Get the right support.....

Kids; running can be lonely sport. A lot of the time you're running by yourself and sometimes that's the appeal, but like many things in life you need to have the right support if you're going to achieve anything.

This support can come in many different forms, but when you find those willing to support you, make sure you keep them close and treat them right as they are the people who will enable you to succeed.

I'm really lucky in having support from a number of different angles.

Those who have a passing interest in my achievements at work and whose acknowledgement makes me realise that I am doing well.

Friends on Twitter, who prove an endless source of inspiration, support advice and humour.

The close friends who offer congratulations, opinion and concern but don't push you in a given direction.

My wife who supports me and allows me to disappear for hours (and hours) at a time to run ridiculous distances and spend my money on the required kit (and food). Kids,o yur Mum has brought you to the finish of some of my favourite races and never gives me grief about disappearing lycra-clad in the middle of the night.

And I have you kids who now seem so unsurprised at my achievements and challenges that it gives me the confidence to try newer, more difficult things. (eg. returning from an 18 mile run and being asked "not too far then?", or coming 6th in a race and being asked why I didn't just run faster....)

Not a great picture outside a GREAT shop. Coffee, running and bikes... UNDER ONE ROOF!!!

But there is one person who has been ceaseless in his support, especially since the distances increased and I started running ultras this year.

My Dad is no runner, he's a fit guy and although I won't say his age (it starts with a 6), he jogs with his dog and rides his bike daily and looks after what he eats (actually, my Mum looks after what he eats.)

Any way, my Dads involvement started in the Northants ultra35 back in May. At short notice, the guy changed his plans and drove me there. He then proceeded to drive to every checkpoint and offer comfort and concern (and water) every time. Knowing he was there and would be at the checkpoints gave me the confidence to push through  many dark patches that day and complete what remains my toughest challenge.

At Grimsthorpe Ultra (40) he again stepped up to the plate, driving me there and this time took on a support role, supplying drinks, food, changes of footwear and the type of droll advice only a Dad can give (only ten more miles mate).

In the first of these races, he got sunburned and in the second he got soaked, but his presence at each event gave me the ability to succeed where I otherwise would have failed.

This weekend, with project 100 heading towards me like a steam train, I set off on my planned long run. An estimated 32 miler, all on road. Camelbak and food made in advance I set off at 6.30am and looked for a 6 hour out and back. Only this time I was not alone...

 

 

Ever keen to push himself (oh that's where I get it from) my Dad came along on his bike and rode the entire distance with me. Acting as a hi-vis warning to drivers and a pace setter as well, we knocked out a 32 miles in 5:42:06 on a training run when I was carrying all of the food and drink I'd require. This is a bit slower than my normal pace, but with an early start, relatively heavy bag and the monotony of out and back on main roads I was happy with it. I suffered from a lot of top of foot pain in the last 5 miles which totally screwed my average pace.

The run consisted of a two hour run, before adopting a 25:5 minute run:walk ratio. If I'm honest, I didn't feel like walking, I'd have rather kept running, for the first four hours I felt great and could have kept going a lot further at the faster pace. But I'm training to run 100k, not a fast marathon so I stuck to the plan.

The lessons learnt on this run were numerous. A lot about technique, more about training smart as well as training hard and finding your limits, but most importantly about being supported. Long distance running is a largely mental sport , so while food and water will feed the body, the best way to nourish your mind is through support. Whether that support is at home making coffee, a text from a friend or someone riding alongside you, it's priceless.

Kids, when you find something you want to do, the way I want to run, surround yourself with people who believe in you and support you and truly want you to succeed.

These are the people whose words will keep you going through the tough times;

whose presence will feel like an arm around you helping you to the finish line;

whose advice will see you make the right decisions when you mind is unclear;

And these are the people who will stand in all types of weather to cheer you on make you feel like a winner, whatever the result.

Oh and kids, if you ever take up running and want me to come out with you, choose a nicer route than the A5. It was cold, windy, dangerous and I saw more roadkill than people. But whatever route you choose, know that I'll be with you, offering drinks, advice, food and support in whatever measures you need.