Run Forrest, Run!

Run Forrest, Run!

In the multi-Oscar winning hit film from 1994, Tom Hanks played a lovable idiot who strode through recent history, inventing Elvis Presley, inadvertently landing Richard Nixon in the poop and constantly (and annoyingly) calling table tennis ‘ping pong’ – it’s a romp and if you haven’t seen it then I suggest that you do so forthwith. I know what you’re thinking, and no, we’re not working with Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise or Sally Field, we haven’t found a way of re-animating Elvis and none of us are especially proficient at any sport, so why mention the film at all? Well, another thing that lovable idiot Forrest does is get up one morning and run across America, right across it, coast to coast and back again, and we’ve got our own lovable idiot who did a similar thing.

Step forward Mr Barnaby Cook.

Barnaby recently ran the inaugural Liberian marathon and, in a move echoing educationally challenged Forrest’s behaviour, decided that he was the one person on the planet not to need to train for a 26 mile run. He also seemed oblivious to the fact that Liberia and the equator are very closely acquainted, so it was likely to get a bit warm, and thanks to the time of year there was also a good chance of very heavy rain. Thankfully the organisers (including good friend of Casual Peter Harrington) were aware of all these things and so the race began in darkness at 6am so that no-one would roast to death in the 40 degree midday sun.

It all went according to plan. It rained heavily and it got very hot, but no-one died and, despite his startling lack of preparation Barnaby Gump finished the marathon in a respectable 5 and a half hours just 3 and a bit hours behind the winner. So well done Barnaby and all involved in Liberia.

Now, let me tell you how life is like a box of chocolates. In life, much like in chocolates, you are given a card that explains what everything is…