Having run a couple of UK National Trails in the past, self-supported, I still "need" to do Land's End to John O'Groats. I've wanted to traverse the length of Britain on foot for quite some time and a couple of years ago a window of opportunity almost came up, but then I got a job again so it didn't even get to the planning stage.
Due to an extremely flexible and accommodating employer, I have the opportunity to do it this year. Starting in May-ish, through June into early July-ish (depending on unforeseen circumstances and work schedule in May). I've got 44 days to get to Land's End, run to John O'Groats and get home again, and that's including contingency. It'll take a day to get to the start and a day to get home afterwards, so that's 42 days to cover something around 950-1100 miles, depending on the route I end up with, and a lot of elevation. And carrying all my own stuff. There really aren't very many people who have done it like this, much less women.
I've planned 6 day National Trail runs before; the Thames Path in 2014 and the North Downs Way in 2016, but this is another level in terms of A. the almost infinite routing choice and B. the distance/duration. I want to avoid running on roads as much as is practical, use National Trails where possible (they're usually super pretty and very well marked), but get out of the South West as quickly as is practical.
Planning and preparation:
- Committing to it
- To raise money for a cause or not?
- Sponsorship/help - 1x consultation from @sportsleepcoach
- Kit List
- Route planning - Done!
- Training - ongoing ~ 2-3 weeks of meaningful gains to be had at this point
- Camping (for those nights I need to just stop and there's nowhere else to sleep)
- LEJoG, A 1000 Mile Training Run
- Starting to Plan
- Filling In The Blanks
- 10 Weeks to Go
- FAQs - Part 1
- 7 Weeks to Go - This Just Got Real
- 1 Month to Go - Raising Money for PHC UK
- The First 22 Days
- Looking Back And Forward
- Getting Back On The Horse
- The Second "Half"
Getting to the start:
- London to Land's End - driving down 2 days before, parkrun on Saturday (of course!) before starting on Sunday.
Getting home:
- John O'Groats to London...
Afterwards:
- Now what?
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