At 2300hrs on Thursday 17th September 2009, 7 runners completed the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. The team have completed the 714km run from the Eternal city to the millionaire’s playground.
Team run initially planned to circumnavigate ‘route 1’ around Iceland. Upon the realisation that this task may prove too great the team decided on the 714km between the worlds smallest countries of Vatican City and Monaco. The team have endured physical and mental exhaustion. This exhaustion has been laced with pain, sore knees, blisters, sunburn and other obstacles to reach the finish line.
Now that the finish line has been reached, the team are having some well earned R&R. We are now camped in the foothills of the Alps, looking out over Monaco. Some are sleeping, others reading, or showering, blogging - whatever we do today, we’ll certainly avoid running. The last 6 days have not only been a challenge but an adventure. Many things we were prepared for, several others we weren’t. One thing is for sure – it was exciting from start to finish.
Committed sponsorship as of today stands at just over £4,600. With several hundred being promised upon completion of the run, we are confident the £5,000 target will be reached very soon. To all have supported and sponsored us we thank you immensely. What could have been a silly idea is made worthwhile through the support of others. This support also provides the vehicle for CRASH to further extend their work with homeless people within the UK.
From crashes and abductions on the first day, to searing heat only eclipsed by the searing pain, Team Run have done what they said they would do. Now we will enjoy the many delights of the French Riviera, relax, recover and have a few beers as we plan for next year.
Team Run 2009 went the distance. Roll on 2010.
Friday 18 September 2009
Thursday 17 September 2009
Final Day - Half way blog
It’s the final day of our epic adventure. As a group hopes are high. We are all meeting up in the early evening to pound the final four kilometres on Monaco’s famous racing circuit. We’ve all enjoyed a great start to the day, treated to a final day lie in and enjoying a breakfast of fine coffee and tasty brioche. Glorious. However as we’ve set about our running tasks as individuals we’re all having mildly different experiences, but all are mixed with stunning views of the French/Italian Riveria;
Cupcake, has enjoyed a cruise along the sun soaked coastline, his aviator sunglasses masking his wayward glances and his bare torso attracting the attentions of the local ladies.
GUPO is suffering. Like all members of team run our esteemed tax consultant is no stranger to pain. Rupert is popping more pills than that guy doing the big box little box dance in the middle of Liverpool Street. These drugs are legal. Team Run say no to untaxed remedies.
The White Kenyon is hitting the factor 50 hard. The harsh sun battering the fair skinned Watson with more heat then a Vindaloo the morning after. However, living up to his name sake, the White Kenyan shows no sign of stopping.
AG struggled through 8km this morning, his thighs tighter than GUPO’s lycra (which is VERY tight and somewhat unsightly in the morning). With 12km to go AG has enjoyed his first Gellatti of the day and is looking forward to crossing that finish line whilst listening to Virgin Radio’s ‘soft rock’.
GK’s Scottish ancestors would roll about in their graves at the thought of their descendant’s labours in the 32 degrees of Italian sunshine. With a bandanna and knee support GK hopes to create some interesting tan lines and is looking forward to capping off the final 12km in slightly less oppressive heat.
Shannon and RT are currently missing in action. Presumed alive for the time being.
At this time, the team collectively have about 60K until the magical final figure is reached. With the hills of Monaco looming, the journey from the Eternal City to the Playboy Capital, from purity to disgrace, is almost complete.
Cupcake, has enjoyed a cruise along the sun soaked coastline, his aviator sunglasses masking his wayward glances and his bare torso attracting the attentions of the local ladies.
GUPO is suffering. Like all members of team run our esteemed tax consultant is no stranger to pain. Rupert is popping more pills than that guy doing the big box little box dance in the middle of Liverpool Street. These drugs are legal. Team Run say no to untaxed remedies.
The White Kenyon is hitting the factor 50 hard. The harsh sun battering the fair skinned Watson with more heat then a Vindaloo the morning after. However, living up to his name sake, the White Kenyan shows no sign of stopping.
AG struggled through 8km this morning, his thighs tighter than GUPO’s lycra (which is VERY tight and somewhat unsightly in the morning). With 12km to go AG has enjoyed his first Gellatti of the day and is looking forward to crossing that finish line whilst listening to Virgin Radio’s ‘soft rock’.
GK’s Scottish ancestors would roll about in their graves at the thought of their descendant’s labours in the 32 degrees of Italian sunshine. With a bandanna and knee support GK hopes to create some interesting tan lines and is looking forward to capping off the final 12km in slightly less oppressive heat.
Shannon and RT are currently missing in action. Presumed alive for the time being.
At this time, the team collectively have about 60K until the magical final figure is reached. With the hills of Monaco looming, the journey from the Eternal City to the Playboy Capital, from purity to disgrace, is almost complete.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Day 4 – Vernazza to Savona
NOTE: Tomorrow, Thursday, is Rupert Guppy’s 25th birthday. Please wish him a very happy birthday. Please do not send him a text, as it’s pointless. When involved in the Day 1 crash, Rupert Guppy was forced to do an extreme dive roll over a burning inferno of a car to save Nick Watson from certain death. In the process he lost his phone.*
1 day of running left. Or 80% complete for the mathematically inclined.
Team 1 were morning team today, and set off to the start point at the incredibly beautiful & UNESCO World Heritage listed Vernazza. A lovely spot to set off from. RT and SM nursing their injured knees set off at pace along the hiking tracks of the Cinque Terre, doing their best to avoid the happy hikers casually strolling along the picturesque paths. When RT & SM were finished, GK and then AG followed soon after. They both had considerable hills to climb. In fact both of their runs involved a near 500m ascent, followed by a 500m descent. Over a 10k route. That’s 1 in 10 slope. A huge effort from both runners. Morning teams other 10K routes were slightly less unforgiving – but still provided an awesome challenge to finish the day.
Team 2 had the slightly flatter area closer to Genoa to traverse. They also have the runners who are faring better and still consistently putting in below 50 minute times – an excellent effort from Team 2. As Cupcake was nearing completion of one of his sub-50 times, GUPO and White Kenyon had an awesome idea. Shortly before Cupcake had commenced his run, there had been a tropical-style storm that had dumped an enormous amount of water. This drained away but puddles remained by the side of the road. GUPO and White Kenyon realised that with a well timed push of the accelerator, they could drive through the puddle at the exact moment Cupcake was running past it. This they did. Cupcake had a less comfortable final 2 kilometers.
When all finished we gathered together again and ate. A quick note about team runs diet. It goes something like:
Typical breakfast – Several croissants filled with chocolate. Breakfast bars. Espresso (x2).
Lunch 1 – Croissant. Haribo. Gatorade. Breadsticks.
Lunch 2 – Croissant. Chocolate bar. Banana. Haribo. Breadsticks.
Afternoon tea – Croissant with ham & cheese. Apple. Espresso.
Dinner – Pizza and/or pasta. Possibly 2 servings.
Dessert – 1 double scoop Gelati/Ice cream
This diet has been followed almost religiously for the previous 5 days. Probably around 5,000 calories per day.
As team run sat around the table eating pizza & pasta we discussed out progress thus far. A strange this is happening to several members of the team. The running actually seems to be getting easier. This is not all members as some members have picked up injuries along the way that are getting progressively worse as the trip goes on. With one day to go though, and a measly 20K to bust out, its all go. No holding back tomorrow.
*This fact is fabricated. Guppy has however lost his phone.
1 day of running left. Or 80% complete for the mathematically inclined.
Team 1 were morning team today, and set off to the start point at the incredibly beautiful & UNESCO World Heritage listed Vernazza. A lovely spot to set off from. RT and SM nursing their injured knees set off at pace along the hiking tracks of the Cinque Terre, doing their best to avoid the happy hikers casually strolling along the picturesque paths. When RT & SM were finished, GK and then AG followed soon after. They both had considerable hills to climb. In fact both of their runs involved a near 500m ascent, followed by a 500m descent. Over a 10k route. That’s 1 in 10 slope. A huge effort from both runners. Morning teams other 10K routes were slightly less unforgiving – but still provided an awesome challenge to finish the day.
Team 2 had the slightly flatter area closer to Genoa to traverse. They also have the runners who are faring better and still consistently putting in below 50 minute times – an excellent effort from Team 2. As Cupcake was nearing completion of one of his sub-50 times, GUPO and White Kenyon had an awesome idea. Shortly before Cupcake had commenced his run, there had been a tropical-style storm that had dumped an enormous amount of water. This drained away but puddles remained by the side of the road. GUPO and White Kenyon realised that with a well timed push of the accelerator, they could drive through the puddle at the exact moment Cupcake was running past it. This they did. Cupcake had a less comfortable final 2 kilometers.
When all finished we gathered together again and ate. A quick note about team runs diet. It goes something like:
Typical breakfast – Several croissants filled with chocolate. Breakfast bars. Espresso (x2).
Lunch 1 – Croissant. Haribo. Gatorade. Breadsticks.
Lunch 2 – Croissant. Chocolate bar. Banana. Haribo. Breadsticks.
Afternoon tea – Croissant with ham & cheese. Apple. Espresso.
Dinner – Pizza and/or pasta. Possibly 2 servings.
Dessert – 1 double scoop Gelati/Ice cream
This diet has been followed almost religiously for the previous 5 days. Probably around 5,000 calories per day.
As team run sat around the table eating pizza & pasta we discussed out progress thus far. A strange this is happening to several members of the team. The running actually seems to be getting easier. This is not all members as some members have picked up injuries along the way that are getting progressively worse as the trip goes on. With one day to go though, and a measly 20K to bust out, its all go. No holding back tomorrow.
*This fact is fabricated. Guppy has however lost his phone.
Day 3 – Castiglioncello to Vernazza
Day 3 has seen team run go through some of the most picturesque places in the world – only problem being that we’re in a bit too much pain to enjoy it fully. As you’re running, tunnel vision sets in, with the sole thing on the mind being fighting through the Ks.
Nevertheless, we have ran through some amazing places. Morning team, being Cupcake, White Kenyon and GUPO, had the job of running from Castiglioncello to just past Pisa. Their route saw them pass through Tuscan landscapes before traversing through Pisa. Of course, the obligatory photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa was taken.
The afternoon team had the pleasure of a picturesque seaside run through pleasant Marinas and the sea air spurred the team on to complete the 80k for the day, with SM and AG even sneaking in an hour of sunbathing between runs.
With the afternoon team in high spirits, having completed day 3 & 60% of the run, the drive to the campsite begun. Once again the team’s sense of direction and general map reading ability came into question. However, it did lead the team through the Cirque Terre. A very beautiful drive ensued. The curvy, hilly roads gave SM the ideal chance to test his rally driving skills. It also gave AG car sickness. The views over the Cinque Terre were amazing.
The teams reunited at the campsite and enjoyed some campfire pasta, and a bit of a chat before being shushed by the cabin adjacent the tents.
End of Day 3, a little sorer but all the more positive for being over half way, with everyone having done the requisite distance. Some however, are faring better then others.
Injury list:
Knackered left knees x 3 – SM, GK, RT
Significant blistering – RT, AG, RG
Mystery foot problem, possibly bone fracture - RT
NOTE: Apologies for those who were expecting photos. Plenty have been taken but unfortunately we have no way of getting them from the camera to the World Wide Web. As soon as we get back we will be sure to get them uploaded.
Nevertheless, we have ran through some amazing places. Morning team, being Cupcake, White Kenyon and GUPO, had the job of running from Castiglioncello to just past Pisa. Their route saw them pass through Tuscan landscapes before traversing through Pisa. Of course, the obligatory photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa was taken.
The afternoon team had the pleasure of a picturesque seaside run through pleasant Marinas and the sea air spurred the team on to complete the 80k for the day, with SM and AG even sneaking in an hour of sunbathing between runs.
With the afternoon team in high spirits, having completed day 3 & 60% of the run, the drive to the campsite begun. Once again the team’s sense of direction and general map reading ability came into question. However, it did lead the team through the Cirque Terre. A very beautiful drive ensued. The curvy, hilly roads gave SM the ideal chance to test his rally driving skills. It also gave AG car sickness. The views over the Cinque Terre were amazing.
The teams reunited at the campsite and enjoyed some campfire pasta, and a bit of a chat before being shushed by the cabin adjacent the tents.
End of Day 3, a little sorer but all the more positive for being over half way, with everyone having done the requisite distance. Some however, are faring better then others.
Injury list:
Knackered left knees x 3 – SM, GK, RT
Significant blistering – RT, AG, RG
Mystery foot problem, possibly bone fracture - RT
NOTE: Apologies for those who were expecting photos. Plenty have been taken but unfortunately we have no way of getting them from the camera to the World Wide Web. As soon as we get back we will be sure to get them uploaded.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Day 2 - Orbetello to Castiglioncello
Day 2, an altogether less eventful day then day 1. Fortuneately for Team Run and their wallets, no more car accidents of note occured... Although GK managed to put the smallest of dints in the front of the car as he drove the car into a ditch on the side of the road.
Team 1, consisting of GK, SM, AG, & RT took the mantle of morning team and set off early, looking to complete their stint at a reasonable hour to meet the afternoon team. This didn't really happen. Upon realising we had eaten very little that morning, we decided a trip into Grosseto was necessary, along with a visit to the supermercato. 3 and a half hours after setting off, morning team had completed a less then satisfactory 15 km. Not good. At least we had food.
Given morning teams tardiness, it was decided afternoon team would set off from the pre-agreed meeting point prior to morning team arriving. This was not a decision taken easily, as many members of the team felt that this slightly diminished the idea that we were doing a 'relay'. Nevertheless, safety issues involved with running late at night dictated that this was the decision that must be made.
Afternoon team commenced their run. Few problems were encountered and Cupcake, Guppy and Nick 'White Kenyon' Watson had few issues with completing their 20K each for the day. They found their way to the local campsite and arrived minutes before morning team turned up.
Team 1 had left the campsite 4 hours earlier then Team 2. Why had morning team taken so long to arrive - apart from there trip to the supermercato? Some would argue its because of their lack of map usage. Others would argue its due to their lack of ability to read maps. Either way, Italy has managed to throw up a few obstacles. One in particular is the heavy usage of one-way streets. As AG passed through Fallonica, team car was diverted along a series of overly complex one way streets, taking us far from where AG was running. As McKenzie drove, GK directed us back to where AG should be. When it became apparent that we were miles away from anywhere AG would be, McKenzie politely asked, 'are we hoping AG will turn up here?' The response from GK was a sharp as it was direct. 'This isn't as easy as it looks' (large amounts of inappropriate language has been omitted from the quote) GK snapped. A few phone calls and a little driving later we were happily re-united with our much loved poster boy.
Once back at the campsite, all were a little tighter and sorer. The first 2 days have not been as easy as team run may have thought. We are all sore, with a couple of us limping significantly already. We must however, fight on.
Day 2 complete.
Team 1, consisting of GK, SM, AG, & RT took the mantle of morning team and set off early, looking to complete their stint at a reasonable hour to meet the afternoon team. This didn't really happen. Upon realising we had eaten very little that morning, we decided a trip into Grosseto was necessary, along with a visit to the supermercato. 3 and a half hours after setting off, morning team had completed a less then satisfactory 15 km. Not good. At least we had food.
Given morning teams tardiness, it was decided afternoon team would set off from the pre-agreed meeting point prior to morning team arriving. This was not a decision taken easily, as many members of the team felt that this slightly diminished the idea that we were doing a 'relay'. Nevertheless, safety issues involved with running late at night dictated that this was the decision that must be made.
Afternoon team commenced their run. Few problems were encountered and Cupcake, Guppy and Nick 'White Kenyon' Watson had few issues with completing their 20K each for the day. They found their way to the local campsite and arrived minutes before morning team turned up.
Team 1 had left the campsite 4 hours earlier then Team 2. Why had morning team taken so long to arrive - apart from there trip to the supermercato? Some would argue its because of their lack of map usage. Others would argue its due to their lack of ability to read maps. Either way, Italy has managed to throw up a few obstacles. One in particular is the heavy usage of one-way streets. As AG passed through Fallonica, team car was diverted along a series of overly complex one way streets, taking us far from where AG was running. As McKenzie drove, GK directed us back to where AG should be. When it became apparent that we were miles away from anywhere AG would be, McKenzie politely asked, 'are we hoping AG will turn up here?' The response from GK was a sharp as it was direct. 'This isn't as easy as it looks' (large amounts of inappropriate language has been omitted from the quote) GK snapped. A few phone calls and a little driving later we were happily re-united with our much loved poster boy.
Once back at the campsite, all were a little tighter and sorer. The first 2 days have not been as easy as team run may have thought. We are all sore, with a couple of us limping significantly already. We must however, fight on.
Day 2 complete.
Monday 14 September 2009
Day 1 - Vatican City to Orbetello
5.30am the alarm bells rang. Team Run lept out of bed, into their cars and down to the Vatican City for the commencement of the 714km across Italy & France. The kit – looking brilliant with team sponsors - was handed out, photos were taken inside St Peter’s Square and then Chris Pateman-Jones AKA Cupcake, took the first steps of the run.
Morning team took off whilst Afternoon team took to a local Roman Café and enjoyed an espresso. The enjoyment was short-lived, as afternoon team returned to their hire car to discover a tasty ding had been deposited by an Italian with a questionable sense of direction. Morning team, not to be outdone by Afternoon Team, then got involved in a rather serious CRASH.
The Crash
Cupcake, Watson & Guppy (who is now sporting a fine looking pencil moustache), had completed each of their first individual 10 Ks. Cupcake was on his 2nd 10 K, 5 K in when up ahead he saw one car veer into another. It was a spectacular looking crash, made all the more dramatic when Cupcake realised it was in fact Morning Teams Ford C-Max that had been T-boned by a local. The local females car was a write off, whilst the Ford C-Max and considerable damage done to the front wings. It was at this point that Morning team remembered back to the discussion at the Hertz hire car depo in Nice.
Hertz - “Would you like excess cover?”
Team Run – “How much?”
Hertz – “105 Euro per car”
Team Run – “What’s our exposure if we don’t take the excess cover?”
Hertz - “1200 Euros per car”
Team Run – “OK, we’ll take the risk”
How silly that seemed now. Morning team, having considerable difficulty with the local Italian speaking police, did their best to explain the crash, which was entirely not their own fault. Following on from their discussions with the police and with Hertz, Morning team took a 60 Euro taxi ride to the nearest airport to pick up a new car. The whole episode took half the day to sort out. They nevertheless returned to the site of the crash and completed the remaining 25 K.
The Abduction
Afternoon team, upon hearing of the crash, decided it was best to commence their running from the pre-agreed changeover point. McKenzie started proceedings, followed by AG, followed by GK, followed by a dress wearing Richard Tipping. It was agreed before the trip, that the person with the slowest time from the day before would wear the dress – duly purchased from petticoat lane market. You could not wear the dress twice.
Aside from some map issues and an irate Italian farmer, confused as to why we had driven straight into his property, all had gone well. McKenzie & AG completed their second leg in temperatures nearing mid 30s and then GK commenced his 10K. That is when it happened. The car drove 3 km ahead of GK, perched themselves on top a hill where they could see every possible way GK could go. Like a stealth bomber, GK avoided the car occupants eagle eye and ran on. The car occupants were confused. How could GK have got past?? Well he couldn’t of said the car occupants. He must have been hit by a car… or maybe abducted, or maybe he’s gone off-road. McKenzie, AG & Tipping drove around for a good hour stressed that something terrible thing had happened to GK. On the hour, when we had all but given up hope, there he was, standing by the side of the road about 8 km ahead of the meeting point. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The Reunion
The cars re-united. Tipping commenced his 2nd 10 K, the final 10K of the day. Afternoon team drove off to catch him, before Morning team put in a polite phone call… It was Cupcake who politely asked ‘Are you aware that your boot is open?’. We weren’t, so were grateful for his innocent question. Team spirits were high as Day 1 neared completion. Tipping, in pain, was motivated to completion by the team yelling out messages via the team megaphone.
The run was completed. We were all rather sore, having found that Day 1s running was actually very difficult. We decided to reward our efforts we would travel into Orbetello and enjoy copious amounts of pizza followed by an ever-so-tasty Italian ice cream.
Day 1 complete. Only 4 to go.
Morning team took off whilst Afternoon team took to a local Roman Café and enjoyed an espresso. The enjoyment was short-lived, as afternoon team returned to their hire car to discover a tasty ding had been deposited by an Italian with a questionable sense of direction. Morning team, not to be outdone by Afternoon Team, then got involved in a rather serious CRASH.
The Crash
Cupcake, Watson & Guppy (who is now sporting a fine looking pencil moustache), had completed each of their first individual 10 Ks. Cupcake was on his 2nd 10 K, 5 K in when up ahead he saw one car veer into another. It was a spectacular looking crash, made all the more dramatic when Cupcake realised it was in fact Morning Teams Ford C-Max that had been T-boned by a local. The local females car was a write off, whilst the Ford C-Max and considerable damage done to the front wings. It was at this point that Morning team remembered back to the discussion at the Hertz hire car depo in Nice.
Hertz - “Would you like excess cover?”
Team Run – “How much?”
Hertz – “105 Euro per car”
Team Run – “What’s our exposure if we don’t take the excess cover?”
Hertz - “1200 Euros per car”
Team Run – “OK, we’ll take the risk”
How silly that seemed now. Morning team, having considerable difficulty with the local Italian speaking police, did their best to explain the crash, which was entirely not their own fault. Following on from their discussions with the police and with Hertz, Morning team took a 60 Euro taxi ride to the nearest airport to pick up a new car. The whole episode took half the day to sort out. They nevertheless returned to the site of the crash and completed the remaining 25 K.
The Abduction
Afternoon team, upon hearing of the crash, decided it was best to commence their running from the pre-agreed changeover point. McKenzie started proceedings, followed by AG, followed by GK, followed by a dress wearing Richard Tipping. It was agreed before the trip, that the person with the slowest time from the day before would wear the dress – duly purchased from petticoat lane market. You could not wear the dress twice.
Aside from some map issues and an irate Italian farmer, confused as to why we had driven straight into his property, all had gone well. McKenzie & AG completed their second leg in temperatures nearing mid 30s and then GK commenced his 10K. That is when it happened. The car drove 3 km ahead of GK, perched themselves on top a hill where they could see every possible way GK could go. Like a stealth bomber, GK avoided the car occupants eagle eye and ran on. The car occupants were confused. How could GK have got past?? Well he couldn’t of said the car occupants. He must have been hit by a car… or maybe abducted, or maybe he’s gone off-road. McKenzie, AG & Tipping drove around for a good hour stressed that something terrible thing had happened to GK. On the hour, when we had all but given up hope, there he was, standing by the side of the road about 8 km ahead of the meeting point. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The Reunion
The cars re-united. Tipping commenced his 2nd 10 K, the final 10K of the day. Afternoon team drove off to catch him, before Morning team put in a polite phone call… It was Cupcake who politely asked ‘Are you aware that your boot is open?’. We weren’t, so were grateful for his innocent question. Team spirits were high as Day 1 neared completion. Tipping, in pain, was motivated to completion by the team yelling out messages via the team megaphone.
The run was completed. We were all rather sore, having found that Day 1s running was actually very difficult. We decided to reward our efforts we would travel into Orbetello and enjoy copious amounts of pizza followed by an ever-so-tasty Italian ice cream.
Day 1 complete. Only 4 to go.
Saturday 12 September 2009
Team Run are en route between two fine European cities. Day two, like day one, is a non-running day; today our two ‘mid-size’ rent-a-cars are powering their way through Northern Italy. In car one, Graeme Kirkpatrick and Shannon McKenzie are playing the role of mum and dad (respectively), the kids Adam Graham and Richard Tipping appear to be behaving themselves. Currently car one are listening to the classic ‘it’s raining men’ song which featured in the Bridget Jones movies and contemplating the prospect of running a half marathon every day in temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius. Hailie Gabreselaise said he could only marvel at our efforts in admiration on ‘radio al italia’s’ shout out show.
Car two has Chris Pateman Jones and Nick Watson at the helm. Rupert Guppy is playing the role of only child, the gregarious French speaking tax consultant has just informed me that the occupants enjoyed a pizza and an ice cream in the city of La Spezia and that their car has just passed Pisa, approximately 100km behind car one who decided to plough on and eat on the move and are now within 200km of the eternal city.
Team run are a flexible bunch. Already car one have taken a little detour from the proposed route in order to fully appreciate the delights of Italian infrastructure. The road to Rome is laid out before us and like barbarian raiders from the north we will not stop until we reach a city that contains more UNESCO World Heritage Sights than you can shake a proverbial bread stick at. Delightful. Our stay will be brief however, we have much to do. Tomorrow morning we will set off on the truly epic part of our journey. This is the uniting force which binds our team of young athletes. An unquenchable thirst for perspiration will drive us all on to achieve that which we set out to do. Tomorrow, as the Pope takes mass in front of an audience of thousands, seven men will start a 714km discussion with their bodies. It will start with a question, are you up to it?
Also the temperature has dropped, it has just started raining, where’s the wind-screen wiper switch? Shannon, we are on the right side of the road?
From a wet road in western Italy, over.
Car two has Chris Pateman Jones and Nick Watson at the helm. Rupert Guppy is playing the role of only child, the gregarious French speaking tax consultant has just informed me that the occupants enjoyed a pizza and an ice cream in the city of La Spezia and that their car has just passed Pisa, approximately 100km behind car one who decided to plough on and eat on the move and are now within 200km of the eternal city.
Team run are a flexible bunch. Already car one have taken a little detour from the proposed route in order to fully appreciate the delights of Italian infrastructure. The road to Rome is laid out before us and like barbarian raiders from the north we will not stop until we reach a city that contains more UNESCO World Heritage Sights than you can shake a proverbial bread stick at. Delightful. Our stay will be brief however, we have much to do. Tomorrow morning we will set off on the truly epic part of our journey. This is the uniting force which binds our team of young athletes. An unquenchable thirst for perspiration will drive us all on to achieve that which we set out to do. Tomorrow, as the Pope takes mass in front of an audience of thousands, seven men will start a 714km discussion with their bodies. It will start with a question, are you up to it?
Also the temperature has dropped, it has just started raining, where’s the wind-screen wiper switch? Shannon, we are on the right side of the road?
From a wet road in western Italy, over.
We have arrived!!
It’s all gone splendidly so far. From the speedy check-in, to the flawless picking-up of the cars, to the effortless occupation of the hostel room, we’ve had nothing too challenging to overcome yet. Perhaps with the exception of Graeme’s limited parking abilities.
Actually, one thing that has been slightly challenging is the continental’s perverse decision to drive on the other side of the road. Graeme, already stressed by Phil Breeden’s management technique, took to the road with gusto, but quickly mounted the kerb. He is however a very quick learner and is currently negotiating the roads with ease.
Chris Pateman-Jones got the trip off to an excellent start by presenting us all with a present. On the train, he provided us with 6 of the finest dish-dashes known to modern man, and taught us how to tie them. Given the date was 11 September, we decided against wearing them to the airport.
Rupert Guppy demonstrated his immense French language skills, as he asked for 3 bottles of water to be delivered to our table. The rest of the group thought, well, this can’t be too hard. To the boulangerie we went, where the French looked bemused and laughed at us as we asked for deux croissant. Rupert rescued us, with his wit & charm channelled via his second language.
We sign off our blog as we travel via the motorway, en route to Rome. We’re about 550 km from Rome and going rather fast. Well, a lot faster then the return trip.
Actually, one thing that has been slightly challenging is the continental’s perverse decision to drive on the other side of the road. Graeme, already stressed by Phil Breeden’s management technique, took to the road with gusto, but quickly mounted the kerb. He is however a very quick learner and is currently negotiating the roads with ease.
Chris Pateman-Jones got the trip off to an excellent start by presenting us all with a present. On the train, he provided us with 6 of the finest dish-dashes known to modern man, and taught us how to tie them. Given the date was 11 September, we decided against wearing them to the airport.
Rupert Guppy demonstrated his immense French language skills, as he asked for 3 bottles of water to be delivered to our table. The rest of the group thought, well, this can’t be too hard. To the boulangerie we went, where the French looked bemused and laughed at us as we asked for deux croissant. Rupert rescued us, with his wit & charm channelled via his second language.
We sign off our blog as we travel via the motorway, en route to Rome. We’re about 550 km from Rome and going rather fast. Well, a lot faster then the return trip.
Sunday 6 September 2009
Numero uno. 1 week. Pow.
This is probably it. This is the last post before take off. Maybe, maybe, you might be lucky enough to get a quick update as we set-off for run. So what does the last week have in store for us???
Well, we've heard from reliable sources that have no vested interest in team runs collective happiness, that we are now allowed to rest for a week, and perhaps best of all, we should eat lots and lots of food. After the epic amount of training put in over the past 12 weeks and beyond, we feel we thoroughly deserve this.
It is of course the calm before the storm.
This coming Friday we depart for Nice. We sleep and then drive the running route in reverse, down to Vatican City. We rest on Saturday night before getting up early to attend mass. Well, sort of. We will sneak into the Vatican City at an early hour of the morning, like 7AM, take a team photo and then pow, one member of the team will commence the relay. 714km all the way to Monaco.
We will be napping occasionally on our way. Our accommodation is booked, with the possible exception of Graeme Kirkpatrick's spot around La Spezia somewhere. Graeme assures us he's holding out for the best deal. Is this true??? Possibly. It's also conceivable that Graeme is a mole, hellbent on ensuring the run is not successful. That's a twist in the team run story that no-one saw coming.
AG has been successful in procuring a campsite now near Orbetello. Excellent work AG. On confirming the booking with the campsite, AG noted that they signed off their email with 'It's Party Time!'. This is a problem. How are team run to collectively withstand the temptation to party with a bunch of fun-loving Italian campers??? Well, I guess we just will.
We've come this far, no turning back now.
P.S. Sponsorship update - We've reached 3,300 plus gift aid. That's 2/3 of our target. Thanks heaps to all that have donated. It's massively appreciated. If you haven't and would like to the place to go is www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco
Well, we've heard from reliable sources that have no vested interest in team runs collective happiness, that we are now allowed to rest for a week, and perhaps best of all, we should eat lots and lots of food. After the epic amount of training put in over the past 12 weeks and beyond, we feel we thoroughly deserve this.
It is of course the calm before the storm.
This coming Friday we depart for Nice. We sleep and then drive the running route in reverse, down to Vatican City. We rest on Saturday night before getting up early to attend mass. Well, sort of. We will sneak into the Vatican City at an early hour of the morning, like 7AM, take a team photo and then pow, one member of the team will commence the relay. 714km all the way to Monaco.
We will be napping occasionally on our way. Our accommodation is booked, with the possible exception of Graeme Kirkpatrick's spot around La Spezia somewhere. Graeme assures us he's holding out for the best deal. Is this true??? Possibly. It's also conceivable that Graeme is a mole, hellbent on ensuring the run is not successful. That's a twist in the team run story that no-one saw coming.
AG has been successful in procuring a campsite now near Orbetello. Excellent work AG. On confirming the booking with the campsite, AG noted that they signed off their email with 'It's Party Time!'. This is a problem. How are team run to collectively withstand the temptation to party with a bunch of fun-loving Italian campers??? Well, I guess we just will.
We've come this far, no turning back now.
P.S. Sponsorship update - We've reached 3,300 plus gift aid. That's 2/3 of our target. Thanks heaps to all that have donated. It's massively appreciated. If you haven't and would like to the place to go is www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco
Monday 31 August 2009
2 much to do in 2 weeks
It's official. Team Run is now packing themselves. Actually, that may not be correct, it might only be me. But with less then two weeks to go it is on like donkey kong. All the things we haven't done are all too apparent. Time to be very serious now.
So serious in fact, that we actually all formally sat down at a table and discussed all the things we must do. We brainstormed long and hard. Rupert Guppy, being ever the organised man, suggested we bring trainers. Thank you Rupert. The sum of the teams brainstorming has resulted in a comprehensive list of things to bring, ranging from passports to trainers to first aid to vaseline. Can never be too organised! It's also set us on a chase to locate all these items, like GPS, 3G cards, & tents. On top of this, training is now at its most epic, with most of us spending a couple hours a day running, swimming, or cycling.
We have now booked some accommodation. Nice, tick... Rome, tick... Monaco, tick. However, it seems team poster boy Adam Graham is having trouble with Orbetello. Orbetello is a beautiful little town located on a lagoon, about 150 km North West of Rome, and a lovely place for team run to recover after their first day running. With 3 camp sites in Orbetello, we thought it would be easy to sort this out. But due to campsites being too busy, or our booking being inappropriate, or perhaps due to a general wariness of 6 Englishmen and an Australian turning up to occupy your land, the Orbetello campsites have not been willing. Back to the drawing board... it isn't too fun being unable to find somewhere to stay at night.
Further highlighting the seriousness, Team Run is now dry. No beers from now until we reach the start-finish line of the Monaco grand prix. No doubt, that first beer will be incredible. The sound of the twist-top opening, the bubbles rising to the top, the cool, crisp texture of the beer touching the parched tongue. It's almost too much to think about. We'll use it to inspire us through those final strides.
Now, to business. Sponsorship as of 18.23 September 1 stands at 2,278 quid. Our goal is of course 5,000. So we're still a long way short of where we'd like to get to. So, if you're reading this and particularly inspired by our ambitious run, why not go to www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco and leave a donation. Word on the street is that if you do, you'll probably go to heaven.
So serious in fact, that we actually all formally sat down at a table and discussed all the things we must do. We brainstormed long and hard. Rupert Guppy, being ever the organised man, suggested we bring trainers. Thank you Rupert. The sum of the teams brainstorming has resulted in a comprehensive list of things to bring, ranging from passports to trainers to first aid to vaseline. Can never be too organised! It's also set us on a chase to locate all these items, like GPS, 3G cards, & tents. On top of this, training is now at its most epic, with most of us spending a couple hours a day running, swimming, or cycling.
We have now booked some accommodation. Nice, tick... Rome, tick... Monaco, tick. However, it seems team poster boy Adam Graham is having trouble with Orbetello. Orbetello is a beautiful little town located on a lagoon, about 150 km North West of Rome, and a lovely place for team run to recover after their first day running. With 3 camp sites in Orbetello, we thought it would be easy to sort this out. But due to campsites being too busy, or our booking being inappropriate, or perhaps due to a general wariness of 6 Englishmen and an Australian turning up to occupy your land, the Orbetello campsites have not been willing. Back to the drawing board... it isn't too fun being unable to find somewhere to stay at night.
Further highlighting the seriousness, Team Run is now dry. No beers from now until we reach the start-finish line of the Monaco grand prix. No doubt, that first beer will be incredible. The sound of the twist-top opening, the bubbles rising to the top, the cool, crisp texture of the beer touching the parched tongue. It's almost too much to think about. We'll use it to inspire us through those final strides.
Now, to business. Sponsorship as of 18.23 September 1 stands at 2,278 quid. Our goal is of course 5,000. So we're still a long way short of where we'd like to get to. So, if you're reading this and particularly inspired by our ambitious run, why not go to www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco and leave a donation. Word on the street is that if you do, you'll probably go to heaven.
Tuesday 25 August 2009
3 sweaty weeks
The following 2 weeks are going to be a huge push for us physically. The idea with the training over this time is to push ourselves further then we've gone before... this will however not involve attempting to run the 700km as we will run it in 3 weeks. The 3,600km the team has collectively run over the past 6 months has resulted in considerable wear and tear. Sore joints are a terrible thing and help no-one. We will be riding, swimming & running our way to peak physical condition, and then with one week to go, the running will stop and a little cycling and swimming will occur, just to keep the fitness up.
With 3 sweaty weeks to go, perhaps now is a time for reflection. This idea to run 700km, in its infancy, took on a slightly different form. AG, team poster boy, and SM were sitting around having a chat (some members of Team Run may dispute this as being the origin of 'The Run' - however, they do not write this blog). AG who had just signed up for the Reading Half Marathon said he was growing something of penchant for silly charity runs. We proceeded to come up with a bunch of daft charity run possibilities. Top of the list, which we mentioned to the other now members of team run, was to run around the clock in Iceland. Given that it would be summer, the days would be never ending and we could happily sleep for 6 hours, get up run, sleep for 6 hours, get up run, etc. etc. About 30 k per day for 8 days in a row. Reality set in, aided by a few massive reality checks from the older and wiser. This was perhaps a little over-ambitious.
So we then set about finding a more 'do-able' route. We all had ideas on what this would be, so after a blind vote within Team Run, we narrowed this down to 2 routes. These routes were 700km along St James trail in Northern Spain, and 700km between the world's 2 smallest countries - Vatican City and Monaco. We then put the vote to Rider Levett Bucknall London. Collectively, the office voted in favour of Vatican City to Monaco. And now here we are - 3 weeks to go and a couple of very sweaty weeks of intense training.
Finally, a quick update on sponsorship. We have now £1,713 (or £1,850 including gift aid), which is 34% of our target of £5,000. We still consider this target realistic and hope you will help us to realise this. Links are available on earlier posts.
Until next week.
With 3 sweaty weeks to go, perhaps now is a time for reflection. This idea to run 700km, in its infancy, took on a slightly different form. AG, team poster boy, and SM were sitting around having a chat (some members of Team Run may dispute this as being the origin of 'The Run' - however, they do not write this blog). AG who had just signed up for the Reading Half Marathon said he was growing something of penchant for silly charity runs. We proceeded to come up with a bunch of daft charity run possibilities. Top of the list, which we mentioned to the other now members of team run, was to run around the clock in Iceland. Given that it would be summer, the days would be never ending and we could happily sleep for 6 hours, get up run, sleep for 6 hours, get up run, etc. etc. About 30 k per day for 8 days in a row. Reality set in, aided by a few massive reality checks from the older and wiser. This was perhaps a little over-ambitious.
So we then set about finding a more 'do-able' route. We all had ideas on what this would be, so after a blind vote within Team Run, we narrowed this down to 2 routes. These routes were 700km along St James trail in Northern Spain, and 700km between the world's 2 smallest countries - Vatican City and Monaco. We then put the vote to Rider Levett Bucknall London. Collectively, the office voted in favour of Vatican City to Monaco. And now here we are - 3 weeks to go and a couple of very sweaty weeks of intense training.
Finally, a quick update on sponsorship. We have now £1,713 (or £1,850 including gift aid), which is 34% of our target of £5,000. We still consider this target realistic and hope you will help us to realise this. Links are available on earlier posts.
Until next week.
Wednesday 19 August 2009
4 score and 7 years... actually, slightly closer. Just 4 weeks!!!! Eeek.
Really??? Is there only 4 weeks left. Actually, checking out the calendar about 3 and a half now. All of a sudden the room seems a little warmer. Are we fit enough??? Will our legs take the pain of 700km combined kilometers between us?? How about our knees?? Will our campsites be there ready and waiting for us?? Will the days be hot? Or cold? What if our running track is blocked?
The list goes on. Chances are, lets be honest, things will go wrong. It seems unlikely that we can set ourselves a rather ambitious goal like this and not have a thing or two not go our way. Flat tyres, language barriers, etc... it will happen. This is of course, all part of the challenge... and possibly very fun, but also very tiring! The more ambitious the target, the more likely it is to bring home the fact that the people we do this for have many challenges themselves. Many of these struggles we do not personally understand. The challenge to find somewhere to sleep every night. The challenge of finding some food to eat. The challenge of appearing vaguely respectable for even the most mundane of jobs.
The homeless are the ultimate beneficiaries of our little run over Italy. We, as Team Run, need to remember this.
The list goes on. Chances are, lets be honest, things will go wrong. It seems unlikely that we can set ourselves a rather ambitious goal like this and not have a thing or two not go our way. Flat tyres, language barriers, etc... it will happen. This is of course, all part of the challenge... and possibly very fun, but also very tiring! The more ambitious the target, the more likely it is to bring home the fact that the people we do this for have many challenges themselves. Many of these struggles we do not personally understand. The challenge to find somewhere to sleep every night. The challenge of finding some food to eat. The challenge of appearing vaguely respectable for even the most mundane of jobs.
The homeless are the ultimate beneficiaries of our little run over Italy. We, as Team Run, need to remember this.
Thursday 13 August 2009
Battle stations. 5 weeks
Just to prove that Team Run are in fact athletes, Team Run blogger has placed a few photos of various team members participating in sporting events, or having completed those events. There's Graeme Kirkpatrick doing the Run leg of the Eton Property Triathlon... he did it in the fine time of 20.46. Shannon McKenzie after swimming 1.5k and riding 40k, did his 10k of the London triathlon in 47.34. Adam Graham did the Reading Half Marathon in the not too shabby time of 1.46.05. We will endeavour to get a photo to you soon of our desert dweller, Mr Chris Pateman-Jones breaking the United Arab Emirates 100m front crawl swimming record. Nick Watson, our specialist distance runner, has done many fine times. Richard Tipping has crippled bones, but nevertheless is a fine scrum-half. Rupert Guppy is a semi-professional footballer. See, not a bad group of athletes at all.
Some of you may have asked, how is it actually possible to run from Vatican City to Monaco. Won't there be sometimes when you simply cannot use a road to run along? Well, there are somethings we simply cannot plan for, so to ensure the route is OK, we will be flying into Nice, and then driving along the running route to Rome the day before we start running. Not a foolproof plan, but at least it should help us identify any outrageously narrow roads, dangerous native animals and overzealous locals who may inhibit our progress.
Speaking of updating progress, we have been granted usage of a company laptop, including 3G card which will help us to provide daily updates on the blog during the run. Very handy indeed. For those who can't get enough blog... looks like there's going to be plenty more!!!
Some of you may have asked, how is it actually possible to run from Vatican City to Monaco. Won't there be sometimes when you simply cannot use a road to run along? Well, there are somethings we simply cannot plan for, so to ensure the route is OK, we will be flying into Nice, and then driving along the running route to Rome the day before we start running. Not a foolproof plan, but at least it should help us identify any outrageously narrow roads, dangerous native animals and overzealous locals who may inhibit our progress.
Speaking of updating progress, we have been granted usage of a company laptop, including 3G card which will help us to provide daily updates on the blog during the run. Very handy indeed. For those who can't get enough blog... looks like there's going to be plenty more!!!
Tuesday 4 August 2009
6 dry weeks
Team Run enjoy a beer. We make no secret of this. However, when a challenge of this magnitude is taken on Team Run must ask itself... Is it right to consume large amounts of alcohol before attempting to run 700km over hills and in very un-english heat? We have to say no, it isn't. So, we have resolved that after this weekend our beer consumption will be reduced considerably. That's going to be circa 6 weeks with limited alcohol consumption. This may be as big a challenge as the run itself.
Enough talk of beer - it's making me thirsty. You need to know what's been going on in Team Run Towers this week.
Adam Graham - some will remember from earlier posts he is the poster boy of the group. Unfortuneatley his poster boy good looks get him in trouble when he has seemingly simple tasks to do, like, for example, buying maps. Attempt no. 1 ended in a trip to the cinema with a random - reportedly a girl of whom he fancied. Attempt no. 2 ended a little more successively. We have maps, a highlighter and eagerness to boot. The route is now being mapped and the accommodation being booked. Several Italian campsites, and some French ones too, will be graced by the presence of Team Run. If you happen to be in the area around 12-20 September, drop us a line. You can come and enjoy in the Team Run fun & frivolity.
Rupert Guppy - team translator, stripey shirt wearer, beard cultivator & all round banter monkey has finally put in the team run kit order. Some of the UK's finest vests and t-shirts are coming our way. We can put your companies name on them if you're amongst the top 2 sponsors. Not only will you have the knowledge your money is going to an excellent cause, you will also have your name broadcast as loud as we can shout.
Enough talk of beer - it's making me thirsty. You need to know what's been going on in Team Run Towers this week.
Adam Graham - some will remember from earlier posts he is the poster boy of the group. Unfortuneatley his poster boy good looks get him in trouble when he has seemingly simple tasks to do, like, for example, buying maps. Attempt no. 1 ended in a trip to the cinema with a random - reportedly a girl of whom he fancied. Attempt no. 2 ended a little more successively. We have maps, a highlighter and eagerness to boot. The route is now being mapped and the accommodation being booked. Several Italian campsites, and some French ones too, will be graced by the presence of Team Run. If you happen to be in the area around 12-20 September, drop us a line. You can come and enjoy in the Team Run fun & frivolity.
Rupert Guppy - team translator, stripey shirt wearer, beard cultivator & all round banter monkey has finally put in the team run kit order. Some of the UK's finest vests and t-shirts are coming our way. We can put your companies name on them if you're amongst the top 2 sponsors. Not only will you have the knowledge your money is going to an excellent cause, you will also have your name broadcast as loud as we can shout.
Tuesday 28 July 2009
7 Runners, 7 weeks left
It is with great pleasure that Team Run announce the re-inclusion of the irrepressable Chris Pateman-Jones. Free from the shackles of his desert dwelling management, he is now free to leave the middle east and join Team Run in traversing the 700 km of mediterranean coastline. His addition has lifted spirits considerably within Team Run Towers and we are looking forward to his charm, wit, good looks and good table manners adding to the running experience. Oh, and his running ability will no doubt be invaluable too, especially with Richard Tipping's knee giving him all sorts of grief.
Further adding a boost to the team is that all round fitness machine/ironman Tom Williams may well join the team for the final day or two as we run into Monaco. He'll be in Nice on holiday anyway... so why not extend the holiday for a pleasant 40km run? So long as his line manager gives it the go-ahead, he's in. Good times!
Now with seven weeks to go, it seems the ambitious targets we have set ourselves are finally setting in. Training is on for young and old. But mostly young in our case. A couple of weeks ensued there where training malaise set in. It will not happen anymore. We will train and we will train hard. For those who are interested, Team Run blogger is competing in the London Triathlon this Sunday and welcomes support. He's not asking for sponsorship, but if you wanted to give it to him, just go to www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco and leave it there!
We are so into the training now that we are even participating in a game of croquet. This is actually to meet our peers from other companies, but will give an excellent chance to tell people about our charity run!
Oh, and we're ready to procure our kit. Everyone's favourite bilingual person from Dorchester, Rupert Guppy, has done some deals and is ready to hand over the credit card. If anyone reading this would be interested in getting there name displayed prominently on our kit, if you are one of our top two sponsors your name will be there. Not only will random Italians see it, but it is very likely our images will be published in construction & property related press. CRASH's very own PR & Communications manager, Gerogina Mead, and RLB's very talented Phil Higham are working hard on it.
Further adding a boost to the team is that all round fitness machine/ironman Tom Williams may well join the team for the final day or two as we run into Monaco. He'll be in Nice on holiday anyway... so why not extend the holiday for a pleasant 40km run? So long as his line manager gives it the go-ahead, he's in. Good times!
Now with seven weeks to go, it seems the ambitious targets we have set ourselves are finally setting in. Training is on for young and old. But mostly young in our case. A couple of weeks ensued there where training malaise set in. It will not happen anymore. We will train and we will train hard. For those who are interested, Team Run blogger is competing in the London Triathlon this Sunday and welcomes support. He's not asking for sponsorship, but if you wanted to give it to him, just go to www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco and leave it there!
We are so into the training now that we are even participating in a game of croquet. This is actually to meet our peers from other companies, but will give an excellent chance to tell people about our charity run!
Oh, and we're ready to procure our kit. Everyone's favourite bilingual person from Dorchester, Rupert Guppy, has done some deals and is ready to hand over the credit card. If anyone reading this would be interested in getting there name displayed prominently on our kit, if you are one of our top two sponsors your name will be there. Not only will random Italians see it, but it is very likely our images will be published in construction & property related press. CRASH's very own PR & Communications manager, Gerogina Mead, and RLB's very talented Phil Higham are working hard on it.
Monday 20 July 2009
What did the 0 say to the 8? Nice belt. 8 weeks to go!
If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting the members of the Team Run, you may have realised that several members of the team have large hair. This is not because we are all outrageously cool. This is because on a Friday night in the depth of the British winter, four of the team members were sitting around having a few beers and with clarity of mind, we decided we would not cut our hair until the run had been completed. So, given that the 4 of us made the deal in February, it will have been at least 8 months since we'd have a haircut, once the run is complete.
The choice to deprive ourselves of the simple pleasure of a haircut was made when the idea to run 700km was in its infancy. There has been a lot of banter about the run, but it is now most definately serious. Even Donkey Kong would say it's on.
It may be worth reminding people we plan to raise 5,000 pounds for CRASH (www.crash.org.uk). At the moment we have raised 123 pounds + the addition of gift aid. This is around 1 twientieth of what we need. We have a way to go yet!
So, I, Shannon McKenzie, have a further offer to make, subject to team approval. For every 200 pounds over 3,000 pounds that we raise, I will not cut my hair for a further month. This is to a limit of 6,000 pounds. A further 15 months past September without a haircut.
Disclaimer: The above offer is subject to team approval. It may also be worth running the idea past management. Not every company wants Chewbecca working for them.
Remember that website is www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco
The choice to deprive ourselves of the simple pleasure of a haircut was made when the idea to run 700km was in its infancy. There has been a lot of banter about the run, but it is now most definately serious. Even Donkey Kong would say it's on.
It may be worth reminding people we plan to raise 5,000 pounds for CRASH (www.crash.org.uk). At the moment we have raised 123 pounds + the addition of gift aid. This is around 1 twientieth of what we need. We have a way to go yet!
So, I, Shannon McKenzie, have a further offer to make, subject to team approval. For every 200 pounds over 3,000 pounds that we raise, I will not cut my hair for a further month. This is to a limit of 6,000 pounds. A further 15 months past September without a haircut.
Disclaimer: The above offer is subject to team approval. It may also be worth running the idea past management. Not every company wants Chewbecca working for them.
Remember that website is www.justgiving.com/vaticantomonaco
Monday 13 July 2009
Countdown. 9 weeks
It's a busy place is Team Run Towers.
The training has been stepped up. Graeme Kirkpatrick, has been backing up his talking abilities with plenty of running. He leads the Team Run training log with a massive 160 kms over the past 3 weeks. That, without a doubt, is a fine effort. Still, 100 kms within 5 days is the goal. Some way to go yet!
On the organisation front, Adam Graham, has taken his poster boy good looks down to the map shop and failed at buying us maps. He will be back though, with all the determination of Rocky climbing those stairs. He apparently was distracted by a girl luring him into the cinema. This sort of distraction is not easily tolerated in Team Run, and we expect better next time.
Team Run has a facebook. Resident computer geek S.McKenzie has set up a group. Some may think this is as self-indulgent as a Chocolate Sundae on a drug binge, but this is not the case. In fact, it's all about raising awareness, as we want this event to be successful, and we want £5,000 of money benefitting the homeless people we run for. If you are of the facebook persuasion, please join the group. It's called Team Run - Vatican to Monaco.
Finally, if ever you have a note, comment, complement, insult, or you just want to know who is Richard Tipping and what is he doing to my dog, then drop us an email at teamrun@uk.rlb.com. We may well reply!
The training has been stepped up. Graeme Kirkpatrick, has been backing up his talking abilities with plenty of running. He leads the Team Run training log with a massive 160 kms over the past 3 weeks. That, without a doubt, is a fine effort. Still, 100 kms within 5 days is the goal. Some way to go yet!
On the organisation front, Adam Graham, has taken his poster boy good looks down to the map shop and failed at buying us maps. He will be back though, with all the determination of Rocky climbing those stairs. He apparently was distracted by a girl luring him into the cinema. This sort of distraction is not easily tolerated in Team Run, and we expect better next time.
Team Run has a facebook. Resident computer geek S.McKenzie has set up a group. Some may think this is as self-indulgent as a Chocolate Sundae on a drug binge, but this is not the case. In fact, it's all about raising awareness, as we want this event to be successful, and we want £5,000 of money benefitting the homeless people we run for. If you are of the facebook persuasion, please join the group. It's called Team Run - Vatican to Monaco.
Finally, if ever you have a note, comment, complement, insult, or you just want to know who is Richard Tipping and what is he doing to my dog, then drop us an email at teamrun@uk.rlb.com. We may well reply!
Sunday 5 July 2009
10 weeks to go
Yes, that's right. 10 weeks today will be on the first day of the run... probably having just go into orbotello, the town at the end of day 1.
So, that's 10 weeks to do a lot of things. It turns out organising an event like this is quite difficult. There's making sure that there's 7 keen and able people to run the distance, there's sorting out the logistical nightmare that the trip is and there is the small matter of raising the 5000 pounds that we have set ourselves the target of.
Small achievements have been made. We have procured flights and rented cars. We have completed circa 200 kilometers of team training in the last 2 weeks (still very far off the mark of 700 km in 5 days we are going to run in September!) and we have earnestly started off our donation appeals, raising a certified 70 pounds.
The next couple of weeks will see us get our kit together and start planning the running track down to the nearest meter. It will also see us putting together our sponsorship packs and pushing hard for corporate sponsorship. We may also do some training.
So, that's 10 weeks to do a lot of things. It turns out organising an event like this is quite difficult. There's making sure that there's 7 keen and able people to run the distance, there's sorting out the logistical nightmare that the trip is and there is the small matter of raising the 5000 pounds that we have set ourselves the target of.
Small achievements have been made. We have procured flights and rented cars. We have completed circa 200 kilometers of team training in the last 2 weeks (still very far off the mark of 700 km in 5 days we are going to run in September!) and we have earnestly started off our donation appeals, raising a certified 70 pounds.
The next couple of weeks will see us get our kit together and start planning the running track down to the nearest meter. It will also see us putting together our sponsorship packs and pushing hard for corporate sponsorship. We may also do some training.
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