The grand total in no particular order is: (well done and thank you to all of you)
Name Miles
Simon Buckden 70
Wendy Shaw 35
Helen Williams 26
Guy Willard 22
Zoe Dale 16
Chris Jones 13
Russell Gardham 78
Gary Butterfield 10
Sarah Stott 10
Tom Williams 10
Nikos Georgiadis 8
Gill Jones 7
Kay Fawcett 6
John Needham 5
Matt Gray 5
Janice Marshall 4
Jaz Bangerh 4
Kath Owen 4
Liz Jones 4
Alison Boyle 3
david Wolmersely 3
JoeLuca Dooley 3
Harp Bhamra 2
Kara King 2
Paul Sanderson 2
Richard Quinn 2
Sam Dooley 2
Tony Audenshaw 2
Vikki King 2
Vikki Megson 2
Adam Coates 1
Ben Hartley 1
364
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Saturday, 1 January 2011
and 3 marathons later.
So, how did it go, that 100 mile attempt of mine?
The whole idea was to get it rushed through so that I did not have a great deal of time to panic over the enormity of what I was attempting to achieve. I therefore only gave myself 6 weeks from start to end. This meant not many runs, but very intense mileage.
Run day arrived. I’m still collating all details of those involved and I will post everyone’s mileage and names of all involved on Monday pm. I’d like to thank you all from the very depths of my heart (yes, some say I don’t have an heart,). Without every single one of you, it would not have been possible to even of started the run.
At 9.42 and 53 seconds on the 17th December, Simon Buckden (70 miles), Chris Jones (10 miles) and myself set off for what would hopefully be an 100 miles challenge (I’ll tell you early doors that I managed 79 miles and a 2nd attempt will be made late June/ early July at the elusive 100 miles in 24 hours. For those only interested in success you can stop reading now, lol).
Over the course of the next 19 hours, I was joined by in excess of 30 people, I can not begin to imagine how much this means to me having so many friends turn out to help me run this experience. When I consider that it was not an organised race, just me trying to achieve something a little silly I get such a sense of pride to know that so many will step out to help me along the way. Many thanks to you all. As I say, I will name you all in my final blog Monday pm.
During the course of the day, the weather was very good to us, with the exception that the temperature never rose above minus three, and at times dropping to as low as minus seven. Indeed at 4.30am when I called the event of for fears of everyone’s safety, indeed it was minus seven.
On reflection of all those involved only the women had any sense until very late in the day when Sam (3 miles) and JoeLuca (4 miles) turned up. Sarah Stott (10 miles) was very good and as soon as she turned up started feeding me and telling me off a little for not been organised enough to tell others to do stuff instead of me doing it.
Next along was Helen Williams Was Turton (26 miles) constantly feeding me and getting me to drink plenty. I admit I did not do either, that is drink or eat enough, but I seemed to be struggling along even if I was moving very slowly.
Liz Jones (5 miles) brought along plenty of food and hot drinks. A true godsend, well done for the chilli you brought, many people enjoyed that. Then there was Jaz who brought her legendary curry to warm me up. I’m told that the support crew really enjoyed that curry, me I don’t know, I unfortunately did not get any. (NOT THAT I’M BITTER, COS I’M NOT OKAY).
Later in the day, Zoe (16 miles) after a mammoth day of her own travelling from Eastbourne, Via Reading to offer her love and support arrived. This proved to be a massive boost to me as I was then able to move along with more zest in my step. Thank you darling.
Zoe, collected her sister Wends (35 miles including parkrun) from Reading. Wends was the only one still running at the allotted time of parkrun for the finish 3 miles.
During the night Guy (25 miles) turned up and run until we finished to train for his own double Ironman. Ken Fox also turned up for 3 different sessions (12 miles) to run with us all.
There were far too many people who very kindly offered their time for me to place
their names here, but who all know who you are.
At time of going to press I have raised a shade under £500 towards my current charity. Project 65 – The Veterans Charity. For more information, you can see them under the same link on the internet.
Lastly, but most importantly I need to mention my dad, Brian who sadly passed away 10 days before my attempt at 100 miles and I’m dedicating my miles to him. From now on in, I’ll be giving to 2 charities, the one already mentioned and the British Heart Foundation.
One last time, many thanks to all who helped me get so far and I hope to see you later in the year for attempt number 2.
The whole idea was to get it rushed through so that I did not have a great deal of time to panic over the enormity of what I was attempting to achieve. I therefore only gave myself 6 weeks from start to end. This meant not many runs, but very intense mileage.
Run day arrived. I’m still collating all details of those involved and I will post everyone’s mileage and names of all involved on Monday pm. I’d like to thank you all from the very depths of my heart (yes, some say I don’t have an heart,). Without every single one of you, it would not have been possible to even of started the run.
At 9.42 and 53 seconds on the 17th December, Simon Buckden (70 miles), Chris Jones (10 miles) and myself set off for what would hopefully be an 100 miles challenge (I’ll tell you early doors that I managed 79 miles and a 2nd attempt will be made late June/ early July at the elusive 100 miles in 24 hours. For those only interested in success you can stop reading now, lol).
Over the course of the next 19 hours, I was joined by in excess of 30 people, I can not begin to imagine how much this means to me having so many friends turn out to help me run this experience. When I consider that it was not an organised race, just me trying to achieve something a little silly I get such a sense of pride to know that so many will step out to help me along the way. Many thanks to you all. As I say, I will name you all in my final blog Monday pm.
During the course of the day, the weather was very good to us, with the exception that the temperature never rose above minus three, and at times dropping to as low as minus seven. Indeed at 4.30am when I called the event of for fears of everyone’s safety, indeed it was minus seven.
On reflection of all those involved only the women had any sense until very late in the day when Sam (3 miles) and JoeLuca (4 miles) turned up. Sarah Stott (10 miles) was very good and as soon as she turned up started feeding me and telling me off a little for not been organised enough to tell others to do stuff instead of me doing it.
Next along was Helen Williams Was Turton (26 miles) constantly feeding me and getting me to drink plenty. I admit I did not do either, that is drink or eat enough, but I seemed to be struggling along even if I was moving very slowly.
Liz Jones (5 miles) brought along plenty of food and hot drinks. A true godsend, well done for the chilli you brought, many people enjoyed that. Then there was Jaz who brought her legendary curry to warm me up. I’m told that the support crew really enjoyed that curry, me I don’t know, I unfortunately did not get any. (NOT THAT I’M BITTER, COS I’M NOT OKAY).
Later in the day, Zoe (16 miles) after a mammoth day of her own travelling from Eastbourne, Via Reading to offer her love and support arrived. This proved to be a massive boost to me as I was then able to move along with more zest in my step. Thank you darling.
Zoe, collected her sister Wends (35 miles including parkrun) from Reading. Wends was the only one still running at the allotted time of parkrun for the finish 3 miles.
During the night Guy (25 miles) turned up and run until we finished to train for his own double Ironman. Ken Fox also turned up for 3 different sessions (12 miles) to run with us all.
There were far too many people who very kindly offered their time for me to place
their names here, but who all know who you are.
At time of going to press I have raised a shade under £500 towards my current charity. Project 65 – The Veterans Charity. For more information, you can see them under the same link on the internet.
Lastly, but most importantly I need to mention my dad, Brian who sadly passed away 10 days before my attempt at 100 miles and I’m dedicating my miles to him. From now on in, I’ll be giving to 2 charities, the one already mentioned and the British Heart Foundation.
One last time, many thanks to all who helped me get so far and I hope to see you later in the year for attempt number 2.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
H - 3 Days
In all Liklihood this is my last post prior to the 100 miles run, so I best make it agudun with no grammar errors orspaling misstakes else peops wont read.
Saw, wots gunna happen on fryday?
I'S guna run, wark or crawl 100 mile until im dun ore dunin.
This bit is serious now. Last week my dad (Brian - whom I get my middle name from (John)) decided he'd had enough and quit this life and moved onto bigger and better things, he now watches over us. I'm so proud to have been his son and hope he was just as proud been my dad. It was never daddy, or father or pa. Plain old dad it was. There was no airs or graces, a spade was a spade, that was my dad. He never put it any other way. Maybe thats how come Ive become so tactful (ness?)
I was doing the run for the Veterans. I still am, but that also includes the best veteran I knew. My dad served in the first Gulf War in the 1960s. When I was packing some of his gear up I found his GSM(its not a medal of courage or a medal of honour, but it is a medal I will cherish for the rest of my life, whether I get to keep it or not - I'll add it to my GSM medal I was awarded for the conflict I served in in 1992 during the FRY conflict when based in Bosnia). My run is now for dad, Brian. I hope you can still look down and call my a silly bugger, granted you may have phrased it something like
"Russell, you f$%^&^% stupid little c^&% what a c&^%^$% f%^$%$£" bas^%%^ing twa%^^%stupid bas67876 of an idea. You are truly a stupid f&&&&*^ tw$t.". This is pretty accurate and not meant to offend, but that was dad.
Okay, so the tent above with my brother attached to it represents camping out and I'm pleased to say that some people will be in the park overnight camping out. I'lll thank each of you individually and will be indebted to you for supporting me. Thank you one and all.
My brother represnts the QM. This weeks QM is Liz, many thanks to Liz pre run.
It is the QM's task to ensure he/she make note of all participants, to take note of their name (I'm not bothered about how far - as every little helps(was it T.E. Sco that coined this phrase)), so that I coin thank all who helped, whether by running or supporting.
Only one last thing to say. Thank you all.
Monday, 6 December 2010
Busy Busy Busy
Monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday , saturday, sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, runday, walkday, crawlday, walkbackwardsday, XC PECO day.
This is how my next couple of weeks look. As if this aint bad enough, I see Jaz and my girlfriend chatting about making it coloured coded and the use of running in makeup.
WHAT? Are you kidding. Anyone who knows me knows that I dont have any fashion sense as it is, never mind colour coding whilst running 100 miles. Do me a favour.
Seasons was the theme. I'll be lucky to remember to wear my underpants that day, never mind dress like Autumn, Summer, Spring and Winter.
I appreciate the very kind offer of Jaz's curry, but I dont know if I could even comtemplate dressing with fashion in mind. I still wear the same pants I bought back in the 80's. I certainly dont want to be looking like Boy George from Culture Club do I?
From here it all gets very serious, but fun. I'll name a few people here who I would like to thank prior to the run. At current date, you've all said you'll run (not to worry if you can no longer make it - the thought that counts x).
Zoë, Wends, Tom, Helen, Jaz, Tess, Chris, Liz, Gill, Guy, Robin, Phillippa, Kaja, Harp, Geoff, Paul (W), Kay, Sam, Ralph, Sue, JoeLuca.
Thats 21 of you, I love that so many of you are willing to give your time to help me acheive this feat. It really has become your event. Many thanks for the jump start.
I also thank the park ranger whose wife agreed for us to put up a tent and use a gas burner during the event.
See you all at the start.
This is how my next couple of weeks look. As if this aint bad enough, I see Jaz and my girlfriend chatting about making it coloured coded and the use of running in makeup.
WHAT? Are you kidding. Anyone who knows me knows that I dont have any fashion sense as it is, never mind colour coding whilst running 100 miles. Do me a favour.
Seasons was the theme. I'll be lucky to remember to wear my underpants that day, never mind dress like Autumn, Summer, Spring and Winter.
I appreciate the very kind offer of Jaz's curry, but I dont know if I could even comtemplate dressing with fashion in mind. I still wear the same pants I bought back in the 80's. I certainly dont want to be looking like Boy George from Culture Club do I?
From here it all gets very serious, but fun. I'll name a few people here who I would like to thank prior to the run. At current date, you've all said you'll run (not to worry if you can no longer make it - the thought that counts x).
Zoë, Wends, Tom, Helen, Jaz, Tess, Chris, Liz, Gill, Guy, Robin, Phillippa, Kaja, Harp, Geoff, Paul (W), Kay, Sam, Ralph, Sue, JoeLuca.
Thats 21 of you, I love that so many of you are willing to give your time to help me acheive this feat. It really has become your event. Many thanks for the jump start.
I also thank the park ranger whose wife agreed for us to put up a tent and use a gas burner during the event.
See you all at the start.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
BFT
I find it harder to write the blog than to actually get on and do the task.
This week I followed another 24 hour challenge which was completed by (I think 8) guys in the Army. For anyone in the Army you will know of a challenge called the BFT (Basic Fitness Test). I believe this may have changed slightly in the years since I left, but on the whole the test has remained on the same. And without realising it I suppose I've been running 5k's ever since I joined the Army.
Anyway, back to the test. Each year, the minimum fitness was a 3 mile timed run. When I did it it was in combat boots, but nearing the end of my time in the Army, it was considered that running in leather boots damaged your legs and they then started running in trainers.
Everyone would run as a team for the first mile and a half. You did this in 15 minutes dead (even in the early 80's it seems I knew how to pace without realising it). The 2nd half, again a mile and a half was an individual run. The fastest I ever did this was dead on 8 minutes. I've just checked and if my maths is correct, then I used to run that section of it at 5min18sec pace.
Back to the team running this 24 hour challenge. This team of 8 men were to run on the hour every hour, the BFT test. That is 72 miles each, but at quite a fast pace. And if you think about the test I just explained you will see that this is a big big feat of endurance.
Well done you guys.
This week I followed another 24 hour challenge which was completed by (I think 8) guys in the Army. For anyone in the Army you will know of a challenge called the BFT (Basic Fitness Test). I believe this may have changed slightly in the years since I left, but on the whole the test has remained on the same. And without realising it I suppose I've been running 5k's ever since I joined the Army.
Anyway, back to the test. Each year, the minimum fitness was a 3 mile timed run. When I did it it was in combat boots, but nearing the end of my time in the Army, it was considered that running in leather boots damaged your legs and they then started running in trainers.
Everyone would run as a team for the first mile and a half. You did this in 15 minutes dead (even in the early 80's it seems I knew how to pace without realising it). The 2nd half, again a mile and a half was an individual run. The fastest I ever did this was dead on 8 minutes. I've just checked and if my maths is correct, then I used to run that section of it at 5min18sec pace.
Back to the team running this 24 hour challenge. This team of 8 men were to run on the hour every hour, the BFT test. That is 72 miles each, but at quite a fast pace. And if you think about the test I just explained you will see that this is a big big feat of endurance.
Well done you guys.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
4 weeks and Counting
Less than 4 weeks to go, for some reason I'm beginning to think that I can cram for my 100 miles in 24 hours.
Lets face it, I am not a student revising for an exam in a couple of days. Building your core strength is something that is done over years of running, these last 4 weeks of training will not give me anything else in the tank.
I had to be reminded my Zoe that It's not the end of the world, when I pretty much declared that I'd made a huge mistake by realising that I couldnt get my normal 8 runs in this week. I'm working down south for the first 2 days of the week.
Anyone would have thought that it was Zoe who had been running for years when I told her that I needed to sort my time out as I couldnt run as much as I NEEDED to this week.
'RUSSELL, your core strength and cardio are already very strong.'
I cant deny that she isnt correct. Anyway, from next week I guess I have a new trainer. lol.
That aside, I've started to believe that this task, whilst not to be underestimated is one that I now know I can do. Many people would follow that up with weather dependant. Well, I dont care what the weather is like, I'll be going for 24 hours anyway. If its raining, windy, snowing, sleet, hail, cats and dogs, so be it. If it aint, then that would be great also.
One thing I've noticed is that when you think that your next achievement is HUUUUGE, you will always notice someone else doing something bigger and better. I did LeJO'G, then my mate cycled across America. I'm running a 100 miles in a day, someone else is doing 131 in 48hrs.
Only 2 more hard weeks left, then taper and run run run run x 100. I have started to look foward to this so much and getting anxious as to the outcome. Will I finish it, will I crack after 40, 50 or even 60 miles. Please see my list below as to what it equates to.
a. If you ran parkrun every week, it would take you 32 weeks of running to clock up the miles that 100 in a day will do.
b. If you ran the Abbey Dash every year (including todays one), you'd be finished in 2026.
c. If you ran the Brass Monkey every year, you'd be done in 2018.
I hope I now see the enormity of the challenge for which I've set myself, I am so glad I find myself with enough people that will help me through.
Lets face it, I am not a student revising for an exam in a couple of days. Building your core strength is something that is done over years of running, these last 4 weeks of training will not give me anything else in the tank.
I had to be reminded my Zoe that It's not the end of the world, when I pretty much declared that I'd made a huge mistake by realising that I couldnt get my normal 8 runs in this week. I'm working down south for the first 2 days of the week.
Anyone would have thought that it was Zoe who had been running for years when I told her that I needed to sort my time out as I couldnt run as much as I NEEDED to this week.
'RUSSELL, your core strength and cardio are already very strong.'
I cant deny that she isnt correct. Anyway, from next week I guess I have a new trainer. lol.
That aside, I've started to believe that this task, whilst not to be underestimated is one that I now know I can do. Many people would follow that up with weather dependant. Well, I dont care what the weather is like, I'll be going for 24 hours anyway. If its raining, windy, snowing, sleet, hail, cats and dogs, so be it. If it aint, then that would be great also.
One thing I've noticed is that when you think that your next achievement is HUUUUGE, you will always notice someone else doing something bigger and better. I did LeJO'G, then my mate cycled across America. I'm running a 100 miles in a day, someone else is doing 131 in 48hrs.
Only 2 more hard weeks left, then taper and run run run run x 100. I have started to look foward to this so much and getting anxious as to the outcome. Will I finish it, will I crack after 40, 50 or even 60 miles. Please see my list below as to what it equates to.
a. If you ran parkrun every week, it would take you 32 weeks of running to clock up the miles that 100 in a day will do.
b. If you ran the Abbey Dash every year (including todays one), you'd be finished in 2026.
c. If you ran the Brass Monkey every year, you'd be done in 2018.
I hope I now see the enormity of the challenge for which I've set myself, I am so glad I find myself with enough people that will help me through.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Support from Friends
When I started my training for the 100 miles in a day, I ensured that I got two things right.
a. When's my spring marathon - That'll be Edinburgh in May. (I'm going to need a minimum of 4 months solid training for that if I'm going to get a GFA for London in the Olympic year. So that means I'd start my training mid to end of January 2011.)
b. Plenty of training for the 100 in 24 hours. (Okay, I didnt get this one correct. If I need 4 months training for a marathon, then surely I'll need a solid year to train for 100 miles).
A year wasnt possible. I've reduced that slightly to just over 6 weeks. 3 weeks big mileage, followed by 3 weeks taper.
Is my plan going to work? Of course it is, I just need plenty of slow miles in my legs. And lots of support from my friends (I would say family - but they think I lost my marbles a long time ago and me saying to them "I'm just off to run a 100 miles", is similar to saying "Just off down the shops". Its really not that impressive anymore. 100metres or 100 miles, its the same number, so cant be much further. I've done a 10 day trek, so doing a one day run is nothing to be impressed about. Joking aside, I'm really pleased with the support that I'm getting from everyone, including my family.
I know from my run today in the park which included 13 laps (out of 96) that one of the worst things coming my way is the absolute boredom of it all. So, I am so happy that I've had at least 15-20 people say that they will come along and give me some support and run a lap or two.
Thank you one and all. I will name you all at a later stage by name and thank you individually. (At this stage, you will have to do with knowing who you are).
However, I'd like to thank two individuals at this point.
I'd like to thank Wendy (Wends) Shaw. Wends is travelling up from Reading and will be running through the night with me, this could be upto 50 miles, maybe more depending on what time Wends arrives in Leeds. Wends has done a few marathons, including the 5 in 5 days earlier in the year. She is also the sister of the second person I'm thanking.
I'd like to thank Zoe Dale, my girlfriend who will be travelling from Eastbourne to run through the night with me. Zoe has only been running since April of this year and has done 2 marathons and 5 half's already this year. She will be running alternate laps with me. She will also be providing me with support, such as hugs for both myself and Wends, when we are feeling down and the odd cup of tea or ten to keep us warm in the small hours.
Thank you both. xx
a. When's my spring marathon - That'll be Edinburgh in May. (I'm going to need a minimum of 4 months solid training for that if I'm going to get a GFA for London in the Olympic year. So that means I'd start my training mid to end of January 2011.)
b. Plenty of training for the 100 in 24 hours. (Okay, I didnt get this one correct. If I need 4 months training for a marathon, then surely I'll need a solid year to train for 100 miles).
A year wasnt possible. I've reduced that slightly to just over 6 weeks. 3 weeks big mileage, followed by 3 weeks taper.
Is my plan going to work? Of course it is, I just need plenty of slow miles in my legs. And lots of support from my friends (I would say family - but they think I lost my marbles a long time ago and me saying to them "I'm just off to run a 100 miles", is similar to saying "Just off down the shops". Its really not that impressive anymore. 100metres or 100 miles, its the same number, so cant be much further. I've done a 10 day trek, so doing a one day run is nothing to be impressed about. Joking aside, I'm really pleased with the support that I'm getting from everyone, including my family.
I know from my run today in the park which included 13 laps (out of 96) that one of the worst things coming my way is the absolute boredom of it all. So, I am so happy that I've had at least 15-20 people say that they will come along and give me some support and run a lap or two.
Thank you one and all. I will name you all at a later stage by name and thank you individually. (At this stage, you will have to do with knowing who you are).
However, I'd like to thank two individuals at this point.
I'd like to thank Wendy (Wends) Shaw. Wends is travelling up from Reading and will be running through the night with me, this could be upto 50 miles, maybe more depending on what time Wends arrives in Leeds. Wends has done a few marathons, including the 5 in 5 days earlier in the year. She is also the sister of the second person I'm thanking.
I'd like to thank Zoe Dale, my girlfriend who will be travelling from Eastbourne to run through the night with me. Zoe has only been running since April of this year and has done 2 marathons and 5 half's already this year. She will be running alternate laps with me. She will also be providing me with support, such as hugs for both myself and Wends, when we are feeling down and the odd cup of tea or ten to keep us warm in the small hours.
Thank you both. xx
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)