2014kx365 Challenge Complete

On the 1st January 2014 apprehensively I began a challenge 2014kx365 to run/walk a minimum 1k everyday for 365 days. On the 31st of December I completed this challenge by attempting to run Bristols Green Man Challenge route 45.5 miles. The year has been tough with easy days & hard days, but I have exceeded my initial challenge wearing out seven pairs of trainers and clocking up 2044 running miles an average of 5.60 miles per day. I have ran through floods, snow, ice, wind, rain and brilliant sunshine. Along tracks, trails, bridleways, roads, lanes, under and over motorways along the beach, through rivers and woodland, over hills and dales. Seen some superb sunrises and sunsets and ran every single hour of the day. I have seen badgers, foxes, deer been chased by cows and horses and bitten by a dog. Had abuse hurled at, been waved to and cheered on by complete strangers.
I have raced in 19 organised events from a 5k to an ultra marathon including Bath Half Marathon,Wells 19k, 15 mile Big Cheese, Frome Half Marathon, Shepton 10k and ran over the iconic Somerset landmark Glastonbury Tor in the Glastonbury Dash.
A very motivational aspect of my challenge was running for charity, my chosen charities were SANDS - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity and Time is Precious. To be able do something you enjoy and raise money to help others in the process is very rewarding. Monies raised helps SANDS continue to support those affected by the death of a baby and promote research to reduce the loss of babies lives. 17 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth everyday in the UK and SANDS work to ensure as few parents as possible have to experience this devastating loss. Time is Precious was set up in memory of Ben Halford who died aged 5 after his long brave battle against cancer. Every penny raised goes to help provide hospitals with equipment and facilities to make life a bit more bearable for children and their families whist in hospital. Having spent 3 years in and out of hospital with my own daughter I have personally witnessed the good Time is Precious aims to do. So in July I ran from St. Benedicts School Westfield to Royal United Hospital, Bath dressed as Batman. A momentous day and an emotional roller coaster.
Thankyou to everyone who has supported my challenge especially Helen my wife and family if it had not been for their support this challenge would definitely not been possible. A massive thankyou to all who have donated to my charities . If you have a pound or two to spare my just giving pages are open till the end of January or PM me to send a cheque or cash is good.
Thumbs up to Jim Plunkett Cole without his initiative I would not have took on this challenge and to the multi media support from 2014kx365 tribe. Good luck to all the 2015kx365'ers enjoy your year.

Time is Precious www.justgiving.com/365jimbarron

SANDS www.justgiving.com/2014kx365jimbarron

Day 365/365 The Last Day

To finish my 2014kx365 challenge, without any specific ultra marathon training I attempted to run Bristol's Green Man Challenge route. Setting off from Long Ashton just after 6am on a very cold and frozen morning in the dark a procession of head torches climbed Dundry Hill. Just under 12 hours later returned back in Long Ashton after passing through Pensford, Keynsham, Hambrook, Patchway, Easter Compton, Blaise Castle & Ashton Court 40+ miles. At mile 12 I reached 2014 running miles for the year.

Day 364/365

The last time I will run up Holcombe hill this year. Just the minimum 5k and very steady along a familiar route around the lanes of Holcombe. Today's run took my total mileage over 2000 miles for the year, total mileage 2002/2014.

Tomorrow as a grand finale toto 2014kx365 challenge I am joining fellow 365'ers to celebrate the Last Day by attempting a full circuit of Bristols a Green Man Challenge route taking in the community forest path. Starting at Long Ashton and looping around Bristol to finish back in Long Ashton after a run of 45.5 miles. If you would like to join or follow the Last Day http://www.kx365thelastday.co.uk or Facebook 2014kx365-The Last Day

Thankyou to everyone who has made a donation to my chosen charities over the year, every penny goes towards making a difference. It has been very motivational to run for charity and now very rewarding when people donate to know my efforts have been appreciated...... and so to tomorrow.... The Last Day.

Time is Precious

www.justgiving.com/365jimbarron

SANDS

www.justgiving.com/2014kx365jimbarron