And we move onward.

So Diabetes sucks but hey who cares?  My levels have stabilised, and I’m back out running.

Running actually helps me and I think that my body has realised that whatever it throws at me, I’m just going to keep on going.

I work best with a target in mind, I did go in the ballot for the London Marathon again but wasn’t successful.  I couldn’t see myself trying to raise £2000 not after hitting everyone I knew earlier this year so didn’t go for another charity place.  The training was easy compared to getting people to part with their money.  To all those that did sponsor me, I and PCRF, the charity I run for, are very grateful.

So a new target was required, it had to be something that would truly motivate me.  There’s a wonderful quote by T.S.Eliot that goes “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”  I just love clever people who say clever stuff.  Well further than a marathon would be an Ultra.  There are a few 50k Ultras near to me next year, but a 50k Ultra is only 8k more than a marathon and I’ve done one of them.  Fair enough a 50k Ultra on a trail is a whole new thing and combined with some hills is probably a lot harder than a marathon on the flat.

Then I came across the Isle of Wight Challenge.  A run around the Island raising money for Charity.  I honestly didn’t think that the Island was that big, but the coastal path around the Island is 106 kilometres and it’s hilly with cliffs and stuff.  Now this could have been what T.S.Eliot meant when he talked about risking to go too far.  This would be 2 1/2 marathons on a hilly trail course.

The only problems I can see are that I can’t run hills, I’ve never run on a trail and I struggled to get over the finishing line on my only marathon.  What could possibly go wrong?  Oh yeah I am Diabetic and it will take me roughly 24 hours to finish so managing eating and drinking will be that bit harder.  One last point.  I only have seven months to train for it.

On the plus side I need to go shopping for new shoes, hydration kit and a bag.  More shoes, yeah!!!  And the medal looks awesome!!!

Although I’m doing this for me and Addey, my buddy, I’m really doing this so my kids can have bragging rights at school.  They loved my marathon until they found out Oscar’s Dad had done one faster than me.  Well Oscar’s Dad I bet you haven’t run an Ultra, I really hope you haven’t anyway  🙂

Seriously I have no idea if this is the most stupid thing I’ve ever attempted but life would be boring if we never took chances.

Any advice, tips or hints would be gratefully received.