Tuesday 20 May 2014 Andy McMenemy describes himself as ‘an ordinary person with extraordinary dreams and goals’ – goals which have driven him to complete a series of tough endurance events and raise thousands of pounds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity In a talk to the GSAL Business Networking Group, Andy McMenemy gave an insight into how he had developed this exceptional mindset and the challenges that drive him on to ever greater efforts. Andy hit the headlines in 2011 with ‘Challenge 66’ which saw him break the Guinness World Record for running consecutive ultra-marathons, each 50km in length. He completed 66 ultra-marathons on 66 consecutive days in 66 different cities in the UK, despite tearing his Achilles tendon on day two. At the age of 45, Andy had only ever run a single marathon – 20 years previously. So how did he achieve this incredible feat of endurance just five years later? It was being made redundant in 2006 that spurred Andy on – he overcame the feelings of rejection and negativity by setting himself a new challenge – to run the Marathon des Sables, a six day endurance event in the Sahara Desert. This taught him that he could tackle challenges that seem daunting, even unattainable, and that there is a world of opportunity beyond the ‘comfort zone’. He said: “The only negative in life is a negative attitude to the challenges we face. It’s all about persistence and determination. Rethink what is outside your comfort zone and see it as your ‘potential to shine’ zone.” The talk marked the third anniversary of the GSAL Business Networking Group for parents and others associated with the school. The group now has over 500 members and meets once a term for networking and a presentation from a guest speaker. General News
