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Just what is going on?

I've been asked a few times now: "Phil, just what is going on?"

Well here it is in a nutshell. An absolute non-runner (me) is taking on some running events for charity (long ones).

To be a bit clearer, I despise running long distances - and in this context long means any further than the length of a rugby pitch. The furthest I have ever run in one go without stopping is 5 km while finishing a 10 km.

Kate is in the middle of a huge challenge, a really momentous time in her life. Whilst I don't run, I do regular exercise, and so I decided that whatever I did to try and raise money had to be something that could be my own massive challenge.

Running a 10k wasn't going to cut it as I've managed to finish one before (the furthest run is shown in the picture, and I'm having such a great time!), and after a bit of tinkering "Phil vs Nature" was dreamed up. I wanted hard, and here is what I've signed up to do.

For the next 12 months for the benefit of Anthony Nolan, on behalf of Kate and her champion spirit, I'll be taking on a number of off-road and obstacle races of varying distances - but all of greater length than I've completed before. 

First up is The Mighty Deerstalker. Billed as one of the UK's toughest off-road events, it's in March in the Scottish borders and it's going to be flippin' cold. See what one national newspaper has to say about it here.

The full event list is on the JustGiving page, and I'll go into more detail on each in later posts. My year of fundraising culminates with the Ultra Tour of Edinburgh, a 55 km mixed terrain course with 3000 feet of ascent and descent.

I'd love for anyone reading this to join me on one or some events. All of those (Fit3Sixty people that's you!) who are willing or able to help raise some more money for the page by sharing, training, and entering - pick an event and let me know!

Instagram: philvsnature
Twitter: @PhilJ0606

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