WE'VE DONE IT!!!!!!!

We sprinted over the finish line at the Red Lion in Bispham at 4pm this afternoon. What a day! The support we received along the route kept us going and at points we were running with the agility of 30/40 year olds.

With 2 miles to go, the feeling of relief from learning that Fylde Coast Metals buy scrap metal was priceless. The sign above it was also pretty welcoming!

Welcome to Blackpool on Garstang Road

We'll do a full review tomorrow but for now, we'd just like to send out a massive thank you to all those who have pledged, donated and supported us over the last 7 days.

This is a chapter of our lives which will never be forgotten and we are grateful that you were able to join  us on our journey.

Our total fund for charity currently stands at around £8,000 which is a phenomenal achievement. Please, please, please help us get to £10,000 by reminding those who haven't contributed that their donations, no matter how small, will help Brian House and Cancer Research.

For those that can make it, we look forward to seeing you tonight at the Norbreck Bowling and Tennis Club and for those who wont be there, we look forward to thanking you in person for your support in the coming weeks.

Time for a well earned cold beer!!!!

A very tired Steve and Andy.

Day Six - Review

Apologies for not posting a Progress Update during today, internet access has been poor.

This morning started with the usual bedroom frolics as Steve and Andy took it in turns to apply support tape to each other;

Steve thoroughly enjoys this part of the day as you can see from the cheesy grin on his face in this next picture;

The good news is that Day 6 / Marathon 6 was completed successfully at 4.45pm this evening. It was the longest day yet at 6h40m, reflecting a difficult start this morning when it took an hour to do the first three miles. Here they are at the start in Kendal town centre;

It's not been all hard work on this challenge though, Steve and Andy found time to do some window shopping in Kendal;

The terrain was much kinder today and the weather wasn't too bad apart from one wet spell going through Carnforth and by close of play, the sun was shining!

The half way point (above) came between Milnthorpe and Carnforth and the lads took a longer than usual break to recover and re-apply dressings to blisters. Here's one of Andy's;

There's nothing more to say on the injury front other than the ankles / knees and blister situation is only getting worse as you might expect. Spirits were definetely better today, with the thought of getting back in to Lancashire and a night in their own beds providing much needed motivation.

Before moving off from the 13 mile mark, Steve was keen to express his appreciation of the snug fit of Andy's running shorts. This whole male bonding thing is really going too far.

Approaching Carnforth, Brian and Wayne arrived and jumped out of Langy's car to run the second part of the day with the lads. This really helped and undoubtedly got them through the rest of the run so a big thanks is due to the two half-marathoners!

The journey then wound through Lancaster before finishing just outside the Lancaster University campus. Due to the traffic situation, they ended up running 26.4 miles today so tomorrow's run will be cut short to a much more manageable 26.0 miles. They've got it too easy!

Steve and Andy arrived home at 5.45pm where the plan was to get straight into an ice bath and then out for a physio session.

Day 7 kicks off at 9am Saturday when we shall drive back to Lancaster to start the last marathon. If all goes to plan and they get running waddling by 10am, we should arrive at the Red Lion some time between 4pm and 5pm. Please try and come along to cheer them home and reinforce just how special this achievement is. 

Oh and good luck to the BJFF Under 8's tomorrow morning in their games against Foxhall and Blackpool Rangers. Come on you Whites!

Day Five - Review

That's 131 miles gone and 52.4 to go and there's no two ways about it, Steve and Andy are suffering badly. Don't let the smiles in the pictures fool you, they are in complete agony and the mere job of walking up three steps at the end of the run today had them in excruciating pain.

It's been said before on this blog but unless you see them in the flesh you cannot begin to imagine the physical and emotional stress these two are pushing themselves through. Both Steve and Andy have admitted wanting to give up at times and Steve felt at his lowest point yet tonight but sheer determination is driving them on.

Andy has a huge blood blister on his left foot, his toe nail is elevated as a result and his ankles are causing extreme pain. Steve's feet are just generally beaten up and his knees are about to give way.

Today brought the toughest challenge yet and the climb to Shap village and then onto Shap Fell has really taken it's toll. It was a four mile long ascent peaking at 1400 foot and the sign at the start of the climb had the warning bells ringing louder than a very loud thing.

1400 foot ascent ahead

The climbs today were relentless and the following pictures don't really do justice to the challenge the boys faced.

A daunting hill lies ahead on the A6 south of Penrith

The ascent of Shap begins

Some views from the tops which hopefully give you a flavour of the height the boys had to climb;

Top of Shap Fell looking South

Again, Shap Fell looking South

Shap Fell looking North

Whilst it doesn't convey the struggle all that well, the following picture shows how little Steve is able to lift his feet off the ground when moving. Both he and Andy are developing unique forward motion styles as their bodies try to compensate for the muscular and joint pain.

Nevertheless and despite the pain, Andy still finds time to body-pop en route. A true performer.

Talking of performers, Andy has become infatuated with Steve's derriere, commenting (almost relentlessly) that running behind Steve is like running behind Beyonce. There will be a picture update on tomorrow's blog post for all the single ladies.

As they are getting closer to home, Andy's wife Mel, Steve's wife Natalie and a couple of Andy's friends joined them at the end of the day, providing the boys with a huge psychological and emotional boost. The Westmoreland Hotel had fantastic ice baths ready for them and were also kind enough to provide them with a free dinner to help them recover.

The beer isn't Andy's, just cruel temptation for comedy value!

So Day 6 lies ahead and the route should be a little less challenging than today, travelling south through Kendal, Milnthorpe, Carnforth and on toward Lancaster. If you are out and about on the A6 between 9am and 4pm, watch out for them and be sure to give them a toot on your horn.

Day Five - Progress

A later start this morning saw our intrepid runners set off at 10.15, accompanied by Steve's friend Steve and Andy's friend Dave.

Steve, Mark (aka Dave), Steve and Andy at the start of marathon 5

They have just hit the 10 mile mrk at 12.40 and as expected the going is hellish today. Significant hills to climb going up into the Howgills with dreadful rain and low lying cloud. It's not going to get any easier and today will undoubtedly bring the toughest conditions of the whole challenge. 

Andy is struggling with his ankles and Steve's leg has just gone into spasm, so its time to take a break and get some support on it.

Steve pulls on his control pants. One must always look one's best when running.

On a more positive note, thats 114 miles under their belt and 63% of the run complete so almost two thirds of the way home. 

Due to the fantastic faith in Steve and Andy through advance pledges, donations have dried up this week. If you are aware of anyone who would like to contribute please do ask them to get involved....every little helps!

Also, social media links, updates and comments are generating some good traffic back to the Blog so if you can post a link on Facebook, Linked-in or Twitter, please do so as it may just help unearth one extra donation.

Thanks for reading, end of day update later.

Day Four - Review

The boys finished today in a fantastic 5h48m, determination above and beyond!

Relief at the 26.2 mile mark

There are no further injuries apart from a couple of new blisters and some very tired legs and muscles.

Andy's turn to flash his feet today

Highlight of the day for them was crossing the border from Scotland to England closely followed by sprinting (!) through the three and a half marathon point. This huge milestone gave them a tremendous psychological and physical boost.

From the splendour of Dumfries and Galloway to the desolation of Cumbria

The final 6 miles today were again very difficult with some significant hills which have a real impact on the body whether you are climbing or descending. Unfortunately tomorrow and Friday will bring much more of the same.

Steve and Andy made their way to the luxury of the Travelodge at Southwaite Services on the M6 and promptly lowered themselves into a cold bath. Separate baths.

They then jumped in the car, well hobbled actually, and made their way to Carlisle for a special appointment with a sports masseuse and physiotherapist. So a big thank you to Emma Cooper Sports and Atlas Physio for helping the recovery process in advance of the last three marathons.

Andy points out the spot to aim for....

....then lies back and savours the moment

You probably heard Steve's screams in Blackpool and he wouldn't confirm whether the tears were driven by relief or pain! Bryan's tears as a sympathetic onlooker were driven 100% by laughter. (By the way, that's not Bryan in the picture with Steve).

Laughing or crying?

So its back on the road tomorrow for the jog from Southwaite to the general area of Shap, some 1100 feet above sea level. It's going to be a tough one, so keep them in your thoughts!

Day Four - Progress

Steve and Andy at the 8 mile mark on Day Four

Steve and Andy broke the half way point of the whole challenge around 12.40 today with three and a half marathons under their belt!!! Fantastic...

Steve and Andy still smiling at the half way point in Carlisle

They are in good spirits, the bad weather is holding off, albeit it's a bit windy. There will be much needed work on their feet tonight, work that only someone who loves them would be able to do. 

Until you see them in action, you don't fully appreciate the magnitude of what they are doing for the boys, for Brian House and for Cancer Research. It's unbelievable, and whilst most people would have given up by now, Steve and Andy are two very determined and very brave men.

2.30pm - The boys are starting to hurt as they approach the 20 mile mark. They are faced with the following long incline, that will test their resolve. It might not look that bad but imagine tackling this when you have just run 99.6 miles!!!!

Steve and Andy are both doing a brilliant job, and from his first hand experience today, Bryan cannot stress enough the challenge they face, both physically and mentally.

During the Carlisle town centre section, Bryan felt that he had left them stranded, as roadworks meant that he was stationery for some time with the boys several miles ahead. He was greatly relieved to finally catch up and ensure everything was ok!

A Message From The Squad

Click HERE to view a video message from the squad.....

And a picture or two.....

Butter wouldn't melt.....

Ollie shows his support!

Day Three - Review

3 down 4 to go!!! 

Amazingly, the team turned in their fastest time yet, completing the 26.2 miles in 5 hours 37 minutes. This easily beats the 6h2m recorded on Day 1 and 6h20m on Day 2.

With flatter (it's all relative) terrain today and better weather during the first half of the run, the lads were able to get off to a good start. By the time the wind picked up around 13 miles in, the momentum was flowing and the boys pushed on successfully.

Having company on the run has made all the difference and Steve and Andy have really appreciated the support from Jim, Mat and John. Special thanks to Jim who has come out and run two marathons just to keep the lads spirits up! Thoroughly nice fella but I ask you, is that normal behaviour?!

Mat, Andy, Steve, Jim and John

The five-some made their way from Annandale Water to Gretna and were greeted by the welcoming staff at the Gretna Hall Hotel who had arranged ice baths for their arrival, followed by a complimentary 3 course meal for Steve and Andy this evening.

I know the boys look forward to their evening meal having spent the day consuming porridge, oat bars and hydration gels so hopefully they make the most of their candlelit evening in one of the most romantic places in the country.

The route for tomorrow starts right outside the front door of the hotel therefore the boys wont have too much time to think about the day ahead when they step outside in the morning. The border back into England is a matter of yards from the hotel and as soon as they clear passport control and change their Scottish notes for English ones, Steve and Andy will enter Cumbria and the land where men wear trousers.

The 26.2 miles ends north of Penrith, and hopefully the terrain will remain relatively flat for this section.

Remember it's not too late to donate if you haven't done so already. Since the boys started running pledges, have actually slowed down and the total raised for charity has crept up from £7,308 to £7,633. Give them a boost if you can, £1 will make a difference!

There will be further updates tomorrow as the day progresses but in the meantime, GOOD LUCK LADS!!!!

Day Three - Progress

Today the boys are joined by Andys friends Mat Clark and John Wright, and Jim is also running with them again.

Mat and John certainly did think love was in the air this morning when they were greeted by Andy and Steve in some rather compromising positions ! The boys assured Mat and John it was all necessary preparation for taping up the legs for the day ahead !

They set off this morning about 9am from Annandale Water services just north of Lockerbie. Annandale Water services were opened in 1973 by Rodney Bewes who played the character Bob Ferris in the popular TV comedy the 'Likely Lads'. (Every day is a school day on this blog)!

As of the last update at 13:40, our own Likely Lads were 20 miles in.

The driving rain has held off so far today, the wind is a little more bearable but it is still a very tough route and we have some very tired legs out there.

Mat ran the 1st 13 miles with the boys then John took over and Jim once again is running with them the full distance. This is a massive help to our boys and I know much appreciated.

If anyone can spare any time at all to go up a run a bit with them I know the boys will be really grateful. As the week goes on they will need all the support we can give them, keep posting, keep raising the money and keep supporting this amazing challenge that these guys have took on.

Mel Singleton

Day Two - Review

I'm back home now having left Steve, Andy and Jim at a Service Station somewhere north of Lockerbie. Although Andy's friend Matt will set off at 5.30am tomorrow to join the lads and give them the support they need, I kind of feel as if I've abandoned them. 

The emotional journey Steve and Andy are on is huge and although I've not experienced their pain, witnessing it first hand has had a real impact on me. 

I've left them to re-use their jokes about 'developing blisters on your bum' with the other support drivers and it's time to post the pictures and videos from Day 2.

Famous celebrity Keith Chegwin kindly made his way to the start point on Day 2 to wish Andy and Steve good luck.. Steve is clearly overwhelmed having met one of his boyhood heroes.

Steve and Jim make the most of the beautiful views over the Southern Uplands prior to setting off. 

Whilst they do so, Andy takes the opportunity to practice his golf swing.

Steve tackles the two blisters on his baby toe. He has feet that only a mother could love.

The three jubilant lads reach the 26.2 mile mark at the end of Day Two.

And finally, another one for the foot fetishists amongst you, Steve's blackened toe nail which will undoubtedly drop off pretty soon.

Day Three takes the boys from Annandale Water to just north of Gretna where no doubt romance will be in the air when they finish successfully!

Allen.

Day Two - Progress

The day started on a good surface with 6 miles on a cycle track alongside what used to be the A74, the main route to the South from Glasgow. Then it was through Abington and on toward Beattock Summit.

The weather has been absolutely miserable with persistent rain and strong head winds but the lads are battling through. Steve has had some blister issues and they are soaked through but with 6 miles to go, the end is in sight!

Steve and Andy have been joined today by Jim, Steve's work colleague. As a veteran if 10 previous marathons, his experience is proving useful for the boys.

Pics and a video or two will be posted tonight.

Allen

Day One - The End

A little video of the last few yards and some photographic evidence to show the lads are still in one piece!

Day One - Complete!

Attached video was taken at the 13 mile mark.

So, day one completed successfully, loads of long hills and some real tough sections. Steve and Andy got to the hotel and had an ice bath and both seem to be feeling relatively good.....

Steve - "Tough day, glad it's over, donations make it worthwhile. Don't know how I will manage to do another tomorrow, let alone another six!! Scottish terrain is tougher than I ever expected".

Andy - "One down, six to go, too many hills for my liking! Was good to finish and I feel a lot better than I thought I would but let's see how I am in the morning".

Day One - Progress Update

Arrived at Celtic Park at 9.20 and met my friend Michael who is one of the Groundsmen. Michael took us on to the pitch and the lads posed for pictures in the tunnel area.

Steve's work colleague turned up unexpectedly to wish them well and they stopped for a few more pics with the statue of Jock Stein.

Then it was down to serious business and the boys set off down London Road in the pouring rain for the long journey South. Unbelievably, they were in a pub within a mile as nerves got the better of Steve and he decided to use the toilet facilities!

As I type, the boys are at the halfway mark and it's fair to say its been tough so far due to the weather conditions and the hilly landscape through Rutherglen, Hamilton and Larkhall. They are still smiling though and with a refuelling stop under their belts, they are ready for the second half of day one.

Allen.

Donations Update

We've been absolutely overwhelmed at the levels of support we've received for our challenge and are very proud to report that as of this morning, total funds raised and pledged so far amount to an absolutely staggering £7,308!!!!!

We can't begin to say how good this makes us feel and your generosity goes a very long way to easing the physical pain and mental stress we have endured over the last 6 months.

If we haven't thanked you personally for your donation, please accept our gratitude and remember to keep spreading the word on our behalf as we would dearly love to reach our original goal of £10,000.

We set off for Glasgow at 6pm on Saturday evening, where its straight to bed on arrival; don't really think we should go out on the town the night before we start!

The run will commence at Celtic Park at 9.30am and we are delighted that Celtic F.C.  have very kindly allowed us access to take some pictures and video for the blog.

Sunday will see us travel south from Glasgow through Hamilton and on toward the general area of Douglas Water. Our complimentary overnight stay at the New Lanark Mill Hotel has been arranged by Mike Cleary so thanks to Mike for looking after us!

Thanks once again for all your support and remember to keep looking in next week as our aim is to post regular updates, pictures and videos.

Steve & Andy

BJFF Under 8 Blades Squad

We thought it was time you had a look at the motley crew who have inspired Steve and Andy to embark on their challenge, so here they are, the Bispham Juniors Under 8 Blades squad in all their glory!

This picture was taken on Saturday morning shortly before the boys played 2 league games, beating Kirkham Juniors 3-2 in the first game, then beating Blackpool Rangers 4-3 in the second.

Although league positions aren't recorded until the boys reach Under 9 status, its fair to say they are doing tremendously well, having lost only one league game all season!

6 Days To Go.....

Only 1 week away now from the challenge of our lives and both of us are feeling the pressure. Having been in training for this for over 6 months, it felt great to successfully complete our last longer run today of 12 miles whilst testing some of our running products.

All went well including the knee length white compression socks I wore. Not the best look I admit but its for charity.

The donations have been coming in thick and fast so thank you to all who have taken the time to help make a difference. Thanks also go to all the people who are helping with the logistics of the run, most of whom Steve has already mentioned, Allen, Wayne & Brian. Special thanks go to Mat Clark and Andy Parker who are also driving the support vehicle on the Tuesday and Friday respectively. Thanks also to Mike Cleary for organising some of our accommodation.

Looking at the long range weather forecast of strong head wind and heavy rain, our support team will play a massive part if we are to succeed.

As the week goes on we will be posting more frequently, hopefully along with some video logs as well so keep tuning in.

Andy.

The Route

For those who are interested in the detail, the following outlines the rough course Steve and Andy will follow over the seven days. Obviously we shall avoid motorways, but generally speaking, the plan is to work down the major A-roads from North to South which tends to run close-by the main M74 and M6 corridor.

Day 1 - Sunday - Glasgow to Douglas Water

Day 2 - Monday - Douglas Water to Beattock

Day 3 - Tuesday - Beattock to Gretna

Day 4 - Wednesday - Gretna to Southwaite

Day 5 - Thursday - Southwaite to Shap

Day 6 - Friday - Shap to Lancaster

Day 7 - Saturday - Lancaster to Blackpool

There are some gruelling stages in there, not least around Beattock and Shap, fingers crossed the unseasonally cold weather loosens it's grip in the next week or so!

Nearly There!

It’s been a while since I blogged so I thought I should give you another update on how I feel.

Well, its quite simple really, two weeks out I'm extremely anxious and worried about what I face. I’ve been able to do a decent amount of running post my injury but it doesn’t feel enough. If people would have told me when I set out that I would bleed from my nipples then it would have been a 'no-no' from that point!

There are two things keeping me going at the minute, making me feel the effort and time are worth it. We have had some generous and fantastic donations over the last 6 weeks and every time Andy or myself receive a donation no matter how small or big, it lifts my spirits to run and raise the £10k target. 

A huge thank you to those people who have sponsored Andy and myself so far.

The other major motivator is that I’ve been able to wear tights and without this challenge, I would never have been able to do that in public before (without being arrested)!

The boys in the Under-8 squad are right behind us and are doing their best to raise as much money for charity.

I would also like to thank Allen who without his time and effort we just wouldn’t be doing this run and also Brian and Wayne who have offered to give up their time to support us on the route.

One last ask!! Please if you are reading in this and want to help three great charities, please donate a pound or two! And please write comments of support for Andy and myself on the blog, we need you guys to pull us through!

Andy in Training

Not to be outdone by Steve's hosiery shots, Andy has decided it's time to go public with some pics on the blog.......

Appearing like a vision in green through the sea haze...

Let's hope Andy has another less partisan outfit for the first day running through Glasgow...

Steve in Training

Some say that sex sells but the closest we can get are pictures of Steve running whilst wearing some foxy black tights........

Note the moisture on his top in the second picture, proof that he does actually put some training in OR spray from the sea? You decide.

Donations Update

Since the last donations update on 10th February, the total received has risen from £925 to £1,826.

Whilst this is a fantastic amount, it's just under 20% of our total objective so we have a long way to go!

Thanks so much to those of you who have generously donated and very well done to the squad members and parents who have made an effort, including Jacob Nelson, Jacob Cleary and Dan Knight.

If you want to arrange to have your company logo listed to the side of the blog, you can do so in return for a donation; either talk to Andy or Steve or email run7in@gmail.com for further details.

With 1100 hits in 5 weeks, the blog is definitely reaching a wide audience and most importantly, charitable donations are tax deductible so the only person to lose out is the tax man!!!!

Finally, I understand that plans are progressing for an exciting family based fund-raising night at Blackpool's premiere cabaret venue, VIVA! (http://www.vivablackpool.com). Details to follow but make sure you reserve your tickets early as there will be significant demand for this fantastic evening of music and cabaret for all the family.

Andy's Blog 28th February 2013

Thought it was time I wrote something on here to let you know how easy this run is turning out to be (NOT!). 

To confirm, we have decided to put the run back to Sunday 21^st April finishing Saturday 27^th April at the Red Lion in Bispham.

Having been in training since September running 5 times a week, progress was good until I picked up an injury with my Fibula in December. I thought this was just a niggle but it has plagued me for the last 2 months despite copious amounts of Physio and Biomechanical Evaluations.  It has only been the last 2 weeks that I have been able to build the mileage back up on my long runs with 12 miles last Sunday.

Steve has also run into problems having picked up an ankle injury which he is struggling to shake off. The step up to the 40+miles per week seems to have taken its toll on us both.

Since I am writing this I thought I’d give a little background behind my reasons for attempting this  “mad dash”.

Last February I was diagnosed with a Malignant Melanoma which was immediately removed by a surgeon. The 3 weeks waiting for the results from the lab was by far the most difficult time of our lives. Thankfully, the outcome was positive as the Cancer had been fully removed and hadn’t spread any further. We were told in no uncertain terms that if we had been having this conversation 6 months later then it would have been a very different story. If it wasn’t for my wife Mel’s constant nagging to get the mole checked out I probably wouldn’t be here now. (If you have a suspect mole get it checked out by your doctor, better to be safe than sorry.)

During that 3 weeks there was a lot of soul searching, getting affairs in order, fearing the worst, knowing that you have worked so hard to provide a solid platform for your family only to fail them in the worst way possible, by not being there for your children whilst they grow up. This period gave me a small glimpse of what a lot of families go through in their battle against Cancer and that is why I have chosen these charities.

Within the last 2 months I have lost 2 friends both way before their time to Cancer. Paul Buschini and  

Karen Coultas RIP.

Please make our challenge worthwhile and help us by donating.

Andy