MUD, MOUNTAINS & MASSIVE EFFORT!

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 how he got on last weekend, in his muddiest challenge to date!

Hi everyone,
 
Well, I've just completed the BigMud Marathon and let me tell you, it lived up to its name! What a slog that was. I foolishly thought I might come in quicker than my first run, but I was quickly brought back down to earth. Including diversions for impassable terrain, this weekend's marathon eventually totaled a gruelling 27.5 miles and took me 7 hours and 4 minutes.
 
The name 'BigMud' certainly wasn’t false advertising. Every step was a battle against mud, inclines, and sheer exhaustion. I’m pretty sure it’s easier to count the parts of my body that don’t hurt right now!

It was telling when I spoke to seasoned marathon runners at the start and they said they were doing it "because it's one of the hardest around." The chatter at the coffee station afterwards confirmed it: "The hardest one yet!" says it all.
 
The South Downs National Park was beautiful, but those hills and muddy trails were relentless. There were moments when I questioned my sanity, but the thought of the incredible charities I'm running for kept me pushing forward.

A massive thank you again to Toro UK for their sponsorship of this event. Their support was a huge motivator, and I'm so grateful for their contribution.
 
Despite the pain and exhaustion, I'm proud to have completed another marathon. This challenge is proving to be tougher than I ever imagined, but I'm determined to see it through.

A Quick Health Check-in:

Speaking of tough challenges, it's a good reminder to look after ourselves. Ideally, we'd all have a quick, annual medical MOT to give us the all-clear. I recently had my cholesterol checked and while I was there, I also got a PSA blood test for prostate cancer done. This highlighted the importance of taking personal responsibility for our health. While we may not always be offered these tests, the option of self-checks, like the FIT test for around £20, is readily available. It’s a small investment for significant peace of mind.
 
Remember, I'm raising funds for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice, and St. Michael's Hospice. Every donation makes a difference.
 
So, how can you help?

• Sponsor me: Every penny counts. You can donate directly to my fundraising page.
• Cheer me on: Whether it's at the side of a course or from the comfort of your armchair, your support will be invaluable.
• Get inspired: Use my challenge as a motivator to get more active yourself. Maybe start with a brisk walk around the block, ditch the lift and take the stairs or join me!

I'll be taking some well-deserved rest before I start preparing for the next marathon. Stay tuned for more updates!