Meet Mike Sheridan and Brian Gardner as they join us in a release-day interview . . .

Dare to Dream is the inspiring memoir of Mike Sheridan, a UK and world recordbreaker in long-distance running with a unique approach to the marathon. For Mike, age is just a number, and anything is possible – he was the first UK man over 70 to run a marathon in under three hours!

Mike Sheridan (pictured above) shares his training methods in this fascinating book, along with all the ups and downs, from a childhood spent in the endurance running hotbed of Kenya and an off-putting experience with cross-country running in England to becoming one of the most decorated masters of marathon running. Mike’s story of perseverance and success is one that is sure to inspire runners of all ages. He lives in Hampshire.

Brian Gardner (pictured below) is a graduate in English Literature and a former athlete. He was a primary school teacher, fitness instructor, and a manager in physical activity and public health before realising his childhood dream of becoming an author. This is Brian’s third book. He lives in Wiltshire.

Congratulations Mike and Brian on publication day – and thank you so much for joining us today!

Q. How did you first meet and whose idea was it to write the book?

A. BRIAN: After publication of my memoir on David Sharpe in 2024 I posted on Facebook that I was looking for a subject for a new book. Mike responded and suggested that we met for coffee in Marlborough, roughly half way between our respective homes. Mike had read my first book, No Cross-Country for Old Men and we also had a Newbury AC connection. Most of all, Mike had a wealth of material, ideas and enthusiasm. The signs were promising. There followed a series of at least weekly Zoom meetings, and the book began to take shape.

MIKE: I read No Cross-Country for Old Men on the plane to New York for my final marathon of the six World Marathon Majors – imagine my surprise when I read that Brian had lived in Newbury and was a past captain of Newbury Athletic Club – my club since 2015!

I’d been working on a book for years – first starting in 2013, and then again in 2024 after my world and UK age grade records. I’d got stuck on how to handle the “publication stage” and Brian’s post seemed fortuitous.

We met and here we are!

Q. How did you decide who wrote what?

A. MIKE: I provided Brian with copies of my earlier material and obviously had to elaborate on my private/business/family/sporting life which is now woven into the story.

BRIAN: Transcripts from our discussions on Zoom were used in the book. I would ask Mike questions, he would answer and expand upon certain points. Each session was recorded. It was my job to use transcripts to piece the story together in a logical order and fill in the gaps, like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Some parts of the book, for instance the Kenya run camp chapter, were initially written by Mike, then edited by myself. It was very much a collaborative effort.

Q. Brian, you’re obviously an established author with books behind you – what is it that you love about writing?

A. BRIAN: I’ve always loved words, the power of language and storytelling. It’s a pleasure to help craft someone’s story and bring it towards publication, reaching its intended audience.

Q. Mike, it has to be a running question for you! What is the “secret” to running a negative split in a marathon – second half faster than the first, which you have done several times?

A. MIKE: 1. Understanding the course profile 2. Running slower than overall target pace for at least the first quarter of the race – say 10km or 6 miles or so. 

Q. And another – do you just take gels/ carbs after halfway to get you to the finish?

A. MIKE: No that is far too late as your digestive system will be starting to shut down, I take them every 5km/3 miles or so.

Q. What was the most fascinating thing you learnt about the other during the writing of the book?

A. BRIAN: Mike’s dedication to the cause, a determination to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of his dream in business as well as running, is fascinating.

MIKE: As we know, Brian has published a number of books and his experience showed in how he put the draft together and crucially he knew how to present to publishers!

Q. Did you have disagreements?

A. BRIAN: Not as such. There was often more than one way to achieve an objective in telling Mike’s story. We would weigh up our options and come to a mutual decision. MIKE: No, none that I can recall, we always found a way forward

Q. Would you ever work together again?

A. BRIAN: If the opportunity arose, yes, certainly.MIKE: If there is another book in me, then certainly I would contact Brian as we worked well together on this project.

Q. What’s next?

A. BRIAN: For me, taking stock before deciding where to go with writing and editing.

MIKE: I am in training for this year’s London Marathon – so we will see where that goes!

Thank you both so much for joining us today!

Dare to Dream is out today and is available through all good bookstores and online retailers. Secure your copy now!