Monday 27th April Day 18

After 17 days of good weather with no rain to speak of, awoke to steady rain. Pam and Frank Gosling were our support for the day and it was a day when support made a big difference (no rucksacks to carry today). We set off in rain which stayed with us to 2.30 ish. By 12 miles we were both cold and had to put on extra clothing, hard to stay up beat.

Lunch was in the back of Pam and Frank's car at Milldale - bread Frank had baked previous evening and sandwiches prepared by Pam at 5.20 am - even plates and napkins - dedication or what! Much appreciated.

Weather brightened as we approached Youlgreave and the dale was beautiiful - large clumps of marsh marigolds, moorhens sitting on chicks, reward for a tough day. We reached the swimming area and decided to chill our calves to re4vitalise aching muscles - bliss. Walked into the village to be greeted by Di Ford and Geof Burrows sitting outside the pub - thought they mkight just see us and they did. Weary tonight, another 31 miles - must do better with our estimations.

Sunday 26th April (London Marathon Day)

Another lovely sunny day. Set off just after 8 joined again by Terry, to meet up with Jessica & Matt, Penny & Debbie, Anne & Rob, John, Dave & Kev. Spent 5 mins just looking at Lichfield Cathedral - a really beautiful building, then we were off to Cresswell Green and an emotional meeting for me with Chris and grace (my Great Dane) - we were both delighted to be reunited if only for a few mins! Then off to Castle Ring car park to start our section across Cannock Chase accompanied by our afore mentioned friends.

The next few miles passed really quickly and we enjoyed catching up with news from home and retelling stories form our LEJOG journey so far.

Day ended after 31 miles (oops) at Uttoxeter. Jessica and Matt stayed to escort us to food and home again!

Total to date 457 miles.
Love Aly x

Saturday 25th April (Day 16)

Very hard day - 31 miles, Berkswell to Lichfield. First rain of the trip (after 16 days) but only for the first half hour and after that lovely weather again. Running not helped by having to carry all the files brought from Atkins Bassett last night for me to work on in the evenings.

Great support from Gary and Mary. Mary nudged marginaly ahead in the best lunch competition - sorry Jo and Barbara - must try harder. (Note from Jess: You can forget being fed by us next time we see you!)

Rarely felt so tired at the end of a day. We bought a take away pizza and ate it in bed!
MPB

So, how's it going so far?

15 days done out of 49.
395 miles covered. 35 more than estimated.
Averaging 26.3 miles per day

Have we enjoyed it?

Yes it's been brilliant (apart from the b***** running!) The scenery, the villages, the flowers, the weather have been fantastic and we've had wonderful support. We've been right through Cornwall and Devon and then into Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. We've got back more or less to where we started and now we're heading North - still a scarily long way to go.

Loved the SW Coastal Path; loved Dartmooe; loved East Devon; love the Cotswolds. Got a few less exciting days now whilst we get through the Midlands until we reach the Derbyshire Dales.

Are we giving up?
No (Not yet anyway!)

Friday 24th April

New supporters today - Gary Newton in vehicle, Linda Whitelegg running. 29 miles from Bidford-On-Avon to Berkswell near Coventry. Still god weather all day.

Berkswell being the nearest point to home, lots of visitors in the evening in the pub (Chris, Charles and Jessica; Kaite & Gill; Judith & Simon, Shelley, Kim & tracey from Atkins Bassett; Jan, Emma and Jane from CJIT); plus Aly's sister Julie and her husband John. Great to see everyone.
MPB

Thursday 23rd April (St George's Day)

Another beautiful day, weatherwise. 26.3 miles from Stow-On-The-Wold to Bidford-On-Avon (The nearest we've got yet to the anticipated distance of 26 miles). Last of the beautiful Cotswold villages (Longborough, Blockley, Chipping Camden, Mickleton) and into the blander scenery of Warwickshire.

Said goodbye to Barbara at Chipping Camden after 4 days of marvellous support on her bicycle. Bumped into Jude and Dave - cyclists from The Wirral - for 2nd time on the trip - they had found us sitting with our feet in the water at Lower Slaughter and now caught us sitting down again at Chipping Camden.

Down to our last few pence - evening meal was fish and chips from the paper on the river bank.
MPB

Wednesday 22nd April

Rest day today only 17.6 miles, a doddle! Weather remains glorious. Arrived at Lower Slaughter with not a soul about instead of the usual hoards of tourists and promptly took off shoes and socks and sat on bank with feet in the river - bliss. Finished day at Stow-on-the-Wold and enjoyed a relaxing wander around the town and tea in a local tea shop. Met with Mitch and Corrine for a lovely evening meal. Great support f
from Barbs again.

Tuesday 21st April

Another glorious day and although 29 miles, both felt fairly strong at end, energy levels feel fairly high. More beautiful scenery through the Cotswolds, villages and hamlets encountered in idyllic settings. To name a couple, Pinbury Park and Duntisbourne Rouse (complete with lovely Saxon church). Amazing support provided by Barbs again who popped up frequently during the day.

Total to date is 323 miles - 30 miles more than predicted!
Tomorrow is a short day - yippee!
Love Aly and Malc

Monday 20th April

Beautiful weather all day, blue skies and sunshine. Route was stunning along the Macmillan Way, passing through Bradford On Avon (Pain Au Chocolat stop) and Castle Coombe. Carried full rucksacks for first 10 miles to Box where we were met by Barbara Elliston on her bike. What a joy to see her and to load our sacks into her paniers. Malcolm changed into his red short sleeved running shirt for first time today and immediately encountered a bull!! Speed work completed and still in one piece.

Distance for today 29 miles.
Love Aly and Malc

Sunday 19th April 2009

From Jess:
Matt and I and Amy and Paul joined Aly and Malc for a nice pub meal last night, before meeting again this morning for the start of day 10. Terry also joined the intrepid pair for the day and the 3 of them set off around 8.30 from Bruton with a clear and sunny sky, if a little chilly. Amy, Paul and I joined them about 2 miles in and enjoyed the next 3 hours or more with them. We took in Alfred's Tower (which made up for the disappoinment I suffered yesterday at Cadbury Castle where after climbing all the way up a great hill, I found not only no chocolate, but no flaming castle either!! Alfred's Tower definitely delivered as promised, a tower!) We ran some good smooth grassy sections and forrest trails which were greatly appreciated by mum as her knee is still somewhat stiff and stiles and bumpy terrain are not ideal.

Along our 12.75 mile stretch we saw a herd (?!) of Alpackas (sp?!) and a field of black very new lambs. Unfortunately, we were also dogged by the papparazzi (please see Saturday's post for explanation of new-found fame). But, this kind of thing comes with the territory and we took it all in our stride.

Having dropped Amy and Paul back at their car we met mum, Malc and Terry for their lunch stop in the sunshine and then left them to the rest of their run to Rode as we returned home.

So far both doing well and although mum's knee has given her some concern, she feels it is improving. Marathon Malc continues to live up to his name as they have now completed over 250 miles.
Jess x

Saturday 18th April 2009

Early start and feeling more positive - Jessica & Matt and Amy & Paul meeting us today. Route pretty and much as Malcolm and I remembered. Aly spotted 3 muntjack deer - quite magical, just running on the top of a ridge. Jessica and Matt provided back up which was much appreciated and gave us a real lift. Last 10 miles caused Aly some concern as knee sore, will "dose up" and wear knee support tomorrow. Malcolm supportive as ever with comments such as "stop whingeing woman". Looking forward to being joined by some of our children to run in the morning.

Another 26 miles completed.
Aly (AKA Incredible Mum) and Marathon Malcolm.

Post Script by Jess:
Far be it from me to keep re-living my 5 minutes of fame (!), but mum wanted me to add it to the blog, so I will of course oblige!! As we set off on our way to meet the intrepid 2 at Sandford Orcas, Somerset on Satruday morning, I decided to text Chappers and Dave on Radio 1 as they were doing a feature about travelling somewhere. I told them where we were travelling to and why, and minutes later they were on the phone asking me to talk to them on air. What's a girl to do, hey?! So I went on air just after 8am and told them of mum and Malc's adventure and that they were doing this for Marie Curie and MacMillan. We had a bit of a chat and they got me back on air just before 10am to see if we had reached our destination yet (sadly we were still 30 miles away). I got the LeJog website mentioned and as a result have seen a pleasing 350 hits. Just waiting to see if any donations also appear. During the "interview" Chappers and Dave, much in awe of mum and Malc, named them Incredible Mum and Marathon Malcolm, which seems to have a nice ring to it!
Jess x

Friday 17th April 2009

Very tough day. Set off in dull weather, sacks very heavy. Terrain still hilly and going slow. End distance was 28 miles, not the predicted 24. Much of day with views hidden by mist. Highlight had to be following a buzzard flying just in front of us down a covered lane - beautiful and surreal. Roll on support returning!
Love Aly

Thursday 16th April 2009

One week completed and still going. The theory is that we get fitter and stronger as we go along but the theory appears to be defective so far - finding it harder to run each day but we both feel reasonably fresh at the end of each day (at least after showering) so we're doing OK.

Another 27 miles today (thought it was going to be 24) but certainly one of the best days yet. Dull morning but beautiful sunshine this afternoon. Much of today's route was on the East Devon Way - very hilly again but stunning scenery and views.

Finished at Axminster and dined at Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's River Cottage "Canteen" restaurant - brilliant. Jo and Dave left us this evening so we've got to carry all our kit for the next few days which will slow us down a bit (if that's possible).
MPB

Wednesday 15th April

Bovey Tracey to Exeter - Rest day - only 15 miles (according to Aly's planning) - turned out to be 17 miles but at least we had the afternoon off. Jo and Dave took us to Budleigh Salterton where we paddled in the sea and then to Win's (Dave's mother's) who lives near Sidmouth where we were fed and showered (thanks Win and Barry - much appreciated). Miss Joanne even washed my running socks which was an act of considerable bravery.
MPB

Tuesday 14th April - Dartmoor day

Brilliant day right across Dartmoor from Tavistock to Bovey Tracey via Sampford Spiney, Princetown, Dartmeet, Widdecombe in the moor and Haytor Rocks. Mostly on bridle ways with some little lanes.
Finally got shot of Chris at Dartmeet (having acquired some replacement hangers-on in Jo and Dave Martin)
25 miles today (only one mile over budget!) God it's hilly round here!
Not had any rain yet to speak of apart from a couple of evenings (when we didn't care).
MPB

Monday 13th April - (St Neot to Tavistock)

Only 22 miles to do today (we thought) turned out to be 26, bother! Passed first 100 mile point 9 miles in, then after 17 miles crossed the River Tamar at Horsebridge, from Cornwall into Devon. Feel like we’re making some progress. Terry reappeared and ran the section with us (he’d already completed 63 miles on the first 2 days). The day’s start was tough as we had to climb up to Bodmin Moor , but the end was gentler and we finished running through Tavistock and onto Whitchurch Down on Dartmoor – glorious. Looking at weather forecasts, we appear to be doing well – staying ahead of the rain, which then started soon after we finished. Tomorrow is Dartmoor all day, being joined by Jo and Dave Martin to support us and hoping for good weather to continue .

Sunday 12th April - (Grampound Road to St Neot)

Woke up to no Easter eggs but were rewarded by the sound of Doreen, our host, playing Easter hymns on the piano in readiness for accompanying the Easter service at her church. It was very uplifting, Hallelujah! Weather glorious for whole day, clear blue skies, sunshine and no wind. Started off uphill through clay quarry ‘lunar’ landscape. Technical hitch with mileage seems to be haunting us – today’s distance was supposed to be 23.5 miles but ended up at 28, if this continues our total mileage could be nearer 1500 !! Rest of the route was little lanes lined by Cellandines, Primroses, Wild Garlic, Blue Bells and tiny Wild Orchids. Finished in the picturesque village of St Neot at a gorgeous B&B run by Mellyn Burrows with a wonderful pub ‘The London Inn’ almost opposite.

Saturday 11th April - (Porthleven to Grampound Road)

Planned route today is 27 miles and we waved goodbye to a very lively sea until day 45, leaving a number of surfers enjoying the huge breakers. Got to our lunch stop having completed 19 miles and checked map to find we had another 15 miles to do. Oh dear! Finally finished up having done 35 miles – Oops!

Friday 10th April - (Lands End to Porthleven)

Malcolm pumped himself with Nurofen and felt a little better and thought he might manage the first 1100 miles. We arrived back at the Lands End car park at 8.30am and Aly was just saying that she felt there was no chance of Kevin and Lou turning up as we hadn’t heard from them,when they pulled up beside us, immediately followed by friends Terry and Sheila, we were delighted. The wind had died down and blue skies and sunshine heralded our start. Some photos were taken to record the occasion and we were away.
Chris, Lou and Terry joined us for the first three miles and we got lost 3 times getting off the beach. Had a gorgeous run along the South West Coastal Path, with wild flowers in abundance. We were then joined by Kevin too, whose company we appreciated right up to Marazion (Penzance). Completed 28 miles by the time we arrived at Porthleven and finished the day by dunking our legs in the harbour ( see photos) and then had ice creams sitting on the harbour wall. Bliss!

Arrival at Lands End - April 9

Arrived at Lands End car park around 5.00 pm to check out our starting point and register our run to find the weather blowing a gale and leaden skies. Malcolm then cricked his back while getting out of the car and hobbled around muttering “Oh My God! I can’t believe this, I can’t run”. Not a good start. Our accommodation for the Thursday night was at the St Just Youth Hostel and as we checked in we were greeted by the chef who said he was from Hinckley and grew up on Mill Hill Rd. Small World. We just about had the place to ourselves and so were able to spread out a little to sort our gear out for the morning.

They've Gone!!! (from katie...)

My dad has always left things til last minute, and this morning was no exception. Not only did he leave for the office to "tidy a last few things up" at a ridiculously early hour, but he left without having even begun to pack. Once home he was stressing about what clothes to wear and how many pairs of shoes to take, thank god Aly arrived to help sort the poor child out. Chris's car stuffed full, they left at around 11am to set off on their 6 hour journey to Lands End!

Sorry Aly and Dad for hacking into your blog, but just wanted to let you know how proud I am of both of you for even attempting this mammoth task! I've never been a fan of running (what you're doing would give me nightmares!) but your dedication and courage has put awful thoughts in my head about wanting to take up the sport! You've got my support 1 million percent behind you, along with the rest of your family and friends. I know how excited people are about coming to join you on your amazing journey.

All the best of luck on LeJog, I know you're going to have the most fantastic (although gruelling) time. Good Luck! You can do it!!

So so so proud =)

Lots of love

Katie

xxxxx

"about to set off"

Well can't really believe that today has eventually arrived. Car is packed and Chris and I are just about to go and collect Malcolm (he must be escorted at all times by a responsible adult, I'll try and locate one!) Charles has stayed to see us off which is brilliant, I know I'm going to miss him lots. It feels very strange to be leaving home for 7 weeks, the enormity of our mission is a bit daunting right now and I think I really do need to start running, feel a bit "stir crazy"
To have your company and interest along the way will help to keep our feet moving, thanks in advance for your support.
Lots of love aly x

Another contribution from Malcolm (shock horror)

I sent out quite a lot of begging letters asking for sponsorship, and the response has been brilliant. Most of the respondents expressed similar sentiments - basically "you must be bonkers", but the following is the current favourite for literary content: - 

Dear Malcolm, 

Until now, I had considered solicitors were of superiror intellect to the average mortal like myself and were to be admired for the intelligent manner in which they interpreted the rigours of daily life. However your letter of 19th March 2009 informing me of your decision to run not only from Lands End to John O'Groats, but also to take "the scenic route" in the process has categorically dispelled any illusions I may have had regarding the sanity of the profession.

Consquently I have to enclose my cheque for £** to assist you on the road to recovery from the mental and physical traumas from which you are and will be suffering.

Yours in sympathy...

One week until lift off!!

A week until "lift off" and the excitement is mounting. So much to do in the intervening week, loose ends at work to deal with, not to mention packing and being prepared to be away from home for 7 weeks.
The sunshine we have enjoyed for the last few days has been glorious, I just hope it's not come too soon, it would make a great companion for the trip.
Great to hear from you Sophie on our blog comments, we wish you and your dog a great trip when you set off on your jogle (John O'Groats to Lands End) on June 1st. Malcolm and I are due to finish Lejog at the end of May so our paths wont cross, we aim to update our blog as we progress up the country so it would be nice to stay in touch.
We've had interest from the local paper, the Leicester Mercury, so on Tuesday we met up with a lovely guy called Jim Tomlinson who is a great photograper, he took a picture for an article they are going to publish later on this week.
Will close here, thanks again for comments and support.
Love aly x