So, the training is going well. The miles are ramping up, slowly but steadily. Still with plenty of strength work, stretching and some speed sessions. I'm doing something everyday. The knee is holding up (although there's an annoying ache which seems to come and go unexpectedly, and not related to what the session before had in stock). I've got some new friends to help guide me though: I look a right muppet carrying these poles around but they're light, sturdy and help take the load from my knees on hills and provide some forwards propulsion on the flat. When running 1030 miles I've got to be efficient with the load on my legs by spreading the forces around the rest of my body as much as I can. The clip is for some gloves to hook into, by the way. I can't decide if they remind me of Beaker or a rooster? . See if you can spot the odd one out from the selfies below. One's taken on an early run on Christmas Day, before the t...
So, let's start.
Rewind 7 months to the daily dot-watching. My friend Matt is doing Lands End to John O'Groats (LEJOG). Running. 1000+ miles on trails. Averaging 33 miles a day. Every day. One day off a week. For 5 weeks. The dot from his satellite tracker on the app moves slowly but surely. He's a pro.
Childhood memories of pictures in the Guinness Book of Records. A sense of completing the impossible. Glorious summer weather. Pictures of the group completing it together. I’m hooked.
A congratulatory discussion on his triumphant return.
Me: ‘I've got to do this’
Matt: ‘You can do this - but one step at a time. Do an ultra first’
Me: ‘Ah…fair point. I'd better try one then’.
2 months later, the 30 mile Minster to Minster ultra completed. And a further 6 weeks later, 35 mile Ripon Ultra completed. I can do this! But every day for 5 weeks solid?
There's places on the same LEJOG run for June 2025. I couldn't, could I? I'm a newbie, a noob, a novice. Only a naive nitwit would take it on. I keep seeing the advert (oh, the power of algorithms on Facebook). And then a discount pops up if booked during January. Nearly the whole of January goes by. I couldn't, could I?
Another couple of conversations with Matt, and one with the LEJOG run leader, James.
Have I time? Can I commit? Is it possible? Won't I just get injured? Do I have the mental resilience? Can someone with no colon do this? Will my body and guts cope? It's expensive.
At 10pm on 31st January after much deliberation during the day I press GO and come to bed. I’m excited. I don't sleep well. Have I done the right thing?
Over the weekend the dream begins to switch to reality as I share my news with others. I don't sleep well at all. This is wrong. What was I thinking? I'm not able to do this. An overwhelming doubt keeps entering my head. Do they do refunds?
Thanks Matt. I've got so many questions, so many doubts. But you've inspired me. I'm in and it starts here.
Will I get to John O'Groats?
Le Petit Jog: follow my journey to get there - its ups and downs - my fears and triumphs - including insights and experiences from inspiring people I know I'll meet along the way. I'll try and keep it short and entertaining, but sharing it will keep me focused and motivated.
And hopefully inspire others to do things they think are impossible.
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