On June 26th, I did the Bob Graham but did not get round!
45/70 miles, 30/42 peaks, 18,000/28,000 ft. Bob won this round, but I will be back for round two.
So, I hear you ask, what is the Bob Graham Round?
Wikipedia states, "The Bob Graham Round is a circuit of 42 fells in the English Lake District, including the 3,000-foot (910 m) peaks of Skiddaw, Helvellyn, Scafell and Scafell Pike. The round is named after Bob Graham (1889-1966), a Keswick guest-house owner, who in 1932 set the record for the number of Lakeland fells traversed in 24 hours which he held for twenty eight years until its repeat, with Graham's encouragement, by Alan Heaton in a quicker time in 1960."
Depending on your source the route, including zig-zagging to climb the various peaks, comes in at about 70 miles. There is a vertical ascent of close on 28,000 ft and because you finish where you start, there is a descent of the same. Being about the same total ascent as a certain other landmark peak, it has the nickname, "England's Everest".
To complete the challenge you have to do it all in under 24 hours.
If you want to learn a little more about what this is all about click here.
Why would someone do this?
A good question. I haven't really got a good answer. Its a challenge that I read about and then just had to do. Something about it called to me. I love the Lake District and the idea of covering most of the highest peaks in the area in one day....Want to know more about the Bob Graham and my training for it?
Why the National Ankylosing Spondilitis Society?
This is more simple. I have AS. I was diagnosed as having it 15 years ago and although yes every now and then I get reminded that I have it, usually some form of tendinitis or other kicking in. Anyway, NASS are out there to help individuals diagnosed with AS to learn how to deal it as it is untreatable except through education. You have to change your lifestyle. Moderate daily exercise is recommended amongst other things. I'm still trying to figure out what moderate means!
This is a small charity and I would like to make a big impact on what they can achieve. Please do give generously and I will keep you all up to date with the pain.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now. Oh and if you fancy joining me at the end of my run, 10pm on 26th June at the George in Keswick. That's a short stagger from the finish line!
