Story
4th November 2005 update
It's good to be back after a hard weekend in the eastern lakes. Those of you who have checked out the kimm website will have seen the results - we ended day 2 in 92nd place but only 113 of the 250 teams that started completed the course, proof if needed that the race was a tough one! This picture is just after the start of day 2, I'm the not so handsome one on the left!
Day 1 was over 31km with 6,000ft of ascent in strong winds and rain. After a very wet and windy overnight camp day 2 was shorter; only 24km and 3,000ft uphill although this did include fording a river in spate with water up round our waists!
I would like to offer my thanks to my friend James Salter who stepped in with only weeks to go after my running partner, Ian, had to pull out having injured himself in training.
Now it's time for a few weeks rest and relaxation before training starts for 2006!
18th September 2005 update
First of all, a big 'thank you' to everyone who has so far pledged donations either on line or in person, particularly Kevin and the team at OnTrack International for their fantastic pledge of £100 - now I just have to keep fit enough to complete the race!
Although the amount pledged so far suggests some way to go, the total raised to date is well in excess of £400. Since I set up this web page the race venue has been confirmed - the north east lakelend fells. This is an area that I know fairly well and it's classic KIMM stuff, lots of hills, bracken and bogs, mmmmmmm! Training is going well; I'm now up to 20k with rucsac over the north downs, although the legs are aching a bit so I have to be careful of doing too much and picking up an injury this close to the race. The next challenge is to get all my gear and, more importantly food, into my rucsac. The more observant of you will have noticed that my original running mate, Chris Lawrence, has had to pull out of this year's event following a lot of injury problems. His place is taken by Ian Reeves, and old friend of mine with whom I have competed in many a x-country race. Now that Ian knows just what he has let himself in for he is spending a lot of time out running and getting slimmer in the process, something his wife very much appreciates! That's all for now but watch out for another update before the event. ----------------------------''------------------------------- Yes, I know, each year I'm either injured before or during the KIMM, (Karrimor International Mountain Marathon) but I keep coming back for more! This is the 3rd time I will have competed in the KIMM, and each year I have raised money for good causes. 2005 will be no exception and I hope to beat my last total of £1600 for the Trinity Hospice. The KIMM is a 2-day mountain marathon being held on the 29th & 30th October - for more information please have a look at the KIMM web site: www.kimm.org.uk Why Combat Stress? Well, I have always wanted to raise money for charities that undertake very important work but are perhaps less well known and supported than some others. The armed services are also playing a very vital role right now both at home and overseas and they deserve our support. I appreciate that you may already have a preferred charity but if you can support me in this year's KIMM, and help me raise funds for this very worthwhile cause that would be fab! Many thanks Robert
It's good to be back after a hard weekend in the eastern lakes. Those of you who have checked out the kimm website will have seen the results - we ended day 2 in 92nd place but only 113 of the 250 teams that started completed the course, proof if needed that the race was a tough one! This picture is just after the start of day 2, I'm the not so handsome one on the left!
Day 1 was over 31km with 6,000ft of ascent in strong winds and rain. After a very wet and windy overnight camp day 2 was shorter; only 24km and 3,000ft uphill although this did include fording a river in spate with water up round our waists!
I would like to offer my thanks to my friend James Salter who stepped in with only weeks to go after my running partner, Ian, had to pull out having injured himself in training.
Now it's time for a few weeks rest and relaxation before training starts for 2006!
18th September 2005 update
First of all, a big 'thank you' to everyone who has so far pledged donations either on line or in person, particularly Kevin and the team at OnTrack International for their fantastic pledge of £100 - now I just have to keep fit enough to complete the race!
Although the amount pledged so far suggests some way to go, the total raised to date is well in excess of £400. Since I set up this web page the race venue has been confirmed - the north east lakelend fells. This is an area that I know fairly well and it's classic KIMM stuff, lots of hills, bracken and bogs, mmmmmmm! Training is going well; I'm now up to 20k with rucsac over the north downs, although the legs are aching a bit so I have to be careful of doing too much and picking up an injury this close to the race. The next challenge is to get all my gear and, more importantly food, into my rucsac. The more observant of you will have noticed that my original running mate, Chris Lawrence, has had to pull out of this year's event following a lot of injury problems. His place is taken by Ian Reeves, and old friend of mine with whom I have competed in many a x-country race. Now that Ian knows just what he has let himself in for he is spending a lot of time out running and getting slimmer in the process, something his wife very much appreciates! That's all for now but watch out for another update before the event. ----------------------------''------------------------------- Yes, I know, each year I'm either injured before or during the KIMM, (Karrimor International Mountain Marathon) but I keep coming back for more! This is the 3rd time I will have competed in the KIMM, and each year I have raised money for good causes. 2005 will be no exception and I hope to beat my last total of £1600 for the Trinity Hospice. The KIMM is a 2-day mountain marathon being held on the 29th & 30th October - for more information please have a look at the KIMM web site: www.kimm.org.uk Why Combat Stress? Well, I have always wanted to raise money for charities that undertake very important work but are perhaps less well known and supported than some others. The armed services are also playing a very vital role right now both at home and overseas and they deserve our support. I appreciate that you may already have a preferred charity but if you can support me in this year's KIMM, and help me raise funds for this very worthwhile cause that would be fab! Many thanks Robert