The Random Runner

David Parrish. One of the nicest guys I ever did know. And what a runner, a phenomenal athlete. I am still coming to terms with the fact he is no longer with us.
Last weekend, just after 8am on Saturday 11th April, David headed off to try and beat the fastest known Unsupported time on the Cape Wrath Trail, a near 400km remote and often pathless route starting in Fort William and finishing at the Cape Wrath Lighthouse in north West Scotland. Around 100km in, David's tracker stopped moving. Police were notified and mountain rescue were called out to the spot, around 7km South of Shiel Bridge, at 10.30pm that night. It would be confirmed that he had died, the news hitting the world late Tuesday night. I, along with many others woke on Wednesday morning to read the news which turned my blood cold, sending a deep shiver through my body and a shock I've rarely known. I simply couldn't believe it. I was utterly devastated.

I first knew David shortly before he ran (and won) the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2023. He'd seen my video from the previous year and was keen to know more about it. We met afterwards and just really got on, it was hard not to like the guy!

His death hit hard, not only because I knew him but it was so relatable. I always know when I head off on one of big adventure that there are inherent dangers... Risk of injury, getting lost, serious health issues, but I usually think that at worst I'll need to raise the alarm to be rescued, not that I may actually die. The circumstances of David's death have not yet been released but ultimately the remoteness of his situation would've contributed to any help arriving.

David was an accomplished runner, winning both the Cape Wrath Ultra and Dragons Back Race, was a former marine and yet died whilst out in the Scottish Mountains. His passing will weigh heavy on my heart for a very long time and whist I know he wouldn't have wanted people to stop pushing and taking on such big challenges, I will certainly be considering more the reality of the dangers involved. If it happened to David Parrish... It could happen to me.

My thoughts are very much with his family, friends and fiancée Jade. They were due to be married in just 2 weeks time. Such a sad and tragic thing to have happened. He also leaves behind his wee spaniel, aptly named Munro.

Part of David's attempt to beat the current FKT was in memory of his friend, Luke Ireland who had died whilst out on the trails in 2014 and to raise money for Scottish mountain rescue. His JustGiving page is still active and you can still donate... www.justgiving.com/page/david-parrish-1?utm_medium…

This is a photo of David and myself up Ben Lomond, taken in Feb 25.

1 month ago | [YT] | 415

The Random Runner

So what's been happening? No running that's for sure... As part of my ongoing attempt to sort my dodgy achilles, I found myself at ‪@lifefitwellness4949‬to get a high volume stripping injection to the tendon. A fairly quick but rather uncomfortable procedure with 2 follow up injections of dextrose shots straight into the achilles.
The good news is that as far as I can tell, it's working! And that's a good thing as we are now 2 months away from The Wall. Usually I wouldn't be fazed but I've now not been running for close to 2 months! All going well I can start building my training after the final injection next week 🤞
In the meantime, the extra time I've had by not running has actually been a bonus as we finally moved into our new house, with plenty to do, including cleaning gutters, endless unpacking and (rather ironically) rebuilding a WALL!

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1 month ago | [YT] | 89

The Random Runner

Just 2 weeks to go.... Till we FINALLY (and hopefully 🤞) move house! A long time coming with the chain falling through a few times... we started the process back in June!! It's a full on time at the moment, packing, commuting back and forth with James to his new nursery (we moved him before the sale fell through!!) and NOT running! To add to the stress of everything, my achilles has really been playing up! It been a few weeks of rest and I've made the hard decision to pull out of the upcoming Hardmoors 55 (deferred to next year). Big changes are coming, new house, new routes, and a chance to reset the body before the big build!! Still on for the Swiss Peaks Legend and hopefully an exciting summer project in the pipeline! 🏃🏻‍♂️ 🛳️ 👍

3 months ago | [YT] | 170

The Random Runner

A great day out at The Running Show in Birmingham. Lovely to see so many exhibitors and chat to so many lovely folk. A highlight was getting to meet Dean Karnaze, a real inspiration. I realise that much of my recent content has been gear reviews etc, but worry not, I'm working on my Ayrshire Coastal Path video... A big 170k solo adventure, coming soon!

4 months ago | [YT] | 110

The Random Runner

A big milestone hit today!! Thank you all so much for the support! 🙌 A reminder that I also have a members channel with some extra hints, tips and exclusive videos. Next up I'll be looking in detail at my training over the last 2 years. Join here... youtube.com/channel/UCYY2-VALl5XczDaCb8sm9iA/join

5 months ago | [YT] | 148

The Random Runner

Time to start editing another video... What would folks like to see next?

6 months ago | [YT] | 30

The Random Runner

The Road to 100k! 📈
I can't believe ​the TOR330 film is at 95k views! Can we get it to 100k before the end of the year?
​If you enjoyed the film, please share it with a running buddy or give it a re-watch. It would mean the world to see that number tick over to 100,000.
​Thanks for all the support! 🙌 🏃
​Link: https://youtu.be/4NG5i-lYk_w

6 months ago | [YT] | 57

The Random Runner

Launching today.... The William Wallace 70km Ultra!

6 months ago | [YT] | 58

The Random Runner

Throwback video - 2014 Glencoe Marathon. Now up on the members page - www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

7 months ago | [YT] | 25

The Random Runner

A wee reminder that members only videos are now available on the channel.... www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

7 months ago | [YT] | 21