Hi All,

With a week gone since the Challenge Henley triathlon and as my bags packed to depart for South Africa today, I thought it wise that I should write my update now.  So what was it like to undertake an “Ironman” distance triathlon?

The Tri was the second only Tri I’ve ever entered and with little or no training other than the races I’ve previously done, I knew that it would be tough for me; particularly in light of the fact that I have a healthy fear of water. I think a documented this in earlier writings and this, combined with the fact that I really was not sure what to expect in the water, made the anticipation of the race a psychological battle for me.

The start was a calamity. I arrived at T1 before the race to check the bike and while pumping air into the tyre, the valve broke and the tyre deflated. I changed inner-tube and, would you believe it, the same thing happened!   You can imagine that my language at this point was far from polite. What was polite and welcome was the help and support of my fellow competitors and race marshals.   Another competitor gave me a spare inner-tube (thank you whoever you are) and I approached a martial at T1 security for help.  By now it was 5 minutes before the start of the first wave swim. The guy offered to sort the problem, took the wheel and race number and said that it would be on my bike when I got back.

It was cold that morning. The thermometer in the morning registered 4°C and that was just the open air. My bare feet did not like the cold ground. I stood and waved my arms while watching my breath become white clouds in front of my eyes; not relishing the thought of getting into the misty water.  The swim was my bête noire; the murky water wanting me to panic, to stop and quit.  Two good friends gave me reassurance.   Russ Cox, who has spent the last number of months patiently honing my swim technique, kept telling me that I could do it.  Thanks Russ.  Seeing you before the race actually calmed my nerves.  However, one of the biggest thank you’s of the day goes to Andy Loveland of Early Rider Cycles.  Andy knew that the swim for me would be the most difficult part and he decided to accompany me on the swim leg and give me the encouragement to make it through.  What a great guy! If you’re reading this Andy, thank you so much for your friendship and support.

My competitors were jumping into the water and it became my turn to walk forward on to the pontoon and get in to the Thames.  When I did, the water was warm.  With no time to pause the race was underway.  With arms plunging into the water and trying to resist the urge to kick furiously, I was concentrating on trying to sight the next buoy through the mist, duly failing and, instead, following the others off up the Thames.  There were loads of people who were having a tough time with the swim.  Some found it too cold but, for me, it felt like a warm bath.  The Orca 3.8 did a cracking job of affording me warmth and buoyancy for my weakest discipline.  A fantastic piece of kit!  My swim was a mixture of mostly crawl interspersed with breaststroke due to trapped wind and by vomiting after swallowing some water.  Not a great start to the triathlon, which was further added to by tearing muscle in the left shoulder.  Nevertheless, I made the end of the swim and was really over the moon! I’m truly stunned about swimming so far.  I’ve never even swum a mile before so this is a huge watershed moment for me.  The time taken to complete the swim was 1 hour 49 min.

I got back to the bike to find the front tyre flat!  You can imagine my language at this point was a slightly more prolonged repeat of my earlier expletives.  With the help of some Pitstop and gas I rode back to my house in central Henley, changed the wheel, grabbed the new inner-tube and hit the bike course. The 20 min delay added time to the bike leg that I could have done without.

Having rode my steel framed £60 decathlon special across the Alps this summer, I felt reasonably confident about having a good bike ride. For that’s exactly what I had.  The course, however, was quite deceptive; particularly, the last climb.  My down hills…well, I nailed them!  50+ miles an hour and the bike was in its element.  It’s a shame that I didn’t have the extra FastForward wheel on the front.  I was using my training wheel as to have changed the tyre yet again would have taken far longer.  If I had had my FastForward on the front I would have been even quicker.  The bike course was made up of two loops that utilised both sides of the road.  This caused problems in getting the locals, who were, effectively, imprisoned in their houses for the day, to and from the town.  The volunteer force did a fantastic job on the day, some of whom rode motorcycles and would guide the local residents in their vehicles along the course.  This was a difficult job, especially regarding the number of competitors out on the course, who in turn also had some concerns.  What I thought was shocking was the way the cars were led out onto the road on the downhill section from Pishill, right into the path of the professional riders descending at speed on their bikes.  Really scary when I saw a couple of riders narrowly miss vehicles on the course. The funny thing is though; it never entered my mind when descending at speed. Strange eh?

Transition at T2 was relatively hassle free.  I was just a bit cold and needed to take some more medication.  A welcome change of socks and shoes, a mouthful of food and some go juice and I was out on the marathon route but for this race was walking.  As you know, my physio told me not to run the marathon like due to the hot-spot on my tibia, which ran the risk of developing a stress fracture.  So I marched at a good pace and felt strong completing the first half marathon in three hours dead.  Heading out on the beginning of the third lap I was totally on form but it was getting dark and three quarters of the way round the rain came down.  This was a miserable experience which was followed by a strong cold wind that cut right through me.  I started getting colder and colder until I couldn’t feel my arms and legs and my right arm suffered badly (becoming uncontrollable with tremor from my PD).  In short I was in a bad state and getting worse.  It was at this point when my neighbour, Dave, discovered me staggering down the tow path.  He had come looking for me armed with a Cornish pasty and some chocolate.  When he found me, he immediately gave me his coat, notwithstanding the rain, and walked back with me towards the centre of town.  Crossing the bridge, people were again immensely friendly as they had been all day.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to everyone who cheered me on gave me so much encouragement on the day, even when I looked a total mess!   I turned right towards the food station manned by the wonderful volunteers, who took one look at me and removed me from the race directly to the med tent.  It was the right decision. My core temperature was low and so was my blood pressure.  The realisation that had Dave not found me, I would have been in serious trouble.  Thank you Dave!!!!   I was gutted about not finishing a race that was only 10 km away from completion and totally in my sights, but really happy about what I had achieved on the day.

Next time, will be better!!

So the bag is packed and I will be setting off with Mr Johnny Ultra to South Africa this evening to run the Otter Trail. My father-in-law is over to keep an eye on the family and that will let me concentrate on the race.  I’m hopeful of a good result and looking forward to updating you when I get back.  In the meantime and if you have a moment, I would be grateful if you could leave a message of encouragement on my 10MillionMetres Facebook page and click “like”.  That would be fantastic!!

Together we can make a difference. Together we can make change happen. Together we can find a cure!

Keep moving!

Hi all,

Hoping that this latest instalment for 10MillionMetres finds you well?  I have had an interesting couple of weeks. The first big news that put a smile on my face was the news that I don’t have a stress fracture of my right tibia.  It was the waiting that got to me.  I don’t mind admitting that I approached my MRI scan with some trepidation.

I needn’t have worried as the MRI process was really straight forward.  I’d had one before, when the good doctors were assessing me to ascertain why I had a tremor. Apparently, notwithstanding rumour and the efforts of my Parkinson’s to kill my neurones, I do have a brain.  The huge machine surrounded the bed that I was lying on. Straps holding my legs in place made me feel more of a prisoner that a patient.  However, after quite some time of listing to various noises I was just on the verge of falling asleep when the nice nurse abruptly woke me!  Typical when one is getting comfy!!

The news was fantastic.  I can explain the relief I felt which was then followed by the realisation that I had little is no time to do any run training for the Ironman distance Challenge Henley Triathlon!  Not what I had intended.  This has been coupled with my personal battle against my fear of water.  Last year I completed the swim at the London Triathlon in 38 min which, for a bloke who doesn’t swim very comfortably, was a real success.  In fact, I’d like to think of it as a watershed moment.  Nonetheless, that feeling of triumph faded in January when I discovered that I was still afraid of water.  Since that date I have been working on my swimming with Russ Cox; a very dedicated coach and talented Ironman competitor. You can check him out at www.trainstravels.co.uk

The difference and improvement in my technique for swimming is remarkable (even if I do say so myself) and according to Russ, I’ve come a long way.  Personally, I agree as well as acknowledge that there is still a lot more to learn and plenty to improve.  However, am I good enough for a 3.8KM swim?  I’d like to think that I can do it but I am scared.  Getting in the river and swimming has really helped but has that come too late?  Well, I’ll find out on Sunday morning at 6:30 AM when my wave starts.  I will of course be wearing my Orca 3.8 wetsuit.  I have to say this is a really great piece of kit (honestly).  It certainly gives me more buoyancy than my last 3.8, which for me is a huge boost.

All the excitement of the forthcoming event has been tempered by the news I received last night from my physio Paul Martin (a top bloke and an exceptional physio – who has never been wrong regarding the various races I enter and the physical issues that manifest as a consequence of participation).  Paul examined my foot; the same one that you may have read about in my Facebook updates. He quickly diagnosed that the pain that I felt, both, on the instep and across the top left side of the right hand foot was due to an agitated nerve.  But the nerve was not the culprit. Oh no, that honour goes to the wonderful hotspot on my tibia.  This angry bit of bone is causing the trouble and presents a new worry; the risk of stress fracture.  I was gutted!  Paul’s initial opinion was that I should not run the marathon part of the Challenge Henley Tri.  I did not sleep well last night and after a few calls to some good friends, and subsequent agreement from Paul (thanks mate) I have decided to walk the marathon part of the course. This means that I will swim the 3.8km in the Thames (it’s cold I can tell you!) and cycle the 180km of the bike course as best I can but I will have to resist the urge to run the marathon!  If can do this and keep a steady pace then I’ll make it.   This is my first long (Ironman) distance Triathlon and I it certainly will not be my last.

So, I have registered and am sporting the shiny red band around my right wrist with the words “Challenge Henley-on-Thames Athlete” emblazoned around the band in white.  Am I really going to do this? Holy crap!

Time to raise the positive vibes as another piece of good news is that my baby-to-be is perfect according to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.   This is a massive boost and lifts the weight of the concerns  off of mine and Aurélie’s shoulders.  Certainly brings a big smile to the face but also the realisation that in 12 weeks my third son will be born. There is so much going on and the little guy isn’t even born yet.

Speaking of which, the Otter Trail (www.ottertrail.co.za) is fast approaching. Both myself and Johnny Ultra fly out very shortly to compete in the Holy Grail of trail races. This also raises the issue of my lack of run training. However there is a short time to get the body back to some familiarity with running and with time I have opportunity and if I have opportunity, I can succeed.  So I am going to use the Challenge Henley tri to improve (hotspots aside). I’ll keep you posted!

On the subject of success, the successful deVere Group have run a four-page article in the Investor Insight magazine ( www.devere-group-investorinsight.com ) about my 10MillionMetres challenge, and running to Rome.  Thank you guys!  As ever, your support, help and encouragement are first class.  I’d also like to thank those who have been so kind for the messages of encouragement and occasional concern.  You know who you are and it means a lot to me!

So what are you waiting for? Challenge your fears, push beyond your norm and make change happen!

Keep moving!

Hi,

Ever thought, “I’d really like to have a 10MillionMetres Supporter T-Shirts”?  Well stop thinking and have a look at the t-shirt below.

Only £20 + PP each or £50 +pp for three!!!!

If you’d like one, please contact me via the contacts page on this site for price and payment details.

Keep moving!!

I have two London to Rome Trans Europe race shirts (as worn on the route – but now washed – they are clean) for the two highest donations received by 5pm GMT Sunday September 11, 2011

I am really attached to theses shirts but it goes to a worthy cause so I’ll get over it.  All donations will go to the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.   Donate now to have a chance of winning on the justgiving donate now buttons on this site.

Good luck!

Hi all,

I have had an interesting week and a day…spent time focussing on riding the new TT bike as last blog the bike was put together by Athlete Services of Henley. What a great bunch of guys Filipe, Rob and Tom are.  So passionate about cycling and triathlons it infectious!

I am getting into my cycling. In fact I omitted to tell you that when I finally got the bike I was so wrapped up and mesmerised in the fact that I finally had the new bike that after cruising around the car park, I forgot to take my shoes out the cleats and…fell over…great start! Lol!!!  Time to wake up and get the bike on the road…it rocks! It is sooooooooooo good!  This makes it no problem waking up and riding the bike for as far as I can…as long as I take the meds…wiggly handlebars make for interesting downhills!

On a different note, I freely admit that I am bloody angry about having Parkinson’s and frank about the fact that I channel that anger to more positive and constructive outcomes. It often pulls me through the toughest races and, certainly, assisted me in running 20 marathons in 10 days when injured.  However, I am sure that anyone with a disease would totally understand my surprise during my visit to a certain well known pharmacy.   I walked in and was greeted with a smile from the girl, who took my prescription.   The resident pharmacist was questioned by the girl who wanted to know whether she should give me my usual name brand medication.  The pharmacist said nothing to which the girl turned around and informed me that I was going to be given the generic version as they “didn’t get paid” for the name brand… I was shocked.   I didn’t know the generic; what effect would it have; would it be as good?  I started to get nervous.  My right arm started to shake noticeably; so I thrust my hand into my pocket and turned to the side.   I was annoyed that it wasn’t the pharmacist suggesting and equal alternative with explanation but, instead, the untrained and offhand opinion of someone who did not understand my disease making judgements as to what drugs I should take based upon whether they get paid for it.   I started to panic!

I refused the generic. I asked why, when my doctor had prescribed a brand, they should choose the alternative generic irrespective. I was determined not to just accept it.  The girl then turned to the pharmacist as said that if I wanted the brand medication, she wasn’t going to do it and that he should do it.  Then the pharmacist stepped in and sorted the prescription as originally intended. I was just gobsmacked!  Has this ever happened to you?  I left the pharmacy seething (albeit relieved that I’d got my meds) and determined to get on the road and work it out of my system.

The opportunity raised its head in Sunday’s long ride. The route winding off to Oxford, Thame and beyond and getting a little lost on the way; always good if the weather’s fine!  One puncture and some fantastic help from passing cyclists put me in the best mood for the BBQ that followed!

The Challenge Henley Tri is approaching fast and the docs have not yet given me the full approval to run.  The MRI is booked for the 5th September and I am itching to know what the outcome will be.  Personally, I feel that all is going to be well run wise.  In fact I can’t wait to feel the rhythm of my feet on the road and mile and mile just passing beneath.  The swim bothers me though.  On one hand I am excited at the prospect of swimming further than I have ever done; on the other I’m nervous as I feel under prepared.  But having never experienced an Ironman distance tri before… it will be quite an adventure! However, I feel stronger in my swim than the London tri; with more time in the water and stretching more I believe I can do it (that’s for you Paul!).  So more time training, less time wasting!

Keep moving and make it count!!!

Please donate today!  Make change happen for millions!!!   www.justgiving.com/alex-flynn

Hi

I’m just back from a ride on my new bike. Yes, I have finally gotten hold of my new TT bike for triathlons! It is beautiful! I have to say huge thank you to Athletes Services of Henley-on-Thames who assembled the bike (with a bit of amateur help from me) and provided fantastic encouragement when, quite honestly, I was a bit nervous about getting on a time Trial bike. I know that seems ridiculous, but I’m used to drop bars on road bikes so extending oneself down onto the bars like a pro cyclist felt alien. However, I think I’m getting the hang of it. In fact, I know I am and the miles are just flying by!

It is been an incredible seven days. Beginning the week with the news that my doctor suspects I have a stress fracture of my right tibia was not good. I’m still waiting for the MRI scan date but I’m confident that I will be in full form for the Challenge Henley Triathlon in September. So, getting the bike sorted was an imperative. I have to say thanks to Tim from CompresSport who kindly let me use his road bike in the interim. It’s amazing that when you need help you can always count on your friends! So the beginning of the week was bike building mixed with a heavy dose of swimming; coached by Russ Cox.

Midweek became completely surreal. As I mentioned last blog, I received a letter inviting me for an audience with the Pope; courtesy of the efforts of my friend Roberto. Thanks mate! So, on Tuesday morning I flew out to Rome with my brother Jon. This was a good opportunity to catch up with my brother whom I don’t see enough of, and we had a good laugh. Getting to Rome was easy. Taking the taxis was like playing Russian roulette! Both of us agreed that taxi drivers in Rome would either make the best Formula One drivers in the world or the best getaway drivers! I have to say they demonstrated amazing skill, insane courage, and remarkable multitasking whilst being incredibly scary and fun at the same time.

The trip was to see the Pope. Now I don’t mind what people think, whether it’s not their religion, or that they’re not religious at all. For me, to be in the presence (by invitation) of one of the most powerful people on the planet, having your name read out and then being blessed by the head of the Roman Catholic Church is quite something. I’d like to think that this is an incredible validation of my efforts to raise funding for and awareness of Parkinson’s for the 10MillionMetre campaign. Either way, it was huge encouragement and one which I am truly grateful for.

So the return from Rome was back to work, training and my wedding anniversary weekend. The weekend was great save for a couple of occasions when I did jazz hands at the waiters in the restaurant of the hotel that Aurélie and I were staying in. I don’t think they noticed but even if they did they didn’t say anything. I just sat there with my hand grasping my thigh and hoping that the tremors would pass and not ruin the occasion. It does frustrate me but I’m learning to control the stress that comes with tremor and Parkinson’s symptoms. You see, stress makes your symptoms worse when you have PD. The problem is that when you become stressed your PD gets worse and so you become more stressed and so the PD gets worse again, and the problem becomes one great big cycle. I’m getting better at breaking the cycle. It won’t cure my PD but socially it’s better, for now.

That’s it for now. Just remember to keep a positive mental attitude. As positive mental attitude equals positive performance and positive performance makes change happen!

Make change happen to yourself and others today. Keep moving!!

Hi

A couple of weeks have passed and a lot has happened. I’ve been on the radio. BBC Radio Oxford (the Malcolm Boyden show) invited me along for an interview.  It was interesting finally meeting Malcolm, as he had initially interviewed me over the phone whilst I was in Dubai running the marathon.  He’s a good interviewer and both him and Harry (the producer of the show) made me feel at ease.  Thanks guys.  I look forward to catching up after 11 August.

Why 11 August?   That’s a good question and one which deserves a good answer.  It seems, that while I was running across Europe , my good friend Roberto was busy making plans.  Roberto wrote to the Vatican.  Yes, the Vatican in Rome. Now why would Roberto do that?   Well I was running to Rome and I did mention in passing that it would be the icing on the cake to meet the Pope.   Although I knew that that was highly unlikely and that it really wasn’t worth worrying about. Roberto on the other hand thought this was a fantastic idea and promptly set about putting matters in place.  Would you believe it?   Roberto wrote to the Vatican and the Vatican replied offering an invitation to meet the Pope!  Wow!!  Now I don’t know whether this is a one-to-one, with a couple of people, or 1000 people.  What I do know is I’m very privileged and honoured to have such an invitation. So next week I get to meet the Pope! I really did not expect this. I’ll keep you updated.

Drama is always good on television.  But drama in one’s life is often unwanted.  I have had drama occur to me in the form of my doctor suggesting that I may have a stress fracture of my right tibia!  The reason that this came about was that since the trans-Europe challenge my right leg hasn’t completely gone down (from being grossly inflamed). I had thought that the tendinitis hadn’t quite resolved itself and the leg being still swollen was beginning to bother me.  So I rocked up to the medical surgery and explained what I had done.  The doctor raised her eyebrows.  I then proceeded to explain about the leg and that there was a sore point halfway up my shin.  I offhandedly asked whether or not she thought that my tendinitis was still continuing and, if so,whether or not there was anything she could do about it.  After examining my leg and pressing the sore point on my shin several times (and I admit that it hurt) she’d said that she thought that I had developed a stress fracture somewhere around the early stages of the trans-Europe.  I was extremely surprised.  Well, wouldn’t you be?  If this was true this would mean that somewhere around day three of the trans-Europe I must’ve been running on a damaged leg and if this is correct, then I ran the best part of 500 miles to Paris on that leg!!!  That’s hard!!  In fact, that’s bloody tough!  Okay, I’m jumping ahead a bit.  This is quite serious and I need to make sure I know exactly what I’m dealing with so that I can train correctly (or not train – if that is the case) and hopefully keep the Challenge Henley and Otter Trail chances alive.  Therefore, this morning I’m off to have an x-ray.  I know that there are some of you who would say that you can’t always see a stress fracture from an x-ray.  Yeah,  that’s correct and if so, they going to give me an MRI.  Either way, I’ll let you know.  I guess running is out of the question at the moment but riding my bike and swimming are totally on!!

Lastly, if you happen to pick up the latest edition of Reader’s Digest, I’m in it at pages 72 to 76.  It can be picked up at all good newsagents in the UK and I am told that it’s going worldwide (except for the US).  Speaking of the USA, plans are being made for next year and crossing the whole of the USA. More information to come as it develops!

So as you can see, it’s never a dull moment!  Have a great day.  Choose to make change happen and keep moving!

Hi,

Apologies for any delay in getting this brief report out to you. I have been busy since getting back from Rome, reconnecting with friends and family, which I have to say is the best part of doing a challenge!

Well, I did it! 1457 miles to be exact (following the math of John Saunders)!! I have to say that it is probably the most satisfying, stressful, shattering, physically demanding and incredible event so far. To have dreamt up the idea of running to Rome and within a year and a half actually doing the event and completing it in 30 days and four hours, is, in my opinion, pretty cool! I won’t blog at length about the London to Rome challenge as there is a magazine article in the pipeline. However, I will give an overview as I think that this blog would not be doing justice to 10 Million Metres if I didn’t say a few words.

With the assistance of Dave Clamp, I ran the equivalent of almost 20 marathons in 10 days covering a distance of more than 500 miles on a route that certainly changed after Brussels. The reason for this was that I ran a bit like Tigger out of Winnie the Pooh. I know I’m bouncy and fun fun fun fun fun, but to run distances like this I need perfect a running shuffle. The resulting impact of my Tigger running produced tendinitis in my shins. Notwithstanding, I ran with the tendinitis and magic Paris. Standing underneath your Eiffel Tower was a massive highlight and a sense of achievement. This achievement was mixed with the realisation that I needed to stop running, albeit briefly, if I was to remain able to finish the challenge. The tendinitis was cured my me taking time out and riding a bike instead of running. Not any bike of course. No, the bike was £60, steel framed, cheap as you like special. It did the job and for the money it was a bargain! The Alps were challenge but running into the centre of Rome a month after setting off from London made all the effort, sweat, blood, blisters, torn muscles, missing toenails, fatigue, and pain all worthwhile!

Being my first attempt at organising a continent crossing challenge, I learnt a few things on the way, and I thought that I would share them with you:

1. Accept that your budget will be blown and that you will need extra finance (this will always happen no matter how well you prepare);
2. that fatigue and occupying a motorhome with an area less than a jail cell (I would like to point out that I have never seen the inside of a jail cell) will result in some kind of friction between the people on board;
3. communication is key;
4. you can run through pain without painkillers but it’s tough. Tough but achievable, except when you have damaged your tendon in your foot and run on it for miles and miles before admitting that it hurts too much;
5. be prepared to be surprised by the kindness and support of complete strangers who believe in what you are trying to achieve;
6. never ride a bike fast down a mountain while on tramadol, too much ibuprofen and very little sleep;
7. always be flexible and remain open to change; and
8. never, never, ever give up ( although it got bloody close on a couple of occasions!)

I also like to thank Mimi Anderson for being perfectly marvellous on the first day and putting up with my slow pace. The constant banter and song, as well as the pink camera, made the day a fantastic start to the challenge. I would also like to thank Anthony Young, who came up to London to run with Mimi, Dave and myself for almost 15 miles of the first leg of the challenge. Good running, mate!!

Thanks to the following sponsors: Saucony (the shoes rock!) Buff (never run without one!!), Orca (for raising donations too!!), Blade Printing, Crew Room, Power Bar, Compressport, the Big Adventure Store, PureTri, Garmin, Polaroid (for the best sunglasses), the Stick (so good – get one), CynergyPT and Yellow Brick – all of you rock!  Particularly, those who took my calls mid-challenge and those who emailed me.  You are special.

I would like to thank my core sponsor the deVere Group.  Without their support, generosity, faith, and help, the London to Rome Challenge would not have been possible. I am truly grateful for your continuing support in my campaign to raise £1Million for a cure for Parkinson’s.

Lastly and certainly not least: the support crew… thank you soooo much!

1. John Saunders

2. Paul Grindrod

3. Sam Clamp

Right, time to get training, to keep moving, to making change happen, and achieving my first line distance triathlon in the forthcoming Challenge Henley triathlon on 18 September 2011 in Henley-on-Thames. If you can be there to cheer me on, that would be great!!!

In the meantime, if you feel that this has inspired you, please consider donating to a worthwhile charity by selecting the Justgiving button on this site and donating to the Cure Parkinson’s Trust in confidence.  Every donation will make a difference.  Make change happen today!! Donate now!!!

Thanks. Keep moving!!

A

The last week has brought home the reality of what an epic run the 1800+ mile trans-Europe dream has become. What started as a whimsical idea whilst having a cup of tea, has now turned into a real, exciting, and (in case you were wondering) scary challenge. 60 miles a day. Every day. For 30 days! That’s a huge and colossal feat for anyone; let alone a bloke with Parkinson’s. It’s the scale of what my co-runner, Dave Clamp, and me are about to attempt that (for me) evokes a blend of all emotions that one can have.

I’d like to discuss these emotions because I believe they directly relate to success. I’ll explain what I mean by that in a short while. However, I’d like to discuss the emotion the most of us would rather not, and that’s fear.

Now, I believe that unless you are completely inhuman, at some point, somewhere, you will be scared. A natural reaction to protect oneself is always a benefit and fear does this. That benefit, though, needs to be tempered with the ability to ignore the fear and reach for a target, probably higher and tougher than you have ever encountered before. This is the way that I feel about my 10MillionMetres campaign.

Honestly, I will be the first to admit that I’m scared. I’m scared of the future in respect my disease,  scared of water through almost drowning when I was five years old, and perhaps other factors of which I am yet to be made aware. But the fear I have only makes me want to push back harder and overcome. I truly believe that triumph against what makes you scared can only bring success. Let me give an example:

Last week I went swimming in open water. The lake was dark and in places cold but my resolve to conquer my fear of water came to the fore and (in my humble opinion) I was swimming like a fish. Suddenly, I got cramp. My leg froze and pain shot from my calf right up the length of my leg, making any movement impossible. My mind raced as I was still 300m from the jetty and safety. The panic set in; a slow wave of emotion building in intensity to become cacophony. Now, had that occurred a month beforehand I would have been in trouble. But in my mind, I was damned if I was going to be beaten by cramp. I told myself that I was not going to drown. I would finish and reach the jetty.

I don’t deny that it was a hard swim and my abilities of ignoring pain and staying in control were severely put to the test. However I did triumph! I made the jetty and swore (a lot). Will I be going back to the lake? Absolutely!

How did this make me feel? Beating my fear allow me to be stronger and more in control. It also gave me access to all those other emotions that are often overshadowed by fear. The happiness in achieving something that, for me, months ago would have been impossible, and the pride in getting a job done!

So turning back to 1800+ miles across Europe, I will take the fear that I have and use it to push myself, further, harder, and beyond what I have done before so that I can achieve the goal that I have set. I can visualise crossing the finishing line at the Circus Maximus with Dave Clamp. I so want to that to be a reality! If I want it hard enough and I can face the fear that I have, and triumph, I will make that reality happen! I am sure that the same goes for Dave.

One thing is true, when we cross that finish line the only emotion that you’ll see will be evidenced by two of the biggest smiles in the world!! Fingers crossed and Keep moving!

The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray, so said Robert Burns. Now I’m not sure if Mr Burns was a runner. I know that he was a prolific and celebrated writer who coined the above phrase which in short states that you can plan for everything but the unexpected. Over the last week I’ve learnt that, often than not, this statement by Mr Burns is so true!

As you may or may not know I am preparing to run over 1800 miles across Europe. I hope to do this in 30 days and achieve something that nobody else has done previously; at least not with Parkinson’s. However, like the best of intentions, things don’t always go to plan. At the beginning of last week I was seriously on form. Training was going well. In fact, my training is not what you would think that I would be undertaking in view of the incredible run ahead of me. No, for me training is a mixture of swimming, bike and short runs, with a mixture of weight training thrown in for good measure. These sessions would to build me up to a training weekend (this last weekend to be precise) where I would run 80 miles on the Friday, 40 miles on the Saturday and a final 20 miles on the Sunday. A session of back-to-back runs in preparation for what is yet to come.

However, Monday came and with it I fell ill with a virus. This thing knocked me for six and I spent the best part of last week getting over it and getting better. It’s left me feeling slightly like the wind has been knocked out of my sails. But if you know me, that only makes me more determined to make up for lost time and get myself ready. After discussing the issue with my co-runner Dave Clamp (World Deca-Ironman competitor and former team GB triathlete) and other Ultra runners, the thinking now is not about fitness (which I will work on in any event) but more about avoiding injury, staying well, and being rested. As a result, instead of doing massive mileage prior to the race, I’m going to run to work and back three times a week (60 miles in total), bike to work and back twice a week (40 miles in total) and run a 30 mile Trail run on the weekend. I aim to intersperse these sessions with circuit training and swimming, whilst reducing the 30 mile run by 10 miles per week.

So what have I learned? I know understand the value of rest. As they say, it’s the most important part of one’s training. I also have taken on board the realisation that as much as you plan there’s always something that can throw your best plans into disarray. I need to factor this into my mentality when approaching my 1800 mile run. I will do everything in my power to realise my thirty-day target. However, the flexibility in approach that I have utilised to continue my training with only three weeks and five days left until I start the run is something that I need to remember if the timeline steps out; Also, to remain optimistic and positive whilst keeping an open mind will be a must.

In short, notwithstanding the virus, I’m back on track! Keep moving!!