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10 Things You Didn’t Know About JimGump

On October 1st, JimGump set off on a 20,000-mile run around the US with the mission of inspiring a generation to be more active and healthy.

17191021_1269572186472994_3702231142243147342_nFast-forward to March 2017 and Jim has run over 4,000 miles, inspiring children throughout the states of Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida and New York, to name a few.

There’s no doubting the incredible character JimGump is, and over time many have sat up and taken notice of the fantastic things he is trying to achieve. However, despite his popularity, we know a few things about JimGump that you may not!

1. JimGump is actually running 30,000 miles

Contrary to common belief, Jim is actually running 30,000 miles. While the run in the US is planned for 20,000, Jim actually ran 10,000 consecutive miles in the UK before even setting foot on American soil. Furthermore, Jim has said that once he hits the 30,000-mile mark he may not even stop – looks like we’re in for an exciting 2-and-a-half years!

2. JimGump has run a sub 3-hour marathon

At the 2016 London Marathon jimGump ran a sub 3-hour marathon. For those who aren’t familiar, a sub 3-hour marathon is professional standard and equates to a pace of roughly 6.9 minutes per mile for each of the 26 miles.

3. JimGump has Asperger Syndrome

16472840_1238777769552436_5628400332407899631_n (1)Jim’s Aspergers means, by his own admission, that he struggles socially. While he does miss his daughter, Hannah, beyond family Jim’s focus is solely on spreading his message and mapping out the next few weeks of running.

The nature of his run means that Jim has, and will continue to, meet many people as the project continues. This in itself is quite a test for Jim.

4. Jim’s favourite movie is Jaws

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the man who’s run is partly inspired by the 1994 classic, Forrest Gump, could only have one possible favourite film, but you’re wrong. Jimgump’s favourite film is, in fact, Jaws. While Forrest Gump makes the top 10, Spielberg’s 1975 shark thriller snatches the top spot.

5. Not good at asking for advice/help

1918930_970081253088757_2265981439263662708_n (1)Because of his Asperger Syndrome, Jim finds it difficult to ask for advice or help. Jim believes in this more than anything he’s ever done before, but without your help, the JimGump project and the significant difference it can make to a countless number of lives will not be possible.

So, let us ask on Jim’s behalf for your help, because now he needs it more than ever. You can support Jim here.

6. JimGump keeps up the day job

You’d think Jim’s life is dominated by ensuring he runs his designated miles every day, but since arriving in America Jim has balanced the project with work back in England. Because of the time difference between the US and the UK, Jim can afford to maintain his work as a self-employed economist in the morning time before setting out on his daily run in the afternoon or evening.

7. Averaged his run at 40k steps a day

JimGump has averaged his daily run at around 40,000 steps. to put that in context, a sedentary person averages 1,000 – 3,000 steps per day, while a mile averages out as roughly 2,000 steps. Yes, your maths are correct – Jim is averaging a 20-mile run every day!

8. Jim’s Visa Nearly Expired

During February and March 2017 Jim faced huge pressure over his visa and whether or not it would be renewed. He arrived in October 2016 on a six-month tourist visa which did not allow him to work in the US but did allow him to travel freely from state to state. As of March 12th, thanks to help from friends in Colorado, Jim was granted a six-month visa extension. The JimGump project lives on!

9. JimGump needs the calories

17098514_1267068500056696_1180126894932781859_nAs you’d expect, an engine clocking an average of 20 miles a day needs fuel. Jim averages a daily calorie intake of 3,000 – 3,500. Weighing just 10 stone before setting off on October 1st, Jim has a small engine, but still, he requires a decent loading of calories to support his daily efforts.

10. All Geared Up

Jim has been wearing inov-8 running shoes and running gear throughout his US run to date. In anticipation of hot road running, Jim brought a pair of Roadclaw 275, which has lots of cushioning to protect his knees from the 40,000 daily steps.

 

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