Running the length of the UK, 875 miles in 16 days
THE MISSION & WHY?
My name is Georgie Mclean and on 1st June 2021 I will be running 875 miles across the length of the UK. I will be starting from the furthest point John O Groates in Scotland, and finishing at Lands End in England (JOGLE). This will equate to approx. two marathons (55 miles) a day across a 16 consecutive day duration.
My purpose is to raise £25,000 split across to charities close to my heart.
ORTHOSTATIC TREMOR FOUNDATION; and
RENAL FUND - ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOSPITAL
WHY JOGLE
I am not a professional runner. My more serious entrance into fitness was through bodybuilding competing, which then followed on to functional fitness style training - lifting heavy weights was my thing. Running was something I have always avoided like the plague, to be honest I was just terrible at it.
My Mum has a form of Parkinson’s called Orthostatic Tremor Disease. This rare disease has no known cure and could eventually stop her walking. When we went into the UK Lockdown 1:0 in March 2020 my mums health had started to deteriate.
When my mum started to lose control of the use of her legs it dawned on me that movement really is a a privilege. Health really is wealth and is something many of us take for granted.
When I set out on this training journey I had not run further than a limping 5km and hated every minute. I was determined to change my belief system and inspire others that the impossible really is possible with some self belief, dedication to a cause and consistency.
This last 12 month training journey for me has been 0 > 100. It has not been an easy road (which I knew it wouldn’t be), but even more challenging being coached remotely due to the global pandemic, and going solo with most of my training.
During this journey my brother Wayne became hospitalised due to side effects caused by renal failure in November 2020. I continued with my training in-between my often daily visits to see him in hospital. Sadly Wayne lost his fight and passed away after being in hospital for six weeks. While spending many hours at his bedside I watched so many young, courageous people die due to the effects of renal failure on his ward.
Wayne was always championing my crazy ideas and encouraging me to keep going no matter what. I can honestly say it was one of the most painful experiences of my life along with losing my Dad and my sister in previous years, while still supporting my Mum having lost a second child. I felt very isolated and extremely lonely, finding myself sobbing with no escapism, from my thoughts during my runs.
Being such an instrumental time in my JOGLE training journey, It only felt right to combine my efforts in raising money to help both causes close to my heart.
I will be raising money for ‘The Orthostatic Tremor Foundation’, who are the only fund giving support & research to this rare disease and the ‘Renal Fund at The Royal Berkshire Hospital’ who looked after my brother so well in the last weeks of his life.
This run is for my Mum, my brother Wayne and all those effected.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
This is a huge endurance challenge where I will be running 10-12 hours each day.
The following HEALTH ISSUES can arise
Sleep deprivation & exhaustion
Blisters
Sores
Infection
Calluses
Foot funguses
Achilles ruptures
Toe nails
Ankle sprains
Muscle strains
Patellofemoral syndrome/runners knee
Constant Hip/pelvis/lower back ache
UNCONTROLLABLES
Poor weather
Bad terrain/roads
Vulnerability on very busy roads
Angry locals
Ill/sick
I NEED YOUR SUPPORT
In order to make this challenge happen I will need A LOT of help. Part of the funds raised will cover the following:
Motor Home
Ad hoc accommodation
Tracking devices
Nutrition
Hydration
Petrol
Kit
I am committing £4000 personally to this challenge and have spent £3000+ on coaching, documenting and equipment. I have been very fortunate to have the sponsorship from Eleiko who have provided all of my strength equipment for my training to date.
I will be trackable the whole duration via https://www.opentracking.co.uk so you can follow my progress along the way. The tracking details will be posted here before the challenge starts on the 1st June.
I’d also be happy to welcome anyone that would also like to join me for a run or come and cheer me on.
Any support will be greatly appreciated!
You can also follow my entire training journey, which has been documented on my Youtube and Instagram pages:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iam_georgiemclean/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumCeytIAUsfVSydT_YJROw
All the running love....
Georgie x
