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Four down and 246 to go.

That's the number of marathons Cochrane runner Martin Parnell has left in his quest to run 250 marathons and to raise $250,000 for charity this year.

Parnell is well on his way, having already raised approximately $16,000 for the charity Right to Play.

From Sunday to Wednesday,   Parnell runs the Cochrane Foothills Marathon Course, and on Thursdays runs at schools in the area.

For Parnell, the biggest challenge of running the marathons right now isn't the early start times, the long run ahead or staying motivated.

It's the cold foothills weather.

Martin's first run Jan. 1 was in -32 C weather, and the mercury hasn't risen too much since then.

"Every day I've got to plan as to how many layers," he explained, adding although it has warmed a bit, the winter wind can still pack an icy punch.
It's also been a struggle to keep his hydration pack from turning into a block of ice - a disaster on the road.

"The moment it freezes you're done. You can't un-freeze it."

 

Martin Parnell is reflected in a rear-view mirror while training last week. Photo by Patrick Price

While the cold might dampen some peoples spirits, it doesn't for Parnell. He said he's as motivated as ever and passes the time on the runs keeping his  hydration up and enjoying the sights on the road.

"I enjoy the scenery . . . it was a beautiful day out there."

Parnell has also had many other runners join him on his route, and said others are more than welcome to.

On his two days off, Parnell plans to spend one hitting the gym and swimming, and spend the other relaxing.

In order to maintain his rigorous schedule, Parnell underwent a battery of medical testing before embarking on his quest. He will continue getting monthly blood work done, and four times through the year he will get a V02 Max test, which measures the aerobic power of athletes.

He is also planning to run at 40 local schools; only nine schools have signed up and only one of those is in Cochrane.

To participate with Parnell visit marathonquest250.com.

 

Parnell starts out on his first marathon New Year's Day. Photo by Patrick Price

Parnell isn't the only Cochranite working towards gathering money for Right To Play. Eight-year-old Jillian Sanborn is also helping out, asking her friends and family to make donations to the charity for her birthday on Jan. 2  instead of purchasing her a gift.

Her mother, Nycole Sanborn, said her daughter is happy to help out and thinks  it's "pretty heartbreaking," some kids don't have the chance to play.

Nycole said her daughter understands that giving is its own reward.

"She is just as happy as when she's unwrapping a present."

So far about $300 has been donated to Right To Play in Jillian's name.