The JoGLE 2015 Challenge

It’s been a whole 6 months since the epic 7x7x7 Marathon challenge, I’m still reeling from a few things, the immense feeling of going through the pain barrier and yet being so strong towards the finish. I would have changed quite a few things in hindsight, taken a few more pain relief tablets that’s for sure but I guess emotions and family can cloud anyone’s mind after 7 days of 7 marathons. The miracle wasn’t that Gareth, Darren, Rachel and I completed the 7 marathons in 7 days but the fact we took on the challenge to begin with. I was delighted to see another group of runners in Somerset attempting the same challenge across Somerset, I have since sent them some good luck messages and words of advice to help in as many ways.

2015 will be a cycling challenge year. I am delighted to be taking on the cycle of Britain, 1,000 miles starting at John O’Groats and finishing in Lands End Cornwall. The challenge usually consists of 12-14 days of 75-90 miles per day but I am hoping to complete it in just 7 days. The planning has begun, my Cicerone JoGLE book has arrived and now it’s time to purchase a reasonably decent road bike. My hybrid Carrera mountain bike just won’t do the job and with the outlook of cycling for 10-12 hours a day I need it to be as comfortable as possible and think speed is critical for success.

I have managed to obtain a small group of 8 team members, not all are cycling enthusiasts but each of us have strengths and abilities to get us through to the end. Cycling end to end will begin in May and we shall start in Scotland on 2nd May 2015.

My training will consist of 2 cycles per week and 3 office cycles with 2 runs on treadmill for cardio workouts. I hope to once again lose approximately 1.5 stone for the challenge but not essential. Leg strength and time on the saddle is what will become very important, no pain no gain.

My reviews of road bikes have certainly opened my eyes in many ways, the cost, the wide range of prices, the brands and the specification on some of them is mind blowing. It seems like speed is number 1, followed shortly by design and how little it weighs. A restricted budget will prevent me purchasing a top of the range Boardman road bike and a decision by fellow cyclist Peter Boardman who recently joked about having his name on his bike frame.

2015 will be a somewhat quieter year in terms of Challenges but also a preparation year for what is deemed as a big challenge in 2016 if plans fall into place. A summit attempt of Denali, Mount McKinley in Alaska and a record attempt in the UK involving timing and will power. More will be revealed in time.

If you are a business owner or have some spare funds to help in our cause then please contact me for potential sponsorship as 100% of all funds raised goes straight to the charity.