BIGSKY BATTLE!

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he updates us on a monumental effort and how the toll is well and truly starting to take.

Hi everyone,

The September chaos is finally over, and I can officially report that the BigSky Trail Marathon in Fordingbridge is DONE! Despite the last-minute panic over my booking, I made it to the start line and ultimately, the finish line.

The final stats for this monumental effort were 43.89km (27.27 miles) in 6 hours, 34 minutes, and 47 seconds. Honestly, those numbers don't tell the half of it - this is truly is starting to take its toll on my body.

The day started in typical fashion for this challenge: badly. I managed to completely crook my neck on the morning of the run, giving me an immediate handicap. The only highlight was a fantastic surprise - bumping into an old college friend right on the start line!

From there, it was a rapid descent. True to form, my Achilles started playing up at the 15km mark (I count in kilometres; they come around much quicker than miles!). From that point on, it was a matter of digging deep and just soldiering on. I finished the race carrying a massive blood blister under my left foot and a painful blister-on-a-blister on my right heel. I was officially in trouble.

If a face tells a thousand stories, mine on the day was a tragic novel. At every food and drink station, the volunteers would ask, "Are you okay?" or "How are you feeling?" Other runners would pass by, offering the usual positive praise, until I hit the 3km-to-go mark. That’s when a kind gentleman strolled up beside me and, without missing a beat, simply said: "Just to inform you, you’re the last one."

Reality hit, possibly. Maybe running isn't my thing? Probably not. But quitting definitely isn’t.

I am immensely grateful to STIGA UK for their patience and generous sponsorship of this month’s chaotic challenge. Your belief keeps me going, even when I'm the last man walking!

Three more marathons to go . . . I need your help!

The physical pain is getting worse, but the 'why' is stronger than ever. We're now just three marathons away from completing this crazy, year-long challenge.

We've already smashed the initial target of £10,000 and are working hard toward our new goal of £12,000 for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice.

The pain is temporary, but the funds we raise create lasting change. Please dig deep and sponsor me today. Let's make every painful, last-place step count.