameraman), other nutters joining and running with me and blogs from friends and family, this will no doubt drive me on!

So, in a nutshell, do you expect to finish the challenge?

I am an ordinary guy who has taken every step to make sure that I am as prepared as I can be. I have been directed by the best guys in the business. I certainly have the determination and have completed a very aggressive training program so far. Unless I get injured, I have every chance of completing this challenge.

How do you have time to juggle family and work on top of this?

I have a wonderful wife, Sophie who is very understanding. We have 3 kids under the age of 4 and I run an events business. Life is hectic and there are not enough hours in the day. This will only get more intense as we fast approach departure on 3rd March.

Do you have Sponsors?

Yes, details can be found on the website. Without their support this challenge could not happen. I am still very much looking for more as I am not even half way from covering my costs. It is an expensive trip, we are on a tight budget and I have to fund everything myself that is not sponsored.

What do you do to relax when not training?

Go to the pub and play golf!

What next?

Let's try and complete this first! Although four of us who completed the MDS are talking about a desert crossing in China in the future! (not the Gobi!)