North Pole Marathon blog 2012

I made it! It wasn’t easy but with everyone’s very generous support I couldn't and wouldn't have backed out! In fact we did all wonder if the marathon was going to happen at all at one point. Thank goodness for the Russian logistics company who literally dropped in (parachuted a tractor and team) and made a runway for our plane to land on. No small task when you are working with -50c rugged ice. But during the run it was an enjoyable -25c, clear blue skies and low winds. I was really pleased with my time of 6 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds. Not bad for my first marathon and running on ice!

I must say a huge thank you to everyone for their kind words, support and donations. I’m sure the Wooden Spoon Charity will ensure that ever penny is spent very wisely to support local children. But if you haven’t already, it isn’t too late to make a donation, especially if you were worried if I was going to actually make it – well I have!

But what next? I hear you ask; well what can beat a marathon at the North Pole? Any recommendations pop them on a postcard or drop me an email.

I did it! I ran the North Pole Marathon in 6 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds!

Channel 5 interview yesterday…
It was great for the pupils to see a film crew in school yesterday – some of them were even interviewed, which was fun for them. Darlow Smithson Productions came to find out more about me and to film me training on behalf of Channel 5 for a programme they’re putting together on the North Pole Marathon competitors. I think they’re calling it ‘Destination North Pole’. I’m not sure when it’s going to be aired but I’ll keep you posted.

I’m getting cold feet about this marathon…
Only joking! Although my feet were absolutely freezing when I went to check out the sub-zero temperatures in 3663’s cold store last week.
Nigel Gardener, Business Unit Controller at 3663 Stowmarket depot and one of Finborough School’s food suppliers kindly offered to help me acclimatise for my epic challenge by inviting me to experience -25 degrees C in his specially controlled food storage facility. I was glad I did – it completely took my breath away! Although nothing can quite prepare me for what’s ahead, it gave me some idea of just how cold and just how difficult it will be even to breath, let alone run 26.2 mile (42.2km), in the North Pole. Thanks Nigel – it was great to see how well our school food is looked after down at 3663 too!

Rugby Minis run with me on Mothers’ Day…
It was great to have such huge support from Bury Rugby Club, all the Minis and their families and friends on Mothers’ Day.
As part of my training I ran circa 12 miles from home in Finborough to the Rugby Club in Bury St Edmunds. It gave me a real boost to see everyone that turned out and it was fantastic to have 100 or so kids joining me in two laps of the first team pitch. The event helped to raise an extra £186.20 for the pot too! Thanks to Phil Torkington, Club Chairman for arranging the day and, as a proud Minis sponsor, I look forward to bringing home pictures of the Bury Rugby Club shirt at the North Pole when I get back. Not many days to go now!

I’m well into the swing of training now, with mileage into double figures. Everything hurts! Thank goodness for my weekly sessions with a sport masseuse – I don’t know what I’d do without them!
This week’s session with 60 of Finborough’s senior students across years 9, 10 and 11 certainly helped my motivation levels – another 11 miles under the belt that day – 3 of them with great company - thanks guys! Your support is much appreciated and it added some fun to my training too.
Running around Stowmarket and the surrounding Suffolk villages is becoming so much more enjoyable now that the mornings and evenings are growing lighter. I’m sure all you runners out there are with me on that one. Today really felt like it was spring already didn’t it? And warm too! Not that I should allow myself to get too used to it – it’ll be about 40-50 degrees colder at the North Pole! Perhaps I need to find a way to acclimatise to the expected conditions… now there’s an idea…

Hi and welcome to my blog that’ll fill you in on my latest fund raising events and training updates leading up to the big event on 5th April 2012! As the Finborough School Principal, I believe it’s my responsibility to set a good example to our students and this is what first attracted me to this great personal challenge. Not only will I be pushing myself both physically and mentally but I hope to inspire our students to realise that anything is possible!
I have been involved with the Wooden Spoon charity for some time and have seen firsthand the great work they do for local projects that benefit disadvantaged children and young people. So please give generously and I’ll do my best to run 26.2 mile marathon in what could be -30c temperatures!