Hope24 2019 - When a Festival of Running becomes a Family of Running

If you go back to 2014 when Hope 24 was first started, it's aim was to raise money for charity as part of a group of Firefighter's fundraising efforts. It was a small affair, just over 150 runners and straight away this event fell into many runner's hearts. One of those runners was myself. 

My little family helped the event that first year by volunteering for hours on end marshalling out on the course. My son was around 3 and half years old. He was giving out high 5's and Mexican waving all the runners every lap. Given those 150 ish runners the morale they needed to keep going. 

Little did anyone know, this event would not only become an award winning event but a family! My son has been involved in some form every year since the 1st, and apart from last year when I was deployed, I had as well. 

So this year, I was excited to be back, preparing for one my favourite weekends of the racing calendar. So my plan was to take a couple days off, prior to Saturday from work, go down, help out with the course set up. I love giving back to this event, mainly because the RD Danny Slay is pretty much a one man band when it comes to the set up. It's so nice it's gone from a couple of us helping out, to a good amount of people that come and help out. It makes a lot of difference and it's what makes the event even more special knowing it's built by runners. The fact it's a charity event is just the cherry on top of the cake. 

One of the pre race laps in the rain

It was going to be a busy weekend for me for many reasons. On Friday night, I went to the Theatre as we had tickets for Les Miserables (it's amazing BTW). Having to drive up to Portsmouth Sunday evening for work meant I wasn't going to be able to run through the night like I usually do. So I had to have a break planned in during the race, so I made my race plan around the busy weekend. 

I decided, I was going to run 30 miles on the Saturday in no longer than 8 hours, take a good break get some sleep (attempt to) then get up early morning, and try again to run another 30 miles. Well that was the plan anyway!

During the Thursday whilst helping out I recce'd the course to make sure it made sense and measured ok. So I did a lap, which then followed later another another lap. I wasn't expecting to do another lap. I had got out of my wet running clothes from the pissing down rain and was in jeans etc. Due to having to pick my son up from school, we had to get a jog on as we went round measuring out the mile signage. As it was still pissing down with rain, I suffered some serious chaffing doh!!

My son completing another Hope 2.4km race

Friday morning, back down helping Danny with the registration stuff, doing the numbers etc giving him an extra hand. I also got out for another lap, to double check the course and check the lap mileage. We were pretty much all ready to go, I set up my gazebo for the race at the start/finish straight and then left to go to the Theatre. I had a great time to be honest and it probably allowed me to chill out and become less of a Runzilla (I said less, I still was a little) prior to the race start. 

Soon enough race day was here, we got down to the arena in good time, finished setting up my little run base, and got my boy ready for his 2.4km race he had, which started at 10am. It was great to see so many kids taking part in the two distances they could race. They all seem to have smiles going on. My son went off, and made his way around the course. When he finished, we asked him if he enjoyed himself to which he did. We said we'll go find out his chip time but he response was just brilliant. "It's ok I'm not bothered, I just went out to have fun. I don't care about my time". I love his outlook to running I really do. 

It was race briefing time, I tried to shake off my pre race nerves, and relax. After Pete did the usual safety briefing, Danny did a few mentions, 1 was for remembering a Hope24 runner who sadly passed away aged 36. This automatically brought me to think of my own best mate who died of the same age a few years ago. We did a round of applause for him then the second mention was for a lady who was celebrating her 21st birthday by running solo around the course for 24 hours lol We sang happy birthday to her as you do. 

Having fun on the trails! Pic by AG Images

Everyone gathered on the starting line, and we were off. The course took us out of the arena briefly before turning back in and heading down towards the bridge by the cottage. From here, we then started our climb, firstly up through the wood behind the cottage for about 1 and 1/4 miles before getting some relief running down a gentle descent through the the equestrian fields full of sheep. Once we reached the bottom it was straight back up up the climb, it wasn't steep but it was long, you eventually finished the climb around 2.5 miles in once you were in the woods. From there is was downhill ish all the way back. Although it was undulating in some of the more flatter sections, it was definitely a negative split lap. The second half was fun, beautiful and very enjoyable for me. Each lap was fun as I made my way through 3 miles towards the 4th. Just before the 4th you reached marshal point which was amazing. The Dartmoor Search and Rescue guys and lasses were brill. They laid on a bit of an aid station with various sweets, coke and water and most of all Watermelon! The Saturday day time was a complete opposite contrast to the previous few days, it was sunny and very warm! I'd say borderline hot, so the Watermelon was a welcome treat each lap. From 4 miles it was the run home, down through the shooting grounds, over a bridge, up a small steep hill, over the undulating hill top to run down in to the arena to the finish line. 

A lap with Nicola pic by Melvin edited by me

So as I said my plan was to run 30 miles on the Saturday in the very warm temp. I ran the first 3 laps pretty much by self, occasionally seeing some one I knew at various points to have a chat with and either they or myself would move on ahead. I was joined on my 4th lap by a friend called Nicola, it was lovely to have her company all the way round that lap, we'd chat whilst we went round and the lap soon was finished, it was then I was met by my wife who said my lap times had not been registering. 4 laps completed but not showing on the timings. I went straight to the timing tent, who checked my bib. Due to how I had it pinned on the back of my race vest, it wasn't working. We rearranged it, they checked that it worked which it did and I went off once more. They added my laps on and all was well again. 

I'd grab a fresh bottle of tailwind, and off I went. I went through a 500ml bottle each lap, and this plan worked for me. I lost about half an hour grabbing stuff in between laps, and stopping to sort out my chip timing. 

My fuel and recovery nutrition for the weekend

After I finished my 5th lap I checked to make sure it registered which it had. I had one more lap to do and I went out to finish it. 6 laps were completed and I was pretty pleased with the time of 6 hours 47 minutes for the 30 miles. I was just over an hour faster than I planned to be and considering it was a tough course, off road and very warm, I was pleased how it went for me. 

Cos I had more time, I went home for a shower, then we popped out for something to eat. I enjoyed my big steak! It was late by time we got back to the arena to get some sleep. I did eventually get some sleep though before waking as planned around 3.30am to get sorted to get out at 4am. I started the 7th lap just after 4am and although my legs weren't quite awake , they were moving. It was still dark so I had my head torch on but as I made my way round it soon became lighter and by the time I had started my 8th lap I could chuck my head torch in the gazebo as I went past. 

All going well! Pic taken by Gill Case, edited by me

Again I saw a few people I knew during the 7th lap, there weren't as many out as there have been in previous years. Some even thought I'd be out all night as it's normally what I'd do. I hadn't this time, as it'd be too dangerous for me to drive up to Portsmouth later on (check me out being all sensible and that). 

During the 8th lap, it rained heavy. I had taken my coat off and ditched it at the end of the 7th lap as I was too warm in it. I was soon soaked through, and it was at that point, I decided enough was enough. With the drive later on, on my mind and the fact I couldn't be bothered to keep trugging on through the soft mud along the river side, I called it a day at the end of lap 8. 

Out on one of the laps

After a pleasing 30 miles on Saturday, the Sunday's 10 miles became a bit of a recovery run instead. I'm not too disappointed, I covered 40 miles in under 10 hours of running, I had done a good 30 miles for me and I was feeling strong, I could've done more if I could've been bothered. I still enjoyed the 40 miles I did and that was the main thing. I didn't want to ruin an enjoyable experience by carrying on in the rain and mud. 

So thus was the end of my Hope 24 weekend, a weekend of running, watching my boy race, catching up with friends and having a good time. The event feels like a big family gathering, and it's a feeling a few events I have experienced has given. Once you've toed the start line of Hope 24 you feel you've been accepted into a family and that's how it should be, whether it's your 6th time or your 1st. Whether you done everyone or come back after  a break, it's great!

Danny, Me and Pete. It was Hope24 that brought us together back in 2014

I believe we are so lucky to have this event in Plymouth, it's worth the travel for those who have to, each year it gets better in my opinion. It deserves more recognition than it actually gets. Whether you're an inexperienced runner or a season veteran, it's an event that allows people to test their limits whatever their limits maybe. 

Thank you to Danny and everyone who puts in the hard work required to put on this event, if you're reading this and never done it, look it up and enter next year when entries are open. It's the cheapest 24 hour race I know of, most are double the amount, you get pretty much the same as the other but most of all you join a family and two great charities benefit from it. What more could you ask for?

Thank you to Uglow Sports and Tailwind  Nutrition UK for their continuing support, I am forever grateful. 

Finally thank you to my wife and my son for being the best support crew. I know I wouldn't be able to achieve a lot of the stuff with out them being there doing what support crews should do. 

Thanks for reading, hopefully my film I'm putting together should be out in due course. In the mean time, read some of my other blogs or head over to my YouTube channel, watch the films and subscribe. 

My son's and my medals 

𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏

#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree 

End of an Journey? Maybe For This Trip but Not the End of the Adventure

We waved goodbye to Gibraltar, our final stop of the 10 month deployment and made our way out of the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Atlantic Ocean. It's mad to think back to when we first came down this was at the beginning of February. I came down with Pneumonia, the Bay of Biscay was rougher than St Paul's in Bristol. Was that really 10 months ago? 

Our count down ship

Now as we made our way back up through the Bay of Biscay, there is a little swell enough to rock us to sleep at night but it's far from it's brutality it has often known to cause. We have some guests on board in the form of Parents and Children joining us for the trip home. Some have coped with the rocking others not so but I believe they still would've enjoyed the experience none the less being with their loved ones for so long. My son unfortunately was too young to come, but to be fair it means homecoming will be far more special. 

As this trip comes to an end, so will my training on board. I continued to treadmill although easy runs due to the rolling of the ship, it makes you feel like your running up and down small hills often and it would be too easy to come off, if care wasn't taken. 

The Thursday night before we came alongside was spent at the buoy in the Plymouth Sound. It's so close to home, the excitement is hard to maintain. You know the family are right there but still not close enough to touch. I'm not scared of showing my emotions to be fair, times have changed where man no longer should be scared of a tear or two. Homecoming is going to hit a lot of people hard I think. We've been lucky to have better technology on board to allow us to stay in touch more. When I first joined in 1997 there were few mobiles around, no emails and getting time to phone home at sea was hard due to the lack of phones on board that allowed you to do it. Now we have constant emails, wifi and phones (operationally dependent of course) which allows staying in touch so much easier and I believe this helps with maintaining the bond in the families. Ok the WiFi isn't the best we can just about send FB Messages or Whatsapp but it's more than we used to have and all currently that is needed. 

All the family and friends waiting on the Jetty

I can safely say it's been good for me. I have had my moments of struggling being away, but with my running and being able to communicate with family and friends back home it's helped.

The day of homecoming arrived, everyone is up early for various reasons and it was time to get us back alongside. Over 1500 family and friends were expected to be on the Jetty waiting for us. The city of Plymouth saluting us from the Citadel with their cannons as we sailed past. It's a big day for the ship. If you went back to last December when during Operation Sea Training we were told " by the way your now deploying early next year for 5 months to the Med" and then 1 month in the deployment you get told "by the way we're extending you til 10 months in the Far East" we have traveled a long way and for a long time with very little time before hand to be prepared both physically and mentally.  Now it's over and we were finally back! 

Reunited with my boy!

The following day at home was just about chilling out, nothing major but I was surprised in a nice way to catch up with some of my friends in the evening that came out to see me. It's amazing the little changes around the area you notice that others take for granted that have happened. Road layouts, shops closing, the list goes on. 

Sunday was a day planned out by my son. He wanted a daddy and son day, no mummy as he says "Mummy has had me to her self for 10 months" So his plan was for me to run with him at our local Junior parkrun in Plymouth, lunch then cinema then tea then bowling. 

Me and the boy at Junior parkrun

The morning started with the Junior parkrun in Devonport, Plymouth. I've never run it before as it started up during my time away. It was one that had been talked about happening over the years and finally it's happened. It's a wonderful park and the course is a nice 2 lap course with a cheeky little hill to run twice for the kids. 

We turned up and it was nice to see some of my running friends there with their children. My friends were either volunteering whilst their children ran or running with their children like I was. My boy said to me prior he wanted to beat his PB for the course, so that was our goal. Off we went when the run was started and made our way round, with my boy thanking all the Marshals as he went, giving them all high 5s along the way (this may have slowed him down) 

He's grown up around parkrun since he was 3 years old when I first started myself. He continued  to run, and often saying he felt destroyed hehe. He was working hard, and all I was doing was giving him encouragement. He led the pace not me, I've never pushed him like that. I have never been a fan of pushy parenting. I rather he enjoyed it, than being forced. 

He eventually finished and he smashed it. He took almost 2.5 mins off his previous PB. Did it help having me there? Possibly a bit of confidence for him, or he wanted to impress me with how much he's come on. Either way, he did it and he did it himself. 

After we had finished, the boy went home in the car as I ran home, I needed to get my run in before the rest of our day continued. I have always tried my best to fit my training in and around my family rather than fitting the family in and around my running. It was also a good excuse for me to test out some of my new kit that arrived in the post prior to me coming home. 

My new kit from UglowSports

On first impressions the kit did very well, the top was comfortable, light, and felt good to run in. The shorts were fantastic, and loved the pockets on them. I liked the stitches design in all the garments. The jacket was what I was most impressed with. I wore it originally as I thought it was going to rain and because it was cold. However despite it not raining, I didn't end up over heating. I also didn't end up like a sweat bowl in it. One first use in no rain, it was pretty good. Looking forward to giving it a good run out when it rains, as this jacket will be my go to jacket for the AoA in Feb. 

So that concludes my blog in my series of blogs from my travels around the world. I've still yet to have a look at my footage from the rock race yet, that will be something I will do over the next week during my time off and hopefully will be able to put a film together of some sort. 

Thank you everyone who supported me and kept up with my travels whilst I was away. Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support. I hope to continue being a trailblazer next year. Next year is going to be a good year I reckon. 

So until the next blog! 

My run home!

#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer #UglowSports #StitchFree

Hope24 2017 - Tale of two halves

The weather forecast weeks prior for the start of Hope24 wasn't positive. It was constantly changing but bad weather was going to play it's part. Unlike the previous years where the weather has been pretty good, this year was deemed to be not as lucky according to the weather gods. So I was planning ahead in regards to kit selection and game plan. Last thing I wanted was my own planning to let me down.

Setting up my base for the event

I wasn't setting myself a target to hit, as I had no need I already have a place in AoA18 and I wanted to use this as a training session for the big adventure in August.

I would be happy enough if I hit at least 60 miles in the 24 hour period, but I wouldn't get upset if I didn't. I also planned on not clock watching . My watch would be on my pack and not my wrist so I wouldn't be checking pace or time.

All registered and ready to go

The morning of the event arrived, and the sun was out and getting unexpectedly warm. I already knew the course lay out as I was out helping set up on the Friday morning, and knew how stunning the course was.

My son was running the 2.4km kids race before the main event so I was running with him. Last year he was ill so this year I had no doubt he's smash it. He was quite excited about it all. Smashed it, he did! I was so proud of him.

Me and my boy before his race.

It wasn't long after we were called for a safety brief prior to the start of the main event. We gathered around to listen to Pete Drummond well given brief and then positioned ourselves on the start line. For the first time ever both myself and my wife stood on the same start line for the same event. My in laws were looking after our son so we both could run our race. With the sun shining and the temperature very warm we were off. The course was changed so it wasn't the same as previous years. The course was probably the best one for scenery so far. It really made the run far more enjoyable!

Stunning Bluebell trails

Seeing so many familiar faces along the course was fantastic, having brief chats as we passed along the way. The beauty of these types of events is that you are never along for too long on the course. I think the longest period was probably about 6pm ish when it was a couple of miles into a lap before some one passed me. I think it appeared to be the break period for most.

Random stuffed toys nailed to the trees that have been there a fair while

As the event went on the weather changed and the rain started. It was off and on a lot. It was heavy too when it was on. I go to take my jacket off and it was start again. Soon as time went on it was relentless. I started to see some runners still in road shoes slipping and sliding all over the place along the trails. It was funny at first but soon got worrying.

I was doing well enough for myself. Happy to take it easy as it darkened and the rain got worse. I was still moving forward and the Saucony Peregrines were handling the terrain well enough.

As it got darker it was head torches on for the runners, the rain didn't give up either. I was waiting for a good spell in the weather window to change my wet clothes. Alas that wasn't to come yet.

Snacking on the go just as the rain started again into the night -Pic agimages

The next two laps I helped guide some runners. During one lap I came across a friend Fiona, who I had met through Escape from Meriden, on the course. Her head torch had failed, and despite trail shoes she wasn't confident in the conditions. So I pointed out the rocks, the tree roots and other hazards as we made our way round.

We made it to the end of the lap around 10.50pm and we were greeted by Pete and marshals saying they had postponed the event at 10.15pm until further notice. It was for the safety of the masses they said, and it was the right decision. After waiting for about an hour my wife told me to get some kip as I was starting to get cold. During this kip we heard it was re starting at 5am. A forced kip was not going to be turned down.

I woke to Pete saying it was due to start and I was close to not wanting to get out of bed. I did and I managed to get back out just after the restart. Soon enough I was back around the course. Getting the legs going again was something but it was good practice for the big adventure as I will have to do it over and over again.

I put in some more laps as it warmed up and eventually it was time for the last lap. I was joined by my wife for the first time. She has slipped during her first lap and hurt her ankle and only managed another one since til our last lap. She was determined to get round. It was probably the best finish to a race I have had.

Me and the wife

As went round I caught up with Sarah Booker, a fellow blogger and runner. She's brilliant! She was supporting her husband on his solo quest. We had a chat and hug and they went on.

Then Luke from my club who for the first time had run 50 miles joined us for the remainder. He too had hurt his ankle so was happy to take it easy. I am so pleased for Luke. He is brill and he did great.

As me and the wife entered the final arena bit we enjoyed the atmosphere as we made it round til we decided to have a sprint finish together. I am so proud of my wife, and having run with her and my son in the same event was definitely a highlight of my running journey. They were brilliant!

My boy, wife and myself with our well earnt bling!

That brings me to end really. Although not on pace compared to last year, I am still pleased with how things went. Yes it could've gone better but I am not worried. Despite missing out on 7 hours I still felt good to go again and again. So I knew I had more laps in me and having hit 1 short of my minimum for 24 hours I am not going to complain.

The event is pretty special, the atmosphere, organisation is brilliant. The community feel is outstanding and the fact I get to run it with so many friends is great. If you've not run this event before I suggest you put in your future calendar.

This race was for a friend who sadly passed away through mental illness.

Thanks to Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support.

Until next time!!
Owain


"We'll never truly find our limits until we try something we can't do"

Hope24 2016 - "A very special type of 24 hour endurance event."

For me this always has a special place in my running heart, it's sometimes difficult to explain why a 24 hour event would be that special especially when there are other great versions out there. However Hope24 is a little bit more than another 24 hour running event. Is it because it's not organised by a business or company? Is it because it's organised by one man who manages to seduce the running community in to help him create the event? There are many factors that could be considered but by being a small part of it, I understand why this small non profit charity event won 3 National Running Awards this year. Yes 3, it became the Best Trail Event (under 1000), Best New Event and was 3rd Best Charity event. 3rd, is fantastic when the winner was Race for Life an event that is national and has 100,000's of runners all over attend one of their events and Hope24 last year only had 450 ish in total. That alone shows you already why this has become a special event in the running calendar.

3 x National Running Awards

This year was no different when it came down to the effort put into setting up. The days before I along with a couple other local runners went down and helped Danny Slay set up the course and the arena, marking out a slightly modified route which is each is slightly different to the previous years to keep it fresh and keep those coming back wanting more. After walking setting up plenty of it, and later running it during the event I can tell you honestly, it was a stunningly tough course which was slightly tougher than the previous years.

Just setting it all up, the buzz we were having about the event was already showing between the 4 of us. By Friday morning, we had pretty much set up everything which previously we'd still be marking things out.

It all started to come together

After a few beers in the Friday evening catching up with friends and listening to the band laid on for entertainment I decided this year to sleep at home to try and get a good night sleep prior, however with my 5 year old son, this was but only a nice thought and I didn't get a sleep I wanted. I arrived early Saturday morning at the arena and wow! The place was heaving with runners and supporters. I knew we had more numbers this year but the atmosphere was electric. Bimbling around chatting to people and seeing others there were many nervous and excited people about. By now Colin and Elisabet Barnes (myRaceKit) who have been very supportive to me had arrived with their pop up shop. They love the event are big supporters of it. It was great to catch up with them and have a good natter, as I knew I'd not get a chance later on. These are two of the finest athletes and human beings I know and I know a lot of people take my word.

Myself with two of my favourite runners and friends Elisabet and Colin Barnes (MyRaceKit)

This year was also a first for Hope24 as they were hosting two children races a 2.4km run and a2.4 mile run depending on the age of the children. My son who's started to get the running bug big time and has already run a few parkruns now, weeks before decided he would actually like to run the race. So the 2.4km was his first official race. Despite only recovering well enough to go to school the day before from days of fever he still ran. Despite coming last it didn't matter, the atmosphere for him was electric. If you have ever seen an Iron Man event where the winner is high fiving everyone on both sides of the finishing straight, this was my boy. He was milking it big style and it made me a very proud dad I can tell you! I was even given the medal to present to him, trying not to well up was difficult but I managed it.

My son and wife before his race start. I was very proud.

Soon after all the runners from soloists to team relayers were gathered on the bank behind the race village for a group photo. It's mad that from the 1st year of just over 100 runners in a small group photo to around 600 runners which 200 were soloists were now gathering to do the same thing.

A quick thank you and race briefing was given by Danny and his partner in crime Pete Drummond (who like Danny is another ultra runner) as they prepare everyone for the start. Soon enough the runners took their place on the starting line, this that line was missing the two previous winners Richard Keefe (2014) and Matt Biscoe (2015 and course record holder 135 miles). They were however there in support of the event and the runners, like true gents.

I'm not going to go into too much of my own run as I don't feel the need to, I will briefly mention up until 15.5 hours and 10 laps (50 Miles) I was feeling fantastic but I had shredded the bottom of my feet (something I need to find out why) and I couldn't continue on, but I wasn't gutted just annoyed at my feet as I felt good for another 20/25 miles and I was mentally on my A game. I live to run another day.

Just before the start

The race started with the horn and clock started to tick down! As mentioned previously the course was definitely tougher, in the same distance covered in the 24 hours last year there was another 1000ft of climb in total I covered on 2015. The start took us around the arena where it was a slight decline until you reached the first bridge to cross. Low and behold one of the greatest marshals I have ever met and now I can say a good friend Captain Pink Beard himself Kevin Guild stood proudly. Every year he has stood there for the whole day, night and day supporting every runner who passes him by, offering support and even charging up phones so I hear this year. One thing this event does well and that is marshal! This year even more people came forward to help out which shows what sort of community event it has become.

Captain Pink Beard himself pic taken by himself

Turning right from Kevin took you straight up the first hill, which after a few laps felt it went on further than 1.5 miles. It wasn't steep but it wasn't a slightly incline! Once you reached Thomas (or Gordon the debate is still out on this one) the Tank you have a slight decline so a bit of a respite as you made your way to the next marshal point.

With the well known course landmark is it Thomas or Gordon?

Upon reaching these forever cheerful and motivating marshals which were rotated about throughout the 24 hours, you turned up another climb to the bluebell woods, this is a stunning section of the course. Eventually what went up must come down and we soon ran down a steep  technical decline. The route from the bottom then takes you along side the river towards the shooting ground, this year we didn't go through the shooting ground, but we went up the next steep climb which is around 2.5 miles in to the course, until you reach the marshals at the top again. Once you've caught your breath a nice downhill section before one more little climb. Just before you got to 3 miles you started the long downhill back towards the arena and this was a mixture of track and grass with the grass bits at a slight camber. Once over the bridge at the bottom you go back through the arena however as each lap you do you notice it is a very slight incline and you start to feel it each lap heading into the next section of woods, where you then greeted by another group of marshals who spent the entire 24hrs camped there, cheering everyone on, watering them, feeding them etc. I say group because they're made up of my wife, son and my in laws.

All the runners felt this every lap!

Their CP soon became known as "Disco Corner" and one of the runners favourite parts of the course, sometimes only second to the finish. My wife even came for a run with me around the next section which took you over a bridge up and zig zag incline and then down and around back to the CP. Little do people know how much my family put into this marshal point, with just a event shelter and wobble light provided, all the food, water, additional lighting, music, generator which ran the music and the wobble light (and fuel) as well as morale and support for the 24 hours. (Next year my wife has decided she wants to run the event for the first time so all this won't be provided by my family next year).

 From there you hankered left up up another small climb into another section of the woods which is new this year following a trail will took you above the arena, you could see all the lights and partying going on down below. Eventually you came down a grass bank and into the arena on to the finishing straight.

Disco Corner - created by my family

The whole atmosphere in the arena was out of this world, the supporters camping, around wood fires, drinking their wines cheering everyone on, the other runners supporting everyone in and around the course, is still something I have yet tried to find close to at other events.

Now let's look at other aspects of this event, the cost was £45 across the board for every runner, which makes it one of the cheapest endurance events out there and most definitely the cheapest 24 hour event in the UK currently. You get a nice tech t-shirt, a fantastic medal, some little bits of goodies and we had a bottle of beer at the end. Additionally you could buy a Hoodie and also a limited edition Hope24 Buff original (those who know me know I love my Buff's). Also in the entry you got to run a very beautiful tough well marked, well marshalled course with some amazing people!

Pete kept everyone going as MC all 24 hours with his music and commentary. The weather was hot during the day and Baltic during the night (cars were frozen solid and frost on the ground) and then red hot again once the sun was up. People were putting some of the best if not thee best performances of their lives in. Friends of mine were running further than they have ever run before and I truly think it was down to the event for helping them do so.

My boy and I with our medals

So far the event has raised over £12,000 for the charity Hope for Children which the charity themselves even had a team of 4 running. It's an event I have been looking forward too all year, and I am already waiting for the registration to open for next year as is many others. With a limit of 750 runners I would be very surprised if it doesn't reach it this year and it won't be long before some sort of waiting list or ballot would be needed as it's popularity rises. With this event and Mudcrew's Events down here in the South West we are starting to have some great races in this part of the world, which means those who do live locally finally do not have to travel to get to a great event. The fact people are willing to travel from the most northerly part of the UK as well as abroad shows that down here we put on some great events and long may it continue!

Sunday morning at Disco Corner with my in laws pic by agimages 

So why not head over to the website and when registration opens, you enter one of the best events in the UK Hope24 Website

For me this event was about training, and until my feet issues everything went well, the kit I used from my sponsors X-Bionic UK and Sunwise worked for me very well in the day and night. I can't thank my sponsors enough, they continue to support my efforts and the kit they provide is the best. So despite me only running for 15.5 hours I still very pleased how things are going, and now starting to focus on my next race which is the Classic Quarter 44 in June.

Thanks for reading

Owain

Plymouth 10K - A bit of a blustery run!

It's now November and 32 events out of the 37 already completed, it was time to complete some more and that leads me on to this blog.

Having to reduce the mileage down in my final events from ultras and marathons due to my current on going knee injury, I decided on ones no further than 10 miles at the most for the remainder. Having smashed out other smaller events since Equinox24, it was time for Event 32 of 37 the Plymouth 10K.

Due to issues, with the previous event organisers, (the same company that organises the half marathon) this 10K was cancelled earlier in the year. They put it down to not being allowed to expand it to take in more athletes to cover increasing costs, in my opinion on looking into it, and how they run the half marathon it was more about not able to make more profit and they threw their toys out of the pram.

Plymouth 10K for a lot of runners in the area is a special one, as for most it's their first race they ever ran, so when it got cancelled there were a lot of disappointed runners. However a few months a go, a company in talks with the local council soon opened the new 10K to get it up and running. Obviously this pleased a lot of runners, despite other good events on at the same in the area such as the good Cornish marathon and Drogo 10 miler. Despite the short notice, it soon filled up with 1600 runners, which wasn't too shabby for the time frame it was put together.

Early start

 Event 32 of 37 - Plymouth 10K

With the race starting at 8.30am, and club photo at 8am, it was going to be an early start to get into the city centre getting around the road closures and to find a spot to park before it got chockers. Grabbed myself a hot chocolate from the Costa machine in my local garage and off I went. It was dark, wet and miserable start to the day with the wind picking up slowly. Luckily I had already picked up my race number the day before from the Race HQ so I didn't need to attempt to do it just before race start when it was stupidly busy.

Plymouth Musketeers RC at Plymouth 10K (pic taken by Tracey Taylor)

With the group photo out of the way, I was soon met by a friend who wanted me to get her round. Not that I thought she needed help, but as always I was pleased to help. It was her first race and first time to cover 10K, however I knew through training she was capable of doing it.

The start line area was soon buzzing, as they organised a quick warm up session for the runners, prior to the start. We soon gathered on the start line, with the announcements of some of the elite runners with Cornish ladies legend Emma Septo among them. Bang on time the hooter went and we were off, the event was chipped time, so regardless of when we crossed the start line, we'd have a time that reflected when we officially started and finished.

The course is pretty simple, and not the toughest 10K either, it's good for PB's although not entirely flat, I would say there is some gentle inclines that all throughout the course. From the start you head off down Royal Parade, where even at 8.30am the support was amazing. Out onto Exeter Street, down through Gdynia Way to Embankment. As this is 5k turning point, the support wasn't as plenty as in the city centre it's self but it was still there. Even in the miserable weather, the support kept cheering and clapping all the way through. Just after we turned round to head back there was a water station manned well by a local air cadet group, the route was well marshaled along the way also. The marshals were great and highly motivated as well which you like to see as a runner.

The route was headed back the exact route that you ran out in until you crossed the finish line, with the wind in your face it was harder going than it should've been. As you came in to the city centre there was even more support out, obviously the noise from the support at 8.30am start woke the locals up and they must have came out to see what all the fuss was. It was brilliant, I'm not going to lie. Once you finished you funneled out to collect your goody bag. For the first 10k from this company at short notice I can't really grumble to be honest. It was well organised, the goody bag had more in it than the bigger half marathon event that's held in the city. You even got a t-shirt along with the medal included in the price of this event. The goody bag wasn't quite as good as the more established Bristol 10K I ran earlier in the year however it was of similar cost which it was almost on par to a bigger mass participated 10K.

The Route

Would I run this one again? If it remained as good value and well run as this years, then yes I would. If it went towards the way the half marathon has gone, then no I wouldn't especially when there are two other good events in the area. I would recommend this 10K to first timers as it would set them great for future 10K times.

Done!

 So that completes event 32 and since then I've also completed event 33 of 37 which was the "Poppy Challenge" in aid of the Royal British Legion. Another event done, and more miles for my friend Phil. I can't believe where this year has gone to be honest. It's flown so quickly and my body has taken a beating. My blogs have been nominated for an award so please if not for me but for the miles I've run for my friend give us a vote by following the link. The Running Awards vote here!

Event 34 of 37 "Poppy Challenge 33k"

Until next time thanks for reading, and the continued support.

ps here's a peak at the route for #YOLO7dayUltra 2017

Taken by the International Space Station

#YOLO7dayUltra - New Forest (Southampton) to Land's End

It's been 4 days since I finished this epic journey and as I still recover it's best to jot down some words whilst it is still fresh in the mind although I doubt I will ever forget each and every mile.

Last year whilst at work, I received the news from one of my best friends that he was diagnosed with Oesophaegal cancer and that they were going to operate on him. Not long afterward he had the op, however he then informed us of the worse news anyone can hear. It was terminal and continueing with the op wouldn't help. It hit home, he was at the time only 32 with a young wife and a 1 year old. Not too much difference to my self. Now he continues his fight and has passed the 12 months he was given and even has a little baby girl addition to the family. So if he is still pushing his limits it only meant that I should too.

Knowing I couldn't help him personally by curing him or find operating on him as I wasn't that talented, I decided to use the only skill I had and that was run. By running, I could raise awareness and some money so that maybe I could make a difference to others in the future. I chose a small charity as they always get over looked by the bigger ones such as Cancer Research. The charity was Ochre http://www.ochrecharity.org.uk/ which is a small Oesophaegal cancer charity.

So I sat down and thought what could I do? I thought about doing the JOGLE race, but I didn't have time with work and I also didn't want the chance of failure due to cut of times etc. So I looked at however far I could go in a day allowing me enough time for some recovery, eating etc. I always wanted to finish something at Land's End and being raised most of my life in Cornwall this was fitting for me. I worked out roughly 7 days of running and looked at a map. Phil, who this is all about moved from Cornwall where he grew up to the New Forest nr Southampton to set up his family home as he left the Army. So that was it I was basically running from Phil's new home to his old home. 14/15 months ago the event was created I was going to run from the New Forest to Land's End via Phil's childhood home on the last day.

Event 26 of 37 - #YOLO7dayUltra - New Forest (Southampton) to Land's End

We arrive at our hotel the night before the start of the event which was about 30 mins from my starting point. I couldn't get any closer due to the busy period of summer and every where cheap enough was booked out. I was accompanied by my support crew which was made up of my wife and 4 year old son and Les who will be the medic. My sports masseuse will be joining me later during the week. Also joining me is a good friend Luke Elliott, who recently won the Ham to Lyme 100k event. He has given up his time to support run the first and second day with me.

Pre Event beers with Luke

We gathered in the pub that evening, discussed the first day of runnings route and timings. I discussed what I wanted from my support crew, wife using her vehicle for the Check Point (CP) food and drink stations, and Les's truck for the kit. Having never done anything to this extent before none of us knew exactly what or how to do things. It was going to be a learning curve over the next few days. Each day was going to be an early start of 7am and I had a time of 12 hours planned to finish each day to allow for as much recovery time as possible. The earlier I can finish the better of course, but with out knowing how each day will be I didn't want to take too many chances. The aim was to run/walk/shuffle/crawl to each day's finish line if needs be!

Day 1 - New Forest (nr Fritham) to Dorchester 

We left the hotel early doors and made our way to the start line in the New Forest. We soon arrived, and I got my self sorted to go. 7am Luke and myself checked the first part of where we were heading to and off we went. Both of being off road runners, tarmac didn't exactly excite us, however the first part of the tarmac took us through the beautiful scenic parts of the New Forest. If only the rest of the route was going to be like this. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, and we soon hit Ringwood area heading towards the A31. Having driven the A31 many times before I was in no doubt how busy the route will be for traffic. As we made in to the town we hit our first CP. Now I decided that I wanted each CP to be approximately every 5 miles. I could then treat them like laps of a 24 hour endurance race and tick them off. We quickly took on some snacks like pork pies and crisps check the next part of the route and said good bye to the support crew.

The very start with the support crew

We made our way through the town and soon after took the wrong turn and heading the wrong way. Luckily this mis direction took us down a trail much to Luke's delight and continued until we could hear the busy A31 traffic.

Goodbye Hampshire hello Dorset

As we hit the A31 it was as expected very busy. Unfortunately the first couple of days was going to have to be on the busy A31/35 as going off this route would add further miles and it wasn't something I could afford to do time wise. This was already the longest day out of all 7 and needed to make sure it was nailed. The route took me down duel carriageways which despite being busy weren't that bad due to having a fair bit of space on the side of the road to run on. When we got to the single lane roads of the A31 and ones with out pavements which was pretty much most of we ran with the flow of the traffic. Now we did try and run on the correct side of the road towards the on coming traffic but we found we almost got hit more times on the correct side than when we were going with the traffic. Despite some members of the public trying to tell us which side we should be on, we stuck to our guns and made our way to Dorchester.

At one point as we made it down the single lane A31 there was stand still traffic in the opposite direction. Luke being a much faster runner would run a head for a bit and stretch his legs out. Knowing I still had 6 more days to go I wouldn't be stretching my legs out that fast. Walking the hills and running as much of the rest as much as possible was my plan and it seemed to be going well enough.

Luke at one point spoke to one of the drivers who asked him what was going on casuing the traffic jam. As I caught up with said driver he soon started cheering me and beeping his horn which lead to a couple other cars starting beeping for me. Luke told them what I was up to and it was the kind of moral boost I needed.

It was a warm day on the roads I was definitely feeling the heat. We were making good time though and hitting the CP's and I was ticking each one off. It was during the first day that I had a great idea of having a Callipo ice lollipop. God, it was so refreshing it was like a cold cuddle that was definitely needed. Luke still by side, kept me going as we took the mick out of other and when I started to flag he helped pick smaller goals to run/walk to. Lamp posts, signs, trees whatever we could.

Eventually surviving the first day we made it to Dorchester where we would be staying the first night. We eventually made our way through Dorchester town to the car park where my first finish line was. 11 hrs 4 mins and 40.3 miles I crossed the the finish line of Day 1 of 7. (All times each day include the rest stops at CP's and injury treament times) I was pretty pleased with the time although not quick, it was within the 12 hrs I set and I still had 6 more days to go. Never done multi staged event  like this before I didn't want to risk pushing my self that would break myself too much. I was sore, but nothing unusal at the end of an ultra.

Day 1 Ultra 1 done!

 We stayed at the Thornycoombe Farm which gave us a really great deal on the accommodation. We went out for something to eat, and I came across my first problem. I wasn't able to eat properly, food was starting to unfriend me and not a good sign for the forth coming days.

Day 2 - Dorchester to Honiton

Well I got about 6 hours of sleep, I say sleep my eyes were closed but I was only lightly sleeping and for a heavy sleeper that's not great but it was better than nothing. Starting at 7am again we're all up early packing everything up and getting ready for what will be the toughest route out of all 7. Why is tough 1000 metres of climb in total but the climbs aren't stupidly steep they are very long. Again, I knew the route and I know the A35 very well driving it a lot because of work.

Day 2 Ultra 2 start

I eat some food, took a couple painkillers and then went in front of the car and threw everything up. Not a start I wanted, my body was starting to react badly to wanting to go again. I stretched a bit to try and ease up my legs and off we went. Again with Luke at my side we started off with a little walk to try and ease my legs in. The back of my right knee, became very painful. We broke into a run and I had to stop immediately. I called the support crew to pull over so I could get to them. I hobbled to the truck, and I could barely move my right leg. We taped up the back of my right leg to see if that would help at all. It seemed to help slightly as although in pain, it let me get a run/walk on.

We made our way out of Dorchester and on to the A35 heading towards Honiton. As we got about 2-3 miles down the road, I hear a friendly voice I recognise shout out of one of the support vehicle windows as they over took. That voice belonged to Duane Roberts of Team Buff UK. He had traveled down from the South East after visiting his daughter and the birth of his first grandchild to Bridport the night before slept in his van. Got up early ran to 16 miles to Dorchester to meet me. He stopped in the McDonalds for a coffee and missed us go passed. So my support crew found him and brought him to us. He then joined me and Luke for my run. This man is on form at the moment, acquiring quite a few podium places. Recently securing 2nd place at Thunder Run 24 smashing in 125 miles only just over a week before.

That was it now, there was 3 of us on our way heading to Honiton. The weather was close in temp but over cast, with a tiny bit rain to start with. This soon changed as we made our way to Bridport, and it became very warm and sunny once more. With Duane and Luke pushing me, I was starting to feel it. We were hitting the check points, but I was struggling to take anything but fluids in. Everything felt very dry even when mixing it with water I struggled.

As we approached Bridport, I thought Duane would be stopping but no he was going all the way to Honiton, morale levels up now but pain levels increasing. My feet were getting painful as they were swelling. I had bought shoes a size bigger in anticipation of this but they were growing a size and half bigger in width. With the pain behind my knees I was struggling not including the heat.

Goodbye Dorset hello Devon with Luke and Duane

 As we got to Bridport there was a fatality accident closing one of the roads, so traffic was at stand still however despite the good feeling of passing the cars and going faster than them, my support crew was stuck in it. I made the decision to not have the next check point and to just crack on as it meant I could be waiting a long time for the crew to arrive. Eventually they made it through and set up at 18 miles at the top of a really long climb.

The day seemed to get longer and longer as we made our way to Honiton, knowing the route didn't help as I knew when the hills were coming and they just never ended. Duane and Luke were pushing me as best they could and with the final hill climb completed it left with a down hill finish in Honiton. I crossed the line a very broken man mentally and physically. 11 hours and 53 mins to cover 36 miles. Short route than day 1 but 3 times tougher!

A mutual friend of Phil's called Brendan Hooper lent us a student house he owns in Exeter which isn't far from Honiton and Torquay (Day 3's finish) so we were setting up HQ there for the next two nights. The wife took Duane back to his van in Bridport, and Luke and Les took me back to the house. They set up an ice bath (which the ice was kindly provided by Brendan for me as well as other stuff) and boiled me up a ration pack meal I had. I managed to eat 1 and a bit of spag bol ration packs before getting my head down. Luke was taken to the train station as he had work to do for his Masters to get on with and I went to bed. Day 3 was going to be difficult as I knew I was going to be alone for most of the day and because of how I was feeling I was starting even earlier.

Day 3 - Honiton to Torquay

Welcome to hell! That's probably my best way to describe this day. So much so I've pretty much blanked the majority of the day from my memory. This section is going to be short because of that very reason, I don't want to relive it as much as possible.

Knowing I was going to be slow due to being by myself and in severe pain and with the weather turning to shit I took the decision to start at 5am not 7am.

Day 3 Ultra 3 start

I made a start again with a walk to try and get the first few bits to ease my legs off. However it turned ugly for me. With my feet in severe pain, the legs so stiff and my back of my right knee in a bad way I was struggling.

We only had one vehicle today as were returning to the same house and being by myself the medic jumped in the wife's car. This allowed him to jump out and walk with me for a bit. I got to 5k and my pace was so shocking I had to call a pit stop. 45 minute miles was happening! Physically and mentally I was broken. I sat on the boot of the car and went over everything in my head. I received a phone call from Duane who tried to pick me up. It was no good, I had to do something and quitting completely was the likely option.

I had a think and decided to get a couple hours sleep and see how I felt when I woke up. I woke up, smashed in some food and decided to crack on. I felt better for it. Weather was still poor, but I was making better head way than I was. The wife had been drumming up support via social media and seeing it all helped me mentally. I found out 3 runners were going to join me out side Torquay for the last 10K of the run. I had to get there.

Eventually I made it and they met up with me. A lady I met during Imrey's Trail Half marathon who I helped finish it, Mark Stockman and Steve Hookins who I met through the Hope24 event. Suddenly it was like a new lease of life! They got me to the finish line in Torquay and helped me end what was the lowest part of my life. The best way to describe how I felt during the 37 tough miles and 14 hours of hell was suicidal.

Day 3 Ultra 3 finish 2ith Mark, Steve and Chrissy

 A day I do not want to repeat ever again! My sports masseuse from Muscle Mechanic based in Hampshire was at the end to greet me. Despite being 8 months pregnant Amanda still came down and started right away as I tucked away into food (I had demolished a child's burger and chips) on my legs. She flossed my swollen joints which was my left ankle (an injury from Endure12/50 a couple of weekends prior) and my right knee. A painful procedure but worth the pain for the pain. When we got back to the house, she went to town my body. She was amazing!

We took the tape off my feet to try and let the feet breath a bit and to see damage caused it wasn't a pretty sight. With tape running out quickly, the crew rang MyRaceKit and spoke to friends Elisabet and Colin who swiftly dispatched more in time for our arrival in Plymouth. Those two have been a god send to me and I can't thank them enough.

Blisters on blisters

Nasty!

 Day 4 - Torquay to Devonport (Plymouth)

Starting at 7am again we were up early back into Torquay ready to go. Unexpectedly I was joined at the start by Brendan Hooper. The guy who lent me his house for two nights, had just finished a night shift and was now joining me for the start of the run. Amazing! He pledged to run for the first 4 hours so he still had time to get some sleep and get ready to go back for another night shift.

Day 4 Ultra 4 start

 Amanda had given a quick sort out prior to leaving the house, and although still stiff and sore I was able to go again. So because my feet suffered badly the day before I made alterations to my shoes I cut  into the side and this allowed the pressure to be released. My poor shoes, however a size bigger wasn't cutting it.


My feet felt so much better and I was making good picking small goals to run/walk through. I seemed to be getting stronger as the day went on as well making my way through South Hams district. Food was going down, I was doing well on crisps, Muller rice etc. Soon Brendan left me and I was on my own once more, but this time I felt better. I was in a positive place both mentally and physically.

I got CP3 where Amanda had her table out ready for me, she gave me another going over. Whilst there two elderly ladies asked what was going on. Soon they were off to their cars getting some money to donate. Both of them lost their fathers to Oesophaegal cancer. Another morale boost from this because strangers were donating!

I went on my way feeling good, sore, achy but good. Heading towards South Brent I could see the moors of Dartmoor in the distance. I was getting closer to where I live but more importantly the finish. I made my way towards Ivybridge, coming down a 20% incline wasn't good for my legs, but as at 1.5 miles outside of Ivybridge where the next CP was, I was joined by friend from my local running club the Plymouth Musketeers. He was going to run with me to the finish, the day was heating up and it was the morale boost once more I needed.

Gary kept me coming from Ivybridge

We made it through to Ivybridge and to the CP. I took on my snacks and liquid now consisting of Milk, Coconut water and flat coke as standard. We were given a Callipo and on my way to Plympton power station the next CP. Along the way my best mate Adam who had just finished work and caught me up for a bimble. I left him and off we ran on our route. This route had kept me off the A38 luckily and around the back roads. Although one part took us up a public footpath it was so muddy it had been recently used by 4x 4's for green laneing. I tried to keep out of it now, as by this point my feet had swelled in width and length a size and half and had now cut the toe box up to allow the ends of my toes more room. Last thing I needed was my feet to be wet and muddy.

With the next CP done and dusted I was no in Plympton where I was joined by another two Muskies, Stuart and Adrian and then making my way past my house I was joined by Amie who is a parkrunner at the parkrun I run direct at and a member of the Sweatshop Running community I go to. I now had 4 runners with me and still about 10 miles to go. As we approached Marsh Mills CP I was joined by more Muskies and Sweatshop Community runners (SRC) including Luke who took a couple hours of uni work. It was mad, I was now surrounded by runners and I felt like I was the PM out on a run. We made our way along the embankment towards the city centre where I was then joined by Pete Waumsley a Tamar Trotter and owner of Frank Elfords Sports shop. A good friend who has given me lots of support over the last year in my journey towards this event.

I made my way through Plymouth and I could feel the end was coming! I eventually came to the down hill to the ferry terminal finish line, I finished strongly and crossed the line with everyone behind me. It was so great to have my local running friends join me!

Day 4 Ultra 4 done!

 35.5 miles and in 11 hours 3 minutes I actually felt really positive about the last 3 days!

Day 5 - Devonport to Lanydrock House (nr Bodmin)

Today started with a final sort out by Amanda before she had to shoot off back home to Hampshire. I can't thank her enough really for the work she did! It was truly appreciated and definitely needed! Thank you Amanda! After a night in my own bed, it was very difficult to get out of bed and I did not want to leave my house, however I knew I had to.

Day 5 Ultra 5 start

I got to the Ferry terminal in time to catch the 0645 ferry across to Torpoint to start Day 5 and soon enough I was across the other side. As I made my way through Torpoint I was met by a lady runner called Carole, who found out about the event through her news feed. Having never met her before this was amazing, she wanted to keep me company until the first CP. It was great, totally unexpected but great. We chatted along until she finally had to leave me. I made 3 more miles up until once more I was joined by another runner called Jane. She is one of the Mud Crew Event directors. Mud Crew put on events such as the Dark, Scrooge, ultras such R.A.T Plague and Arc of Attrition 100. Amazing events organised by ultra runners who know what runners want. Jane was wonderful she was going to keep me company til the end!

Carole joined me for a few miles

The lovely Jane

 We made away along the route dodging a lot of the A38 around the back roads. With some steep short climbs this would be another tough day and with the weather getting better as we ran along it wouldn't be long before it was hot. As we made our way I was soon joined by Ross, my next door neighbour who is a rugby player not a runner. He came out to keep me company for a few miles and managed to knock out 6 miles. It was great and I felt so humbled by this!

Next door neighbour Ross did some miles too!

Ross soon left us and myself and Jane made our way, eventually having to run a small part of the A38 heading down in to Glyn Valley or as I call it death valley. Luckily it wasn't for long and we again went off into the back roads, through more places I have never run before. Very scenic areas and having Jane as company made even more pleasurable. The hills still kept coming but I was in my stride and made our way closer and closer to the finish.

With Lanyhdrock House in close proximity I picked up the pace, and powered my way over the finish line once more. Another 33.3 miles smashed out and this time in 10 hours and 58 minutes. Jane was an angel on my shoulder at all times and I was so pleased we finished ahead of time. Great not only by my support crew but a friend Tammy from the Subaru owners club I belong to. It was so nice to see her at the end.

Day 5 Ultra 5finish with Jane.

 We arrived at our hotel and for the first time, I managed to smash in a proper adult's size meal. It was very good!

Day 6 - Lanhydrock House to Blackwater

A late start today at 9am why? Well I decided I need to complete another event. Event 27 Lanhydrock parkrun. Jane once again met me as it was her local parkrun that she also run directs. Along with some fellow muskies who came down to support, this parkrun wasn't going to be easy deemed as the 2nd toughest in the UK due to it's elevation profile I was just going to continue in the same fashion I had for the last 5 days.

Event 27 of 37 start!

I soon made my way round the course to the finish line where I was greeted with cheers and claps from a lot of the other parkrunners. I didn't have time to hang around though I was back on event 26 and and making my way out of the House grounds and on towards Blackwater (nr Truro).

I was accompanied by Jon Anderson who is also a fellow Muskie and SRC runner like myself. His lovely wife let him keep me company all the way til the half way point at Indian Queens. Now during the time the temperature rose, it was in around 26 degrees and the route had very little shelter, being very open. I was catching the sun nicely and I was definitely feeling the heat. my thoughts then turned to all those I knew who completed the Marathon de Sables event. Thinking if they can endure hotter for 6 days I can endure this for today. At one point a random runner out on his training run, spotted us. He asked the crew what we were doing and then caught us up to wish us luck before going back on his way. Humbling!

Jon kept me company from the park run for a few hours

Making good time, again I was ahead of schedule. Jon soon left me at Indian Queens where I was met by another good friend of mine Craig. we started running together when we both looked at losing weight and I got a place in the London Marathon 2010. Since then he's go on to smashing out ultras and marathons with good ease. He also support crewed Hope24 for me back in May.

Off we left the CP at Indian Queens and away we went but not along after I was surprised by Tony and Natalie Wallbank who were down on holiday. Natalie jumped out of their motor home with one of their dogs and joined me for about 4/5 miles, whilst Tony drove on and took some lovely photo's. You often find these two taking pics at various sporting events around the globe like the World Triathlon series. Randomly whilst also truly amazing, a guy called Pete (didn't get his surname) heard about me at the parkrun and caught up with me at Indian Queens and donated some money. I'm not sure if he went out of his own way or was on his way home either way it was great.

I was in a good place and we carried on smashing out the miles in the heat. I said my byes to Natalie and Tony, and continued on my way with Craig. Soon I was on the A30 getting closer and closer and when I finally got to the last check point I was met by Craig's wife Zoe (who is currently in training for her first ultra). Zoe had already been on a run this morning and as both had too go away for the last day they decided to support me today.

Tony and Natalie Wallbank top friends!

It was great two of my good friends keeping me company, pushing me on to the finish! No sooner said than done, we got on the downhill finish to Blackwater and we crossed the line! I was greeted by Phil's mum, my mum and dad and a few friends such a nice feeling.

Day 6 Ultra 6 finish with Craig and Zoe

31.3 miles in 9.52.03 and a parkrun nailed!

However feeling very broken I asked a friend for a favour, she allowed me to disturb her BBQ with runners from Carn Runners to give me an emergency massage. Alison from West Cornwall Massage Therapy worked her magic at short notice and it helped me start the final day! She saved me!

My 1 size bigger Hoka Flops shame my feet grow 1.5 sizes bigger!

Day 7 - Blackwater to Land's End via St Day (Phil's childhood home)

So here it is the final day, a day which at one point I didn't think I'd get to event though I didn't have a choice it did feel it could've been over early.

One final time getting up at 5am to prep myself for a 7am start, getting the vehicles ready and today I knew I was being joined by some other friends of Phil's who pledged their support be it for a short run or the whole day. At the start I was joined by Adam my best mate who doesn't run, Luke Collins another friend who is a second row 19 stone rugby player, Donna who is a casual runner but likes to keep fit, her friend Sharon, Wedge who is Phil's best friends since they were children and a friend of mine. He used to be a runner and a good one. Also joining us for a bit was Kathryn from Carn Runners who wanted to show support for a few miles as well as David who found out about the even through a post on his page.

Day 7 ultra 7 start

All their fresh faces surrounded me at the start line where I was definitely showing signs of being broken over the last 6 days. After a few photo's we started just after 7am and made our way to St Day to Phil's childhood house to quickly see his mum. The road to St Day from Scorrier is a bit hairy so we jumped on the trail which was a lot safer than the road way especially with such a large group.

We arrived at Phil's mum house for a couple of photo's and again made our way on to the first CP in Redruth. Kathryn left us and we made our way then on to Camborne to CP2, everyone still in high spirits, with Wedge providing the entertainment of bad jokes and bashing into every lamp post and sign along the way (nope he never got bored of it and did it till the end, we did however got bored of it hehe!)

Phil's mum Gill

Kathryn departed after a few miles

The miles were ticking off nicely and Adam was still going. I expecting him only to do a few miles as he never runs, but there he was still going. We made it to CP2 and 10 miles nailed. Next up was Hayle and we went via the old A30 slightly tougher route but not so busy with traffic. With the support vehicles warning other road users of us on the roads, we made our way through Connor Downs where I was then joined by local ultra runner who works in At Your Pace running shop in Helston, Loyd Purvis. I met Loyd during Arc of Attrition this year and became friends since. He came out to support me and get some time on feet prior to running UTMB in a couple of weeks.

Local legend Loyd from At Your Pace trail team

Not sure what he was expecting by the runners that were with me but he was soon being entertained by Wedge. We made our way through Hayle, to CP3 next to Philps Pasties. I didn't have one though sadly. I went through my usual routine now, and the crew are all over it having it ready. It all seems to be working very well now. Adam however was starting to feel it now with his IT band starting to give him pain.Convincing him to go on, because it was for our friend Phil he did and we left hayle making our way to St Erth. Where I met Pete Drummond who was on holiday. Pete anotehr ultra runner and MDS finisher in 2014 I met through Hope24. He along with friend Danny Slay organise the event, and I know if Danny wasn't in New Zealand on a well earned holiday he'd also be running with us.

Hope24 legend Pete

Finally we made it to CP4 which was 21 miles in and I finally said good bye to Adam. He was broken and in quite a lot of pain with his knee. The man who never runs, smashed out 21 miles for Phil supporting me. I was in awe! The others who started with me were still going and big Luke was still going however he was starting to feel it as well as Donna and her friend Sharon who are doing well and into a distance they have never ever been before.

Best mate Adam!

 Through into Penzance we finally came across signs for Land's End and I knew it won't be long. I ignored the Cornish miles signs as being raised in Cornwall I know how much they lie. We powered up the hills and the soon the ladies were feeling it too. We got to the next check point and it went from me being looked after to Luke, Donna and Sharon being treated for blisters, and sore joints. Making sure they took in snacks as well once they were sorted we made our way where two more of Donna's friends from the gym joined with 7 miles to go.

It suddenly was me encouraging those not used to the distance but it was great, seeing them push their limits made me continue to push mine. With support from Loyd and Pete the miles to the last CP flew by and we soon was in and out and on our way to the finish. As we got closer I was joined by other friends Stuart, Ben, Jackie and Luke Elliott (he had to finish with me). Then as we came through Sennen I was joined by 3 more runners who I never met before but have been following me via social media before eventually by my big Sis Rowann who has only just started running and my eldest nephew Jago.

We came toward the finishing straight and there is was Land's End! I picked up the pace a little more and with 200 yrds to go I was joined by my son and wife until the finish line! I did it I crossed the finish line!

Finally Day 7 ultra 7 done!

Relief!!

 248.2 miles from New Forest to Land's End and after 87 hours and 14 minutes (including all CP stops and injury treatment and day 3's 2 hours rest) I did it! 7 ultra marathons in 7 days via a route no one has done before and understandably so!

A feat I would not have completed if it wasn't for my support crew and all the support runners that came out from start to finish.

Day 7 support runners!

People asked how I felt when I finished, I felt relieved I had no more tarmac. It wasn't until 3 days later I woke finally realising what I had achieved and I felt legendary.

What a lot of people don't realise is how much work, the support crew did. Setting up the CP's ready for me, treating me, feeding me, getting fluids in me, answering my beckon calls. Then on top dealing with the social media sides of things, trying to keep people updated of timings, drumming up support, fundraising and then keeping my 4 year old occupied and happy. My boy considering still thinks it was a holiday and was good as gold. He had his moments but then if it was you in the same situation as my boy you'd have your moments too lol

One of the blisters at the end

My thanks goes out to once more

X-Bionic and Sunwise for the kit they provided me and the continued support.
All the support runners (so many to list)
Thornycoombe farm, Brendan Hooper, My parents for helping me out with accommodation and reducing costs.
All the support via social media.
Amanda from Muscle Mechanic (Sports Massage therapy)
Alison Campbell from West Cornwall Massage Therapy
Elisabet & Colin Barnes from MyRaceKit 
L &E Designs - Thank you medals for any runner that supported me.
Les my Medic
My Wife and Son who made all the rest possible!

Sorry if I forgot anyone, or missing pictures there was a lot.

BIG THANK YOU TO THE CREATOR OF CALLIPO ICE POPS YOU WERE MY SAVIOUR!

During this time I reached and smashed my target for the whole year Just Giving Page reaching to date so far £2,255. I still have 10 events left to go so please don't stop following my journey.

Remember "You only reach your limits when you've tried something you can't do"

Thank you! A lot of lessons learnt but a lot achieved!
Owain