Napier clinical psychologist Warren Bernard is a man who possibly needs his own head read.
Bernard plans to run 20 marathons in 20 months - the second of which is in Wanganui - and by his own admission he is more of a recreational runner than a fully dedicated, hard-out athlete.
However, his motives are unquestionable. He has undertaken this daunting task to help raise funds for LIV Village, a charity in Africa that rescues and cares for vulnerable children.
The South African-born soon-to-be Kiwi has already begun his epic challenge competing in the Speights Westcoaster last weekend, a marathon that took him more than seven hours to complete.
Training for his first marathon was interrupted by the birth of his second child, Alex, in September followed by a few niggling injuries including a rolled ankle.
"As a result of baby Alex joining the family and the rolled ankle I went into the first marathon a little underdone. I pushed back the start of the 20 marathons, which was supposed to kick off with Auckland Marathon on November 23, with the Speights Westcoaster," Bernard said.
"I am an average runner, middle-of-the-pack, if not towards the back-of-the-pack. Podium finishes and gold medals are foreign territory.
"Getting to the start line and crossing the finish line, that's more like it. With only five marathons and two ultras under my belt, this is an opportunity to put faith into action."
Bernard is already in training for his second, the Property Brokers 3 Bridges run in Wanganui on December 14.
"I've chosen this event for convenience really. It's relatively close to home and my dad will be arriving from South Africa the day after."
After scheduling the Wanganui event, Bernard approached the Wanganui Harriers Club seeking sponsorship, assistance members were willing to give.
"He approached us and we were more than happy to help out. Because he is not a professional athlete running one a month is an even bigger undertaking," club captain Jimmy Hildreth said.
Bernard is, however, taking a professional approach to his training sessions keeping a log of his weekly mileage.
While the Wanganui Harriers Club has lent its support, Bernard welcomes the backing of others for what he believes is a worthy cause.
"There are over five million orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa - that's more than the entire population of New Zealand," he said.
"The need is great to get involved and there is some amazing work being done by LIV Village. I have been humbled by the support we have received. Some very generous supporters have already made donations to the cause."
People can follow Bernard's progress through his blog http://20marathons20months.blogspot.co.nz/, or his facebook page www.facebook.com/20marathons20months