Further Update - 1st October 2010

Following mention of my run in the November edition of "Runners World" have extended the donation period to 24 December - any more donations will be greatly appreciated by Cancer Research UK.

Perhaps we can get a new final total exceeding £6,000 which would be double the initial target!!

Final Cheque for Cancer Research UK

UPDATE - August 6th 2010

I finally met lovely Dawn Harrison of Cancer Research UK at my home in Barnstaple. Final cheque for all offline donations was paid in to make the Final Total, including gift aid, a magnificent

£5,602.60 !!
(This represents almost £9 for each mile this old man ran over the 24 days.) Thanks once again to all the generous donors as well as the wonderful supporters without whose help the run would have been almost impossible! (Will be sending a DVD of the run to most of the main supporters.) We are now arranging for photos of cheque presentation etc to appear in the North Devon Journal. Note that there may also be an article in Runners World.

Ian and Ro Clewes 10th August 2010

Penultimate Post - probably!

Iansbigrun - done! I completed the 630 mile run on the SW Coastal Footpath in 24 days, finishing in Minehead at 14:55 last Sunday 13th June. At 26.25 miles a day average this happens to equal a marathon a day. (... just over actually!)

The website, www.justgiving.com/ianclewes will stay available for next 3 months - so there is still time for further donations - especially if any one feels disposed to take the current amount over the target figure! (currently at 99%!) And thanks again for all your on-line donations - am still collecting in sponsorship forms etc so final total won't be known for couple of weeks - but I suspect it will exceed £4000! Fantastic!
A few lines to cover some of the questions - especially for those who may be contemplating walking/running all or part of the UK's longest continuous footpath!

1. All distances mentioned on my blog were taken from the official SWCPA handbooks - the total of 630 miles was when the route was last accurately measured several years ago. Since that time there have been many diversions due to landslips etc. (Dorset is falling into the sea by the way!) and there will also be slight differences due to variations in ferries and river crossings as well as, in my case, extra mileage incurred due to missing signs or choosing the wrong fork in a footpath! However I feel that there is no need to be too pedantic about these matters - my personal challenge was to raise as much as possible for Cancer Research UK rather than official record breaking. And I would recommend a somewhat slower pace to those of you who would like to appreciate the wonderful scenery, places and people on the way! All that said, as a one-time fairly competitive 'veteran athlete', I now confess that I was secretly hoping to do it in 21 days (E.g. exactly 30 miles a day - which is double the fast walking rate.) but my pulled muscle put paid to that dream!

2. For any runners out there wanting to have a go note that the ascents and descents make the route more like running in the Scottish Mountains rather than other UK long distance footpaths - and like the mountains, many sections are too steep or dangerous to actually run - even for a seasoned fell runner! (If the route was flat it would be the equivalent of running about 840 miles!) Another major limiting factor is that even with a good support team there are long sections where it is essential to carry say up to 3 litres of drinking water - especially if the weather is hot - and the weight of the rucksack can become a real burden. (My minimum 'baggage' included 2 litres of drink, food, windproof jacket and trousers, gloves, hat, survival blanket, first aid kit, whistle, torch, compass, map (See Harvey maps) and mobile phone.) It is not a run that you can specifically train for - all I would say is get used to slow running up to say 6 or 7 hours in a day and then just try it - but would recommend more training than Eddie Izzard although even he surprised 'the experts' by running his final marathon in under 5 hours. Note that top runners over a single organised/supported race of say 34 miles on typical Coastal footpath might achieve an average speed (without a rucksack) of around 6 miles an hour - much less than the 10+ miles an hour they would achieve on the road.

3. The hardest part of it all? This was actually having the self-belief that I could complete the run before 'going public' regarding my intentions and aims for Cancer Research UK. Second hardest part was the two stages from Polzeath to Crackington Haven and then from Crackington Haven to Hartland. Third hardest part was having to find available Wi-Fi and write the 'blog' late every evening. Fourth hardest was trying to sleep at night - my legs kept going - am still having problems! And finally - fifth most difficult was getting my ASDA £10 mobile phone working again after soaking it in the bath in the pocket of my running shorts! (WD40 did the trick eventually!) Incidentally we found that our Orange phones had good coverage for most of the route - exceptions being some isolated valleys - especially in the area around the Lizard.

4. Thanks to all the support teams - It would have been almost impossible to complete the run in 24 days without my wife (managing to cook pasta for 3 despite the broken arm) and friend John doing some quite tricky driving with our largish Campervan - slightly wider than the Cornish lanes in many parts, as well as remaining patient and enthusiastic through the whole trip despite having to cope with the vagaries of one very tired (and somewhat spoiled) runner, missing his wife Moira, and sometimes camping in a damp tent! Thanks to the King family - for driving all the way from Surrey for one nights camping near Portland! To Keith - he came from London on public transport to Poole harbour just to see me through the first few miles! To the Borg family for helping me across the shark-infested white-water rapids near Helford! To Bideford Amateur Athletic Club members for welcoming me on my arrival in Bideford. To members of Roundswell Church who also cheered me into a final 'sprint' at the end of a 31 mile day in Bideford. To team Griffiths (Anne & David) - who cheered me at Ilfracombe and supplied the pasty lunch at Combe Martin - essential long distance running food! They also looked after our house & garden (with Jenny & Ian's help) and provided us with a wonderful celebration meal on the Sunday evening together with John, Moira & Sam. And finally thanks to many friends who welcomed me at the finish in Minehead last Sunday ... and apologies for finishing over an hour ahead of schedule!

5. Many thanks to all those special people that supplied us with free accommodation, food and other much needed help during our challenge. Especially dear friends Sue and Chris who not only gave us 2 night's B&B and dinner at their picturesque riverside cottage and did our washing but also drove Ro back up to Barnstaple Hospital for an appointment - a full day's round trip from their home near Bodmin via South Devon. And to John's relative, Do, who again did B&B and Dinner for us as well as a hot bath for one tired old man. To Peter and Gabi Smith for both a wonderful evening meal as well as a free massage/muscle manipulation which I now realise did help the speedy recovery of my pulled thigh muscle. Thanks also to our old friends and ex-neighbours at Crackington, John and Lin not only for collecting a very tired chappy from the Haven after one of his hardest days but wined and dined and B&B'd the three of us us in their wonderful home. Last but not least many thanks to all the campsites and several B&B's which supplied us with either reduced rates or free accommodation as well as free meals in one case! Ask as we might however - no garage offered us free fuel for the 'van!

6. Special thanks to other runners mad enough to join me on some sections: Neil King, my son-in-law who ran with me for 15 miles from Portland Bill lighthouse to near Abbotsbury (on a very hot day.) To Mike Gilmour - a fellow Bideford AAC veteran athlete - who joined me for the last 7 miles or so into Bideford as well as the next 10 miles from Bideford towards Woolacombe the following morning. To a goodly contingent of Bideford Blues runners for seeing me to the Clubhouse from Appledore woods - diplomatically trained by Doug Jenkin to ensure that they didn't actually overtake me! Thanks also to Sharon Borg who ran with me for about 3 miles near Helston - despite the fact she was only wearing her best 'crocs'! (plus some clothes obviously) And last but not least to my dear daughter Sam King who ran with me for at least 4 sections over the final few days - especially when surprising me with much needed drinks in the depths of the woodlands near Heddon's mouth. (And I do believe that her total mileage may have been just slightly more than husband Neil's 15 at Portland!)

Ian

Will be making a DVD of the run later and will let you all know the final total for Cancer Research UK in a week or two. Thanks again for all your support and apologies if I have forgotten

Now is this really MINEHEAD?

Day 24 – 12th June 2010 The final push to the end!

Started the last day climbing over sleeping campers in the woods above Lynmouth (Music Festival this weekend!) before climbing 1000 feet to top of Countisbury hill – with shouts of encouragement from team in car on the road running adjacent to the coastal footpath. Then a very lonely but beautiful stretch until the guys met me with extra drinks just below County Gate; weather was again quite warm. Paths very good so made good speed to Porlock Weir where Sam joined me again to run across Porlock bay to Bossington. That just left me with 6 miles and another 1000 foot climb to Selworthy Beacon before an easy and very pleasant run into the finish at Minehead Harbour. There I was greeted by many friends, including 2 of John and Moira’s relatives – who had travelled from Scotland and Bath as well as our good friends Richard and Sue – all the way from deepest south Somerset. Last but not least, Bideford AAC stalwarts Glen Martin and Mike Gilmore and his wife were there to join in the fun - Sam had made a banner and strung it across the SWCPA official finish sculpture! Finally a short walk across the road to the Pub! (Where else?) 630 miles completed in 23 days and 5 hours. Sam then drove Team Crumblies back to Barnstaple where David and Anne had kindly asked us all to a celebratory dinner – complete with appropriate fizzy stuff! Will do a summary blog later with the really important stuff regarding the amount raised for Cancer Research; as well as the very generous on-line donations we have 4 very full collecting boxes yet to be opened by Cancer Research UK in Barnstaple – but I suspect that we will have achieved the £3000 target – this will also mean that ‘me little legs have been shuffling along tor at least £4.75 a mile! Great stuff and so many thanks to all you guys out there in Cyberspace!

Angel Sam looking over me!

Day 23 – 12th June 2010 Penultimate day before the final push to the end!

Another good day with much running support from daughter Sam! Felt good despite a very late night at our ‘home B&B’ – just going to bed when one of our burglar alarm sirens decided to wake up the neighbourhood – as resident in-house technician I had to dismantle the bell box stood on top of small ladder, working in the dark with dear Sam and Ro (her with broken arm) holding the ladder. I only mention this because I could imagine folks saying ‘How did Ian get on with the run?’ – ‘He didn’t finish as he twisted ankle falling off a ladder into a rose bed at just after midnight ... !’ Yeh – right.
Anyway, I digress. Started back in sunny Woolacombe with Sam joining me shortly after to run with me to Lee bay. As I ran into Ifracombe David and Anne Griffiths drove in alongside me to meet all the team at the Harbour car park – where we again met many generous people! We all met again at Combe Martin and consumed pasties generously provided by Team Griffiths! The days real work then began with the over 1000 foot climb over the two Hangman hills and on towards Holdstone Down – where I could hear Sam calling me but couldn’t see her. Eventually we met and both ran together to where rest of team were. Over the next hour or so I continued towards Heddon’s Mouth but my drink supplies were rapidly running out! So it was with delight and surprise when I heard a voice calling ‘Hey Dad’ in the depths of the woods near Hunter’s Inn – yes, Sam had appeared again like a guardian angel with drink supplies! I plodded on to be eventually applauded by all concerned at Lee Abbey – where Tabea, Caleb and Kim (from Lee Abbey) very kindly replenished our hot water flasks and supplied extra refreshments free of charge. Wonderful people. Sam ran with me again for the final lovely stretch past the Valley of the Rocks down to Lynmouth. A hilly 26 miles today leaving about 22 miles to the finish in Minehead tomorrow! (Wobbly old legs permitting)

Run in the sun from Bideford to Woolacombe

Day 22 – 11th June 2010

One of the best days of the whole trip. Sam is back with us and Moira (John’s wife) so with the addition of a Senior HR consultant and a Senior nurse I believe we now have all eventualities covered! Started from Bideford AAC Club house where Doug had arranged for Rob, a photographer with the North Devon Journal to be in attendance both at the clubhouse and on the early part of run through Bideford and Instow. I was so grateful that Mike Gilmore had turned up again – this time to pace me through the first 10 miles or so to Barnstaple along with daughter Sam who also ran with us as far as Fremington Quay. Mikes pace judgment over a section of the Tarka Trail that I always find difficult (even when not tired from the day before) was immaculate – still would I expect anything but perfection from a Northern Ireland International athlete! Good support throughout the day including friends at Fremington as well as Barnstaple old bridge where Mike was to leave me. Team Crumbly (+ one smoothy) met me again at Saunton Sands where I was to receive the double delight of a leg massage and an ice cream! A quick applause was received as I passed through Croyde Bay before the final run around Baggy Point and across Woolacombe Bay to the finish for the day, somewhat unusually feeling less tired than I did at the start in Bideford. Day’s total 31 miles.

From Hartland to HEARTLAND is just 30 miles.

Day 21 – 10th June 2010
After a great free B&B at our home in Barnstaple John drove us back to Hartland Quay for me to continue the run on more familiar territory. Within the first hour John’s red and white umbrella was visible just above Hartland Point Lighthouse always a welcome sight! (The umbrella, not the lighthouse!) A long lonely stretch followed until I met Team Crumbly again for lunch just above Clovelly. Was prepared for another lonesome run until Westward Ho! So was surprised to find the team again at Bucks Cross for a drink top-up. The best part of another difficult 30 mile day was getting wonderful support from members of Bideford AAC as well as many friends from Barnstaple. Firstly Mike Gilmore met me about 2 miles before Westward Ho and ran with me to the finish at Bideford Clubhouse – don’t think I could have kept going without his help – especially going around the cold and windy Northam Burrows! Then just after Appledore a large contingent of Bideford runners also joined me to the finish – Many thanks to Doug for organising this. The final accolade came from many friends from Roundswell Church who came to see me finish the day’s run! (I am also well aware that they have all been continuously supporting us ‘in more ways than one’ since I left home on 21st May.) Back home tonight following a much needed shower and drink at the Club bar! What more could a tired old chap ask for? Planning to restart run from Bideford AAC at around 09:00 tomorrow, heading for Woolacombe via Barnstaple, Braunton and Croyde. Approx 552 miles completed leaving 78 to do in the next 3 days. Hmm.

A lot to see from Crackington to Hartland Quay

Day 20 - Wednesday 9th June 2010


A good send-off from John and Lin saw me 'climbing' up Penkenna Cliff out of Crackington Haven. (For info: some wonderful sunsets can be see here.)All familiar ground but all distances seem longer than I remember ... or is just that I was 20 years younger when I would sometimes run home 18 miles from work at Morwenstow to Crackington? The guys caught me at Widemouth Bay and again at Bude for a Cornish pasty refuelling,at Duckpool for a coffee and at Morwenstow cliffs, near Hawkers Hut for liquid replacement before the real work began on the 'switchback' path to Hartland Quay. First border crossing since leaving Plymouth, but this time at least I remembered to swap flags from Kernow to Devon!Another 26 miles on a very difficult section - however my thigh injury continues to improve ... have started to plan a schedule to finish in Minehead late afternoon on Sunday 13th June - however this will mean 29 miles from HQuay to Bideford (Blues clubhouse late tomorrow),a cool 31 miles from Bideford to Woolacombe on Friday, 26 miles from Woolacombe to Lynton on Saturday before the final 22 miles from Lynton to Minehead on Sunday. - but would be nice to finish on Sunday rather than Monday - would also mean whole trip in 24 days rather than the more usual '26 marathons in 26 days'. All these guesstimates are very provisional - I hope don't regret making them!

Where was Doc Martin when I needed him?

Day 19 – 8th June 2010 Polzeath to Crackington Haven

Set off from Polzeath beach feeling OK – the SWCPA say this is one of the hardest sections of the whole footpath. Met team at Port Quin for a quick coffee in the ‘ghost village’ where all the males in the village were lost in a single fishing disaster many years ago. (All the cottages are holiday occupation only. ) Had lunch with them in Port Issac – where I had some fun with a group of visitors by telling them I had heard that Martin Clunes was in the pub ... good job I was still able to run. Met again at Glebe Cliff at Tintagel and at final checkpoint was at Boscastle. My final stretch was a real struggle – although I was on ‘home territory’ having lived at Crackington years ago, I had forgotten the severity of the climbs – Highcliff at over 700 feet is the highest point on the whole coastpath. Ro and special friend and ex neighbour John were patiently waiting for me outside the Combe Barton pub to take to John and Lin’s house in higher Crackington for a fantastic dinner and B&B! Feeling really tired but another 29 very hilly miles completed. Totals 496 completed – just 134 miles to go!

Cornish Rain at last!

Day 18 – 7th June 2010 Newquay to Polzeath

At last – some proper Cornish rain today! Like it rained horizontally at 30 mph for most of the day. My Ron Hill rain-suit leaked like a sieve – might take it back if can remember where I bought it in 1993. Otherwise quite a good day as route fairly gentle gradients. Team met me at Mawgan Porth for a quick coffee, Porthcothan for lunch and finally at Trevone. They had also seen me run pass Bedruthan Steps where they had a generous reception at the Carnewas Cafe – even supplying 2 wonderful Cornish Pasties for free! After Trevone I ran into Padstow just in time for the ferry across to Rock. Meanwhile Ro and John had arranged an excellent B&B at the Fourways Inn at St. Minver before picking up one tired old man at Polzeath. A long soak in the bath was followed by a first class meal and chat with some very nice people, including Jamie the Landlord who was also kind enough to give us a good discount on the bill. Today’s mileage about 27.

A 'get the miles in while you can' sort of day!

Day 17 – 6th June 2010 Gwithian to Newquay


After thanking Mike's wife at the Gwithian Farm Campsite,I made the most of the ideal weather for running and a slightly less arduous route by covering about 33 miles today. Team met me with support at Porthreath, St. Agnes Head, and Holywell Bay. I also had a pit stop (ice cream and a cold drink) at the beach cafe at Perranporth – where they also made a generous donation to Cancer Research. Ro and John found a good B&B (The Warwick – Russ and and Adele)on the Porth side of Newquay – which means I can start from there again in the morning. The olde poorley legge actually feeling slightly better today! Total distance covered = 441, leaving 189 to the finish.So it's good night from us at the Brook House Inn, Newquay.

Marazion to Gwithian in 2 days by the pretty way...

Day 15 – 4th June 2010 Marazion to Cape Cornwall

Hottest day so far! After a wonderful full English with Peter and Sue (who also made a generous donation to Cancer Research.) I set off at a somewhat modest pace around Penzance Bay seeing John and Ro briefly at Newlyn – where the ever helpful John was assisting a family in a VW camper who had run out of fuel! I continued on a long unsupported stretch after Mousehole, when my ‘fuel’ also ran out - however my spirits were lifted by finding a cafe at Lamorna where I met Geoff and 2 friends who were backpacking sections of the SWCP. They were very interested in my exploits and made a generous donation! The team gave me yet another wonderful welcome break at Porthcurno – all looking very Mediterranean in the hot weather! Next highpoint was Lands End where Ro managed to photograph us next to the official Lands End sign – probably much to the chagrin of the official photographer who has the monopoly and charges £10 for one photograph. Perhaps he didn’t dare object with our Cancer Research banner in view of so many people ... that said we did get free parking. My final jog of the day included trying to be seen on the webcam at Sennen Cove (Neil was checking on line) and the footpath becoming something of a rock climb just after Sennen – just what I needed with my gammy right leg. (Me’ Mum said there would be days like this!) So felt much happier when Ro and John were there to meet me at Cape Cornwall. Got fish ‘n chips in St Just then back to the campsite in Kelynack, again at a discounted price. 27 hot and dusty miles covered today – making nice round figures of 380 miles completed - 250 miles to go. (No Wi-Fi so this will published late)
Day 16 – 5th June 2010 Cape Cornwall to Gwithian
Set off from Cape Cornwall feeling very tired but conditions cooler and better for running. Aware that next stage is reckoned to be one of the hardest and most isolated – so carrying 3 litres of water in rucsac. Got to Pendeen Lighthouse in good time but route finding became more difficult – with signs absent and slight mist covering headlands to make compass work difficult – the inevitable happened and I went almost 2 miles off course! However it did mean that I saw the Team near Zennor for refreshments etc. I met a gentleman called Innis during a brief water stop –yet another generous donation on the road – and am always grateful when it is paper money rather than that very heavy coin stuff! Eventually ran through St. Ives (where Pirate FM had again mentioned my movements) about 1.5 hrs behind schedule before meeting the guys again at Lelant, near Hayle. Final trot of the day was about 4 miles along Gwithian Sands to the Campsite at Gwithian Farm – a nice site where we had stayed in the past during a ‘normal’ holiday. I don’t know if it is because of John and Ro’s increasing skills in appealing to complete strangers or if due to people taking pity on my increasingly extinguished appearance but we got prime pitch absolutely free! And I got special permission to use the only bathroom – usually dedicated to under 5’s only! (No ducks in the bath however.) Ended day with a BBQ and a drop of red wine. Now off to pub down the road – hopefully for free Wi-Fi. By the way, as some have asked – yes I am enjoying the run despite the thigh injury – which is slowly improving. However I do admit that it is proving harder than I imagined ... and I couldn’t continue without Ro and John’s unstinting support and encouragement; and the approx current £4.00 per mile sponsorship sure helps me in the down times – thanks again on behalf of Cancer Research UK to all you generous folks out there! Mileage today 27.5, total completed 407.5, miles to do 222.5.

Gorran to Marazion - Days 12 to 14, June 1st to 3rd

Day 12 – 1st June 2010 Going from Gorran to a place called Place


Set off in miserable weather which fortunately improved through the day. However the going remained especially difficult (and dangerous in places) as much of this section of coast path is very overgrown making the path very difficult to see – unnerving when a 250 foot drop is just to one side; so slow progress until meeting team at Gerrans Bay, Porthscatho, St, Anthony Head and finally at the ferry point at Place. The ‘auld leg’ was still very painful so seemed a good time to see our friend of 20 years – Peter Smith – both in a social and professional capacity. Peter and Gabi kindly prepared a lovely meal for us as well as applying his considerable skills to my muscle pain in my thigh. (This uses ‘Gentle Muscle Release’ – also known as Hyperton-X. Skilful application of this technique actually frees muscles that are too tight – but without pain! In my case it was a case of no pain/plenty gain!} Peter lives south of Truro and can be contacted via pcksmith@talktalk.net and www.pcksmith.com He is a gentleman in every sense of the word. Finally we spent the night at Carnon Downs Campsite – again at a special discounted price. Bad paths and poorly leg meant only about 22 miles today.

Day 13 – 2nd June 2010 Falmouth to Kennack Sands

Team dropped me in Falmouth near to ferry point from Place. Set off at a good pace in fine warm weather as leg feeling good at first! Got to Helford Passage in less than 2 hours where I was met by friends Sharon and Richard! They had arranged to take me across to Helford in their boat! Sharon then ran with me for about 3 miles to St Anthony where there was another river crossing to negotiate at Gillan Creek. As tide was too high for me to wade across Sharon used both her considerable charms and local knowledge to encourage Des to take me across in his boat – a great guy who even ensured I didn’t get my feet wet! Sharon then ran back to Helford whilst I continued on before meeting up with team at Porthoustock and Coverack. Finally ended day slowly (leg still quite painful but Peter’s exercises proving very useful.) at Kennack Sands. Today’s mileage about 28. Then just a mile or so inland to Chy-Carn campsite – where John and Ro had already set up on our free pitch for the night. So many people we meet seem so grateful for our efforts for Cancer Research. Other highlight for today was passing the half way point in 13 days – now 323 miles completed and 307 to do! (But am still concerned me’ old leg may suffer on the more strenuous north coast ... No country for soft men.)

Day 14 – 3rd June 2010 Kennack Sands to Marazion

A Long Limp round the Lizard! Very warm day again – Team first met me at the Lizard – the most southerly point of mainland Britain where Ro and John had been talking to Kat – the lovely RSPB rep who was caring for the resident Choughs, followed by Coverack Quay. Also saw them at Poldhu – where Marconi’s first Atlantic radio message was sent in December 1901! (I am now using the free Wi-Fi in the Godolphin Hotel in Marazion) Got my best welcome when the Borg family and friends joined forces with John and Ro at Praa Sands-all wearing the special Iansbigrun T-shirts! Final leg (in more ways than one!) took me to B&B Chynoweth in uptown Marazion where Peter and Sue has made us most welcome. Will finish now as my Lasagne has just arrived – so it’s good night from me and them! –Oh I forgot – just over 30 miles covered today albeit in slow time.

Fowey to Gorran - with a thigh of relief?

Day 11 – 31st May 2010

A day to test if yesterday’s injury is serious! Felt OK when leaving Chris and Sue’s house – we drove back to near Fowey to restart run ... again with much encouragement from Ro and John! Managed to get to next meeting point at Par Sands feeling ‘sort of OK’. However by the time I got to Porthpean (Location of friend Chris’s Sailing Club) my right thigh was feeling exceedingly dodgey! I pressed on and met team again at Pentewan – by this time I was going exceedingly slow. So after resting (and eating and icepacks on leg etc I decided to continue to Gorran Haven where I finally decided to call it day – met the guys and drove to Boswinger Seaview international Campsite – where Sarah had very kindly agreed to give us a free pitch for the night – on what is probably one of the best sites in the West Country and where we had stayed many times in the past. After a lengthy soak in the bath I joined Ro and John in the camper for an excellent ‘take-away’ from the Camp cafe. The jury is still out on the thigh injury – E.g. whether to take a day off? Running total is now about 274 miles.

A day of 2 halves!

Day 10 – 30 May 2010
Day started really well after leaving Seaton beach in fairly warm weather following one of the nicer parts of the coastal footpath. Was feeling good so ran through Looe at a fairly good pace despite the tourists (Bank holiday Sunday!) Things got even better as I approached Talland Bay – almost all walkers on the path in the opposite direction gave me a cheer and said ‘Well done Ian!!’ It transpired that John and Ro were waiting for me at Talland and had briefed all heading in my direction to look for the ‘runner’! (Good job I was actually running well at the time ...) Had a wonderful welcome at open air cafe at Talland both on arrival and departure! Continued on my way thru’ Polperro towards Fowey but about 4 miles before the Polruan ferry I got a terrific pain in my right thigh which made it very difficult to make any sort of progress downhill. Not a good attribute for the coastal footpath. It was obvious that my day plan to reach Charlestown was no longer possible so I phoned the team who were actually waiting for me across the river at Fowey. (And an even bigger concern to me was that I may not be able to continue at all if the injury proved serious.) However after much care and attention from Ro, John and Chris and Sue (who have kindly provided us with a 2nd night’s stop over.) the pain has subsided – I suspect from experience it may have been severe cramp rather than a pulled muscle – so fingers crossed for tomorrow. Again, we met many kind people today – especially Jamie – master of one of the Fowey river ferries who didn’t want to take any money off Ro and John for their 2 up/down river ferry trips. I even travelled free again on the Polruan/Fowey ferry. The ‘injury’ has meant I am now approximately 10 miles down on my schedule – but plenty of time to go and it is more important to keep the old body in one piece. Finally back to C&S’s house for a relaxing bath and a second excellent meal!

Day 9 - Plymouth to near Looe

Day 9 – 29 May 2010

We were all woken early by the noise of the first rain since the trip began. Decided to leave site early to beat the early Plymouth Bank holiday traffic and had breakfast in car park near Mountbatten Fort. My morning route included running around Plymouth Docklands, past the Barbican and the Hoe until meeting the Cremyl Ferry at the far side of Plymouth waterfront. Again met some good people on the ferry – a young guy on a cycling trip insisted on paying my fare as well as a contribution to Cancer Research and another kind gent who had himself walked parts of the SWCP donated £10. As I landed on Cornish soil for the first time I realised that my rucsac was still carrying the Devon flag! (Team had hoped to meet me near the Hoe to exchange flags but they claim ‘I was too fast for them’.) We met up again when I was passing through Kingsand & Cawsand and again at Portwrinkle before finishing for the day at Seaton (not the Devon one!) A reasonable 25 miles today considering the Cornish ‘sideways’ rain most of the day. Finally back to our good friends Chris and Sue’s cottage near Bodmin for a luxury bath for me and dinner, B&B for all! Wonderful!

Run 1/3rd completed after 8 days ....

Day 6 – 26 May 2010

Left B&B in Paignton with larger pack than normal as Team having to get Ro to hospital in Barnstaple today. Weather still fine but thankfully cooler for running. My route included interesting jog through Brixham, Berry Head and a ferry crossing from Kingswear to Dartmouth. (no charge!). Welcome break at cafe at Dartmouth Castle – was running out of drinks by then. Extra mileage around Stoke Fleming etc – another footpath diversion before finally meeting the ever reliable John at Blackpool Sands – very friendly people – gave John free parking and us both free coffees! Decided to end day there as we had to find a campsite as well as driving north to meet dear friends Chris and Sue who had taken Ro up to Barnstaple. A mammoth trip for them from their home near Bodmin. ( All went well ‘up north’, Ro’s arm is mending nicely, and they even found time to check in at home for some more ‘computer printing’, call in the Cancer Research Shop for updating and finally buy yours truly another Ron Hill running shirt.) Finally ended day with wonderful meal at the Deer Park pub adjacent to the Camping and Caravanning Club site at Stoke Fleming. We were served by Martin Bolton who is not only an excellent cyclist and expert with carbon fibre materials, he is well-known in SW sailing circles and a good friend of our friend Steve White who did so well in the Vendee Globe circumnavigation race last year. Finally – thanks to Janet the ‘plaster nurse’ at Barnstaple Hospital who both treated her so well and ensured our trip wasn’t delayed too much! And a very special thank you again to Sue and Chris.
(posting delayed – no Wi-Fi)

Day 7 – 27 May 2010

Team dropped me at southern end of Blackpool Sands and encouraged me to get my old legs moving again! Weather still sunny but a cooler breeze making running more pleasant. Was greeted with a cup of coffee as I ‘sped’ through Torcross beach/Slapton Sands car park where so many US servicemen so tragically lost their lives during training in WWII. For the next couple hours I followed the coast path past Start Point – a really pleasant section in ideal conditions before arriving at the ferry point for Salcombe. John and Ro had arranged a wonderful reception for me by all customers sitting outside at the Ferry Inn as I got off the ferry. Another very nice ferryman again refused to let me pay! A pint of shandy later I climbed yet another hill out of Salcombe – the team met me again at Hope Cove and finally at the River Avon ferry point at Bantham. A good day overall – first week completed, total mileage 189, daily average 27 miles and over a quarter of SW Coastal path completed. We ended the day at C&C camp site at California Cross near Modbury. Again, Ro managed to cook us a wonderful Pasta meal with her one good hand whilst John did the washing up ... before retiring to a very cold tent – a very gallant gentleman indeed!
(Again, delayed Blog publishing as no Wi-Fi.)


Day 8 – 28 May 2010

A day made difficult by river crossings as well the very narrow lanes causing access problems for John and Ro. I started the day from near Bigbury-on-sea and had a reasonable run to the Erme estuary ... where there is no ferry – so the choice is either to take an inland diversion of an extra 8 miles (630 miles is enough for anyone!) or to wade across! As the tide was out I chose the latter – tying shoes to my rucsac but taking great care with my so far reliable feet on the stony river bottom. All went OK but was aware that about ½ hour was taken from my day. Due to poor phone reception I was unable to update the team with my progress until just before arriving at Noss Mayo where they were parked on the harbour beach – tide still out fortunately. No ferry was available at that time so they drove round the Yealm estuary and dropped me off again on the other side for me to continue my final session of the day to the outskirts of Plymouth. A shorter day than normal – only about 23 miles or so. However it was enough to complete one third of total distance in 8 days. We spent the night at Riverside Campsite, Marsh Mills, Plymouth where the lovely Rachel insisted our 3 excellent meals were 'on the house'. We seem to meet so many kind and thoughtful people every day on this trip! Still no Wi-Fi on site but am going to try a coffee at Macdonalds and use their Wi-Fi near here to update the Blog. Final note – both Ro and John doing their best to keep me going – have re-named John as Mr Motivator!

Days 4 & 5 - Gad it's hot!

Day 4 – 24 May 2010
Gad it’s hot. West Bay/Bridport to Sidmouth today – another marathon in the bank and a Mars bar in the stomach! Hottest day so far, a very difficult day. Team met me 3 times with water and moral support. Bought ice cream at beachside cafe late afternoon – she said ‘too hot for walking?’ I replied ‘I’m actually running 630 miles for Cancer Research ...’ – she then gave me £5. 10 mins later I met a Canadian walker on the footpath who gave me £3. John and Ro were also finding so many kind and generous people on the road; perhaps most notably in Seaton where the retired Mayoress and her husband asked them into their garden on the seafront where they were awaiting my arrival. They provided tea, coffee and biscuits – what a lovely couple – and both well into their 90’s! The heat started to get to me – I was joined by Noel Coward singing ‘Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun’ all afternoon! He just wouldn’t shut up. My sanity returned when our overnight stop and meals were kindly provided by John’s relation, Do, in Whimple, near Exeter. Wonderful hospitality and a much needed soak in the bath for me!

Day 5 – 25 May 2010
After a good breakfast at Do’s house, the A team dropped me back at Sidmouth to continue my weary way to Torbay, meeting me en route at Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Teignmouth and Babbacombe. Today’s trip also included 2 river crossings – at Exmouth and Teignmouth. Very nice ferryman at the latter who took me across for no charge! Weather still hot but more humid than yesterday so I slowed down a lot through the afternoon; despite this managed to complete another 30 miles today before ‘shuffling’ into Paignton where Ro and John had found a ‘good value’ B&B’. During evening meal we planned how to get Ro to her hospital appointment at Barnstaple tomorrow afternoon – life is never simple is it!

Day 3 – 23 May 2010
An even hotter day today but my son-in-law Neil very kindly joined me for the first 15 miles from Portland Bill Lighthouse to Abbotsbury. Really good to have company on this part of the route although fairly flat, is not exactly the most scenic. The King family then saw me off on my own again for the final stage of the day to West Bay, Bridport. Another 26 miles under the belt. Spent night camped at West Bay Holiday Park (Wi-Fi available – but only in the bar – shame!) Ro had earlier cooked a wonderful pasta meal with one hand! Great to get support from the family - they had travelled all the way from Surrey for just 1 night's camping.

First 2 days completed!

Thurs 20th May Both tired after printing T-shirts at 2:30 am! Still packing Campervan when John arrived from Pangbourne but with his help we managed to get on the road by 14:30 and arrived at Millbrook just after 18:00. Good trip down with John driving the camper. Ro making good progress with the broken arm – probably helped by enjoying John’s and my reminiscences about our RAF days in the 60’s! (?) After checking in we finally had an ‘eve of run’ celebratory meal in Swanage. Good food, good company, good weather!

Friday 21st May Leaving the Millbrook guest house in Swanage to get to start of run at South Haven Point. Bob and Lynn (Jones) at Millbrook were very generous in both supporting our cause and giving us a good send-off on top of an excellent breakfast before setting off to South Haven Point. On arrival at start we were amazed to find our good friend Keith, who had travelled all the way from London just to see me finally setting off at 10:30 He stayed with John and Ro until the afternoon – after joining in the welcome for me arriving in Swanage at about 11:45.
All 3 of them had encouraged others to cheer me on and to donate generously to the cause before I continued on my way about 12:15. Weather was quite warm – I ran out of drinking water about ½ hour before my arrival in Kimmeridge Bay at about 15:45. A very enjoyable and relatively easy first day of about 22 miles (in fact because of the Lulworth Army Firing Ranges the next section of the path is closed until 09:00 Saturday.) We then set up camp at a farm site just inland at Steeple where we enjoyed a BBQ , warm evening sunshine and the news that we wouldn’t be charged for our stay! John kindly volunteered to be the first to test the new tent!

Sat May 22nd – Day two of run
Steeple Leaze Campsite refused to let us pay! Brilliant. I then left left Kimmerage Bay 10:00 en route for Lulworth, Weymouth etc. Weather warm and sunny but with cooling breeze on cliff path. John and Ro met me with more water at Lulworth about 11:45 – after a 20min break I continued on my way; team also met me at both Osmington Bay and at Weymouth – excellent support! I finally ended the day about 17:30 at Portland Bill Lighthouse where I had a tremendous reception by all at the outdoor cafe! Today’s mileage about 31 – bringing my average back on the 26 mile daily target. Final surprise was Sam, Neil, Alexander, Yasminka and Liberty joining us at Bagwell Farm Campsite – where I had luxury of a bath, followed by all having a great meal at campsite cafe!

Appeal for support driver successful!

Following yesterdays appeal many kind offers came forward to help following my wife's (and mentor/coach) accident at the weekend. My old pal, John Morgan has very kindly offered to leave the big city life and give us 2 weeks of his valuable time to drive our campervan in pursuit of this old jogger - my wife's prayers were answered today! (John and I were in the RAF together when Pontious was a pilot.)

Hopefully 2 weeks will see me past the slightly more awkward (especially in terms of the 11 river crossings) south coast area to progress to the simpler but more rugged North coast - with which I am much more familiar ...

Managed a hilly but slow 2 hour training run today. Hoping 'me little legs will be ready for the big start at South Haven Point on Friday.

Just back home in Devon following travelling to Derbyshire for the Funeral/Celebration of Life of my dear brother-in-law Jon.
Only time for one run and some walking for training in last few days but I thought it was perhaps a good idea to increase my 'fat stores' for the 4 week effort to come?

The bad news is I have lost my planned main support for the run at the last moment. My wife, Ro, had a very bad fall in the shower just before the funeral - this meant 2 days in Derby Royal hospital to repair a badly broken forearm which will prevent her driving for many weeks. Depending on support for her at home in Devon I am considering ways of still starting the run on Friday 21st May; we are very reluctant to delay or postpone the run - it is most important to keep the inertia going especially in terms of the fund-raising which is going very well so far ... It may mean me setting off from Poole harbour 'unsupported', at least initially. I may carry a bigger pack which would include a small bivvy tent in addition to the usual spare clothes, food and water for the day. Please watch this space!

Todays training run: Caught bus to Ifracombe (boo-hoo - had to pay £3.60 as was before 0930 when free rides for oldies kicks in!) then ran to Lynmouth. Quite strenuous but very scenic - especially around Heddon's Mouth. Including diversions and jog home from bus station(!) about 21 hilly miles ... note photo showing rather apt hoarding in Lynmouth! (Taken with my £19 Medion Camera from Sainsburys.)

Donations still coming in - now at £926 - 31% of target! Grateful thanks to all on behalf of Cancer Research UK - please remember - this challenge is not about me but is about trying to eradicate 'the Big C'.

Fund Raising Promotion

Just few walks today to rest (?) before long day tomorrow. Got 2nd pair of Nike Redrock trail shoes, shorts and T-shirt at Apex Sports - they also agreed to post the promotional posters in the shop; Also spent much time promoting Cancer Research UK - including the Cancer Research Shop, the main Library, the Leisure Centre and Devon Outdoor Co Ltd - who had discounted the tent earlier. Deal of the day was with Sainsburys - gave me a gift voucher to cover cost of a box of 24 Energy Gels as well as agreeing to advertise the run. Bought 5 T-shirts and DIY printing etc. (still waiting for promised promotional material from Cancer Research UK fundraising people.)Many people had seen the article in local paper.

Following on from a 3 hours training run yesterday, ran for 6 hours today plus 45 minute breaks en route, going on the coast path from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe. (about 28 miles with first 10 being flat) ... Bus pass very useful to get back home! Carried 2 litres of water but needed to re-fill at Lee bay. MP3 player useful for the initial boring bit araound Braunton.

Easy 3 hour jog around Barnstaple but included 630 foot Codden hill. Felt good and not tired. Have found that Pasta before longs runs always helps as well as an 'energy gel' and water every hour or so. With 2 weeks to go am planning an all day run - probably tomorrow.
My run is now receiving local publicity including a fairly prominent article in today's North Devon Journal which thankfully gave link to the justgiving website. Unfortunately however, they had gone to press before the news of Jon's death.
A very generous payment of £200 was added today - equivalent to 32p per mile, raising the total to 18% of the target! Very generous, especially as I have noted that most folks think I am quite mad! (My target if achieved, will mean £4.76 per mile - now that should spur me on when really tired!)

Ran for just over 3 hours today - went well but ground now very dry and previously muddy paths now 'ankle-turning territory' - so taking great care. Am breaking-in 2 pairs of trail running shoes for the main run - but now suspect I will need 3 pairs especially if the ground stays dry and hard.

So far a fantastic response to the Cancer appeal - 11% of the target amount in the first 12 hours of release of same on the internet! Many thanks to all of you. One was for 10p a mile! Also have had a very kind offer of B&B - including picking up from the day's 'stop point' on the path - will be very welcome as will have run over 500 miles by that point! Reminds me of a song ... "If you miss the train I'm on ...." (please don't sing Ian - Ed.)

Still thinking a lot about my dear brother-in-law, Jon. He was so special to me - many fine 'fun family' memories as well as his songs continue to motivate me.

Resting today after a very sad day yesterday - my dear brother-in-law Jon Robertson finally lost his fight with cancer. But we all believe he has gone to a better place. My dear sister Bernie agreed that I will now dedicate my 630 mile run to his loving memory. I now have his wonderful singing voice on my mp3 player to listen to during the run - I feel sure this will help to motivate me. (He passed away whilst I was completing a 4 hour training run on hills between Bideford and Barnstaple.)

Still training - 3 weeks to go! Completed the annual 'Clovelly Crawler' run today (May 1st) with runners from Bideford AAC followed by a jog back to home ... total about 23 miles. Faster clubmates very patient with my slower pace due to heavy training schedule as well as usual excuses like being quite old and overweight!

Ian's current progress on the 630 mile run!