12 challenges in 12 months

This year in 2024 I am delighted to announce that my wife Rachael will be joining me!

We decided to try something different and set out to find 12 challenges throughout the year.  

I also needed include a stand out challenge just for myself, something bigger and more stretching for myself.  The furthest I had run was 48 miles, the 12 hour track event in Manchester by Resolute Running.  I really wanted to attempt a 100 mile race, but that would be more than double the distance I've ever done!  

Despite reservations I thought to myself if I ponder over it too long I will talk myself out of it, so I went for it.  I booked the Chester 100 mile race by GB Ultras.  Just one issue, it was in April so only a few months away.  I set about training for it, clocking up over 750 miles.

I'm pleased to say I managed to complete the race, moving time around 24 hours, and overall elapsed time 31 hours.  It was my first time running through the night, and what a strange experience that is, especially late evening running through a town full of people out for the night drinking whilst you run past in your running gear and vest full of water and food.  The most wonderful moment was when the sun started to rise, that transition from night to day, after running all night is one of the best feelings I've ever experienced.

Anyway, back to the rest of the events, all of which are with Rachael.

This year was a massive step up for Rachael.  Remember I had started these challenges some time ago, this was all new for her, only having done her first marathon and first ultra a few months before, and here we are undertaking 12 big challenges in 12 months!

Rachael has her own health battles as well, in particular her toes.  She has Hallux Rigidus, which is stiffening of the toes.  It is something she cannot recover from and has to manage the problem every single day just to maintain flexibility.  Unfortunately the pain never goes away.  

Doesn't sound a big deal, but for a runner it really is!!  

However, she has soldiered on, and has helped inspire me in so many ways.  I am so proud of her.

As always we've had great support this year.  These latest challenges have helped raise well over £2000, getting us closer to our £10k target.  We are so grateful to so many.  Thank you!!

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and if you're new I hope you will join us.

Rachael & Simon xx

The comments received so far with each donation - THANK YOU xx

· Good luck with all of your challenges Simon, an inspirational effort for a fantastic cause. Xx

· Best of luck Simon

· You are doing amazing Simon! Best of Luck

· Good Luck Simon !

· Keep on running

· Brilliant achievement Simon!

· Well done in Great North Run, Simon. Sorry to hear of your nasty injury, hope it heals quickly.

· Amazing effort for an amazing cause. Well done! 

· Amazing job well done Simon

· Well Done Simon 

· A brilliant cause very close to my own heart. You two are doing amazing things for an amazing cause

· Cash donation - thank you Lindsay

· Well done, Simon and Rachael - one more to go!

· Just another casual half-marathon... you two blow my mind! You are stars, well done on such amazing feats, and most of all, THANK YOU

· Good luck mate. 

· Great cause Simon, good luck!

· Sounds like a fantastic cause, good luck 

· An amazing challenge for an amazing cause, huge well done Simon!

· Awe inspiring effort Simon. Truly phenomenal. Congratulations on your incredible achievements. 

· Good Luck Simon and Rachel - hospice care is invaluable to those who need it.

· Well done - this is amazing 

· Hope all goes according to plan in Durham on Sunday. A great legacy for Anita!

· Good luck mate 

· Inspiring cause

· Incredibly inspiring Simon. Congratulations and keep going.

· Fantastic efforts and a great cause, hoping the run goes well and weather is kind! :)

· Sorry for your loss and good luck with the marathon. This is a worthy cause you are running for!

· Great cause Simon best of luck with the next challenge! Steve

· Great achievements, well done.

· Fantastic charity, amazing work!

· Incredible dedication Simon! Inspiring!

· Well done Simon

· Good luck!

· Amazing achievement so far Simon 

Well done and good luck for a great cause and your journey