Hi,

I wanted to keep my race schedule for 2013/2014 close to my chest until the final race had been secured but the Cat’s out of the bag. So here are the forthcoming races for the next 12 months:

I will be competing in the following events:

February 2013: the Malta Half Marathon

The Beyond the Ultimate Grand Slam (4 in one year)

May 2013: 230 km jungle ultra-marathon in Peru

August 2013: 220 km Mountain ultra marathon in Colorado, USA

November 2013: 250 km desert ultra-marathon, Namibia, Africa

February 2014 230 km Arctic ultra-marathon

In addition in June 2013 I will be running the 118km North Face® Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Italy

January 2014: Dubai Marathon. I will pass the 10MillionMetres mark on this race *

*I am still waiting to hear back on one race not mentioned in the above lists but that’s the bulk of it right there. The homeward straight!!!

PLEASE NOTE: SPONSORSHIP REMAINS OPEN

Keep moving

Hi all,

This is the end of the year round up and review of 2012 (it’s a big one). The kit review will follow but for now, I thought I would have a recap of the last year for me on the 10MillionMetres campaign and also mention some truly cool people and organisations that have made this year the best so far.

I started the year with trepidation and, to be honest, a little uncertainty as to my future in running. The reason was that the previous October 2011, I had returned from South Africa with a severely broken ankle from competing in the Otter Trail Race.  I would like to mention at this point that I think that the Otter is such a special and amazing race that I have already made noises to both Mark and John Collins of Magnetic South, (http://www.magneticsouth.net) to undertake the Otter again in 2013!  Fingers crossed.

However, (and getting back to the point) the ankle was a mess.  In fact, I did about as good a job of messing it up short of stopping myself from running ever again.  To say that I was lucky is an understatement.  So January came around and thanks to the attention of the guys at Active-VIII (http://www.active-viii.co.uk) I was making a sterling recovery.  This was put to the test when I undertook the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 10K race.  Nervous is a word I have used recently but with little training and a newly healed ankle, I was unsure.  I needn’t have worried as the ankle coped amazingly well and with a few stretches and bit of walking and some fantastic running, I made it home in 54 minutes as I recall.  Not bad but for the dystonia.

Buoyed by the success of Dubai and the reception from the media at the event, I pushed forward with organizing the Trans-America Challenge (TAC). This was difficult.  Not only was I trying to initially organise the event on my own but the sheer epic size of the TAC meant I was constantly thinking that I had I bitten off more than I could chew.  Eventually, others came on board. Some stayed and some gave up and some even advised me to wait another year.  Of those who stayed the course and gave support help, sponsorship and general belief in the whole crazy plan, mention has already been made in my last blog. However, it is clear to me now that getting an event as big as the TAC on the road needed the help of some very special people and organisations and to those, I am extremely grateful.

So will all the hubbub of the TAC going on, I received an invitation to compete in the Winchester PPP.  This is a top race. Short and to the point, the 20K bike, 5K run and 2K paddle, was just what I needed; irrespective of the flooding. I even did well up the hills on the TT bike and, so I was told, came in the top 10 on the bike.

Warmer weather brought out the wetsuit and off to the lake I went to duel with my fear of water. Combining this with sessions of NLP with David Brown came in seriously handy across the USA.  Thanks David.  Mixing training with family time is hard but incredibly important, as last December my little baby boy was born.  Priorities change and decisions are always made, changed and then changed again with a baby in your life and I’m grateful to the whole of my family for their support.

July rolled around and training was in top gear. At this point with a September start penned in, I was being advised by Mimi Anderson to think about planning some rest into the schedule and rest is what I got.  With less than a month and a half to go before leaving for the USA, several things happened which made me question whether I could go on with the TAC.  The first was pretty much most of my, then support crew, couldn’t make it. This left both Larry Watson and me, to run around and make calls to find someone, somebody that could take a month or more out of their lives and at the last minute too.  Find them we did; Sharky came on board first, followed by Janelle, Sean and lastly David.  I knew I was going to be in safe hands as they are a fantastic crew and respect and thanks is given to both them and their families, employers etc., for volunteering their time and work so well together.  Thanks to Joe and Phil from the BBC and the One Show team for being so accommodating.  Cheers guys!

The second thing that happened, around the same time, was that I came down with a serious chest infection.  The type that’s hard to shift and get rid of.  Training came to an abrupt and immediate stop.  I was becoming really worried as to whether I would make it to the USA at all.  So, I have to thank Aurélie for distracting me with the news that we were moving home too.  To the South of France no less!  So four days before I left for the USA, the contents of the house, my family and most of my worldly possessions were relocated.  Leaving me encamped at my mum’s with expedition kit filling every available corner (or so it seemed).  Thanks Mum!

I won’t go into the details of the TAC, as I am trying to write a book and wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.  Save to say, it was and still remains the hardest challenge to date and “epic” as a word does not quite come close to describing it.  I’ll leave the judgment to you when you’ve read the book.  In the meantime, you can recap at my video wall : http://www.alexflynn.co.uk/the-video-wall/

One month after leaving the states, I am in familiar territory.  It was the 11^th of November and I’m on the start line to complete the Athens Classic marathon.  The people were welcoming and supportive of my 10MillionMetres cause and I even had the pleasure of meeting Barefoot Bill, from Boston.  It was a hot and hilly course that, unfortunately, claimed the life of another competitor during the race, which was ahead of me.  I felt pretty good. I think that this was because I had rested a little bit but still the thought that I was biting off a little too much too soon after the 3256 miles of the TAC, was rattling around in my head.  I pushed the thought aside and got on with enjoying the run.  My race splits were good and, though I was a little fast, for the first half, I was on form.  But fatigue came and reasserted its presence.  The legs slowly turned to lead at around 14 miles in to the race and I knew that my planned time was slipping.  It was a grind to get from there to the end but the finish (finally), came and I even managed a sprint.  Thanks to Thanos, Panos and the guys at the Athens office of the deVere Group.

I should have seen it coming.  Others told me that I was pushing it too hard and when it did…I felt it.

Shanghai was amazing. What a melting pot!! What history and, again, the people were cheering, smiling and supportive of all the runners.

There were about 26,000 runners, initially made up of all three races; 3K race, half marathon and full marathon, which made it interesting when the competitors had to funnel into half the width of the road to cross the chip timing mats.  Good fun though.  All seemed fine when I started.  The weather at the start was cold and the rain was horrendous but I felt ok.  A little cold and tired perhaps but that was down to the early hour, the weather and jet-lag.  What I didn’t realise was that I must have picked up a cold virus on route to Shanghai and the result was that two thirds of the way around I developed a pain in the chest, like intercostal pain.  I did a quick diagnosis (while running) and decided that it was early stage Pericarditis (having had this once before in 2009 – it fitted the symptoms).  So I significantly slowed the pace and ran/walked, keeping my breathing calm and heart rate low. There and then I decided that I was going to finish (one of my more stupid decisions), as I believed that I could do so, even if it meant walking (which did not cause pain).  So finish I did, and in less than five hours.   I highly recommend both marathons (Greece and Shanghai).  They’re great fun, well organised and the medals are suitable impressive.

PLEASE NOTE: On a serious point  – I do not advocate that anyone runs or trains with chest pain.  If you have pains in your chest, please, please, please stop and get medical help immediately.   I for one will be taking this advice in future and hope you heed it as well.

I am now on the mend and taking a well-earned break.  I was right about the Pericarditis and have been told to rest, rest, and rest.  So I’m taking my doctors advice and resting as much as I can over the forth-coming month and I’m getting better and stronger everyday.  Promise not to do anything until I get the all clear …honestly!!  That’s a promise!

There are some stunning races and plans for a couple of nasty events in the 2013/2014 pipeline.  So please keep your eyes on my 10MillionMetres Facebook page or my twitter at alexflynn01.

Thanks must be made to all of my sponsors and particularly the deVere Group, who (without whom) 2012 would not have been the year that it was for 10MillionMetres!!

Huge thanks to the following people in the quest to raise donations for Team 10MillionMetres

1. Mimi Anderson for breaking world records left, right and centre and for being simply marvelous at the same time;
2. Danny Lavender – afflicted by Parkinson’s for over seven years and pushing the boundaries each day at a time. Top bloke; and
3. Maria Galvan – for running her first half!

If there is anyone I have forgotten. Please let me know.  If you’d like to be part of Team 10MillionMetres, please email me (contact@alexflynn.co.uk)

Lastly, thanks to you and everyone who has and continues to follow and support me and my 10MillionMetres cause.  It makes a difference receiving the encouragement and messages and donations!!   So please keep them coming

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!  Keep moving!!!

Alex

Hi,

I was going to write about the TAC in detail but as I’m writing a book about it, you’ll have to wait for a little while…but I promise that it will be worth it,

Just over two weeks ago, I appeared on the BBC 1, One Show, the second night in a row that they had covered my Trans-American Challenge.  To be honest, I was extremely nervous about sitting on the couch next to Michael Palin and Alexander Armstrong. However, I needn’t have worried as both Michael and Alexander as well as all the guys at the BBC made me feel very welcome.  The feedback and reaction both in the Parkinson’s community and wider public has been quite astonishing and so far to date, almost £13,000 has been raised as a consequence.  I cannot thank everyone who donated but please be assured that I am extremely grateful to each and every one of you and humbled by the generosity shown. Thank you so much.

The TAC was truly epic and I am (I believe) the first person to traverse the USA using four different disciplines. I had hoped to use five but the US Parks Service at Liberty Island wouldn’t let me exit the water there. I was disappointed but to be honest, I was so shattered by the time I got to NYC that I might not have been able to complete the swim…so they may have actually done me a favour. Who knows eh?

Although, I crossed the USA, I did not do it alone. To achieve such an incredible distance I needed a experienced support team.  I feel that I had the best and huge thanks and appreciation are rightly due to a bunch of fantastic volunteers, thrown together at the last minute and who showed resilience, professionalism and camaraderie. However, it still didn’t prevent them for telling me off when I needed it!!! To all my support crew, I owe you a debt of gratitude for keeping me alive and making the TAC the adventure that it was:

Mark (Sharky) Howlett

Larry Watson

Sean Colman

David Lui

Janelle Craig

Bill Davies

Sam Fox and

Joe Coulson and Phil Holmes from the BBC (who also became honoree TAC crew!!!)

Thanks also to the families of all my crew for agreeing to them being away for such a long time.  Cheers to Bernard (Larry’s cousin, for giving us a place to crash before the start, the advice, bike rack and a hunting knife).

Massive thanks also to Duct Tape Docs, Dr. Wortley, Air Ambulance New Zealand, Virginia Beach Lifeguards, Bloc Bikes  (Lancaster CA), Nate at Wheat Ridge Cyclery (Denver, CO), the irrepressible Karl Wooley, the fabulous legal assistance provided by Messrs Husch Blackwell LLP, Cynergy PT, Russ Cox, Ian at Orca, the enthusiasm and belief of Peter Emina, Jer O’Mahony, Rob and Filipe at Athlete Service and not forgetting David Brown for getting my head in the game!!!!!

However, none of this would have happened without the belief and support of my sponsors (please see the sponsor page at www.alexflynn.co.uk for more info) but in particular:

Volkswagen (Volkswagen America) – for providing the fantastic Touaregs and your continued support! Your vehicles rock!

Orbea – for providing two SDi2 bikes (awesome does not come close to describe how good these bikes are). The bike clothing was amazing too!

Clorox – for funding the RV and fuel. You gave me and my crew a place to rest and great cleaning products to keep clean and infection free!

Saucony – for the best footwear and clothing to run Death Valley

OMM – for jackets and footwear that really work on the mountain!!!

BikeBox – for 2 bikeboxes and the warm bike kit! They work they’re great – use this company’s products.

Buff – the piece of kit that I will always have in my expedition kit!

Garmin – for GPS kit that really, really works and currently helping me calculate my route distance. Particularly the 910XT!

OpticNerve – eyewear that did the job brilliantly and looked cool. Thank you!

Activ-VIII – for providing physio treatment and getting me from massive injury to being able to undertake and complete the TAC!

And lastly, but definitely not least, the deVere Group – who financed the TAC.  You kickstarted the TAC into life with your belief and support. Without the deVere Group’s involvement the TAC would not have got off the ground. Thank you!!!

I could not raise the awareness of and funds for a cure for Parkinson’s that I have (to date) without the help, belief and assistance of my sponsors, who are also spreading the word too!  Please give them your support and visit their websites via my sponsor page http://www.alexflynn.co.uk/the-sponsors

There will be a full review of the kit I used including what worked and what was not so hot, so watch this space!

That’s it for now…I am going to go and make plans…if you’d like to catch up on the TAC coverage by the BBC, please go to the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmpr13u7B-Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDpQfk19esU

Keep moving!

Hi,

Since last thoughts and reports much has happened. If you’ve been reading my 10 Million Metres FB page you might know some of part of the following report for the TAC.

After arriving at Lone Pine, I was set to ride up the 11 miles of road leading to Whitney Portal but the hill was just too much to cycle at that point. So, joined by Sam Fox of the MJFF and Sharky, I walked the remaining 4 miles to the Portal, some 8,000ft up. The next morning was the real test; could I summit the 14,500ft of Mount Whitney?

Sam and I arrived at Whitney Portal at 4:30am and set off to climb the Mountaineers Route. Accompanied for a short while by the BBC and then we were off; finding our own path to the top of the mountain. The altitude got the better of me occasionally but, notwithstanding the fear and slight dizziness, I managed to put one foot in front of the other; determined to get to the top. At 12,000ft my first bit of climbing was proposed by Sam. I think that he was testing me, as the short climb for me up to the lake was marked by the knowledge that if I had slipped, there would have been a fall. A fall far enough to break bone, maybe more.

The climb to the second lake and the start of the summit ascent took quite a toll on my feet, body and level of oxygen. I was puffing and finding it hard; having to stop more often than I’d of liked to. A short rest and we were off again climbing the scree to the summit. The going was steep and Sam made it look easy, whereas I was sure that I was making things tough for myself. Then I fell….

In fact I slipped but only for 5 metres but it was enough to scare me. Sam pushed me (verbally not physically) forward and eventually I came to what I thought was the top. It wasn’t. Sam took me on yet another route towards the summit. This gave me the experience of traversing across a scree slope; unsure of the rocks under my feet with the knowledge that should I place my weight on one that might slide, it, its compatriots and me would tumble thousands of ft down the side of the mountain. Obviously that eventuality didn’t come to pass. Thankfully.

I made the top and after some interviews for the MJFF and BBC, we took the trail route down; which I didn’t like as much (but it is beautiful nevertheless.

The next day, Sharky and I headed off from Lone Pine to run the intervening distance to Badwater. The daytime, although not crazy hot, was too hot to run and so we decided to switch to night running for the next 48 hours. This opened up our senses to a whole different way of recognising things and equally mistaking objects for things that they were not. Fatigue will do this to you. Just ask anyone who has run the Grand Union Canal Race.  At one point we stood looking at a piece of shredded car tyre thinking that it was a giant insect!! The night running worked brilliantly but the BBC guys wanted a daytime shot or two. So we ran the final 17 miles to Badwater in 106 degree Fahrenheit with 34% humidity. The end was just amazing as all the people in the car park at Badwater, cheered and clapped Sharky and me to the finish. I have to say that it was extremely tough but equally worthwhile.  

The next day was a 111 mile bike to Las Vegas. I was almost in pieces when I finished a 22 mile bike ride uphill into a 15 knot headwind! The decent to Las Vegas was equally notable as the cold, that I was not expecting, made my PD worse on the hill (enormous hill) into Las Vegas. Notwithstanding, Larry Watson and Dave Lui came up trumps. Bike sprints through Las Vegas to the famous strip with all the glamour and insanity you can take. I rode the strip and I was surprised that photos were taken and people noted the website. Here’s hoping that awareness was made!!

Later that night, the crew took a well deserved night off. I believe that good times were had. I even had a brief flutter on the blackjack table; setting myself a small limit and losing a bit. I cut my losses before my limit and headed back to the RV with thoughts of the forthcoming long long ride arose the USA to come.

More soon…in the meantime, please donate! We need to find a cure.

Keep moving!!!

Hi

Well the TAC has started and I am aware that I have been a busy man, so here’s the first blog…

Day one

Santa Monica pier was being rained on when we arrived.  Me and my crew had travelled to the pier in the VW Touaregs and made good time, but fell foul of the traffic. The guys from a certain media company turned up (and are still filming this week!) and in all the fuss for filming the start and getting the bikes sorted, no one noticed Sean (one of the crew medic) who had gone to the “Forrest Gump” shop and returned with an appropriate sign….thanks mate.

With the later start and the traffic, the trip out of LA was long.  The journey was fantastic, passing landmarks such as the Manns Chinese Theatre, Universal Studios, Hollywood, Sunset boulevard (which is slightly different than what I had envisioned back in the 80s but nonetheless eclectic), and Beverly Hills. Highlights of the day were people passing in their cars or on the street that wanted to stop and talk and find out what I was up to. In particular mention has to be made of Anna Lise, who stopped her car in the middle of traffic blocking the lane, which probably annoyed the hell out of everybody else, and started up a full conversation about her life and what she was doing; eventually getting around to asking why I was riding across America. Also, the mother and son who not only tweeted while they were driving past but also stopped to wave. The end of the day I was 50 miles out of Santa Monica before my crew called a halt to riding for that day as the San Francisquito Canyon Road is exceptionally busy and dangerous to ride at night.

My Parkinson’s was a problem today and I had dystonia while on the bike. Quite a scary and hair-raising experience and I put this down to just being tired before I started. Note to self: get more sleep Alex!

Day two

Starting from where I left off I was determined to better the 50 miles and prove to my crew that I am up to the job. The day was solely riding! Talk about heat!! I was getting through litres of electrolyte and enough water to fill Lake Erie! The crew (note to Sonia – Sean is a star and thank you for letting him come on the trip) really started to pull together as a team, which is amazing as the guys have never met before.

When the wind got up over the Sierra Nevada mountains it felt like you are being pushed back by a big pair of hands. We cunningly found a way around this. The result was to draft behind one of the VW Touaregs. This allowed me in heavy wind to get up to speeds of 45 mph on the bike, which was amazing. But at 90 miles into the ride, with the wind buffeting me and forcing me into traffic and with the light fading the decision to break for the day was taken. My legs were on fire due to climbing the incredibly long hills. Everything is enormous in America! My PD was not there today! Excellent day.

Quick shout out to Rich from Block Bikes, Lancaster, California – thanks mate for the support and to your crew for the professional and kind service. The bikes are in tip-top condition! Good luck on the ride. Keep moving!

Day three

I have this guy called David who is filming TAC. He’s a pretty cool guy and produces some extraordinary camera shots. An example of his work on the TAC can be seen at http://youtu.be/hXPPSD2MNg0

This was a 72 mile day of just hard work and pain. Starting from the point where we left off the day before I was going to draft behind the VW again but a highway patrol officer decided otherwise and scowled at both my team and the car carrying the TV channel that are also covering the event. This meant that I had no protection from the wind. When I say wind, I mean full on gale! To top that, there was 45 miles of uphill riding in the gale which was hitting me head on. The Orbea SDi2 bike was fantastic and I just had to dig deep. I made it to Whitney Portal road 77 miles later but with my legs shot and my PD kicking in due to fatigue I could not ride up the hill all the way. The solution? Get off the bike and route march up the mountain accompanied by Sharky and Sam Fox from the MJFF.

I’d like to take an opportunity to thank the wives and families of my crew for being fantastic and allowing them to come out and be part of this TAC. Thank you so much.

I would be over the moon if you would send me messages of support as this is truly tough and they would really give me a boost. You can either email me at contact@alexflynn.co.uk or tweet me @alexflynn01 or leave a message on my 10 Million Metres page on facebook. I’m really looking forward to hearing from you.

Next edition is the report of my ascent of Mount Whitney (I did it!!!! – more later)

Keep moving!!!!

Putting together a 3563 mile Traverse of the North American continent is never going to be an easy to project manage in 10 months. Notwithstanding many people saying that couldn’t be done or would be too difficult to achieve in the time I had, I’m now on the cusp of starting TAC next week. It’s really going to happen and it’s really scary!

Sharkey (Mark Howlett) arrived on Thursday night. Friday was spent running around like mad headless chickens trying to get kit together and all before the plane departed 4 PM Monday. Huge thanks and appreciation to Blade Printing services are doing a fantastic job in a short space of time in getting decals ready for the fantastic Touareg supplied by VW USA!!

Bike boxes from bike box Alan were secured and with too much luggage was piled into the waiting taxi and we hit the remains of the bank holiday weekend traffic.  We made the plane and collected the car thanks to enormous help from Dennis from Wally Park and his fantastic crew. They were kind enough to point out that we were in the wrong place and gave us a lift to pick up the car from an alternative location. Talk about service!

We finally arrived at the home of Larry’s cousin and after much conversation a very long day was put to an end. This morning, breakfast was a surprise. I’ve never seen so many eggs on my plate before in my life! Hot hot chilli sauce and steak too!!! Feeling full in fact he stumbled into Wheat Ridge Cyclery and again got top service from Wayne and Nick who didn’t bat an eyelid and remained really calm in the face of very stressed out Englishman! Again, great service!

Larry had an idea to run round the mountains. This was a fantastic plan. So we went to Red Rock – where tonight Mumford & Sons I’m playing a gig. While they sound checked, Larry, Sharkey and me ran the trails at the entry height of 7500 ft. Awesome end for today with a great run of seven miles altitude training. That combined with a nine hour flight with an equivalent acclimatisation of 10,000 ft, the mountain work is on course.

What’s  not on course is the swim to the Statue of Liberty. It seems that there are conflicts of interest between different administrative departments and government organisations which may mean that I may not be able to swim to the  Statue of Liberty. So alternative plans are already being made and I’m hopeful that something spectacular will replace the New York swim. I haven’t got time to be  disappointed about this with the Statue of Liberty as there are over 3500 miles to go and I think that’s pretty challenging in it’s own right. Don’t you?

Keep moving!!!

Hi all,

It’s that time of year again; the time of year when seasoned runners mix with first-time marathon virgins to run the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon. Why am I writing about this?  Well I went to the Marathon Expo in London yesterday and I got thinking about my first marathon and how so much has changed between then and now.

26.2 miles is not to be sniffed at. It’s a hard distance and one which should not be undertaken lightly. The London Marathon was my first marathon race. I can recall the day in 2006 clearly as if it were yesterday. Things had not been easy for me leading up to the start line. Only 10 months earlier I had suffered an enormous crash on my mountain bike; separating my shoulder, breaking my rib cage and puncturing both my lungs. The last thing on my mind, as I sat there on the Ridgeway slowly becoming hypoxic, was any thought of running. In fact, the thing that took up most of my thoughts, as the morphine numbed my system, was the fact that I wanted to dance with the female paramedic who was trying to lead me across a field to the waiting helicopter that would whisk me away to the John Radcliffe Hospital, thus saving my life.  This was accompanied some eight month later, by me breaking my third metatarsal in a 10k training race the January before the London Marathon.  Things were not going right in my preparation for my first marathon!!

26.2 miles!  It was the furthest that I had ever thought about running and I was nervous. I was also cold!  I think that God was not happy with me urinating on the rose bushes in Greenwich Park (to be fair, I was not the only one and the queue was enormous) and the rain came down.  It was freezing and completely caught me off guard.  I should have brought a plastic bag/bin liner to wear prior to the race.  These are easy to remove and keep you warm and also they cost nothing like a jumper or coat.  But the rain was not meant to last and soon I was queueing up at the indicated point that I believed represented my finish time.  I think I chose four hours.

My foot had mended as much as it was ever going to by the start of the race and I was hopeful that I could make the distance.  The start of the race found me to be exceptionally calm as I stared ahead towards the line of people moving and pushing their way out of Greenwich Park; onto the closed roads of London.  The run seemed to pass in a blur, as I wound my way across Tower Bridge, turning right towards the Isle of Dogs.  However, I did note several things. The first was the enthusiasm of the crowd.  It was electric, addictive and also resonated happiness and support. I’d never experienced anything like it, which was handy because, passing the Cutty Sark, I sprained my left ankle which meant that the right leg became dominant. This would not have been a problem but for the fact that my right foot was the one that I had broken! By 15 miles I was in agony; every footfall felt like an iron nail being pushed into the foot repeatedly!

The lonely stretch from me was the Isle of Dogs.   I felt tired and in pain and also being psyched out by the elite runners already leaving the Isle of Dogs and heading towards the finishing line.  It was at this point that I met a fellow runner (also running for the Antony Nolan trust) whose name is Quentin Somerset and whom I still consider to be a good friend to this very day.  Quent motivated me to dig deeper into my resolve to finish this long-distance; and persevere I did.  I pushed myself across the cobbled streets and out of the Isle of Dogs and onto the Embankment. It was then I hit the wall.

My legs felt heavier than lead and my feet were a mass of pain; each footfall was now like walking on fire and to top it all I had run out of energy.  It was at this point that a passing runner threw a carbohydrate gel at me with the words, “Get it down you!”   The gel had the effect of rocket fuel. POW!  I’d never used one before but I was glad that I did!

Taking the gel was a good move. I felt back on form and soon the Houses of Parliament rose up before me with a wall of cheering people in front.   The route bore right and headed across Parliament Square. This was it!  I was 600 yards away from finishing.  I was shattered but my mind was fixed on the finish line as I followed the curve of the road around, again to the right, and onto the Royal Mall.  I wanted, desperately, to ease off as the foot was just unbearable.  However, I had had “ALEX” printed on the front of my race shirt and some good-looking girls were shouting out my name.  I pushed forward towards the line keen to not look feeble with my broken foot.  Just then another runner came up fast just behind my right shoulder; straining to get every ounce of energy utilised in getting himself across the line.   I don’t know what happened, but a voice in my head said, “Not today! You are not passing me today!”  I put my head down, ignored the pain and ran with every fibre in my foot screaming at me. I crossed the line in 4 hours and 25 min and stood still with hands on my hips breathing heavily.  I looked away from the crowds and at the line of people ahead of me having their timing chips removed and told myself that this was as far as I was ever going to run!

This Sunday, thousands will run through the streets of London and realise a dream; fulfilling the promise of all those hours and miles spent training to cross that finish line.  For some, this will be the furthest they will ever run.  For others, it may be the start of further adventures in running, as it was for me.  Who knows where running may take you….

Wishing all the very best of luck if you are taking part!!!

Keep moving!!

Hi all,

It has been awhile since I last wrote my blog and I’d like to apologise for its absence.  I guess being distracted by my baby boy has taken up a lot of my time as well as training for the Trans-USA.  Excuses aside, I’d like to talk about awareness and how you can help. But first I need to bring you up to date (well almost as there was so much going on since last time I blogged that some of it will have to wait until next time).

The year started with a part working ankle.  With the incredible help of ActiveVIII I’ve managed to ameliorate the majority of the damage to the ankle and, in fact, get to a point where I can run on it comfortably.  The acid test was the Standard Chartered Dubai 10k.  The guys from deVere generously flew me out to test the ankle and maybe secure some favourable press (which, thanks to Alan and the team, I did).  I arrived late at night, shattered, and needing bed and sleep.  In the morning I made it to the Media Centre at the Dubai Pavilion and was made to feel at home.  They gave me a media pass (which made me feel like one of the gang) and fed me too!  It was good to see some familiar faces and nice that I was recognised from my marathon exploits previously in 2011.   The run, in my Saucony Triumph’s, was better than I had expected and the ankle held up. I completed the course in 53 min but that included walking for a bit due to dystonia and stretching quite a lot.  This result rocks!  A truly a great milestone for me as I couldn’t walk on the leg last November.  The result, also, makes me more confident of my abilities with my ankle and helps me look forward to the Trans-USA; an event that I truly believe will, not only, raise donations for both the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and also the Michael J Fox Foundation via TeamFox (please see my TeamFox page) but also raise awareness.

Raising awareness is at the forefront of what 10MillionMetres is about and media coverage in respect of what I am trying to achieve has been pretty good since the beginning of the year.  BBC Oxford has bent over backwards for me and I am truly grateful for the coverage that they have given.  In addition, BBC Radio Berkshire, Glide FM, Jack FM, Al Jazeera Sport TV, Physique TV, Physique magazine, the Scotsman, the Daily Express, BBC (filming), SGB magazine… The only way that we are going to make change happen for Parkinson’s patients, worldwide, is by raising awareness which in turn will hopefully raise donations so that we can find a cure for this horrific and debilitating disease.

So please tell your friends, work colleagues, business acquaintances, in fact, tell everybody you meet because I can’t do this alone. I need your help.   We all need to work together and if we work together we can realise something truly great.  Maybe realise a cure!

With raising awareness being fundamental, Joe and his intrepid team from the BBC arrived on a Sunday morning in January to film me for a potential program on superhuman people. Apparently, I’m one!!! That’s quite a compliment for a guy who’s a bit shaky, LOL.  They had me running all over the place; across town, up and down a hill for what seemed like ages, rowing and then pushing my legs to the limit on the Cybex machine at ActivVIII (who went out of their way to open their premises and get things ready for the shoot – thanks guys!).  We then went to Nexus gym and I was again put through my paces.  All in all, I had a serious workout and then there was the interview.  I have to say Joe is a really good interviewer and I think I came across okay.  So will the programme see light of day? I don’t know but I have my fingers crossed.

Lastly, the Trans-USA has received several boosts. The first was from Volkswagen. This fantastic and forward thinking company has stepped up to the mark and donated two Touareg 4×4′s and have also offered (which I have accepted) to cover the fuel for the vehicles, which will allow me to get the support crew from A to B on the challenge.  I can’t thank them enough and highly recommend that you check out my sponsor page and follow the link when you click on the Volkswagen logo.  Secondly, the lovely people at Invesco Perpetual have just donated £2000 to the Cure Parkinson’s Trust!  I cannot believe how fabulous they are and generous too!  Thank you Invesco Perpetual!!  The third boost was receiving news that Mr Larry Watson (lifeguard, former coastguard, wilderness medic, expedition leader and ultra-endurance enthusiast) will be joining me as part of my crew for the Trans-USA challenge.  This alone has given me such a massive injection of confidence in having him on board.   I’m really excited to be working with this guy and he’s going to be kayaking across Lake Erie with me as well as swimming to the Statue of Liberty too!

30 mile run today and getting better every minute!! I think that, notwithstanding the stress of getting the Trans-USA sorted (and there’s still a lot to do) the words “positivity” and “optimistic” sum me up at the moment.  I hope that’s the same for you.  If it’s not, I am sure that things will eventually work out.  They have a habit of doing so…strange but true.

Keep moving!!!

Alex

Hi all,

This is my penultimate blog of the year. Apologies for the lateness but I have a valid reason.

On the 15th of December 2011, my third son, Zacharie was born.  Weighing in at a healthy 9lbs (or just over 4 kg) he is the most fantastic addition to my family and right before Christmas too!  Aurélie and baby are doing exceptionally well.  He’s quite a character and certainly isn’t shy about coming forward and expressing his own opinion; including his disappointment at both myself and Aurélie sleeping at night!!  So, we have both been battling fatigue through lack of sleep whilst being busier than we would ever have imagined at Christmas time.

The last week and four days have been occupied by the Trans-USA challenge.  Thanks must go to Mimi Anderson, ActiveVII, Steve from GoBeyond and also James from Media First, for their assistance so far.  Thanks also to, Russ Cox and James Golding for their support and input.  I’m excited by the prospect of Russ Cox and James Golding undertaking some of the route with me.

Midway through the planning, thinking, and trying desperately to get some sleep, I was invited onto the Malcolm Boyden show and BBC Radio Oxford.  Oxford not being far from me was, I thought, a reasonably safe bet to arrive at 10 AM.  Little did I realise that the pre-Christmas shopping mania had overtaken the United Kingdom and everyone who drives will understand my use of the term “gridlock”.   I was driving and waiting and driving and waiting and more waiting for what seemed like ages.  My eyes constantly returned to the clock in the car, which did nothing to dispel my sense of urgency and my fears that I wouldn’t reach the BBC studios in time.  Thankfully I did.  In fact, right on time!

The producer, Harry, met me at the door and immediately ushered me into the live studio.  Handshakes and a quick cup of tea placed on the desk in front of me and Malcolm launched into the interview.  Honestly?  I think I did okay.  I was dreadfully tired from little to no sleep the previous few days.  Notwithstanding, they certainly seemed happy with the interview and it was good to see Malcolm, Harry and the guys again.  They have been exceptionally supportive of the 10MillionMetres campaign and I owe a lot of thanks to them for that.  Mention was made of an update interview regarding the forthcoming Thames Trot 50 mile race from Oxford to Henley-on-Thames in February 2012.   For which runners and brave interested parties can get a free entry via the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.  Please go to the Cure Parkinson’s Trust website at www.cureparkinsons.org.uk for more information and also do let them know if you want the donations to count towards the 10MillionMetres, £1 million fund.

Later that same day I was being interviewed by Colleen on Generate Radio (http://www.generateradio.com/).  Great music and good chat was the order of the show and I had a laugh.  Thanks Colleen and Generate Radio.  In fact, special mention must be made of Colleen as she got married today (24th December 2011)!!  Congratulations and best wishes for the future to you both!

Training has been put on the back-burner for the moment as I still have this nagging cough which won’t go away.  Mimi Anderson has commanded me to rest until the New Year and who am I to argue with such an esteemed athlete.  Seriously, Mimi is correct.  If I don’t look after myself I’ll be unable to summon the best performance I can possibly achieve when undertaking the challenges that 2012 will bring.

On Wednesday I was invited to the Grosvenor House Hotel in London for the deVere Group annual awards ceremony.  This was a black tie do and a spectacular evening was hosted by deVere to thank the very dedicated employees that make my core Sponsor the most successful financial consultancy in the world.  Being a third party (so to speak) it was interesting to observe and meet the people who have supported and aided my 10MillionMetre Campaign in 2011.  The event was a success and to describe the awards as impressive would be an understatement.  I would have liked to have shown some photos but for now your imagination will have to do; as I have no pictures to show.  Save to say, champagne reception followed by fantastic food, dancers, music, awards, Steve Redgrave, Jessie J and a set by Calvin Harris in the adjoining deVere lounge left me stunned.  I feel very honoured to have been there and thankful to all the people I met and their kind words of support.  Hats off to Beverley who organised the whole event!  Thank you deVere for letting me be a part of your evening.

I have so much to do for 2012.  Epic adventures to raise awareness of Parkinson’s don’t just happen by themselves and I’ll probably need three of me to get the jobs done, but I’ll do it!!!

However, that’s not important right now.  Right now is the night before Christmas.  The first Christmas for my little boy and I am going to spend it with him.  So I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a happy, safe and wonderful Christmas!

For those don’t celebrate it, have a safe and a top weekend to you and your families and I will update everyone with the end of year kit review next week.

Until then, have fun and keep moving!!

Hi all,

Firstly, I’d like to say that, as at the present time of writing, my third son (baby-to-be) is has yet to be born.  It seems like we are having to wait forever and Aurélie is certainly feeling it.   The boy is certainly active! However, I’m sure that the lad will arrive very soon. I will keep you updated.

As the weeks pass the ankle gets better, except for the odd occasion when I completely overdo it.  One such occasion was last week’s attempt to run.  I really should take the advice I’m given and listen to my body more.  In response to this, I have increased the amount of stabilisation work that I am undertaking on the ankle and have upped the turbo training.  Yes, I know that some of you prefer outdoor training and, to be honest, I do too.  However, the ankle really does not like the cold at the moment; swelling up and becoming an inconvenient aching anchor, which does nothing but prevent forward momentum towards full recovery.  So, for the meantime it’s less impact and more training. I know that the foregoing sounds dramatic, the reality is that the ankle is truly getting better but every day having to rein in the urge to run before I should, becomes harder and harder.

Everyone over the last week has been discussing the announcement for the torchbearers for the 2012 Olympic Games.  I was exceedingly excited as I had been nominated seven times for the honour of running with the Olympic torch.  However, it was not to be.  Unfortunately, I was not chosen as a torchbearer and, although I’m disappointed, I’m not down hearted as the competition for the places was incredibly tough.   The selection committees must have had an awfully difficult time in choosing the torchbearers and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of that selection process.  In fact, I am over the moon for those that succeeded in becoming torchbearers for the Olympic Games and wish them all the very best.  Personally, it’s a bit of a relief.  With what I had planned for the forthcoming year and the imminent arrival of baby-to-be, I’m sure you’d agree that I’ll have my hands full.

It’s that time of year again when an athlete looks to his sponsors for their continued support for the following year.  This week, both Garmin and Buff have stepped up and confirmed their continuing support with kit for 2012, for which I am extremely grateful.  Thanks guys!

Preparations are still in swing for the Trans-USA Challenge, and there is still a long way to go.  Some calls during the ongoing preparations have made me smile and others leave you impressed and wondering why other organisations arn’t as slick.  One in particular was the incredible help and assistance by the New York City Mayors Office, whose customer service team did not bat an eyelid when I explained what I hope to achieve on the Trans-USA Challenge and what I need to realise this.  As explanations go, mine is a big one but with a suitably calm, extremely polite and capable demeanour the customer service team took my ambitious requests in their stride even throwing in a suitable “Cool” for reassurance that they’d understood.  Within less than 2 minutes I had the details that I needed without the usual intake of breath and a question of “really?”.  Hugely refreshing!  Thank you New York City Mayors Office.

Last news is the announcement that my eldest son got the highest mark in his school for mathematics. A 97% score means that my lad came top of his year and his class!  I’m such a proud dad!

Right, all work and no play makes me a dull boy. It’s time to get training and finalising the races for 2012.

Keep moving!