At 1.45am I was on my way to Cornwall, kindly driven by Kevin and accompanied by Bob who would be with me throughout the run.  On the way down I had plenty of time to reflect on what would be ahead and snatch snippets of sleep.

Standing at the entrance to Victoria Gardens in Saltash it was fast approaching 5am, the start time,  I  remember looking out into the darkness, then over to the Tamar Bridge with its bright lights highlighting the huge structure and for the first time feeling nervous about what the next 38 hours would entail.

5am was with us and so we set off, Kevin, Richard and myself down through Saltash High Street and across the Tamar that would escort me gently out of Cornwall with the dawn breaking around us.

Slight drizzle didn’t dampen our spirits or lessen the beauty that Plymouth had to show us.  Following the West Devon Way footpath with the River Plym in the background, we made our way to Marsh Mills and on the steady climb in all its splendour through Bickleigh Vale and on into Clearbrook where we had to depart from support runner Jo Jenkins who had kindly guided Bob and myself all the way up from Plymouth Hoe.

Yelverton soon approached where we met up with the mobile support crews.  A steep climb followed up the heavy road past Sharpitor, then I had the full attention of Dartmoor ahead of me and it wasn’t going to give me an easy time with the waves of rain sweeping through guided on waves of cold intermittent winds.  Despite this I felt that this was the true beauty of Dartmoor showing its more rugged exterior sheltering a more sensitive interior.  The dark rolling clouds threatening in appearance seemed to give a stark warning that Mother Nature was still in charge!

Looking back over my shoulder, I could just make out the coastline of Plymouth through the haze, before our arrival in Princetown – the first marathon was now completed with another four and a half to go!

On the way through Postbridge I couldn’t resist the temptation to cross the historic old Clapper Bridge that spans the East Dart River and wondered as to how many people must have crossed this magnificent structure.

Approaching Warren House Inn I admired the scenic views, but couldn’t help but notice how the road disappeared and then reappeared sometimes as many as three times from the view ahead indicating the rise and fall of the local terrain.

Dropping down off the Moors, the weather was starting to change with the rain slowly giving way to lighter skies.  My reward for reaching the Pony Centre on the way to Mortonhampstead was a pony biscuit which was gratefully devoured along with other refreshments on route.

Moretonhampstead gave me a warm feeling that we were well on the way into the run with 40 miles covered, but respectably another 100 still to go!

Five miles down the road near Meadhay I noticed that I had suddenly become very tired and that every part of me was beginning to struggle with the pace of the run.  The easiest option that I felt at this point was to simply sit down and rest or even just catch some sleep.  This was really a shock to me as I hadn’t felt like this in any of my training runs – several things suddenly sprung to mind – had I over done all the training runs leading into this one without enough recovery time?  Had I got the nutrition wrong?  Or had I gone without sleep for too long as this was now 12 hours into the run and I hadn’t slept properly for a day and a half?

I quickly came to the conclusion that I had become complacent during the run and hadn’t focused properly on what I was doing with all that was going on around me.  The remedy for this was ahead of me – a huge valley to climb out of with several miles of constant hills, it was going to be the valley or me that would come out the winner over the next hour and I hadn’t put 10 months of hard training in only to be defeated by some hill!

With this in mind we started out on the steep climb.  An hour later with support runners keeping up the gruelling pace we had overcome the hills, the tiredness, and all the aches and pains, I had literally run through the biggest psychological barrier of the whole run.

Running through Exeter I had passed the 2nd marathon landmark and felt really confident, we were well on schedule and with all the support given from both the runners and supporters who came out in the villages and towns the atmosphere was simply “amazing”.

Arriving at Broadclyst I had to prepare for the evening ahead, donning head torch, reflective jacket and bottoms just in case the night turned really cold.

As darkness fell, it felt a long time since I had watched the dawn surrender the night sky as we crossed the Tamar Bridge.

Deep in thought, as each step took me one ever nearer home I realised that a car had pulled up alongside of me, the window wound down and out came a outstretched hand containing a very appreciated fresh bag of chips !- just the fuel that is needed to get you through the long night ahead – many thanks Paul.

From Collumpton we passed through Uffcombe and on up into the Blackdown Hills where in the very early hours of Saturday morning I was greeted unexpectedly with a very cool glass of Guinness from a very kind group of people - supporting a man on the run under the cover of darkness!  In true style I celebrated having passed the 3rd marathon landmark.

Running along the quiet country lanes at 3 in the morning with my group of runners, I couldn’t help but wonder what the local wildlife must have thought was happening to their peace and tranquillity -especially as we cut down through a long forest at Staple Hill which was nice to have a break from pounding the tarmac roads.

Staplefitzpaine was sound asleep as we passed through with the night sky once again surrendering to the new day.  This was the first time that I had been out running non stop and had watched the sun rise, set, and then rise again.  The dawn brought us a really spectacular sunrise and highlighted such sights as the Somerset Levels and the little church that stands proudly on the top of Burrow Mump.

Reaching Othery we had climbed the short hill into the village when we stopped and I handed Rita, one of our support runners, her birthday card, then as a double celebration I opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate crossing the 100 mile location on our run.

Five minutes later the leading support crew returned looking for us only to find us having a party at 7.45 in the morning!

That wasn’t the only surprise that Othery had that morning.  As we passed through the village, I was greeted by a group of supporters and presented very kindly with a jar of pickled onions from one of them.  I did save them to after the run though – mainly to be kind to my support runners and crew!

Reaching High Ham was a great relief especially after climbing the really steep hill leading into the village that lives up its name; it was also at this point that we had covered the 4th marathon landmark.

Having passed along the two and a half  mile straight of Butleigh Moor we passed Ivythorn which was the 110 mile position of the run, I was now running further than I had ever done before.

Every thing felt really good at this point, I had to be careful and make sure that I did vital stretching at various locations to keep the body as supple as possible and to prevent seizures from happening , but more importantly I felt that all the training we had done over the previous months was really working.

Arriving at Glastonbury Abbey with the sun in all its splendour gave a very warm welcome with good crowds and a new team of support runners – including Richard & Vicky who were running their first marathon with me back to our home town of Radstock.

It seemed the perfect day – especially being greeted by Paddo my little dog that I hadn’t seen for some 34 hours since leaving home in the early hours.

Running up through Wells High Street was one of the many  highlights of the run that I was now appreciating, on home ground the Cathedral looked magnificent as we stood before her with the tall spires reaching out  up into the blue sky.

We set off again- up through the Old Bristol Road with its unforgiving steep climb onto the top of the Mendip Hills, at 125 miles and some 33 hours from the start line this would be the last major hill that I would have to encounter.  Passing Penn Hill television mast for me always brings a happy feeling as many a time she has welcomed me home after a long overnight run with her array of red lights visible for miles to guide me back.

A welcome stop at the Hunters Lodge in Priddy with a good glass of refreshing ale from Roger and Jackie saw me on my way past the sparkling Priddy Ponds which I must admit did look very inviting and cool during the afternoon sun.

Taking things very steady down over Smithams Hill which leads into East Harptree, I had Jessica my cousins little daughter holding tightly onto my hand guiding me through each painful step as we descended the steep slopes that seem to pull on every fibre in your body.

A really warm reception greeted us as we passed through the gentle streets of East Harptree, old friends & new faces greeted us on our long journey which really fills you with a sense of achievement and fresh energy.  Passing the Clock Tower and heading down the High Street I suddenly felt a little hand grasp hold of mine.  Looking down I saw it was Katie, Nicola’s little daughter who had wanted to run with us since passing through Moretonhampstead, running ahead of her dad.  Her big smile and endless energy was a real inspiration over the next couple of miles and led us pass the 5th marathon landmark.

Approaching Chewton Mendip I always look out for the church which highlights the quiet village’s skyline.  On up through the quite steep country lanes that eventually release you at Embrough Church and the fishing ponds.

At the Old Down Inn I had now only 6 miles to go to reach the finish line, again I felt in really good condition considering the amount of hours and punishment I had put my poor legs through.

At Midsomer Norton Rugby club I felt so happy to be so near to home yet the heart felt really heavy as I clasped hold of Jane’s hand and together we ran a lap of honour around the rugby fields to remember my two cousins – Philip and Stephen that I had lost in recent years.  This was soon lifted by the thought of what type of comment Phil would have come out with!

There was a good crowd at the club to give their support as I left with Jane to tackle the final stage of the run, I could see the Children’s Hospice South West banners being supported in Midsomer Norton along with their supporters cheers which gave a really emotional welcome.

The last mile I can only describe as “remarkable”, I had run 140 miles, well over 5 marathons and 30 miles further than I had previously run before and met some of the kindest people in the South West while doing so.

The finish line at the Miners Wheel Monument became visible as we rounded the last corner into Radstock.  Just before crossing the  line I thought to myself at how very lucky I had been over the last 6 years – because that was just how long ago it was that I learnt with the great help of Jo a district nurse and also my partner along with my cousins Phil and Steve to walk my first mile again.

There were people every where to welcome us home, the sight was amazing – I can remember crossing the finish line to loud cheers , banners and a feeling of I don’t believe that we have actually – finally – finished.  The crowds made me feel really proud to have such support.

The ten months leading up to this run covered 3,500 miles and it was worth every step to receive such encouragement and to raise awareness for the children and their families who benefit from the facilities at the Children’s Hospice South West.

I would like to personally thank everyone for all their time, help and endless support leading up to and during the run.

For the support crews and runners for all their time and commitment on training runs and the 140 mile run, Kevin for getting me to the start and running all those miles, and to every one who greeted us on the event to give their encouragement.

Thanks, Jane, for sharing the miles and for keeping me focused and positive.  Special thanks to Bob Powell for all his time and untold commitment in making this run possible.

Finally to Paddo my little dog for keeping an eye on me all the way from Glastonbury to the finish, head out of the passenger window of the support vehicle, looking back as if to say KEEP WITH IT OLD MAN !

Just 30 minutes later than expected, he ran for 38 hrs 04 mins from Saltash in Cornwall to Radstock near Bath.

Support along the way was fantastic with hundreds of people along the streets and at the finish post.

More details to follow, but John sends his heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved; runners, support crews and those who cheered and gave contribution along the way.

See the photos click here

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/scimitar579/TheBigRunDays2010#

John at the finish with Nicky, one of the parents from Children's Hospice South West

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/somerset/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8632000/8632386.stm

John Reynolds took on his last big training run in the build-up to his epic 140 miles non-stop run in May on behalf of Children’s Hospice South West.  He ran the entire length of the Wessex Ridgeway Relay route, a race event to be held later in the year that usually involves teams of 6 runners for the 68 miles.  His previous training runs have included The Green Man Challenge (48 miles circumnavigating Bristol), and The Mendip Way (also 48 miles from Uphill near Weston Super Mare to Frome).

Starting at 5.00am, with the sun coming up, he was joined on the Wessex Ridgeway by members of several local running clubs, including Wells City Harriers, Mendip Hills Hash House Harriers and the Gillingham Trotters.  The start was at Tollard Royal, near Sherborne in Dorset, and travels along roads and tracks, and across fields with many stunning views.  The countryside varies dramatically, with valleys, hills and many historical features such as Iron Age hill forts and sleepy villages (well, they are at 5 in the morning!).

The run was split into 12 legs of between 5 and 9 miles, with support runners choosing to do from 2-5 legs each.  One support runner, Inès Braun, chose to do 8 legs, and covered a total of 42 sun-baked miles.  Various other partners and spouses provided the all important logistical support, ferrying hot and tired runners back and fore, and providing much needed drinks and snacks.

The finish was planned for 10.00pm in Uplyme, near Lyme Regis, some 17 hours after the start.  But John managed an amazing sprint finish for the last 1.5 miles to come in one hour and forty five minutes ahead of schedule.  He was overjoyed with the achievement of the day, having struggled up many a Dorset hill.  “It was an amazing team effort, and I can’t thank the supporters enough.  This gives me a real confidence boost for the big run in May.  The legs are tired, but I feel fantastic!”

Many thanks to:

Laurie and Aidan Phippard, Ines Braun and her partner Martin, Tony Hogg, Jason Keast, Martyn Cox, Ian Carpenter, Pat and Chris Challis, Lucy Chard, Helen Rutter, Paul Chadwick, Elly Milln, Mike Brown and Bob Powell.

You can join at any point, and run as many legs as you like – just let us know which ones so we can keep tabs on logistics.

Main route 2010

01 Saltash to Marsh Mills

02 Marsh Mills to Yelverton

03 Yelverton to Postbridge

04 Postbridge to Nature Reserve

05 Nature Reserve to Exeter

06 Exeter to Cullompton

07 Cullompton to Staple Fitzpaine

06 Exeter to Cullompton

07 Cullompton to Staple Fitzpaine

08 Staple Fitzpaine to High Ham

09 High Ham to Wells

10 Wells to the end

The hours quickly passed as we prepared for the 1pm start, packing the food was a stark reminder of what task we had ahead of ourselves. Going into the ten bags that would contain enough food for the ten running sections was a real eye opener!

32 Bovril sandwiches
22 peanut-butter / jam sandwiches
80 flapjacks
20 bars of chocolate
10 bananas
10 caffine jells
2 bags of jelly babies
14 pints of milk
2 pints of apple juice
10 doughnuts
1 box of teabags

Talking to Jo Pavey and her husband Gavin before the start of the run was a great reassurance to me as was watching the support vehicles and their crews prepare to leave, all the time and effort everyone was putting into this run was just amazing.

Eddie Farwell did the final countdown from ten, and then suddenly it was all very real, nine months of preparation had finally come to life. Jo and i were setting off through the gates and out of Littlebridge Hospice. I can remember seeing all the faces of the staff, children – families and spectators as we left -a huge sense of emotion came over the pair of us.

110 Miles of road lay ahead of me! – no time to worry now – just enjoy and focus on the run.

As we rounded the clocktower in Barnstaple we picked up the first group of support runners, Jo stayed with us for several extra miles, i was sorry to see her go ,but extremely grateful for her friendship and support that she had given to all of us.

Food and drink had to be taken at regular intervals whether i felt that i needed it or not, this was one crucial thing that i kept reminding myself about – if i didn’t get this part of the event right then there wouldn’t be a finish and all my training would have been for nothing!

Coming to the change over points for the support runners was of a great boost for me,

i was really grateful for the runners that had ran and encouraged me and also i was looking forward to what the new group would be like and see their reaction to the atmosphere that we were carrying along with us.

There was a change to the usual food intake at one stage as we passed Bampton, to my surprise bags of hot fresh chips were being passed around, this was the first time i had eaten hot chips whilst running – but as anyone who knows me- it didn’t proove to be to much of a problem!

The roads from Barnstaple to Milverton seemed to climb forever at times, this is where all the hard training on tired legs really started to pay off.

As we ran into the darkness of the night time i felt really comftable, the weather was good and i have always enjoyed running at night, some how night running has always taken on a special feeling for me, perhaps where it is dark you concentrate more on your natural senses rather than what you can just see around you.I can remember all the different smells like freshly mown grass- scents from flower blossoms and hearing different animal noises and calls as we passed through the country side.

The flashing beacons from the support vehicles prooved to be in some way a great distraction and almost of comfort as they guided us through the night hours, people now lined up outside some of the pubs in the cold night air and cheered as we went through – a warm welcome and a great boost to all taking part.

As we came up on the A361 towards West Lyng a car drew up and the drivers window quickly wound down, with my head torch i could see an elderly gentleman who excitably said ” ere mate there’s a steer running about in that there road up thur” then quickly winding up his window and ducking his head at the same time managed to say “and ese got big horns too!” before driving off hurridly into the night.

Smiling to myself i could imagine the run turning into a scene resembling the streets of Spain where all the runners get chased by a charging bull,knowing my luck i would probably get chased all the way back to Barnstaple!

The hours quickly passed as the daylight jently approached and calmly greeted us onto the moorlands approaching High Ham. It had now rained for a few hours and i had noticed that the laces on my left trainer had rubbed the top of my foot causing the tendons to become sore,quickly i slackened off the tension and thought if this is the only problem that i’ve got after 68 miles and 16.5 hours of running on road then iam not doing too bad!

As we approached Street,Glastonbury and Wells City i felt really confident about how the run was going, yes i began to hurt,but not in a negative way ,i had expected to hurt a lot more than i did at this stage, remembering the memories of when i had done a 71 mile trial run only 4 months earlier. I was now on a persoanal best record having run further than ever before. Now on home ground,as i ran up through Wells High street i remembered all the Wednesday evening training runs i had done with fellow team runners from Wells City Harriers.

Climbing the Mendip Hills,we passed Penn Hill television mast at the top,(my favourate landmark during the long training runs). I had just completed one of the toughest sections of the run, at 90 miles!

Through out the run i rewarded myself positively as i passed various landmarks and when things got really tough and sore i just had to think of the Children and their Families from the two hospices and also remember how lucky i was to get my own health and strength back compared to how i was 5 years ago.

My aches and pains on this event were now temporary and i can put up with that, but the families that i help by raising money for havn’t got that choice.

There was an incredable welcome as we passed the Hunters Inn and the Castle of Comfort with supporters that had gathered,and as we made the decent from the Mendips, East Harptree Primary school lined the village street and all tha aches and pains melted away.

Laying the flowers on the grave of my two cousins ,Steve and Phil Ashford, made the heart sink at the reminder of loosing both of them in just two years, but as i left i could recall one of Phils sarcastic remarks “call yourself a runner?” and the sadness disappeared with a comforting smile.

Passing a mini roundabout, in the middle i could see my little Godson along with his mother and friends holding a banner stating that i had just gone through the 100 mile zone, i had finally achieved my goal of a life time but there was still a few more miles to go.

The last change over point had taken place outside the Prince of Waterloo pub in Winford, at every change over i had been weighed to keep an eye on hydration levels,and i found that all the way through i had slightly gained weight – i personally blame the hot chips!

The last doughnut had now been broken in half and tasted to me as good as the first even though it had lasted 102 miles. My phone rang and to my delight it was Jo Pavey to wish me well, this was a huge boost to my morale and one of the memories that i shall never forget.

With the end in view, Tyntesfield Estate was a fabulous sight, it didn’t matter that it was pouring down with rain, we were nearly there. It was along climb up the hill but a really beautiful one upthrough the tree lined avenues, with their freshly formed leaves sheltering us from the storm.

I suddenly noticed that for the first time during the whole event, all the runners were silent as if we had all been overcome by some magical spell, it was the time to suddenly reflect on what we had actually achieved – 109 miles with only 1 mile to go!

With Charlton Farm in sight and Bob, Jane ,Pat ,Carol and Nicola to accompany me in, we headed for the finish line.

Passing through the tape to the welcome of all the supporters was truly an unforgettable experience, looking around i see amongst so many of the people three of the families from the hospice this to me was a very emotional experience ,to see their smiles was worth every step taken.

Having crossed the finish line i felt that it wasn’t just myself that had achieved this amazing goal, it was down to a perfect team – the support vehicle crews – support runners – the spectators that had turned out in all weathers – the poeple who had donated on the just giving site / collection buckets – the people at home who had silently wished me a safe journey back as they followed the progress from friends and on the local radio updates.

I can’t thank you enough for all your time ,help & support.

Best wishes John.