The downhill was short-lived and soon as soon as we left the bustling town of Wengen, we were climbing again but I now found myself pushing forwards instead of falling backwards. Within a few kilometres we had climbed up into the cloud line and away from civilisation. The world became small and damp as you … Continue reading Jungfrau Marathon: Part Three
There is a quote by Greg Child about climbing and looking back at the second half of the Jungfrau Marathon it works for running a mountain marathon too: “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb” At kilometre 25 the climbing commenced and I … Continue reading Jungfrau Marathon: Part Two
To put it lightly the Jungfrau Marathon isn’t any ordinary marathon. Regularly picked in the top ten best races in the world, the marathon winds its way up steep inclines in stunning Swiss scenery. Climbing almost 2,000 meters in the shadow of the legendary Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains, reaching its highest point at 2320 … Continue reading Jungfrau Marathon: Part One
I made my motto for 2019; “Do what you can’t”. The battle cry I needed whenever the trial of training for Marathon des Sables seemed too much. But now I couldn’t even do that which I used to find easy. Having conquered marathons and ultramarathons I now can’t run 5km without being in hot, gnarling … Continue reading THE INJURY DOWNFALL: PART TWO
This is the long and cautionary tale of why it’s important to focus not just on the running side of running but resting and strengthening both your body and mind. I felt like I was running on a pure unending high after Marathon des Sables. I had raced the London Marathon and set a huge … Continue reading The Injury Downfall: Part One
I feel like I should start with a massive apology; it has taken me so long to write up my London Marathon experience that the ballot results for next years has now been announced and I'm really sorry for that. I'll explain why it has taken so long in the next post but for the … Continue reading Sand to City: London Marathon 2019
STAGE SIX: 6KM With the medal I had longed for finally around my neck I took myself away from the joyful hubbub and let the moment truly sink in. Standing alone for the first time since finishing my thoughts immediately turned to getting home and celebrating with my friends and family. I had not used … Continue reading Marathon des Sables: Part Ten
STAGE FIVE: 42KMMaking my breakfast on the morning of the last competitive stage of Marathon des Sables I found a messaged I had written before I left home, which now felt like a lifetime ago: “Future James, if you have got this far I want you to know how proud I am of you!! Go … Continue reading MARATHON DES SABLES: PART NINE
REST DAY After I said my goodbyes to Charly I made my way nervously to my tent. I knew, having checked up at each checkpoint during the stage, that Mark has finished and done so in an amazing time but it was still such a comfort to see Mark’s familiar smiling face as I came … Continue reading Marathon des Sables: Part Eight
Stage Four: 76 KM (Part Two) As the final light of the day faded, we switched on our headtorches and made sure our glowsticks were attached. These glowsticks would act as guiding lights for the rest of the race. Not only were they attached to every competitor but also to every marker along the course. … Continue reading Marathon des Sables: Part Seven
