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.
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