JURASSIC COAST ULTRA CHALLENGE: 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 describes his toughest challenge to date and the importance of taking everything one step at time.

Hi everyone,

A slight delay to this update – it's taken me a while to fully recover and process what was undeniably the toughest challenge yet! I'm thrilled and utterly exhausted to report that I managed to complete the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge in May.

This beast of a marathon, looping out from Weymouth to Durdle Door with a truly staggering 1,153 meters of elevation gain, pushed me to my absolute limits. But I got it done, crossing the finish line in 6 hours and 34 minutes. Given the limited training due to that stubborn plantar fasciitis and the sheer scale of the climbs, I'm incredibly proud of that time. Those walking poles I joked about last time? There were certainly moments I wished I'd brought them!

A huge thank you must also go to this month’s sponsor Husqvarna for their generosity. The remarkable efforts of my wife and friends, who joined me in the challenge this time, truly helped me dig deep when every fibre of my being was screaming at me to stop. It was also a pleasure to see Adam Bennett from Albany Garden Machinery.  A big shout out to Adam for completing the 50km Challenge.

The Jurassic Coast is breathtakingly beautiful, but it truly made me work for those views! Every ascent was a grind, but knowing the vital causes I'm running for kept me putting one foot in front of the other.

This year of marathons continues to be a test of mental fortitude as much as physical endurance. Each marathon brings its own unique pain and lessons, but the determination to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice remains my driving force.

On the mental side of things

Funnily enough, only the other day I was chatting with a group of people who were asking me "why?" and "how?" I could possibly be doing these marathons, especially with the aches and pains. I was actually supporting a friend who's been going through some incredibly tough times mentally, and what I told him really applies to these marathons too: you can only take each step at a time. I've only been able to achieve these gruelling marathons by breaking them down into small, achievable goals. It's not about the daunting 42km ahead; it's about getting to that next lamppost, that next bend, or just putting one more foot in front of the other. That same mindset is so crucial for navigating life's mental challenges too.

How can you help?

• Sponsor me: Please continue to support these incredible charities by donating to my fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
• Cheer me on: Your messages and support are invaluable and keep me going, especially when the going gets tough.
• Get inspired: I hope this crazy journey encourages you to think about your own health and well-being, both physical and mental. Even small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can have a significant impact.

The next one is around the corner . . . they just keep on coming!  Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing adventure.