Midnight.

Had about an hour nap before heading out on this one. It was raining earlier so it was good to see it had stopped before heading out.

Headtorch required for this loop – all very quiet out – didn’t see a person or a car out the run – everyone tucked up in bed.

I did however get completely spooked by the farmer’s irrigation pipe machine thingy that appeared to be clanking all on it’s own! I didn’t hang around to investigate!!

Was listening to the Running Commentary podcast on the way round. The first extract from their recent attempt at ‘Race for the Stones’. I’ll carry on with it on the next loop.

Next loop: 4am

First loop done – it’s been pretty hot today – by 8pm the temperature had dropped and there was a lovely breeze with the odd drop of rain.

Nice steady start: 40min

Next loop: midnight

I’ve been putting off this little challenge for some time. Due mainly to finding a two day window. But the time has come…

4x4x48

What is it?

Run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours.

This challenge was made famous by David Goggins. David Goggins is an ex-Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, crazy exercising fella, ultra-distance cyclist, triathlete, and generally just about the toughest man alive.

So if he can do it, so can I.

I’ve even got a plan! I’ve written it down and everything.

The plan is to start tonight at 8pm (in about 30mins). So I should be starting the final loop, if everything goes to plan, at 4pm on Tuesday.

I have a few 4 mile loops that I can do, just for a bit of variety. I will be attempting to write a short blog after every loop.

Wish me luck.

‘Face’ by Benjamin Zephaniah

First teenage novel for a while – hence the quick read.

Didn’t really enjoy this – 3 stars – it was all a bit ‘nice’ and predictable. I was expecting something more hard hitting as a debut novel from Zephaniah.

I like the concept: teenager whose life is completely changed when he suffers major burns in a car accident. The novel explores friendship, relationships and family life – I just thought it needed a bit more – not gritty enough.

‘Failure is an Option’ by Matt Whyman

After a few non-running books, it was good to read this. A book about a fella who went from parkrunning to entering the 236 mile Dragon’s Back Race.

SPOILER ALERT 🚨

He didn’t complete it. That’s what I liked about it. So many running books are all ‘it was the hardest thing I had ever done, there is no way I can do this, I’m about to die…oh I did it in the fastest time ever!’

It was just a book about a bloke who wanted to push himself and see what he could achieve. Nice.

Well worth a read.

I’m off to sign up to an ultra event! Wish me luck!

‘How to Kill Your Family’ by Bella Mackie

Quite an entertaining read – a book that explores class, family, love and murder.

A great character that you root for despite her murderous intentions – funny and strangely uplifting.

Definitely worth a read.

Next up: Failure is an Option