I used to run marathons. I was no professional athlete, but I enjoyed the challenge, did ok. My last was 14 years ago though. Then the usual: marriage, kids, dogs, mortgage. The running stopped, life took over... until now.

Time for another challenge!

Ok, how about this: a 230km five day ultra marathon through the Arctic wilderness! That's longer than one marathon per day... in temperatures that can drop down to -40... and I'll be burning around 6000 calories a day! Oh, and it's also a self sufficient race, e.g. everything is on your back, aside from accommodation and a sleeping bag (race organisers kindly carry those for you).

So, to say it's unlike any challenge I've ever undertaken is an understatement. To be honest, I must be fucking crazy... but here we are.

The training has been hard. I was meant to compete in last years race, but a significant calf injury meant I had to push the race back a year. Plenty of physio (they'll probably retire off the back of my custom) and some tough times mentally, but my body is (just about) ready.

If I'm honest, I'm selfishly doing this for myself (to which, a big thank you to Liz for looking after the kids during all my training). Setting myself a ridiculous challenge and seeing if I can step up, pushing myself harder than I have ever done in my life. (Let's also be honest: I turned 50 last year, so it's a mid-life crisis on steroids...)

But, given the challenge, why not run it for a good cause too. I used to raise money for charity during my marathon days, raising quite a bit over the years for some amazing causes. So let's do the same here... and there can be no better cause than SpecialEffect.

SpecialEffect is a charity that transforms the lives of people with physical challenges through the innovative use of technology, allowing the magic of video games to be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their situation. I've worked within the video games industry for close to 30 years so I know personally the amazing work that SpecialEffect do, and the joy it brings to thousands each year. It may seem like a small thing to us, but for the kids to be able to play games with their mates is EVERYTHING to them. It truly is a special charity.

Find out more at www.specialeffect.org.uk

So that's my ask. Run a stupid race in stupid conditions and try and not die doing it... but do it all for an amazing charity.

I write this on Monday 6th January 2025. The race starts on Tuesday 18th February, finishing on Saturday 22nd February 2025. So just four more weeks of intense training to go, then a couple of weeks of relative ease, and then the race itself. (I haven't even talked about the fact it takes two days to get to the start line given its remoteness. I'll save that for another update...)

Thank you for all your support and any donations you can give.