Just less than five weeks to go now!! I'm not feeling totally confident (it's still very daunting) but I am feeling quite contented. I've been putting in the miles. I've been testing things out. I've learnt so much. I'm nearly ready. Next weekend is the big one before I start tapering: three back to backs. 40:50:40 km each day over the bank holiday weekend. Living out of the bags in some dodgy B+Bs. Completing the Cleveland Way. I do have a very understanding and supportive wife don't I? Back to this weekend though. Where have I been? Maybe Scotland? Maybe Japan? Maybe New Zealand? Or maybe even to Cusco in Peru? No. Just Blighty. All in a day's work on the Nidderdale Way on a 26 miler across to Pateley Bridge. Just a reminder that you can donate to the charities I'm supporting, if you haven't already (and thanks to those who already have!) by clicking or copying the link below. https://www.justgiving.com/team/brucelepetitjog Also, on the ...
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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