M2M ULTRA 2017

10 May In the last post I said that I was firmly ensconced in my room at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. This is true but not after a lengthy walk back to the reception desk to have my key card activated This is something I hate and it never happens when you are in a room close to reception. Which bed do I use first? Anyhoo, the room is indeed grand and has a decent view over the ocean. I wouldn't say an unrestricted view and I will find out later in the trip that there is very little difference between an ocean view and a partial ocean view other than lots of dollars! Yes, I can see the ocean I decide that, no matter how swish my room is, it is no place to be so I head down to the beach, which has made World Top 10 lists in one or more publications that decide on these things. It certainly is impressive and not overcrowded. World's Top 10 standard Satisfied that the beach comes up to scratch and, having let my tootsies sample its effects, my stomac...

09 May, 14:45 (UK Time) I rise to the alarm that Claire had set for 05:00 instantly regretting trying to finish off my 5L keg of Old Speckled Hen simply because it may not be fresh when I return home in 16 days!! One cup of tea later though I am back in fine fettle and prepare myself for the drive to Manchester Airport and the start of this year's epic journey. It is sad that this one is without Claire but exciting nonetheless and only slightly guilt free as I have her unwavering support. Juliet said to Romeo that parting is such sweet sorrow but I've never quite got that and it is not easy to leave Claire to fend for herself while I am away. I know there'll be support for her in the shape of mothers but we are rarely apart for longer than a couple of days so it is never easy when a 2 week block comes along. A few tears on the doorstep later and I am on the move. I always panic about these journeys and am never totally relaxed until I reach where I'm heading. At t...

M2M Entry A lot has happened since I wrote a post in my Offa’s Dyke blog about bringing my running activities to a close. Best of all I married my best friend and inspiration on a perfect day in our beautiful garden. I then started but did not finish the 3-day Ring of Fire 135mile ultra around Anglesey, mainly due to very poor foot preparation (I know!) and then started and finished the inaugural Offa’s Dyke race completing the 185mile course 5 hours inside the 96hr cut-off. With all that out of the way I was now ready to put my feet up and retire from running…except I wasn’t!   “Can I do a race in Hawaii please?” I asked Claire one day in an off the cuff manner via a Facebook post together with a link for the event and then followed that up with a pic of Puss In Boots from Shrek and the comment “pleeeeeease..” I was just trying my arm as I realised what a big ask this was. To my surprise and obvious delight, Claire didn’t have any problem with this other than me potentiall...