It's all about what you put into something!

The more I do my research on the challenges that I've set myself the more I become acutely aware of the training, determination and believe that is required to complete these events: I have put up another website to give more light on my upcoming events, visit:  http://www.ettiennedebeer.com/.

First of all I want to congratulate my little brother who were married yesterday! May you both have a very long and happy life together!

Finishing off at work last night around 22:30 pm something popped into my head. Can I run through the night? To complete my fell record attempt I would be required to run 24 hours non stop, I was wondering if I could, at the drop of a hat make it through the night.

I cycled the 4.2 miles home as fast as I could in the rain and wind, had some salmon that Tricia had prepared for dinner. I packed my food and drink bag for the run and made my way to a suitable start point.

It was a mad attempt to try something like this on the spur of the moment but I felt good. As the time passed away under the quarter moon and spells of pouring rain I kept thinking of what I'd have to endure on the fells. I chose to run through parks and areas that would challenge me as much as there was challenges around running in London. I would negotiate muddy banks, dart between pools of murky water and stepping over sinister hidden roots.

I really enjoyed this adventure in my back yard, so to speak. However by mile 18 my body was starting to freeze up and by mile 21.5 I called it a day-or night.

I was disappointed for not making it through the night and thought how on earth am I going to make it through 24 hours of mountain running if I could only manage about 4 hours and 2800 ft of ascent.

Before I'd beaten myself up too much I had to remind myself of why I only could handle this tonight.

• I haven't had a run in over three weeks due to a stomach virus.                                                       
• I did leg strength training earlier in the week and my legs were still sore and fatigued.
• I cycled to work (4.2 m), completed 8.5 hours of lifting and shifting weights on the gym floor then cycled home (4.2 m) before I took on this run.

With that said, I felt better. I had a quick wash down and jumped into bed. Knowing that it was possible if I'd train more regularly and seriously my mood improved and now I'm sitting working on my training program.

I have decided on regular runs during the week with one all night run included. With completing my one all night run a week for a suitable time, I would progress to include one 12 hour run a week and then finally progress to one 24 hour run a week. 

Now that that is decided, back to work on planning, training and finishing my book.