3^rd August – Bosherton to

Well, I managed it somehow and my legs are now finally talking to me again for the first time in a week.  Today was such a beautiful day to finish on, when the weather is good down here it just makes the coast line look that little bit more magical. The first part took me through the Lilly-ponds down at Bosherton which was a mystical area. Usually, it is myself on the look out for nature but I think I may have been the spectacle as I did a comedy fall nearly launching myself into the ponds. After brushing myself off and looking around it was only a duck and three geese having a giggle which I managed to come to terms with. The view stayed spectacular as I passed through some amazing beaches, Freshwater East was amongst the best.

I decided that the midway point was to be near to the end as I didn’t want to give myself any excuse to dip out. I don’t think it was on the cards but I definitely had some dialogue going on inside my head with my body having a couple of issues. I decided that if I was to stumble across some roller skates on the coastal path then I was to show restraint and pass them by but it was a tough call. I didn’t hook up with Mike until I reached Saundersfoot and to my surprise he was awake and ready for my arrival. I think the elation of being so close just carried me to the end as I didn’t feel any soreness really for the last bit as the picture may suggest. I was given a special treat on the final stretch too which I felt honoured with. From Saundersfoot the coastline makes it possible to see along to Amroth and I could see just two substantial hills between myself and the end. To my surprise the coastal path just cut straight through the first one through tunnels which was a real treat and meant I only had one final climb and a steep descent to take me to the end.

What can I say? I have thought that maybe I set the task too difficult at times but then I’ve managed and I had a lot of inspiration to complete it. The whole idea was born when I decided to leave the army but wanted to do something memorable down in this beautiful area of the world. When I initially discussed it with Will he was very much excited and we spent a total of 13 weeks training for the event. When Will wasn’t able to do it anymore we were both disappointed but in this line of work there is always an air of haze over the future and I with the support we received I was determined to complete it. I know for a fact though that in coming years Will and myself will conjure up some other bizarre events.

I have so many personal inspirations that mainly come from friends and family and it would be difficult to name them all but one thing I would like to say is the main factor that always remains and resounded through my head during the event. It’s my amazement at how fantastic and strong my mother is and how much of an amazing job she has done bringing myself, my two brothers and sister up. If my mum managed that, then I can surely run a few miles over a few hills. Thanks to everyone! x