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Last Year I met Katie on a mountain navigation course and I instantly felt her passion for the love of the outdoors, we chatted and talked 'running, mountains biking and kayaking' ... and then she modestly confessed she had run an 'Ultra Marathon', I was impressed!

It wasn't until several months later I was shocked to hear that 5 years previously Katie's life hung in balance after years of battling with anorexia . Her love of trail running and a passion for the outdoors has helped turn her life around. She has only now found the strength share her story. 

I thought she was amazing, but now I realise the journey she had undertaken was truly Awesome!  

I have been involved in many different sports for almost all of my life, and realise how lucky I have been and how sport has given me so much ..... Purpose, Passion, Excitement, Motivation and most important Friends. For my 60th Birthday Year I have set myself 3 challenges for 3 friends from each of those sports. They are all trying really hard to nourish their bodies so they too can play in the great outdoors. Sport offers so much support friendship and camaraderie just like #Beat. That support network is so crucial to help make a change!

I the hope of sharing my passion for the great outdoors will help raise awareness of the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.

Challenge 1. 31st March- 1st April - My great friend and kayaking partner 'Adele Blakebourough' and I will race The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over Easter. It starts in Devizes, Wiltshire, finishing just downstream of Westminster Bridge in central London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The race is 125 miles long and has 77 portages. The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Reading, the next 55 miles are on the River Thames to Teddington. The final 17 mile section is on the tidal portion of the Thames.

The race is a severe test of skill & stamina, both mentally & physically, it will certainly be a tough challenge for us, and without a doubt we will at some point hit the 'darkside'. Our support crews, vital to our race will keep us going along the course and we will have to calm the adrenaline, take control our mind and bodies, aim high, and work towards crossing that finish line in London at Westminster Bridge’!

Challenge 2. Ironman Quadrathlon  Hannover June 3rd. This is an individual race in Hannover, Germany. A Long Distance Quad comprising of a 3.8 km swim - 90 km bike - 20 km kayak - 21 km run. This sport is my true passion, I love the challenge of putting 4 disciplines together, its my first attempt at this long distance race and I am really looking forward to this challenge.

Challenge 3. Glacier 3000 RUN Diablerets - Gstaad, Switzerland, 26km Run 4th August. Starting at the Gstaad Promenade 1'050 m - running, hiking and for me crawling up to the Glacier at 3000m. The terrain consists of asphalt, forest trails, meadow, then ice and snow in the high mountains! This will certainly be outside my comfort zone, I will connect with Katie's passion for the mountains and draw from her strength to get me to the top.

I will keep you updated on my journey via my facebook page. Thank-you for reading and for supporting 'Beat' eating disorders.

'When you catch a glimpse of your potential that's when passion is born' Jean 

My Blog - https://jeanthefairyquadmother.wordpress.com/