FEET OF FIRE!

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 about this weekend's "scorching" and "sun baked" marathon!

Hi everyone,

I'm writing this after what feels like one of the toughest periods of the year, both professionally and personally, and honestly, I'm seriously starting to question what the hell I'm trying to do! If life wasn't hard enough, being perpetually short on time with no second to spare, and navigating one of the most demanding seasons our industry has ever known - all I needed was another marathon, right? At this point, I'm pretty sure my rain dance skills are non-existent, because when will it finally cool down and actually, you know, rain?!

Because, of course, this weekend brings the BigHeat Trails (FIRE) Marathon. The description for this one sounds like the polar opposite of the sloppy mud bath I waded through back in February. The description is as follows: "we have designed a scorching single lap trail run that will take you along winding dusty tracks, through sun baked forests and over open sandy plains. You'll enjoy running on The Serpent Trail and through stunning locations, such as Blackdown and The Temple of the Winds before following the River Rother back to the finish line and event village."

"Scorching," "sun baked," "sandy plains" - These are not words that fill a marathon runner with joy, especially one who's already battling time constraints and fatigue. It's truly a test of how much I'm willing to push myself, both physically and mentally, in pursuit of this crazy challenge. I'm half expecting to see mirages of ice cream trucks out there!

I'm also incredibly grateful to announce that EGO Power Plus has kindly stepped up to sponsor me for this latest run! Their support is a fantastic boost and genuinely appreciated as I prepare to tackle these "scorching" trails. 

This constant push, this relentless demand on my time and energy, is a heavy burden. But then I circle back to the 'why'. The good causes - Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice – are the unwavering motivation that pulls me through every ache, every doubt, and every "what the fuck am I doing?" moment.

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.

So, as I brace myself for the fiery trails of the BigHeat Marathon, I'll be channeling that determination. Wish me luck - I think I'm going to need it, and probably a very large, very cold beverage at the end!

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, pushes us closer to our £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 prioritize your health and well-being

Stay tuned for the (hopefully successful and not too sun-baked) update after the BigHeat Marathon!