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.