So at the weekend John Kelly an American endurance athlete broke the Pennine way course record in the UK
For those that aren’t familiar with the Pennine Way. Its is a trail stretching from north Derbyshires peak district, upto the scottish borders in Northumberland. It even includes a section along Hadrians Wall. It is 268 miles and total ascent of 12000 metres. The trail is tough and has weather to match it.
John completed the course in an unbelievable 58h 4mins and only had 20 mins sleep.
Why i am I writing this blog?
As on Sunday i got up at 4.30,am and travelled an hour down the country to the beautiful Middleton-in-Teesdale. I knew John would be passing through there and wanted to show my support. So i planned a 10 mile run to the beautiful High and Low Force waterfalls. I knew i would pass John and cheer him on.
When i found him. I could not believe the pace he was going and this was after 100 miles of running over brutal terrian (he averaged around 13 min miles for the whole course. WOW!!!!). He was so focused and so controlled in his tempo and breathing. I said some words of encouragement and he quietly replied “thanks” (not even audible on the video. Then he was gone in the distance.
That 20 secs of seeing him run has left me with no excuses. I always say my legs and frame arent built for mountain running, yet John is the same build as me. If not even slighter. It all comes down to determination.
Yes, i won’t be breaking any records like John. However, i sometimes need to stop look for excuses to why i cannot push myself more and knuckle down and do it.
This week i will be in the Lake District running the Abraham Tea round. A 29 mile (11,000 ft) self navigated course. I will let you know how it was soon.
Low force 
High force 
The pennine way 
Who is that handsome dude??? 
John in action
Michael wants 2 run further 