Back again, it only seems like two years ago since I last sauntered around Windermere. What happened? We all know the answer to that one and it (as it’s a little like Voldemort and we don’t mention it’s name) is simply the right thing to do; raise money for Brathay, a worthwhile cause.

Whilst things have gone sideways for many in the last 24 months, surely a charity deserves all the help it can get, even if it is my assistance! I’ve been lucky enough to spread the word about Brathay at a variety of local Rotary Club talks in Cumbria and a statement sounds out, ‘service before self’ and I’m hoping to continue to live that life.

The last time I enjoyed the 10in10 it was in damp and soggy spring of 2021, having seen from (a socially distanced) afar last year’s (2020) runners get through the awful torrents amidst a pandemic, my spirits were lifted albeit momentarily, and the desire to get off my procrastinating backside to help was rebooted. So, in short (as that is my stature), I’m back and aiming to raise more than I’ve done previously.

The last two years have seen personal change too, career, decade (turned 50 which I hated the thought of) and still I feel I have something to prove, my appetite to bite off more than I can chew  whilst making things difficult for myself remains. Besides the 10in10 in 2021 I successfully completed the Montane Lakes.

In 2022, my intention is to complete the following:

50th anniversary of the Manx Mountain Marathon

Asics Windermere Marathon

Swaledale Marathon

and a fiddly multiday event in Wales (the Dragon's Back Race).

One of my favourite words is hope. I heard Barack Obama use an expression during his wife’s podcast and it stirred me; I try to remember it if I’m not feeling my best, or simply worry about the world, my home, my children or any of the aspects of this challenge (the event and fund-raising). The phrase, ‘the audacity of hope’.

I promise that this is the last time ...