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.
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