The blonde leading the blind on the path to next month's New York Marathon

Blind runner Mike Lloyd, left, with Rachel Grunwell and fellow training guide Greg Boyed.

TV One presenter Greg Boyed and I have co-trained blind Auckland runner Mike Lloyd for the New York Marathon on November 2.

You may have seen us running throughout Auckland. Boyed sticks out as he's well known; Lloyd stands out because he runs with closed eyes, and I look unusual when "attached" to Lloyd via a guide rope and using voice commands.

Boyed sums up guiding Lloyd best: "It's like helping him through a never-ending obstacle course."

Boyed and I are ambassadors for the Achilles charity, which is helping nine disabled Kiwi athletes get to the New York Marathon. Other athletes include paraplegics, amputees and those with conditions ranging from cerebral palsy to severe asthma.

Other supporters include Newstalk ZB newsreader Niva Retimanu, league legend Tawera Nikau and Pacific couture designer Lindah Lepou, who is looking for inspiration at the race for an overseas collection next year.

I was inspired to be a guide after talking to TV3's Mike McRoberts, who had done it.

Boyed and I were tentative guides at first but once we let go of the enormity of the responsibility - but never the guide rope - it's been fun.

Boyed and I may have better sight but Lloyd picks up via voice tone how people truly feel. He also listens better.

Boyed and I have nattered sometimes and missed directions from the coaches at the GetRunning club on training routes. So we've relied on Lloyd to recall where to go on occasion. Yeah, you could say it's the blind leading the blind sometimes!

I tried running with a blind-fold with a mate. It was scary.

On marathon day, I'll guide my running buddy, while Boyed will lead a blind runner from Christchurch.

The joy in conquering this goal will be immense. More so for Lloyd. He's now suffering from Parkinson's disease and his body is more rigid - "like concrete on one side" - and shakes sometimes. But this keen marathon runner wants to keep inspiring others with disabilities.

Lloyd ran strongly and full of pride when Boyed and I ran the Taupo Half-Marathon with him in August. The public cheered him on loudly.

"For a lot of people when obstacles come their way they park up on the couch," Lloyd says.

"It would be easy to see challenges as barriers. But I believe challenges shouldn't stop you ... You still can achieve, no matter what".