GINGERBREAD MAN FINALE
ULLSWATER TRAIL RACE 13KM COMPLETED 1 hour 47 mins 24 secs. Must be a PB maybe even a trails record... its the final hurdle in what has been an emotional 9 months. The illness still crippling the man underneath the superhero Ginge outfit. A more than respectable time welcomed home by all the supporters who have helped me throughtout the year. Thanks to everyone who has given time money effort anything at all... every bit has helped me make this year a success. Susan I hope we have done you proud.
---
HELVELLYN TRAIL RACE 15KM COMPLETED 1 hour 36 mins 10 secs. With the flu and a hangover a pre race lempsip gave me the needed the breathability to survive the race. Survive I did and only just... 1 more event to go....
---
THE FLU - 3 days to go til my final events and I am now sniffling like a schoolkid and knocking back lempsips like they were friday night sambucas...
---
MUD RUNNER COMPLETED 1 hour 24 mins 27 secs. Dry mud runner over Land Rover tracks meant running in either a tyre track or solid jagged mud. Very little mud compared to what was advertised. Bit rubbish really... only 2 more events to go. Note to self ignore offers of pre race McDonalds these do not help the race ;o)
---
CONISTON 50KM ULTIMATE TRAILS MTB RIDE COMPLETED 4 hours 6 mins 40 secs. A baptism of fire, 10 years since last sitting on a mountain bike and a simple "non-technical" course (yeh right ;) ) saw me fly off on numerous occasions into trees down dykes and even off the side of the hill at one point. A great experience now over very tired after the double header but totally worth every second.
---
CONISTON TRAIL RACE COMPLETED 1 hour 37 mins 32 secs. Another sunny day and very hill course. A good time with very little training. Had to take it steady got the MTB ride the next day
----.
GREAT NORTH RUN COMPLETED 2 hours 2 mins 12 secs
Another gloriously sunny day now the bike ride is over saw me complete the half marathon course injured but still under my previous time to set a new PB (allbeit by 30 secs). A success and now 2 weeks well earned rest (I have now forgotten what that word means ;o) ). I may even have a few beers or 15...
Next a double hear in Coniston 15km Trail Race and 50km Mountain Biking....
HELVELLYN Triathlon - COMPLETED 5 hours 38 mins
A glorious sunny day saw my first Triathlon. Famous for being in the top 10 hardest in Europe. 1500m Swim, 38 mile cycle up "The Struggle" and a 9.5 mile run up Englands third highest mountain.
35:25 swimming in the 10C of cold lake... saw me jumping for the bike more than a little dizzy from the cold.
2:23 mins flying around on the jazzy not so new bike, I even managed the famous "Struggle".
2:38 what should have been running up Helvellyn... ok ok I ran out of steam and walked far too much of it. But a great success slightly injured and untrained. TRIATHLON COMPLETE WOOHOO!!! ;o)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEJOG COMPLETED in only 10 days... WOW I'm tired. Diary now below:
LEJOG DIARY - 970 Tough Wet Miles
DAY 1
Lands End - Sourton Downs
95 miles
Nice sunny start, bit windy but only 95 miles to do down one road so getting lost really shouldnt have been a problem.
60 miles in been flying for a few long downhills hitting 48.6 mph... all good. Then a puncture torrential rain and a few rather long uphills slowed the progress finishing early at 4pm. Then sleep sleep sleep been a long day but the escape from Cornwall was nearly complete.
DAY 2
Sourton Downs - Lower Wick
125 miles
The great escape nearly over, the fence in sight, I was ready to hurdle it on the bike just like Steve McQueen and find comfort in the lesser hills of other counties. Not before a torrid 30 miles of horrendously steep hills which mapmyride had failed to show. Another puncture on the poor A roads near Tiverton this time with the added bonus of new inner tubes which dont quite fit as advertised..
Once these issues were out of the way there was just rush hour Bristol to conquer. Following sign posts as you would in a city center I was well on my way to the campsite when all signposts stopped except one ROAD CLOSED. The one road I needed to get onto was closed not just for today either. A few back roads saw me back out in luscious green countryside to the most lonely single tent in a field campsite I have been to. Thankfully the missus had the tent ready so I just passed out... after tea of course.
DAY 3
Lower Wick - Oswestry
BBQ Time (Sorry I mean the Clarke residence ;o) )
113 miles
With a stay a mates house to look forward to there was an early start and plenty of major A roads again to ease me to success. After only 10 miles puncture number three hit me at a set of traffic lights in Gloucester. An early set back didnt hold me back I was 70 miles in before lunch arrived to give me an added boost.
Only 20 miles to go I was delighted to see the signposts for Oswestry, however that then turned directly into the wind slowing progress to almost a stand still even on the downhills.
Apparently sat nav doesnt work in Oswestry on arrival a quick check of the phone had me somewhere I wasnt in the middle of a complex maze of estates. A guiding star in the form of a bus arrived so I followed it through the maze and as luck would have directly to my mates street where a comfy bed, a bbq and a few ciders were awaiting my arrival.
DAY 4
Oswestry - Lancaster
110 miles (should have been turned out to be more like 125 in the end)
Day 4 started relaxingly meandering away from Oswestry to day of the cities. A route incorporating Warrington, Wigan and Preston all in one day was never going to end well. But there was no avoiding them all.
Road closed were the first major sign I saw for day as the A49 was closed taking me 10 miles out of the way. 20 miles further up again the same another section closed.
60 miles in a quick break for lunch was looking delightful and I was on my way to city slog.
Along with the cities came the torrential rain, down pours making lane changing slippy, roads flooded to. Flying nicely down a hill about 35 mph a car looks see me and then pulls causing a skid and a crunch as I land on the floor in the middle of a busy junction. As the driver speeds away ignoring the possible damage I shared a few expletives with the remaining vehicles who stopped to check if I was ok.
The rain now even heavier the roads even more slippy and dangerous my next fall was not far away. Cleats are hard enough to clip in at the best of times... this time at a traffic lights there was no clipping. A slip of the foot and a fall. A car attempts to overtake early and pays the price. I bang my head and handle bars down the nice ladies car. As she pulls away she shouts you ok I was fine a few simple cuts. I try to tell her about the scratches but she didnt hear.
40 miles to go the weather not letting up I push for the finish not a single item of clothes dry my phone now broken I was isolated and meeting my support every ten miles.
I arrive at the campsite to see my girlfriend nearly flying like a kite with the tent trying to hold it down. It was going to be a long night in gale force winds and horrendous rain. Chances of drying clothes for morning zero....
DAY 5
Lancaster - Bassenthwaite
65 miles
Day 4's torrid weather continues overnight. Gale force winds almost turning the tent into a kite making sleep impossible.
A midday start allows for what should be a nice a lay in before the first "relaxing" cycle into the area’s most beautiful countryside.
Relaxing is short lived as the feeling of cold wet clothes hits the skin before the start. The beginning, of a day to forget.
A tough start in heavy rain continues, a wet Ambleside allows no shelter prior to the first big climb of the day. Long hard climb over what should now be down-hill sailing quickly turns to be more of an aquaplaning adventure.
Down to Keswick 2 hours later than planned, a downhill puncture causes a missed turning, a quick switch to find the new tube also punctured leaves me stranded. A patient wait with hopes of a passing support vehicle finally wain. No mobile due to yesterday’s rain means its pay phone time... a half mile cleat ruining walk, no answer from the support mobile ends in a return charge phone call to mummy to keep calling the support vehicle (my lovely girlfriend). Toys not only out of the pram but all over the floor, tantrum ensues.
Toys collected from floor after support vehicle saves the day with new inner tube. Set off and miss turning for next campsite. Ask random car for more directions and end up in right place. Chinese time with my lovely lady and a well needed beer.
DAY 6
Bassenthwaite - Mauchline
110 miles
Waterproof useless, no cycle computer and run out of inner tubes... shopping list for support vehicle.
Day brightened by news of making second round for carrying Olympic torch next year. The day is brighter, well apart from the rain of course.
A 70 mile escape from the Lakes finds me passing the border for my entry into the third and final country of the trip. Perhaps Scotland would be better.
No break in Gretna Green, straight through and up the main A road to begin the day of the busy roads.
The first break of the day brings presents, the shopping list to keep me going, a nice new waterproof too. Support vehicle is now even more awesome. Although the slow puncture now being repaired shows the cycle shop has provided inner tubes that dont fit the tyre. Fear not Halfords is only 20 miles down the road.
Back on my way I snake up towards the campsites travelling through what can only be described as Scotlands shadier areas (New Cumnock).
Early arrival at the campsite and a break in the rain allow for a well-earned rest.
DAY 7
Mauchline - Inverary
90 miles
A fresh start allows for a countryside route ruined only by a trip through Glasgow city centre. The Erskine bridge signals the end of the final city and shows the light at the end of the tunnel is only around the corner.
Loch Lomond beautiful as ever in the cloud. Rain on and off provides little time to rest knowing a final climb through the Rest and be Thankful mountains is 75 miles into the route.
A speedier than expected start means the climb begins before the scheduled dinner break. Sweeping through the fern trees at what can be only described at a snails pace the top is in site just as the support vehicle passes by.
Brief lunch at the top and a 10-15 mile downhill stretch to end the day in the picturesque Inverary Hotel should have been easy. The final turn prior to descent finds the wind and driving rain once more hit me head on. 30-40 mph, driving rain in the face slows descent.
Sweeping around out of the mountains Inverary can be seen across the opposite side of the bay and a race with the support vehicle to the finish.
A whisky shop, a hotel and fine Scottish food even candles... finally the holiday begins.
DAY 8
Inverary - Corran
64 miles
A short route mostly flat no punctures and most of all a lonely cyclist is joined by his shy shadow which has been hiding for most of the trip. Less than 4 hours cycling an average speed of over 17 mph allow for no food break and an early finish. Quick tourist search for Hagrids hut proves it no longer exists but it was worth a nice break from cycling.
DAY 9
Corran - Dornoch Firth
110 miles
The final long day eases by the side of Loch Ness. 51 miles covered in only 3 hours. Up and down all the way and a few scary bridges to cross barely a car width wide. Tired and relieved only a day to go now I arrive in Dornoch for a sleepless night with a rather large owl.
DAY 10
Dornoch Firth - THE FINISH (Sorry John o'Groats)
85 miles ish depends which sign posts you believe
Most would be relieved the last day only 85 miles to go, 85 miles which are no longer on the major A roads but only minor A roads descending deep into each bay for every town passed. The wind against me for each descent, followed by an even steeper climb to escape before the next.
20 miles to go a last town and final break, time to get the party spirits into gear the end is in sight.
A change in wind direction allows for a speedy finish. A tyred excited delirious cyclist rolls into John o'Groats to be greeted by champagne and a wonderful support person, vehicle and savior. Pictures and party time... well food and sleep. Its over only 9 more challenges to go.
NEW EVENTS ADDED:
Jul 31st York 10km RunForAll (dressed as something special)
Sep 18th Great North Run
Oct 2nd Coniston Ultimate 50Km MTB
Oct 16th Mudrunner
TBC Brid to Blackpool 140M Cycle
*** UPDATED *** Current progress added to the bottom... See new pics also...
Hello Everyone,
Yes its that time of year again, that time when I do something that little bit silly then come begging you all for some pennies. This year however is a little bit different instead of just one big event I am planning to complete over 15 big events all for a very special cause.
My best mate Jim sadly lost his mum in 2006 after a long fight with cancer. She was such a special lady and always made others around her smile. Towards those final precious moments she spent many months in the unique care offered by the Wakefield Hospice. They made her time though difficult much more comfortable supporting both Susan and her family.
I would like to raise as much money as possible to help the Wakefield Hospice as a big thank you from both myself and the Emmerson family. This money will help them continue the great work they carry out daily.
Below is the list of events I plan to complete (in no particular order)
1. Lands End - John O’Groats Cycle 12-14 Days 10/08
2. Helvellyn Triathlon 04/09
3. National 3 Peaks Walk 10/07
4. Wrynose or Bust 115 Mile Cycle
5. Coniston Marathon 03/07
6. Cartmel Trail Race 02/04
7. Hawkshead Trail Race 07/05
8. Staveley Trail Race 04/06
9. Hellrunner Delamere Forest 10/09
10. Coniston Trail Race 01/10
11. Helvellyn Trail Race 05/11
12. Ullswater Trail Race 06/11
13. Hellrunner Cannock Chase 12/02
14. Yorkshire 3 Peaks Walk 25/07
15. Belvior Challenge 16 Mile Run 06/03
Please please please dig deep this cause means a lot to me and its all in memory of such a very special lady.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my page
Lee (the crazy person attempting to bite off more than he can chew ;o) )
PS This may be a risky comment to make but I am also looking to add to the list above... so please feel free to add any suggestions of other events I may like to complete (sensible suggestions considered...)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESULTS SO FAR
Feb 12th Hellrunner 13M Run - COMPLETE
2:10:33
Mar 6th Belvior Challenge 16M Run - COMPLETE
3:33:00
Apr 2nd Cartmel Trail Race 18Km Run - COMPLETE
1:50:27
Apr 10th Wrynose or Busy 112M Cycle - COMPLETE
9:03:03
May 7th Hawkshead Trail Race 15Km Run - COMPLETE
2:07:14
June 4th Staveley Trail Race 17km Run - COMPLETE
1:55:46
June 10th National 3 Peaks Challenge Walk - COMPLETE
18:40:30
June 25th Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge 25m Walk - COMPLETE
10:45:00
July 3rd Coniston Trail Marathon 26.2M Run - COMPLETE
5:20:00
July 10th Swim For Life 1500M Swim - COMPLETE
00:37:25
