Commit to Promises, Promise to Commit…

I made a promise to myself at the beginning of the training. From day one I’d train with a weighted pack and once I reached the 9kg I’d stick to it (even now, I’m not sure it’s how it’s done by the pros but can it do any harm?).

The reality is, I’ve been on it for 6 weeks I find my back still isn’t 100% used to it & see myself looking at other runners with total run-envy. I’m soooo looking forward to the day I can ditch the bag and run without a load! Maybe once the event is over it’ll be a life changing experience to run lighter and I’ll float like the wind – on the other-hand it may make no difference at all and I’ll still be a slow git :o/

As I’ve said before, I’m a plodder and as long as I can get from A to B I’m satisfied so wtf am I bleating on about?.

The planned Sunday run was going to be a 6 mile shingle kinda day but... set out along the stones at Lee and had a pleasant surprise bumping into the Breakfast Club group at Bayside who were gathering to start their session.

Nick (Absolute Running nee Alton Sports) introduced me to some lovely people and decided to tag along for their 30 mins outbound and back run. Tbh I should’ve stuck to the plan but as usual, my typical stupidity got the better of me and when I hit the 30 min mark, kept going outward :0/

The pack had worn away at my lower back at about 10 miles so needed an impromptu repacking. Seems the rice sacks kinda shake themselves to the bottom and turn to stone. In desperation, I think I’ve found a way of keeping one of the sacks higher up my back which defo felt more comfortable for the last 3 miles. Lesson has to be to make sure I pack it correctly for the Jungle AND train with it beforehand to be 100% it works. Total for the morning was a little over 13 miles.

Monday was back to the Hill group which was “interesting” with back chaffing sores, but hey, the repacked bag was as comfortable as it was after the repack. Anyway ya know what they say, no pain no gain right?

Hill group Monday was a pleasant repeat of a couple of weeks ago. Great group of people although there was only 5 of us but hey it was nice & I’m still finding routes I had NO idea existed!!

I’ve always lived around here and genuinely thought I knew where everywhere went. Clearly that’s not the case. What I really like about this group is that it’s all abilities and NO pressure. We run, take in a hill and wait for the back markers to catch up, have a 2 min chat and then repeat. Totally chilled out. Distance topped out at 4.5 miles so quite happy.

Tuesday & Wednesday (today & tomorrow) are supposed to be spent running to the dojo, train with the students and then run home but the back sores and aches aren’t good today so I’ll play it by ear.

The dojo run sounds easy esp when I’m only doing 6 miles per day but the in-between training the students doesn’t go physically unnoticed.

That said, I’m defo in need of upper body work too at some point for the event so just need to get on with it. Sure, legs are probably the most important BUT without the upper body strength it’s gonna be a whole lot harder so, man-up and crack on yeah?!!   

Why Oh Why….??

I’ve had loads of people ask me why I’m doing this crazy shit so figured it’s a good time to elaborate on the reasons.

I’m not going to deny that it’s a huge thing to do and the other personal challenges I’ve done have already been blogged but the other key reason and probably the best, is to raise as much as I can for a local Charity.

The Oakley Waterman Foundation is a local organisation that was founded by a truly lovely couple (Dave & Lorraine Waterman).

Sadly, back in 2005 they lost their little boy in heart-breaking circumstances when he was diagnosed with a rare strain of Cancer (Rhabdomysarcoma). Having spoken to Dave & Lor in the few years I’ve known them, their story is overwhelmingly sad. Unfortunately we’re hearing it more and more where children contract life threatening illnesses and being a parent myself, I can’t begin to feel the pain a Mum & Dad must go through with the loss of a little one or hearing terminal illness has taken hold of their child.

Prior to Oakley’s passing, the Watermans’ were fortunate enough to take a holiday whereupon Oakley thought it’d be great if children like him had the opportunity to have the same experiences with their families during these horrific times. Thus, Dave & Lor created a charity in his name with that intention in mind.

Obviously, like all charities they’re heavily dependent on public support. Without us making donations and giving a little of our time, dreams simply fade away and the good goes with it.

The Oaks Army are the charity supporters (they have a Facebook page too if you’re interested). The diverse background of supporters is outstanding. It’s surprisingly refreshing to see how much this charity gels local communities and changes not only the lives of the families affected by tragedy but the lives of its supporters too.

In the 3 years I’ve been linked to “The Oaks” I’ve been honoured to have done 3 x IoW Ultras, 2 x Boxing events and a couple of additional fund raisers for the cause. The Jungle will undoubtedly be the biggest for me but hey, I’m fortunate enough to have my health and giving a year to prepare and 5 x days to do it is pretty insignificant when you think about the years /lifetime of pain families go through in catastrophic circumstances involving kids.

One thing I’ll add to the above. If you’re interested in making a difference, the Oaks Army do several events for ALL ages, sexes, abilities etc throughout the year. Just get in touch with them and ask what’s coming up. I will say tho’, if you’re keen to participate/ support, you WILL be trained professionally!! These guys do NOT do things by halves. Your safety and health is a priority when taking part so if you’re committed, so are they.

Which brings me to announce that my Just Giving page is now open as of today! Donations for the Oaks can be made at JustGiving.com/robwood2019

Remember to tick the Gift Aid box (if you’re in the UK) b’cause every penny really does count, but most importantly, remember the good you’re doing for all those families the charity helps.

So now ya know why. I'm not a hero, superman, or anything else, Just doing good things for good people. :o)

Anyway folks, have an awesome week. More from me to follow!!

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