Call it mad, bonkers, insane or idiotic the first question people ask me when I tell them what I'm doing is "Why?".

Up until a couple of weeks ago I didn't really have an answer except "I think it might be fun (yes I'm an idiot)!" However deep down there was a doubt of whether I'd actually do it and would probably chicken out. 

Running 145 miles in under 45 hours kept sounding more and more daunting and looked impossible when I got an OS map of Bristol to London. I'm also hoping we have a cool July as well.

The race is called Kennet & Avon Canal Race (KACR) following the canals and rivers from Bristol to London on the 28th and 29th July. Taking its inspiration from the Grand Union Canal Race (Birmingham to London) the KACR 2017 will be it's debut event. I will be joined by 99 other mad men & women running day and night, however I will probably be the only one tempted for a pint with every pub we run past. Following my other fellow runners on social media I can definitely call my self a novice as the rest look like seasoned ultra-marathon athletes.

50% of runners are predicted to DNF (Did not finish) and half of these before the half way mark. There will be checkpoints about every 10 miles where I can top up my water and get some calories down me. Runners can't stop for more than 40 minutes at a time so we will be running though the night (I will probably be running though Newbury and Reading at this time).

My training has gone pretty well. About 18 months ago I weighed 16.5 stone and was enjoying my wine, beer and curry. I still enjoy my wine, beer and curry but finally understand what moderation means (ie the weekend). I started running a few half marathons last year then quickly went for my first ultra in January (45 miles) and have the Northants Ultra (35 miles) in June and now weigh 13st.

During the pain of each marathon or ultra I do wonder whether I will actually be able to run 145 miles and should I pull out?

Now I can't do that as I've decided to raise some money for the crazy antics and I'm asking you for your support by donating to Willen Hospice.

Willen Hospice is an independent charity offering specialist care to individuals with life limiting illnesses. Based at a peaceful lakeside location in Milton Keynes the charity is very local and close to my heart.

Their dedicated team of doctors, nurses, social care professionals and health care staff, provide round the clock care to their patients and ongoing support for their families. Being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness can often leave people in a lonely, uncertain and confusing place. Their care looks to give individuals comfort, help them find confidence, ease their pain and reduce their anxiety. All services are offered free of charge and have patients from 18 years upwards.

To continue the outstanding care Willen Hospice carry out they need to raise £3.6 million a year (that works out at £7 every single minute).

Please could you help me run this ludicrous race by donating to Willen Hospice. Thank-you.

If you want to see how my race is going over the 2 days; follow me on Twitter @JRRuckKeene and look out for my updates on facebook everymarthon.

See you in London

Love

John

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