Weeks of Training : 13
Miles Covered: 428
Elevation Gain: 15,108
So two weeks on from my latest update, only 11 extra miles of running have been completed, taking the total to just 428 miles since April. Still, as I sit and write this latest update I find myself with a much more positive mindset and I’m feeling increasingly optimistic about the summer. In light of this I decided to write a list of __ great things which have happened whilst I’ve been ‘enduring the suck’ of not being able to run. You don’t get much more optimistic than that.
#1 FINDING SOMEWHERE TO SLEEP
Whilst the kit list I am making seems to be growing all the time (who would of considered a midge suit when drawing up a list of essential items) one major highlight over the past couple of weeks has been the offer of a tent to take with me in August. Somewhat fittingly, the tent was the very first item which I put on my kit list, and coincidentally the very first thing to be ticked off. And this is not just any old tent, this is the Nordisk Telemark 1 SI LW, a super light, super durable, super awesome tent. Or to put it in more technical speak… “Nordisk’s Telemark 1 LW is a very spacious 1 person tent with a surprisingly low weight due to the technical construction and the choice of state-of-the-art fabrics and components. Despite striving for the lowest weight possible, there are no compromises on function nor comfort.”
The tent is the perfect choice for the trip, being able to withstand winds of over 25m/s yet only weighing in at 830 grams. Or 0.83 bags of sugar for context… My sincerest thanks to LD mountain centre for being so quick to respond, super friendly and extremely generous in the loan of this fundamental piece of equipment. If you want to check out the huge range of outdoors equipment they have on order follow the link below!
http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/
#2 WORD IS SPREADING
One thing I struggle with in organising an event of this nature is writing to people to ask for their help. However, as the aim here is to raise as much money as possible for the three chosen charities (Stroke Association, UK Mountain Rescue and the Thomas Theyer Foundation), it has become a bit of a necessity, both to try an get support with the technical equipment needed for the trip and to get the word out to as many people as possible, so that as soon as August 3rd arrives and I start running, vast swathes of the people can tune in and follow the journey, hopefully be inspired and where possible donate a little cash to the three aforementioned great causes.
So it is with great pleasure that I can say that a few companies that I have got in touch with are willing to share and promote the run – and will be doing so through their online channels in the near future. Each of the companies are provided below so you can check them out – I can’t quite believe I am going to be featured alongside some of the amazing things already on their site. Cue a warm sense of pride mixed with a trifle of unworthiness.
Blue White and Grey:
This came about purely by chance – I had stumbled across this company on Instagram and decided to treat myself to a couple of bobs off the site. The delivery company slipped up and I ended up in contact with a guy called Simon – followed by the most courteous customer service I’ve ever experienced. I knew their company had an awesome presence on social media and I was so impressed with their service that I had to ask if they had any interest in what I was doing. To my delight, they have offered to run a Q+A about the trip on their site – which is incredible – honestly if you follow up on one thing from this article, you want to check out some of the stories they run.
They also have many many beautiful things which you will want to buy, customer service which is second to none and send you treats with your order… seriously cool people to have on board.
https://www.bluewhiteandgrey.com/
Above and Beyond:
This was another quite by chance happening – this time through a stumble on Twitter as opposed to the gram – but again followed up by great examples of customer service. This time what caught my eye was a direct message from the company, kindly thanking me for a follow and promoting their other sites. I can see the more cynical of you thinking – here’s that naive thing again – it’s just clever marketing. But I think it was a nice touch and it certainly drew my attention to their site.
Above and beyond are an outdoors company, focused on delivering the best outdoor brands in the world, and providing it with world class service. This is immediately clear when you get in contact with the team – with the feeling that they really do want to help out in any way they can. Not only this, their website houses all the gear you could ever wish and provides helpful information about which of these you will need for whatever adventure it is you have in the pipeline. Worth a look if you have the remotest interest in anything outdoorsy.
http://www.aboveandbeyond.co.uk/
Adventure Travel Magazine:
This one is also super exciting. I have been in discussion with another lovely human being (Rob) about potentially writing a series of guest posts about how I am preparing/training and then an update during the run and a piece once I’ve finished. In all honesty to be featured in an adventure travel magazine just once is pretty awesome. Now the pressure is just on to send him something worthy of such a position. To see what I mean – have a look at some of the other incredible stories they cover.
http://www.adventuretravelmagazine.co.uk/
#3 BOARD CAM TRIAL
Go Pro. Skateboard. Film footage sorted. Nearly. Watch this space it’s a work in progress…
#4 FIRST PADDLE SESSION
This Saturday (tomorrow – should have probably just said tomorrow) I get to take the first of my amazing pledglings (probably too patronising to catch on) out for a paddling session on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Looking forward to putting that coaching qualification to good use again – but mostly just to meeting some new people and having a laugh in boats!
If I owe you a session and your getting itchy feet please nag me! I’m juggling about 1000 things at the moment but will make time to take you out!
#5 T-SHIRT PROGRESS
The T-Shirts have FINALLY been confirmed by the design company and should be with me soon. Which means if you are expecting a T your wait will soon be over! If you could message the Facebook page and state which size you need – standard sizes S,M,L,XL – I will be able to post these out to you as soon as I get my hands on them!
#6 GOING IT BARE
Finally, and I know your all flagging by now, I’ve made the decision to run Scandinavia barefoot. And by this I do not mean with naked feet – I will be sporting a pair of minimalist shoes (recommendations more than welcome) – but hopefully the new style will help to reduce injuries, improve my form and maybe even save a few of my remaining toenails.
And on that delightful note I will leave it for today. Thanks, as always, for listening to my ramblings.
