As I'm heading towards my 60th this year, I thought it would be a good time to challenge myself both physically and mentally, whilst raising some extra funds for the charity closest to my heart.

My main aim is to complete the Windermere Lap on 9/10th September, a 75km ultra that undulates around the iconic lake. As preparation for this I'll aim to complete various events along the way:

Nidderdale Trail - 22km/13 mile/ 250m ascent - 11/6/23 (completed)

Settle Saunter 38km/23 miles/ 750m ascent- 11/7/23 (completed)

6 Dales Trail 52km/ 32 miles/ 1000m ascent - 5/8/23 (completed)

Yorkshire 3 Peaks 42km/ 26 mile/ 1400m ascent - 29/08/23 (completed)

The Windemere Lap 75km/ 47 miles/ 2500m ascent - 9/9/23

Race summary - Nidderdale 22km completed - despite a lack of proper training I managed to run most of the route apart from a couple of steep bits - my calves and knees started to object around 15km but I plodded on finishing in just over 2 hours.

Settle Saunter, 38km, 5 hours 20 mins proved to be very challenging due to the heat and elevation. After about 25km I suffered a lot due to dehydration and nausea and questioned my sanity for doing this to myself but I endured, learnt a lot about hydration and the possible mental challenges ahead!! That said, I survived without injury and look forward to getting more time-on-my-feet plodding along in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

6 Dales Trail, 52km, 6 hours 12 mins - despite a pulled calf muscle very early on I managed to complete the race finishing 10th overall (2nd MV50). The weather was cool with a little drizzle which was perfect for running. This time, my hydration was fine but I couldn't eat much solid food (this is common apparently) which means my nutrition strategy will have to change for the LAP. It remains to be seen how wise it was running through a calf muscle tear but mentally it felt good to get this under my belt as it's my furthest race distance. From 30k on it was more of a mental challenge to keep going.

Yorkshire 3 Peaks, 42km, 1400m, 5hours and 48 mins. Great preparation for the LAP with all the steep climbing. Found it hard going in the last 10km coming off Ingleborough as the terrain was either loose rock or limestone pavement. Nevertheless very happy with finishing under 6 hours. It was warm and again, I struggled to drink enough water. Otherwise - I'm as ready as I'll ever be for the LAP in 2 weeks time!

It would be great to have some support and encouragement along the way, please do watch my progress and help me reach my £1,000 target.

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HS4L was formed in 2010 in a response to the overwhelming need for support for vulnerable people in Harrogate.​

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We believe in the right of every individual to live the life they choose and to live it to their full potential.

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