Final Update

Good Morning all

 

Just over a week after the 10^th Half Marathon was completed, I thought it appropriate to send an update as since crossing the line in Prague, I have received an overwhelming response with an additional £5000 raised in the last week alone, and several other donations promised. The total has now broke the £20,000 barrier, which is a fantastic figure, and a huge thanks to everyone who has supported me over the last 8 months.

 

To prove that there must be some level insanity in this challenge I decided to do another half marathon again last Saturday, less than a week after the previous one. This would have been fine if I had not chosen a picturesque route around Coniston in the Lake District. Following the floods in 2009 a bridge was damaged, so they decided to increase the distance to just under 17 miles (longer than I have ever ran), it was also very warm and surprisingly for the Lake District a little hilly. I did however get round in a very tiring 3hours 13minutes, and according to the Garmin GPS device I use, I had managed to burn in-excess of 3000 calories on the way. This was followed by a celebration on Saturday night back in a local pub, during which this calorie deficiency was more than replaced.

 

A big thanks to everyone who has supported me and all of your kind words on the way. I won’t email anymore other than to hopefully confirm the final total received.

 

Nigel

 

P.S. Have already entered another 4 half marathons this year….. Could be hooked.

Mission Complete, 12 months since the mad idea was born, less than 8 months since the first race, Number 10, the Prague Half Marathon, was completed this afternoon

24 flights, over 15000 miles travelled and for all of the doubters out there, I did it (even though I often doubted myself).

 

The last race was in Prague, a city I hadn’t visited before, but will definitely come back, contrary to rumours, it isn’t all stag doo’s and pick pockets, it is one of the most beautiful and cleanest cities I have ever been to. If you haven’t been, it is certainly worth a look. The conditions were again very warm at around 20 degrees, not the ideal running conditions for an over-weight northerner. Lovely route through the Prague streets and across numerous bridges, few issues with cobbled streets, but today was all about getting to the finish. I saw more casualties today, than in any other race, the unseasonal heat caught many out, and a lot of collapsed runners on the route. Got round in a slow 2hr 16 minutes, but the main thing was I got round.

 

So far the challenge has raised over £14,500 for Willow Burn, which is absolutely fantastic, hopefully those who promised to sponsor me at the end will push that figure up. (I know you all thought it was a safe bet and I wouldn’t make it, but sorry it’s time to get your hands in your pockets, 10 half marathons have been done, and I am still alive at the end of it).

 

No more time for writing there is a large glass of Staropramen with my name on it waiting in the bar, which will hopefully be followed by many more

 

Thanks for all the support

 

Nigel

 

Prague Half Marathon at the Start

After 8 months, numerous flights and 9 half marathons, in Prague on a lovely sunny day, ready for the final 13.1miles.

Thanks to everyone for the support so far. Update in a few hours.....

Lisbon - No. 9 complete and the toughest race yet, hot crowded, badly organised and ill.

Just finished the 21st Lisbon Half Marathon and found it the hardest yet, but it is done and only one left now in the challenge.

First problem was health, I have been ill for a week or so, and only to go ahead to fly on Tuesday (didn't mention to the doctor that I was running!). A diet of antibiotics, ibruphrofen and paracetamol isn't the best running preparation, but hopefully all will be sorted for Prague.

The Portuguese organisation left a lot to be desired. The Half Marathon coincided with a 7k walk, which was to start 15 minutes after the race, most entrants decided to join the run start. This resulted in 2 miles of runners, push chairs and ramblers all mixed, which isn't good. The result was first mile in around 12 minutes, instead of the usual sub 9 minutes. The problem repeated itself at 7 miles when the 2 events converged again. Even though the 2 groups were supposed to be segregated, the walkers all like the runners side of the road.

The final and biggest issue was the weather, as I passed the 19km marker there was a sign showing the temperature as 85 degrees or around 29c. On top of this no shade and no wind. The heat completely saps your energy

Finally hobbled over the line after 2 hours and 23 minutes, more tired than I have been from any other run.

Good luck to John and Neil who are off to the Sahara desert in 2 weeks, I hope it isn't too hot!!

Less than 2 weeks now to last race, hopefully Prague will be a little cooler.

Thanks for the support, we have now raised over £14,000 which is amazing

Time for a well earned beer

Nigel

Made it to the start, 5 minutes to spare. Its bloody hot and forgot both hat and suntan cream!

Lisbon half marathon chaos. Queue to get to the start.

Looking like a long day in Lisbon. Start in 30 minutes, hotel 2 miles from start, have been travelling to get here for 1 hour 45 minutes already and still can't see start. To make it worse it is 24 degrees and blazing sunshine (sorry England)

30000 Portugal residents all trying to get to the start, plus at least one mad Englishman. Makes the Great North Run look quiet.

Next report when I get to the finish (assuming I get to the start!)

Nigel

Quote for the day "A race time is just the final page of a book. It means very little without knowing the story leading up to it"

 

 

22nd Marrakech Half Marathon Complete 8 down only 2 to go.

Just finished the Marrakech Half. I would highly recommend a visit to Marrakech, if you haven't already been, the old part of the city is amazing, you half expect Indiana Jones to drive through in a German army truck.

The race wasn't unfortunately very inspiring. The route was a string of one or two mile straight roads, with no discernible views followed by the odd corner then another 2 mile bland road. Only at around 10 miles did we see some sort of civilisation, by which time it was too late, I had lost the will to live.

In addition it rained early this morning, so the humidity meant I was soaked through after only a mile. Add to this the locals who insist on walking/running 6 a breast on the narrow parts of the course and the total chaos at the end of the race, with people fighting to get medals and you will get the general idea that it was not the best race.

Finished in an uninspired 2hrs 10 minutes.

Lesson of the day is definitely visit Marrakech, but don't run the Half Marathon.

Rest through February then penultimate race in Lisbon in March.

22nd Marrakech International Half Marathon

Cold and Wet, surely this can't be Africa. Race number 8 in 30 minutes

The Most Northern Half Marathon on the Plant completed in the middle of winter - 7 down only 3 to go

Just finished the Polar Nights Half Marathon in the city of Tromso, which is at Latitude 70 degrees North, making this the most Northern Half Marathon in the world. That is the same latitude as Siberia and Alaska.

 

It was certainly challenging with a temperature of -7 degrees, darkness and a track that was a mixture of ice, compacted snow and the odd snow drift for good measure. The race was ran on footpaths, which were only partly lit by street light, the remaining sections were lit by candles (what looked like IKEA Citronella candles actually). Saw my first ever multi runner pile up on an icy bend near the start, but all seemed to be uninjured. The route was also quite hilly, especially the first 3 miles and last 3 miles.

 

The route took you from Tromso City centre out to the airport, were a large cone in the middle of the path had the sign “halfway point turn around here”. Managed to stay on my feet, avoid frost bite and finished with a respectable 2:07:30.

 

Still haven’t seen the Northern Lights yet which is disappointing, but hopefully tonight.

 

Next race will be a little warmer in Morocco.

 

Thanks again for all the support and keep the sponsorship coming in,

 

Nigel

 

Cold and Dark, but all set to go....

Famous in Norway - big article in the Tromso Paper today

I have no idea what it says, but it is even in the Sports section, does that make me a sportsman?

Off into the late morning darkness to collect my number, more updates later

Running Man Article on BBC Website

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/wear/hi/front_page/newsid_9337000/9337030.stm

 

Nigel

 

 

Live Interview on Radio Newcastle

Below is a link to the live interview I did on Radio Newcastle yesterday (4/1). Fast forward to 49 minutes to hear it

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_newcastle

 

Nigel

Happy New Year and a week until the Polar Nights Half Marathon.

Hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and has a successful 2011. This year is starting with a bit of publicity, an article today in the Northern Echo.

Listen out on Tuesday (4/1) as I am doing a live interview on Radio Newcastle at 7:50am. Think I am more worried about that than the Polar Race!

Number 6 complete, 2hrs 2minutes on a hilly route around the Calvia area of Majorca.

Weather in Majorca is a lot better than the UK, but no one told me that the course would be so hilly. A lot of ups and downs, but some fantastic views on the way also. Started and Finished just outside Palma Nova, with half the run along the coast before turning inland for the final hills and run to the finish.

This was the first run with an organised group (running crazy), so it was nice to have a cold beer waiting at the end. Not sure about the 5:30 alarm call this morning for breakfast though.

The big race in a months time, 250 miles north of the arctic circle in Norway, hopefully the training over the last few weeks will help.

With those that have pledged, I have now exceeded the original 10k target, but that doesn't mean those who are still thinking of sponsoring should change their mind, every penny counts for Willow Burn, so the more the better.

Have a great Christmas, next update in 2011..

Start of Race 6, Calvia

Sunrise over the Med. Race number 6 Calvia Majorca

Very early start today (5:30am GMT). Race starts in an hour looks like a great day, have packed the sunglasses.

The rain in Spain falls mainly on the Benidorm Half Marathon. No 5 completed over the halfway point.

Moist is not a word that could be used to describe the weather in Benidorm for the half marathon. After 2 days of lovely weather a few hours before the race the heavens opened and remained open throughout the race.

The route was 2 1/2 laps of a course along the sea front. Didn't see a lot as with a 6pm start it was dark as well as damp.

At the end I was absolutely soaked to the skin (I have had dryer baths!) But still managed a respectable 2hrs 2minutes.

Had my support crew with me, thanks to Victoria, Mark and Marie who drank and cheered and drank some more. It was also nice to see fellow Blackhill Bounder, Bryan also running. 2 great high five moments as we passed each other at 6km and again around 16km.

Now sitting in a Tapa's bar in Denia having a very large beer and some traditional Spanish cuisine.

Next race Majorca in 2 weeks time. I may have dried out by then.

A wet Saturday in Benidorm.

The start is just over an hours time and Benidorm is wet and rainy. Only concern is the pavements and walkways are extremely slippy and guess what the majority of the race takes place on them.

Next update after the race.

No snow in Spain for Benidorm Half Marathon

6 hours until I take to the streets of Benidorm for the 5th Half Marathon, the half way mark.

After a 3 hour delay on Thursday evening, we made it out of Newcastle shortly before a Thomson's flight over shot the runway and closed the airport.

Weather was lovely on Friday, t-shirts and sun glasses. A little chillier today, but far better than the snow back home.

Nice to have the support team with me (Victoria, Mark and Marie), although I am not sure night-clubbing on Thursday night, Friday morning is the best preparation. I have not been into a nightclub for years, so what possessed us to go to one until 3:30am I have no idea.

Off now for a pasta lunch then drive down to Benidorm.

Thanks for the sponsorship and messages of support.

10 mile training run in the Lakes and passed the magical 621 mile mark this year. That is over 1000km ran in 2010

Ran round the South side of Esthwaite Lake to Hawkshead then climbed over Claiffe Heights and back down to Far Sawrey.

Lovely way to reach the 621 milestone. 1000 kilometres ran an still 2 months left.

It has took me 110 hours or just over 4.5 days of running to do it.

Benidorm in 2 weeks.

Will update again then.

Final made page 3 (well page 3 in the Northern Echo that is)

Running man article appeared in the Northern Echo this week (see link below)

 

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/8460152.Businessman_hoping_for_ten_out_of_ten_in_challenge/?ref=rss

 

Run 4, Amsterdam, complete and in a pretty fantastic time if I say so myself.

Today started early with an alarm just after 4am, 6am flight to Amsterdam, in Schipol 7am UK time. A little early since I didn't cross the start line until around 2pm today.

This time did allow the temperature to lift, as it was only 2 degrees when we landed. It was still chilly for the race, but a less freezing 10 degrees.

The race was flat as expected and I had a really good run. It winds through the streets of Amsterdam before going through the main park and finishes in stile with half a lap of the Olympic Stadium.

I realised after about 10 miles that I could possibly break the 2 hour mark, and gave everything I had to do it. The usual sprint (ish) finish didn't happen as my legs had nothing left to give, but I did it, I broke the 2 hour mark. 1 hour 58 minutes, almost 5 minutes faster than my previous personal best.

I have to admit to being over the moon at the time, when I started this challenge I hoped to break the 2 hour barrier, but in the back of my mind I knew it was going to be a tough call. To put it in perspective I have knocked almost 15 minutes of my previous record, that is more than a minute for every mile.

A very happy bunny is sitting in Schipol airport having a few celebratory beers before the late flight back to Manchester.

Thanks again for all of the support, I have now raised around £9000, which is amazing, keep it coming.

Nigel

Reward for today's effort, but is it rude to drink an odd number?

Answer: definitely not