Capt Mark Shercliffe of 5 Rifles briefly updates us on their progress...
Away from the heat of Iraq a quick marathon before lunch seemed like a walk in the park!
It is not unusual to see soldiers out running in a squad and, now that all of 5th Battalion The Rifles are back from operational tour, it is a familiar sight around their home town of Paderborn, Germany.
Watching the squad run in, stretch off and walk, not hobble, away it would seem that they are now in the best condition for next week. With strict instructions of what to do over their ‘leave’ or holiday period, the next time they meet up there will be a carbo-packing couple of days!
Disbelief is also in the air that the end is very nearly in sight but there is still 65 miles to go!
Good luck to all and looking forward to seeing you all next week.
Mark
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Silver Surfer signs off...
Doc Chalmers posts his last blog before the off:
Well here it is; the last Thursday blog from the Silver Surfer. Hooray I hear you say! It’s been an absolute blast, despite everything so far, and I’m really looking forward to the day. Not quite sure why I should look forward to running 65 miles but I’m sure it will all make sense place on the day.
Ominously took delivery from Welch Allan of the cardiac defibrillator late last week, and as I only have 1 set of disposable paddles if anyone is planning to have a cardiac arrest make sure you’re the first as I have no more!
On anther point had a run at the weekend hoping my plantar fasciitis had gone, and found out it hadn’t so only managed 12 miles before “bailing out”. Also the weather men suggest the summer will be hot/dry so thought I’d better dust down the running singlet and found it chaffed in the most exotic of places. I struggle to understand this as used it before in marathons, I think a t-shirt will do nicely then! So having messed up at the weekend, I think a total rest is called for over the next few days. The only problem is avoiding catching anything from my patients!!
I see teenagers are still on the agenda: Our dysfunctional family headed of to Phones4U and managed to clear the shop. To me a mobile phone should do what it says on the box; i.e. a phone! However my two were on a mission; which upgrade could they get on their current contract and which had the most “twiddly” bits and that was before the colour discussion! Just to prove that JR’s are not unique I enclose a photo of mine running the race for life. Look closely at the consequences of not tying your laces and in the background the Silver Surfer and his chocolate Labrador both appear embarrassed.
Finally another jovial little picture, I doubt this bouncy and jaunty running technique will be used on the day, more the Ranolph Fiennes method of “plodding”
Best wishes and see some of you on the bus and the rest at Tarrant Rushton.
Silver Surfer!
Well here it is; the last Thursday blog from the Silver Surfer. Hooray I hear you say! It’s been an absolute blast, despite everything so far, and I’m really looking forward to the day. Not quite sure why I should look forward to running 65 miles but I’m sure it will all make sense place on the day.
Ominously took delivery from Welch Allan of the cardiac defibrillator late last week, and as I only have 1 set of disposable paddles if anyone is planning to have a cardiac arrest make sure you’re the first as I have no more!
On anther point had a run at the weekend hoping my plantar fasciitis had gone, and found out it hadn’t so only managed 12 miles before “bailing out”. Also the weather men suggest the summer will be hot/dry so thought I’d better dust down the running singlet and found it chaffed in the most exotic of places. I struggle to understand this as used it before in marathons, I think a t-shirt will do nicely then! So having messed up at the weekend, I think a total rest is called for over the next few days. The only problem is avoiding catching anything from my patients!!
I see teenagers are still on the agenda: Our dysfunctional family headed of to Phones4U and managed to clear the shop. To me a mobile phone should do what it says on the box; i.e. a phone! However my two were on a mission; which upgrade could they get on their current contract and which had the most “twiddly” bits and that was before the colour discussion! Just to prove that JR’s are not unique I enclose a photo of mine running the race for life. Look closely at the consequences of not tying your laces and in the background the Silver Surfer and his chocolate Labrador both appear embarrassed.
Finally another jovial little picture, I doubt this bouncy and jaunty running technique will be used on the day, more the Ranolph Fiennes method of “plodding”Best wishes and see some of you on the bus and the rest at Tarrant Rushton.
Silver Surfer!
So close now...
'Not the one from the Telly' replies:
Just before I started writing this blog, I read our Navy friend Ian’s thoughts on the run. I must say that for a sailor to run 2 miles in 3 hours is very acceptable. In fact he would probably make it into the Naval Cross Country running team. Come to think of it he would probably BE the Naval Cross Country running team!! I think the problem he is going to have is getting up early enough in the morning to make it to Tarrant Rushton for 2pm... Navy reveille is generally around 11am or when you feel like it especially when ‘Going ashore’. Good luck to you from a Pongo!! ;-)
Training down (or tapering as I’ve heard it called) is now in full swing. My knees are feeling much better, however I will still invest in some supports as recommended by Matt (thanks Matt for the advice). My mileage has reduced now so I have just one more 10 mile run to do and then its 6, 5, 4, 3 with a day rest in between. I have no idea if this is the correct way of doing it but it was part of a program I found on the internet.
I had my picture in the Bournemouth Echo again and a mention on the TV news again. This triggered sponsorship from some colleagues I haven’t seen in years. So I guess the promotion side is working. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I can see Tarrant Rushton from my office which makes the apprehension greater. I had a chat on the phone at the weekend with Roy Howard (brother of John Howard) and he will be meeting me at Tarrant Rushton on the day, together with another of his brothers who was in at D-Day+4. All media, please take note!!
I have now got myself back into my wife’s good books. Less training means less time out of the house and more time doing the garden, painting, building etc. I managed to build a new wall in the garden and planted up the veggies over the weekend. I set fire to the greenhouse at one point - oops! This happened when I lit some tea lights to purge the greenhouse of flies and bugs. The problem is the tea light’s wax dripped onto some bark chippings and they caught alight. Not too serious but I did feel a bit of an arse when I had to put it out!
I haven’t checked the long range weather forecast but really hope we don’t have a hot day on the 4th. Apart from the obvious sun burn, dehydration, heat exhaustion etc I have found that because my hair is so thin on top I get sweat in my eyes more than I used to. To combat this, I will wear a rather trendy bandana. Of course in my family’s eyes it will be just one more thing that makes me look even more like a chopper, but who cares!!
All the best to you all! Nearly there now.
Jonathan
Just before I started writing this blog, I read our Navy friend Ian’s thoughts on the run. I must say that for a sailor to run 2 miles in 3 hours is very acceptable. In fact he would probably make it into the Naval Cross Country running team. Come to think of it he would probably BE the Naval Cross Country running team!! I think the problem he is going to have is getting up early enough in the morning to make it to Tarrant Rushton for 2pm... Navy reveille is generally around 11am or when you feel like it especially when ‘Going ashore’. Good luck to you from a Pongo!! ;-)
Training down (or tapering as I’ve heard it called) is now in full swing. My knees are feeling much better, however I will still invest in some supports as recommended by Matt (thanks Matt for the advice). My mileage has reduced now so I have just one more 10 mile run to do and then its 6, 5, 4, 3 with a day rest in between. I have no idea if this is the correct way of doing it but it was part of a program I found on the internet.
I had my picture in the Bournemouth Echo again and a mention on the TV news again. This triggered sponsorship from some colleagues I haven’t seen in years. So I guess the promotion side is working. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I can see Tarrant Rushton from my office which makes the apprehension greater. I had a chat on the phone at the weekend with Roy Howard (brother of John Howard) and he will be meeting me at Tarrant Rushton on the day, together with another of his brothers who was in at D-Day+4. All media, please take note!!
I have now got myself back into my wife’s good books. Less training means less time out of the house and more time doing the garden, painting, building etc. I managed to build a new wall in the garden and planted up the veggies over the weekend. I set fire to the greenhouse at one point - oops! This happened when I lit some tea lights to purge the greenhouse of flies and bugs. The problem is the tea light’s wax dripped onto some bark chippings and they caught alight. Not too serious but I did feel a bit of an arse when I had to put it out!
I haven’t checked the long range weather forecast but really hope we don’t have a hot day on the 4th. Apart from the obvious sun burn, dehydration, heat exhaustion etc I have found that because my hair is so thin on top I get sweat in my eyes more than I used to. To combat this, I will wear a rather trendy bandana. Of course in my family’s eyes it will be just one more thing that makes me look even more like a chopper, but who cares!!
All the best to you all! Nearly there now.
Jonathan
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Naval Motivator.
Another new blogger, Ian Fleming (not the one who wrote the James Bond novels!) has chipped in...
The Royal Navy of old relied on one man, NELSON.
Today it has sent you a little fat Clearance Diver to represent the Royal Navy in the 'Run to Pegasus'. It is my aim to motivate good old Percy and a few crabs along the way, because you lot don't want the little FAT Matelot leaving you all behind!
My training schedule only started 7 weeks ago as I don't want an unfair advantage over all you fitties. My nutritionist has sorted my diet out; McKewans (Red Death) and lots of it, six Burger Kings and 10 KFC bargain buckets daily. Its hard work being this fat but maintaining it is great! This running lark is bad for my waistline as it keeps on making it smaller. I will have to eat more Burger Kings!
Looking forward to meeting everyone and flying the flag for the Royal Navy on the 4th June. Now you all know you need to up your training schedule to keep up with the little fat matelot Diver.
Laters Divers! Do it Deeper!
PS Has anyone attempted a 2 mile run yet?! I've just got back and I'm knackered! Good time though of 3 hours - I might try a 3 mile run next week
The Royal Navy of old relied on one man, NELSON.
Today it has sent you a little fat Clearance Diver to represent the Royal Navy in the 'Run to Pegasus'. It is my aim to motivate good old Percy and a few crabs along the way, because you lot don't want the little FAT Matelot leaving you all behind!
My training schedule only started 7 weeks ago as I don't want an unfair advantage over all you fitties. My nutritionist has sorted my diet out; McKewans (Red Death) and lots of it, six Burger Kings and 10 KFC bargain buckets daily. Its hard work being this fat but maintaining it is great! This running lark is bad for my waistline as it keeps on making it smaller. I will have to eat more Burger Kings!
Looking forward to meeting everyone and flying the flag for the Royal Navy on the 4th June. Now you all know you need to up your training schedule to keep up with the little fat matelot Diver.
Laters Divers! Do it Deeper!
PS Has anyone attempted a 2 mile run yet?! I've just got back and I'm knackered! Good time though of 3 hours - I might try a 3 mile run next week
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tarrant Rushton today.
A new blogger joins us. Rob Smart writes:
The final two weeks to the run! I’ve begun my taper and am set to be ready for the run come June 4!
As part of my last big run I took myself down to Dorset to look at the area of the route. I paid a visit to the starting point at the airfield. Knowing the history made it quite spooky walking around. Trundling up the access road from Tarrant Rushton towards the footpath access at the western side of the site, I wondered how the men from the Oxf. and Bucks Light Infantry must have felt when they were transported to the same airfield 65 years ago, knowing what they were soon to embark upon...
As far as my own feelings go, there’s nerves borne of respect for the distance, combined with gladness to be nearly ready to go. I emerged into the west part of the airfield and immediately saw why it was used to launch gliders from. It’s fantastic - you can see for miles. It’s so quiet now, it’s difficult to imagine what the atmosphere must have been like on June 5 1944. The area must have been completely locked down.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one carrying injuries. I must have over trained a bit at Christmas and have been dealing with a groin injury. I’m defeating it though. I’m determined to enjoy the experience. I’ve also decided on my solid food to carry with me - honey and peanut butter sandwiches. I’ve also been trying out a carb loading regime that I read in a Sir Ranulph Feinnes fitness book. I’ve been taking 800g of carbohydrate within 60 minutes of hard exercise. I read elsewhere that caffeine accelerates the body’s absorption of carbs so I’ve followed the food with a double espresso. I haven’t yet figured out if it’s making my body store more glycogen for the run, or whether it’s just an excuse I’ve given myself to eat like a glutton!!!
Looking forward to meeting everyone on the day. From reading this blog over the past few months, and chatting to others taking part Project 65 is going to be a great experience. For me it will definitely be one of the things I’ll be glad to have done with my life, on top of being able to be part of raising money for forces charities and honouring such a special military feat.
Good luck to everyone,
Rob
The final two weeks to the run! I’ve begun my taper and am set to be ready for the run come June 4!
As part of my last big run I took myself down to Dorset to look at the area of the route. I paid a visit to the starting point at the airfield. Knowing the history made it quite spooky walking around. Trundling up the access road from Tarrant Rushton towards the footpath access at the western side of the site, I wondered how the men from the Oxf. and Bucks Light Infantry must have felt when they were transported to the same airfield 65 years ago, knowing what they were soon to embark upon...
As far as my own feelings go, there’s nerves borne of respect for the distance, combined with gladness to be nearly ready to go. I emerged into the west part of the airfield and immediately saw why it was used to launch gliders from. It’s fantastic - you can see for miles. It’s so quiet now, it’s difficult to imagine what the atmosphere must have been like on June 5 1944. The area must have been completely locked down.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one carrying injuries. I must have over trained a bit at Christmas and have been dealing with a groin injury. I’m defeating it though. I’m determined to enjoy the experience. I’ve also decided on my solid food to carry with me - honey and peanut butter sandwiches. I’ve also been trying out a carb loading regime that I read in a Sir Ranulph Feinnes fitness book. I’ve been taking 800g of carbohydrate within 60 minutes of hard exercise. I read elsewhere that caffeine accelerates the body’s absorption of carbs so I’ve followed the food with a double espresso. I haven’t yet figured out if it’s making my body store more glycogen for the run, or whether it’s just an excuse I’ve given myself to eat like a glutton!!!
Looking forward to meeting everyone on the day. From reading this blog over the past few months, and chatting to others taking part Project 65 is going to be a great experience. For me it will definitely be one of the things I’ll be glad to have done with my life, on top of being able to be part of raising money for forces charities and honouring such a special military feat.
Good luck to everyone,
Rob
The Surrey Advertiser are all over it. Is your local paper?! Get on the case if not!
Iain Rodgers:
Hi Everyone,
Several runners from Surrey are taking part in the event. The Surrey Advertiser is taking an interest and there should be a press release in the next issue.
I have said that I will try to have photographs taken for them of the Surrey runners when we all gather at Tarrant Rushton, just before the start and at Pegasus Bridge the day after we arrive, hope that this is ok with everyone? I will ask the Project 65 team to announce this at the briefing prior to the start.
Hope that every ones training is going well and no serious injuries to cope with? Only 13 days to go then the “Big Push”
Good Luck!
Iain
Iain Rodgers
Hi Everyone,
Several runners from Surrey are taking part in the event. The Surrey Advertiser is taking an interest and there should be a press release in the next issue.
I have said that I will try to have photographs taken for them of the Surrey runners when we all gather at Tarrant Rushton, just before the start and at Pegasus Bridge the day after we arrive, hope that this is ok with everyone? I will ask the Project 65 team to announce this at the briefing prior to the start.
Hope that every ones training is going well and no serious injuries to cope with? Only 13 days to go then the “Big Push”
Good Luck!
Iain
Iain Rodgers
Knee supports have the answer.
We don't have two Ronnies, we have two Barkers! The Matt variety writes:
Hey y'all!
Getting close now! Just been reading the blog. Nervous but excited as I am sure everyone is. It all seems very well organised so far and want to thank Danny and Barry, Ed and the rest of the team for the steady build up of info. and answering of difficult questions.
I was pleased to find out I am representing Sapper Bradford from the accompanying 249th Royal Engineer (Airborne) party in Glider 5. My grandad was, infact, a Sapper and Driver for the Royal Engineers in Africa and Italy with the 8th Army but I never got to hear him talk about it. He was fighting in Italy during D-Day. So I am very proud to be representing Spr. Bradford but as yet, have not managed to find anything out about him.
IF ANY OF HIS RELATIVES READ THIS, DO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME VIA DANNY GREENO AS I'D LOVE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HIM.
Note to all suffering from knee aches at around mile 30 (Mr. Ross..I just read your blog!) I too am suffering those tweaks and twinges. I found this on Amazon, some neoprene York knee supports which have 3 velcro straps. They are very comfortable, extremely supportive, don't slip down and very reasonable at around £12.
I'm taking mine! I did 40 miles last Sunday and used them on the last 10. No adverse affects and knees stopped hurting... that could have been the Anadin though!!!
Good luck to everyone.
Bon Voyage!
Matt
Hey y'all!
Getting close now! Just been reading the blog. Nervous but excited as I am sure everyone is. It all seems very well organised so far and want to thank Danny and Barry, Ed and the rest of the team for the steady build up of info. and answering of difficult questions.
I was pleased to find out I am representing Sapper Bradford from the accompanying 249th Royal Engineer (Airborne) party in Glider 5. My grandad was, infact, a Sapper and Driver for the Royal Engineers in Africa and Italy with the 8th Army but I never got to hear him talk about it. He was fighting in Italy during D-Day. So I am very proud to be representing Spr. Bradford but as yet, have not managed to find anything out about him.
IF ANY OF HIS RELATIVES READ THIS, DO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME VIA DANNY GREENO AS I'D LOVE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HIM.
Note to all suffering from knee aches at around mile 30 (Mr. Ross..I just read your blog!) I too am suffering those tweaks and twinges. I found this on Amazon, some neoprene York knee supports which have 3 velcro straps. They are very comfortable, extremely supportive, don't slip down and very reasonable at around £12.
I'm taking mine! I did 40 miles last Sunday and used them on the last 10. No adverse affects and knees stopped hurting... that could have been the Anadin though!!!
Good luck to everyone.
Bon Voyage!
Matt
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