My First Ultra Marathon

After a brief hiatus post that memorable day - the 16th April 2023 and crossing the finish line of my first ever Marathon in Manchester, it is time for the next adventure.

In between then and now, a lot has happened - I moved in with my dear girlfriend Megan, we then bought a house together and moved again, then we had our first child Eliza. They really have turned my world upside down, in a good way.

But in amongst this exciting time and in 2023 - there was also real sadness. Some people who are really close and dear to me, lost someone. This was and is, a real tragedy. Feeling powerless to help and support others you care about in that moment, has been really tough.

So with all of this in mind, and the fact that I just love running and I'll be honest, the sheer insanity of what training for something this significant looks like.- This challenge is one that is designed to absolutely test me physically and mentally (and it will) as well as everything that has happened in the last year...the massive highs and the lowest lows and further down below, read about the fundraising side of this and where your sponsorship money, will go. This really is one to get behind and sponsor me, if you can.

Seems reasonable in my eyes to go for the 3rd part of a holy trinity - my first Ultra (road) Marathon. A 50k to be precise.

I am taking part in the Bath 2 Tunnels - on the 18th August. Some overground running and some...underground running...in some tunnels!

Why do this? The sheer excitement, mental and physical test that this will present. I have run a Marathon, I have hit 'the wall'...about 4 or 5 times between miles 22 and 25 and so I know what happens when that happens. But this is longer, 5 miles longer than a marathon to be precise.

The point is, this is a test of strength and endurance - both physical and mental. I am not under any illusions that this is going to be tough. With events of the last year to consider on the day, it will also be one for them...in various ways.

I am raising money for a charity dear to my heart - Somewhere House Somerset, that provides counselling, community events, and educational workshops. The people that manage and volunteer at this organisation are real heroes. Everything they do, is with a focus on improving the lives of those who need support, improving mental health and overall quality of life. They also focus on providing support to everyone and simply ask for a donation of whatever someone can afford (if they indeed can), to their sessions - promoting inclusivity for all.

I am trying to raise as much as is humanely possible, forget target figures - please help me to get there. I'll be honest, I really want the community to support this challenge and in turn, make a positive impact for those who are struggling out there.

The money raised will be specifically to support men's mental health. The figures around mens mental health and some of the catastrophic outcomes...are staggering and shocking.

So to the day itself. Before anyone asks, yes I have a target time, and no I'm not going to tell you what it is. But the training as you can imagine, is tough. The training is running 4 times a week, for 26 weeks building mileage, training my body to cope with this... it started in February. It comprises tempo runs, base runs and weekly long runs that are approaching and on a few occasions surpassing Marathon distance. Alongside this is strength training and cross training. It's a lot!

The utter elation of seeing the finish line at the Manchester Marathon as I rounded the final bend by Old Trafford Cricket Ground, I can never describe but it is something I will treasure forever, and hopefully repeat. I also took so much physical and emotional learning from that day. I had to dig really really deep to cross the line - in a little over 4 hours. My biggest challenge is going to be not getting injured in training!

The page is going up now so I can hopefully raise and sail pass the goal! So assuming I can stay with the training, and stay fit...

I hope to see you on the 18th August, Bricklefields Park, Bath.

Come and support me and the other runners, make a day of it and watch those foolish enough to take on such a long, long distance. Relish Running Events will no doubt make it an amazing day!

Thanks for reading and supporting. Please will you get behind this and pledge to Somewhere House Somerset, so they can support those in the community, who need support.

Follow me on instagram @robjonesy1977

Rob x