12 Challenges in 12 Months….

Starting in February 2014 I’ll begin my journey which will ‘hopefully’ see me (an aging part-time hockey player) complete 12 challenges in 12 months all for Macmillan Cancer Support. This will include a number of firsts for me. Having never completed anything like this before it will take me way outside of my comfort zone, not to mention test both my creaking knees and suspect fitness to the max.

So far the following events are confirmed:

• Pandemonium iced – a 12km adventure run including a series of steep inclines, mud pits and water holes, plus a very cold lake crossing (COMPLETED - 23 Feb)

   

• My first ever half marathon - The Warwick Half Marathon (COMPLETED - 23 Mar)

   

• My first ever duathlon – The Ashbourne Duathlon. An undulating 5km run, followed by a 30km bike ride through the Derbyshire Peak District, including the challenging climb towards Middleton Top. The event finishes with a 5km run (COMPLETED - 6 Apr) 

• The Silverstone 10 km run. A 10 km run around the iconic grand prix circuit (now known as the Bridge Circuit) starting on the main grid and finishing in the pit lane (COMPLETED - 7 May)

• My first ever triathlon - The Bosworth sprint triathlon. With a 750m open water swim, a 21 km bike course followed by a 5 km run (COMPLETED - 1 June)

• My first ever Coast to coast – a 3 day mountain bike journey from West Coast to East, passing through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors (COMPLETED - 11-13 July

• The London Triathlon – only 3 months after entering my first ever triathlon I’ll be attempting to complete an Olympic distance event, consisting of a 1.5km open water swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run (3 Aug)

• The Wolf Run – an off-road 10km obstacle run, combining a mix of woodland running trails, open ground and water, alongside a series of challenging natural and man-made obstacles (6 Sept)

• Zip World Velocity - the first of its kind and the longest, fastest zip line in the world. Over a mile in length, located in Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Velocity sees riders fly solo through the skies at over 100mph, 500ft high, experiencing the nearest thrill to flying (8 Sept)

• The Evil Sheriff Off-road Duathlon - an adventure challenge set within the 1,200 hectares of woodland and open heath of Sherwood Pines Forest Park.  Described as a challenging and technical off road duathlon course, consisting of a 5km run - 16km bike - 3km run. (8 Nov)

• Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest – a 10km urban assault course (22 Nov)

• Travel 2,014 human powered miles (or 3,241 km) in 2014, or the equivalent of 270 km every month for 12 consecutive months.

More events to follow (suggestions welcome)

 

At this point I’m sure a number of you are thinking I’ve gone mad. What on earth would possess me to take on such a series of challenges… the answer is simple - family and friends.

Over the last few years I’ve watched a number of loved ones battle with Cancer. My mum and dad were lucky; both endured several months’ of uncertainty but thankfully they are now in remission after overcoming kidney and prostate Cancer. Nanny T, nanny M and Linda (a family friend) weren’t so lucky - 3 exceptionally brave and inspirational ladies who I’m proud to have known and will live on in my heart.

…… my story is no different to thousands of others, nearly every day somebody we love is touched by Cancer. This is my way of helping.

So ‘please’ if you can, sponsor me and help me to make a difference. Please also be assured that the entrance fee for these challenges is being paid for out of my own pocket, so any donation you make will all go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support.

You can follow my story at steves12in12.wordpress.com. The blog will show photos and updates from the events.