BIGHEAT TRAILS (FIRE) CONQUERED!

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he tells us how he has completed another brutal run - but makes a rookie footwear error!

Hi everyone,

I'm thrilled (and slightly soggy) to report that I've successfully completed the BigHeat Trails (FIRE) Marathon. It seems my desperate pleas for rain actually worked, because the heavens opened up this weekend, giving us a much-needed break from the scorching weather. Perhaps I do know a rain dance after all!

This marathon was another brutal one, taking me 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete with 961m of elevation gain. It truly lived up to its initial description of "scorching" in terms of toughness, even if the weather decided to be more "damp."

I also made a classic rookie error this time around. Despite knowing full well the description involved "dusty tracks" and "sandy plains," I somehow convinced myself that my road running shoes would be fine. Big mistake. Huge. My feet definitely paid the price for not selecting my trusty trail running shoes. Lesson learned (again!).

A massive thank you to EGO Power Plus for their kind sponsorship of this latest run. Their support, alongside all of yours, it is what truly pulls me through these increasingly challenging events.

Each marathon throws up new obstacles, but the 'why' remains constant. The good causes – Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice – are the unwavering motivation that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other, even when every fibre of my being wants to stop.

I constantly remind myself that my pain is temporary, a self-inflicted ordeal with a clear end in sight. This stands in stark contrast to the daily struggles faced by so many who are battling serious illnesses or profound mental health challenges. They don't get to choose their suffering, nor do they often see a clear finish line. My ability to break down each marathon into achievable segments - one foot in front of the other, just get to that next tree, that next bend - is a lesson I find myself sharing, particularly when advising others who are facing overwhelming situations. It's all about taking one step at a time, just getting through this moment, this hour, this day.

Your Support Fuels Every Painful Step:

Every single run is a physical and mental battle, but knowing that your generosity is making a real difference to these four incredible charities is what truly keeps me going. We're fighting against cancer, supporting children with life-limiting conditions, and providing comfort in the hardest of times.

Don't just read about the pain - make it count! If you've been following along, sharing a laugh at my expense, or simply appreciating the effort, now's the time to show your support. Every donation, no matter the size, pushed us closer to and now BEYOND the £10,000 target!

• Please click here and sponsor me today: Let's turn my suffering into tangible help for those who truly need it.
• Cheer me on: Your messages and encouragement are a massive boost, especially when I'm feeling the strain.
• Get inspired: Perhaps my journey can motivate you to take on your own challenges or to simply prioritise your health and well-being

Stay tuned for the next update – hopefully, with smarter shoe choices!