It's been a while since I've posted anything on here, I might go into the "why" in a later post, but in short I became soft, physically and mentally.
Part of the process in returning to form has been Trail Running, something I've always shied away from. For years I'd tried to start and never pushed past the initial discomfort, particularly in my knees, which manifested the more self fulfilling of my excuses, that running was bad for me. But this time, mainly thanks to my amazing wife Lisa (more on her awesomeness below), with her support and motivation to try harder I pushed through the unpleasantness of my body adapting, also with the help of some great audio books and podcasts (boredom was my other main excuse not to run).
This process started in December 2018 and after just a few weeks the benefits had started to show, weight loss, increased energy & better fitness for rock climbing. Another surprise was the extra dimension of enjoyment that Trail Running has brought life in the Mountains and where I live, taking me to places I would never of gone (much like climbing).
So fast forward to today, I'm now planning an attempt to cover 100K in a day, following the Costa Blanca Mountain Way in Spain, with over 5000m of ascent!
In February the most I could run without my body (& mind) giving up was 6km. Since then I've done a handful of 15K Trail Running races and a few longer training runs.
Clearly 100K is a massive step up and arguably over ambitious or even impossible, but if it's not going to be a challenge then I probably wouldn't be bothering to do it. I truly believe when we enter the realm of what we consider to be impossible that's where the greatest strength of mind is cultivated. More importantly I hope it motivates you to contribute to this great cause & project:
'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' Nelson Mandela
In Lisa's words:
"We run an English club for refugee children from the Western Sahara, primary through to senior school age.
English is the children's fourth language, after Arabic, Spanish and Valencian, so it can be difficult for them to keep up with their peers.
Our aim is to help them learn English competently and pass their exams, but more than that we want them to have fun, enjoy the English language and learn about the culture. These children are fantastic, incredibly engaging and we are already seeing great results. We want to further their learning by arranging an educational trip to the UK in October 2019 for the senior school children. We hope to soon have a school on board and are arranging for host families. The cost of flights and expenses is expensive so this is where we hope you can help. The teachers who run the club are very dedicated, giving their time for free, paying for all the resources and even paying towards the cost of the trip. However now we really need your help. Please please donate whatever you can. These children are inspirational, they really appreciate every moment we give them. Please help us to provide them with this simply yet invaluable life enhancing experience.
'Education is what remains after one has forgot what one has learned in school.' Albert Einstein
By donating, you will make a huge difference to their lives.
Thank you x"
You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/pedreguer-refugee-english-club
I will be making the first attempt to run the 100K in early to mid May, giving me one or two possible windows of opportunity to try again before it gets too hot in June. Failing that I will keep trying until I success, with a pledge to everyone who contributes to the cause that I will get it done before the planned excursion in October 2019.
I will in be undertaking this with limited support, Lisa will be tracking me (see below) and meeting me at agreed waypoints to refill on food & water as well as be there in case it hit the wall. She is truly amazing and I wouldn't be able to do half the stupid things I do with out her.
You can track me live on the day on this map, I will share this map again on social media when I start the attempt. I will also post any updates on this blog.
Thank you for your support x
https://eur-share.inreach.garmin.com/Duffer
Part of the process in returning to form has been Trail Running, something I've always shied away from. For years I'd tried to start and never pushed past the initial discomfort, particularly in my knees, which manifested the more self fulfilling of my excuses, that running was bad for me. But this time, mainly thanks to my amazing wife Lisa (more on her awesomeness below), with her support and motivation to try harder I pushed through the unpleasantness of my body adapting, also with the help of some great audio books and podcasts (boredom was my other main excuse not to run).
This process started in December 2018 and after just a few weeks the benefits had started to show, weight loss, increased energy & better fitness for rock climbing. Another surprise was the extra dimension of enjoyment that Trail Running has brought life in the Mountains and where I live, taking me to places I would never of gone (much like climbing).
So fast forward to today, I'm now planning an attempt to cover 100K in a day, following the Costa Blanca Mountain Way in Spain, with over 5000m of ascent!
In February the most I could run without my body (& mind) giving up was 6km. Since then I've done a handful of 15K Trail Running races and a few longer training runs.
Clearly 100K is a massive step up and arguably over ambitious or even impossible, but if it's not going to be a challenge then I probably wouldn't be bothering to do it. I truly believe when we enter the realm of what we consider to be impossible that's where the greatest strength of mind is cultivated. More importantly I hope it motivates you to contribute to this great cause & project:
Pedreguer Refugee English Club excursion to the UK
'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' Nelson Mandela
In Lisa's words:
"We run an English club for refugee children from the Western Sahara, primary through to senior school age.
English is the children's fourth language, after Arabic, Spanish and Valencian, so it can be difficult for them to keep up with their peers.
Our aim is to help them learn English competently and pass their exams, but more than that we want them to have fun, enjoy the English language and learn about the culture. These children are fantastic, incredibly engaging and we are already seeing great results. We want to further their learning by arranging an educational trip to the UK in October 2019 for the senior school children. We hope to soon have a school on board and are arranging for host families. The cost of flights and expenses is expensive so this is where we hope you can help. The teachers who run the club are very dedicated, giving their time for free, paying for all the resources and even paying towards the cost of the trip. However now we really need your help. Please please donate whatever you can. These children are inspirational, they really appreciate every moment we give them. Please help us to provide them with this simply yet invaluable life enhancing experience.
'Education is what remains after one has forgot what one has learned in school.' Albert Einstein
By donating, you will make a huge difference to their lives.
Thank you x"
You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/pedreguer-refugee-english-club
I will be making the first attempt to run the 100K in early to mid May, giving me one or two possible windows of opportunity to try again before it gets too hot in June. Failing that I will keep trying until I success, with a pledge to everyone who contributes to the cause that I will get it done before the planned excursion in October 2019.
I will in be undertaking this with limited support, Lisa will be tracking me (see below) and meeting me at agreed waypoints to refill on food & water as well as be there in case it hit the wall. She is truly amazing and I wouldn't be able to do half the stupid things I do with out her.
You can track me live on the day on this map, I will share this map again on social media when I start the attempt. I will also post any updates on this blog.
Thank you for your support x
https://eur-share.inreach.garmin.com/Duffer
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