Having set the goal of becoming the first person to cover the route in 25 days – while carrying a 35lb pack – the former PTI was struggling and facing failure for the first time in his life. But determined to finish the challenge in aid of charity Reorg, the 38-year-old drew on every ounce of military grit to see it through. He told Soldier how recovery became a day-by-day process…
Days 3-5
Physically, I was broken. Emotionally, I was up and down. I’d planned to do 40 miles per day, but had to change that. I reduced my daily target to 35 miles, broken up into as many stints as needed. A pep-talk from mum helped; she told me she didn’t raise a quitter.
Days 6-18
My longest sessions would be first thing each day – 12-15 miles, then rest and go again. At certain points I was only doing two miles at a time. In between I iced, elevated and compressed my legs, massaged my muscles and rubbed in ointment. Snacks included bananas and peanut butter and jam sandwiches.
Days 19-25
The last six days I felt phenomenal. But I had to make up for lost time, which meant over the last 26 hours I covered 94 miles to get within the 25-day limit.
Day 25
When I reached the finish I was excited, but also sad. It had taken six months of training, so I didn’t really know how to feel. I celebrated with champagne and ate some KFC, before doing some stretching and getting some sleep.
... and afterwards
+1-2 days – I got back home and into my normal routine of clean eating instead of the junk food I was having to eat on the road.
+ 3 days – Back in the gym for a 40-minute chest and arms session. I was weak and had lost about eight kilos, but it felt good to be back. I continued stretching, foam rolling and going in the sauna to address where I hurt.
+ 2 weeks – In the gym daily for ten days. I was struggling to get down to the same squat depth because my hips were still tight.
My goal now is to return to the shape I was before, and put muscle back on. It’s been like being back in the army – the military community have been so behind me.
