Over the years, running has become the go-to physical activity for those who want to build fitness and lose weight.

Some push themselves to go faster and longer, eventually graduating from two mile runs to ten kilometre runs to half marathons and on to the full marathon distance, with the Cayman Islands Marathon in December serving as a beacon.

Others just enjoy a run as a social activity with fellow runners, for example as part of the Wednesday Night Running Club, or just as a good way to get the blood pumping in the morning or clear their heads after a day at the office.

Of course, there are also those who take it further... much further.

The weekend before this year’s marathon, Cayman Islands resident James Murray, along with two fellow runners who are flying in from the United States, plan to run 100 miles across Grand Cayman. The purpose?

To raise awareness about diabetes and to raise funds for the Cayman Islands Diabetes Association, but also to try to motivate and inspire others to get out there and hit the road and get training for the half marathon.

Murray launched his bid to traverse the island in August. He’s dubbed the run A Crazy Idea and he’s been training ever since.

He will be joined by Gerry Martinez and Lisa Smith-Batchen for the record run around the island on 26 November. The trio will begin their run with many others who will be taking part in the five kilometre Cayman Islands Diabetes Association Fun Run that day. Once everyone else has finished, they’ll just keep on running until they finish their 100 mile adventure.

Murray says he came up with the “Crazy Idea” after wondering how he could raise the profile of the marathon. He works for Intertrust, the company sponsoring this year’s marathon.

“I would like to run through every part of the island,” Murray says. WH

James’ tips

Whether you are training for the Cayman Islands Marathon on 4th December or just inspired to hit the road for the first time, James has a couple of helpful hints.
Getting started:

• Start slow and build
• Don’t overload yourself with equipment that won’t make you run faster
• Ensure your footwear is appropriate for your training and stride
• Keeping motivated:
• Keep your training fresh (i.e., cross train)
• Set realistic goals with achievable actions plans to attain them
• Remember, good health benefits all aspects of your life
• Avoiding injuries:
• Learn to listen to your body
• Never try to push through bad pain
• A brisk walk is a perfect warm up for any run
• Yoga, yoga, yoga

Jerry’s tips 

 Three years ago, Gerry Martinez weighed 340 pounds. Then his aunt died of complications due to diabetes, giving him the impetus to lose weight and start running.

Since then, he has lost 180 pounds. He will join James Murray and Lisa Smith-Batchen in their 100-mile run around Cayman in November. Here he shares some health and fitness tips for people who want to lose weight.

You must be able to pronounce all the ingredients on the back of packaged foods (if you must buy packaged food)

At first, go by how you feel. Don’t weigh yourself every day. After a few weeks of feeling good with your progress, start to monitor the scales (if you wish to).

If you slip up and eat something unhealthy, don’t fret. Don’t give up. Just get back on track.

Walk for at least 30 minutes every day. Make it your own personal time, just for you.

Stick to spicy foods. They keep you from gorging yourself and binge eating - too hot to do that!

Eating cinnamon an hour before you eat a meal can help curb your appetite.

Stick to the outer edges of the grocery store. The heavily processed, packaged foods are mostly in the centre of the store, in the aisles.