Decathlon Update

So today see’s us hit day 15 of our Duathlon Challenge. Last week Mark was loving the challenge and as we’ve hit our £300 fund raising target he seems to have been driven to push himself.  This week he’s upped his time so he’s been cycling for 2×19 mins.  I know he’s finding it tough but he’s loving the challenge and the feedback he’s been getting.  I’m really proud of his commitment and he’s embraced the challenge with open arms.

This week we invited a few select guest runners so its been lovely having them on board. On Friday 24th the fabulous Susan Wheatcroft who runs Virtual Runner Uk smashed out 12km with her running buddy Bailey. Susan inspires so many runners and her own running has gone from strength to strength over the years.

  

On Monday 27th Kirstie took on the challenge with her running buddy Riley.  They did 10.5 kms in the morning leaving me to do the remaining 8.5 kms. Riley loves a good swim and it sound like Kirstie almost joined him. Kirstie has also inspired so many new runners and seems to be unable to say no to a new challenge along with her slightly crazy husband Darren. Mark was starting to settle into the routine and decided to up his cycling so he was doing 2 x19mins. He was inspired by everyone who had donated and sent him messages of support

On Wednesday the 29th The marvellous Sarah and Leon took on the baton.  I have met this lovely couple through running and their enthusiasm for running is inspirational. They support runners of all abilities through Rebel Runners and have inspired many runners to take on challenges that they may have shied away from.  I was privileged to do a short leg of Leons 100 mile run and still chuckle when I think of our sunflower field incident!!!  It was Sarah’s 50th birthday so it was nice to feel a part of her special day.

On Thursday 30th Rob Wilkes took on the challenge.  He is married to my amazing best friend who was going to do a leg but she is saving herself for her first ever 30k run.  Ginty has MS but refuses to let it define her.  She and Rob continue to inspire others to explore the great outdoors and Rob runs his own business in Scotland leading people on expeditions into the hills.  When I first met him I though he was a tad grumpy but he’s patient, calm and great company out on the hills.  If you want a fantastic guide in the hills then Rob is your man http://www.highlandtrekker.co.uk/

I completed day 14 with a lovely 10 (ish) km run, getting absolutely soaked.  I checked in on Mark and he’s doing ok.

Day 15 I’m looking forward to getting out again first thing.  The final few KMs will be completed by a lovely runner who is one of Leon and Sarah’s flock.  She always writes a beautiful summary of her run and how it made her feel so hopefully she will write some inspirational words for my next blog.

Saturday 2nd of May we have a fabulous guest runner who was due to set off on an epic challenge to raise money for a charity very dear to his heart…DiabetesUK.  His 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year.  His challenge is now on hold and we’ll be finding out more about his challenge in next weeks newsletter.

So that’s the round up of our Duathlon challenge so far.  I have finally got my GoPro sorted so am hoping I can do some video of Mark cycling and ask him some challenging questions. I’m hoping to bake some goodies to take to him for the weekend but my baking is a tad hit or miss so we’ll have to find out how that goes in the next newsletter.  If you want to support Mark through his challenge please leave a comment below that I can pass on and if you wish to make a small donation to the NHS then this is our link.  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerstine-herbert2

Please stay safe and look after each other.