Charlie's B(oat)LOG

It's nearly 2100hrs out here. I'm now anchored in a sheltered area, but the wind is howling and it's very dark. I set off earlier today to do some equipement testing and hoping to get a hammering as the general forecasts have been for strong winds. I left the marina in 25 knots  winds with a few gusts of 30 knots, but it has moderated as the evening set in. It is still windy and I'm looking forward to pulling up the anchor after my chilli con carni and apple custard! It will then be "wind against tide" which kicks up bigger waves, so should be interesting!

I've been busy training, fixing things, organising travel arrangements for the boat and family and generally having a pretty normal August. The highlight of the month was seeing my little boys learn how to sail singlehanded and take control of their own boats during our "FANTASTIC" Royal Burnham Yacht Club Cadet Week, open to all keen wannabee sailors.

Fundraising is another story. Unfortunately, two sponsors pulled out leaving me really short of my target in order to get to the start line, so my priority now is to go back to the yellow pages and start the "old presentations" again. I never realised how hard it is. You never get enough, but also whilst fundraising, I'm not training. So hard.

It is now under three months until the start in La Gomera and I'm now ready to row this little boat across the ocean. Apart from funds and the last tickling and tuning, we are counting the days with excitement.

I better finish my cold custard and brave the weather, so another blog soon!

This is Insure and Go, ready to row, out!

As another month goes by, I can't believe how much there is stil to do and very little time! 128 days until the start, but only half that until I have to pack up the boat for shipping to The Canaries. The biggest issue now is mainly admin. There are alot of forms to complete, special prescriptions for the "huge" medical kit I have to carry, but I also have to know when and how to use everything in the kit. Then all the hazardous material like cooking gas, epoxy repair kit and survival flares have to be shipped separately, customs forms bla bla. Wow, it just goes on.

I felt June was against me and stopped me from being my normal optimistic self, with no help from anyone else and the "why?" crossing my mind on several occasions. However, July has been different! My spark plugs got changed early on and now I'm fired up, feeling great and working away at the lists again. I've managed to put on 10 kilos since my running challenge and there are a few more k's  ready to join. The physical training is on track and the boat is very comfortable. I ordered a mattress last week and now have a satellite phone to play with. The only thing left to do is fine tuning my rowing seat...which hasn't arrived yet! It is being specially built from a prototype which I've been practising on. Fingers crossed it arrives soon.

So goodbye July, you have been kinder than June. August is for working out rowing routines and finalising shipping details and buying 90 days worth of food to sort out into daily packages! If you could just see how much equipement I have laid out in my garage, you would not believe it can all fit in my boat. Neither do I, so that's another plan I better work out this month!

Big Steve (Freddie's Godfather) has sorted out the electronics and found the fault with my VHF set. He has re-done the aerials and we are looking much better than a few weeks ago! With Steve's extensive knowledge including 10 Atlantic crossings, I now feel much more confident with fault finding and general maintenance of the systems. You may well ask, but I'm telling you there is miles and miles of wiring, switches, fuses, buttons and gadgets on this boat!

The bank balance has just been struck by lightning as I've ordered another set of oars and a satelite  phone. I will be able to use the phone anywhere on planet earth and send video clips, emails etc back to UK.

I remember the day I asked my son to row the Atlantic with me. Since then, he has gone through two years at School and got into Exeter University. He leaves home at the end of the week. I can't believe how quickly time has passed by and feel sad, but happy for him at the same time.

The training is fine and I'm gaining weight. My shoulder injury is still there, but Physio at Work are on the case and I'm looking forward to a windy (fingers crossed) session over this coming weekend.

Thanks Big man !

A great morning. The feeling of coming away with something big, like  walking out of a shop without having bought anything! Great.

I took the boat to the Goldie Boatshed, home of Cambridge University Boat Club and met up with Ian from Citigate and Dick Pryce-Jones along with some of the elite rowers. Can't remember all their names, but George, Ryan, Silas and Hardy were very helpful. Honestly, I'm not bad fitness wise for a 46 year old, but these guys are outragiously huge, fit and intellegent (must be if they're at Cambridge!). I came away really feeling I had made some friends in the process and with a bag full of new training ideas.

There is a strong connection here. I have always loved Cambridge and have been a frequent visitor since I was little. Addenbrookes Hospital is in Cambridge and quite alot of the rowers, especially Dick, had a story or knew someone linked with ocean rowing. So, I'm rowing for all those followers from Cambridge!

The boys had a go in the boat which was very funny. Without it's ballast and equipement, rudder etc, when rowed, it had a mind of it's own and no direction. A bit like driving on ice. The good news was everyone felt the geometry surrounding my seat, footholds and pins seemed about right Jackpot !

This special day has sparked more enthusiasm and I'm looking forward to more rowing at the weekend.

You wouldn't know how frustrated I have been lately. I can get over most things, if not by reason, then with brute force! I have not been able to "suss" the steering system on my boat, until last Saturday. I was lying on the deck drifting along, head in my hands, when suddenly... Eureka.. it came to me... the steering arm had been installed on the wrong side of the boat! A collective "balls up" by all involved in putting this boat together, myself included.

I've fixed it and we move on.

Emma has just booked our flights and accommodation in La Gomera. That means we are getting closer to the reality of it. I better sort out the shipment of the boat before it's too late!

What a glorious day we had on Saturday. Far from sweating it out on the oars at sea somewhere, I found myself drinking tea with lovely old ladies behind the Village Church. I took the boat to the local Fete, had children clambering all over it whilst I answered questions and explained which end was the front and how to find the WC!

After a very enjoyable few hours soaking in the village atmosphere, we raised £108 for Charity. Not bad eh? That's £50 an hour  for talking to genuinely interested people. Great.

I've been on land too long now and although I've spent every evening for the last month working on the boat, it's time to go rowing again. So after a visit to the RGS on Thursday, I'll be off to the Whittaker again, to play around with the seals and tide for a few days.

Rest assured, I'll be back in time for the 1st Test kick off on Saturday afternoon! Prediction? A Lions win by 3 points.

I've had the boat out in the North Sea and spent a few nights on board. I think there is a tiny bit of video coverage on Utube, not your North face of the Eigar though. The boat is really comfortable down below, but very exposed on deck. I'm wondering if I need to add some protection in anticipation of those Gales to expect in the Mid Atlantic from time to time. All the equipement works well and my cooking, although basic, is going to work out fine! Of course there are things to worry about and at the moment, my main concern is food! The de-hydrated food I've been eating on the Marathon des Sables and out here on the boat is really, very, definately boring and hard to swallow!

I lost several kilos doing the MdS, but since my training regime has changed and I'm doing more weights and less running, I'm back to where I was last October and starting to get stronger. Although rowing the Atlantic is all about mental stamina, physical ability is important.

I was chuffed to be asked to "open" the 2009 Wollaston Run for Business Charity event yetsurday, to take part and give a speech to 2,000 runners yesturday. The event was in Chelmsofrd and the weather held out for us. I met Grant Flower, the Essex Cricketer and look forward to going along and watching him play at the Essex ground in the forthcoming 20/20 series. It was here at Wollastons, that I met some young guns who have a wealth of University rowing experience and are Engineers. Tim and Duncan have promised to come down and anylise and calculate the best gearing and pin positions etc for my rowing postion. This is great news.

I'm off with the boat to Harlow on Saturday to recieve  the" Go Outdoors Essex Adventurer of the year 2009 award" which is being presented by the Chairman of the County Council. Hey ho! My first award in ages. It is to tie in with the opening of the new mega outdoor store at 1030. Can't wait to see all the goodies inside!

What am I about to do next? I'm off to the garage to sticke more bits of wood together for my compass housing and get  covered in epoxy!

I thought it best to leave the blog for a while, otherwise it becomes less interesting? Anyway, since the beginning of May, so much has happened in terms of business, projects, training and so on.

Whilst my business routine has changed over the last few months, it has thrown out my training programme which is a real bummer, because I am a routine animal. I have found it hard to motivate myself and feel May has been my "low".  On several occasions I have thrown my toys out of the pram and screamed at everyone for not helping me .... but then I've always remembered why should they? These are my challenges and it's me that wants to do them, not anyone else.

Having said that, there are so many people who are actually putting in a huge amount of effort and without them, I would definately be in my cot rocking around, sucking my thumb and ripping my teddy bear apart. They are Soren and David who keep moving along in 5th gear. They are all the sponsors, especially Lizzie at InsureandGo who must do something on my project every day.  They are all the others who continually give support and encouragement.

So maybe I have got all the help, but just don't realise it!

I'll go and stand in the corner now, sorry!

It's been a while since I blogged, but the last few weeks have been like running in quicksand!  So many things to think about and action, but I'm not getting there! I've got too much on and have decided I need help. I've got this fantastic new boat, but like all new racing machines, this one needs alot of tickling and modifications. Whilst I am concentrating on this and the training, the admin side and fund raising have fallen behind. It's starting to worry me a little, but I believe it will all come good in the end.

I launched the new boat two weeks ago and have had several outings in it. I'm starting to get an idea of it's characteristics, but am generally very happy with it and now I can imagine myself out there (0cean) and living it. The cabin is really cosy, but the cockpit is going to be very wet! Pulling the oars is harder than any other sport I've done, so I know I'm in for the hardest challenge of my life.

After a good session this weekend, I'm now ready for a good seven hours sleep before getting back to the real world of day to day business and family life this week.

My family are my rock and encouragement at the moment. I hope they can keep it up!

"Hi Charlie, the switch turned up this morning, I've finished the wiring and tested the solar panels in the afternoon sun. She's ready for you to collect, but don't forget the checkbook!"

Hey ho! Rock and roll. The call I've been waiting for. I was out rowing with Olli and James this weekend and got my wake up call. These boats are really, really heavy. Really heavy. I am looking forward to seeing how my solo boat goes.

I've been watching how Sarah Outen has been getting on with her Indian Ocean row. There are not many people like this one, she is just getting on with it without any fuss! Google her and follow her story. You will be impressed.

I would just like to say a big THANK YOU to all of those lovely people who have been sending me messages of support over the last few weeks. They have been coming in thick and fast via email, Facebook, text and twitter. They are so important and motivational. I remember a friend telling me just this before going off for this first challenge. How right she was.

Another friend of mine, Lucy, is about to do a very similar challenge in Namibia. I will be willing her on with messages of support as each message is like "filling your tank up and giving you another 30 miles!"

So once again, THANK YOU everyone

Love and kisses (strong hand shake and pat on the shoulder for the blokes!)

I flue out to Morocco not really knowing what to expect. I arrived in Ourzazate along with 300 other British runners and immediately made a few friends. In fact, everyone was friendly. We were all here with the same goal in mind. These new friends came from different walks of life from professional Cage Fighters, Anaesthetists, Politicians and Builders to Nurses, Care workers and Fire-fighters. To complete the 24th Marathon des Sables.

The first days were a wash out before we had even started! This part of Morocco hadn't seen rain in 12 years, so we had 12 years worth in 2 days. The whole area became flooded, vehicles were washed away and the organisation were very close to cancelling the event. We eventually got transported to a new start area 7 hours away by coach. Scrutineering and checks were done and we set off on our first stage of 33km across sand dunes towards the baron desert landscape in the east. There were 850 starters and there must have been that number again in the organisation, course layers, doctors, media, logistics etc. A huge moving circus which only the French can do.

My backpack weighed 11kg with my water, but I knew it would become lighter each day as I ate my daily rations. The first thing that hit me was the vast size of this continent. I couldn't stop thinking of how privileged I was in choosing to experience an adventure of this nature. Man and the elements, nothing else. The locals inhabitants are very poor and don't have the luxury of choosing. The desert had a scented smell similar to Rapeseed and there are many different kinds of small flowers that somehow survive out in this environment. There are also small lizards, sand beetles, huge caterpillars, butterflies, Mayflies and snakes!

I finished the first stage in 100th position which I was happy with and for the first time, started to think about improving on that. I have always believed in myself and now I had a bench mark to work from, so knew a better position was on the cards. We arrived at the first Bivouac and got into the ritual of unpacking, cooking, resting and working out how to make our packs lighter! I was sharing a tent with eight others chaps, three of which I met beforehand in a UK event. The night was freezing and windy and I didn't get much sleep. Also for the first time in 2 years, my left Illiotibial Band started giving me a little pain which was really worrying at this early stage. The following morning we set off on our next stage of 39km which was a loop finishing back to the same bivouac. I started off carefully and slowly, making sure not to irritate my leg problem and after the second checkpoint 20km out, speeded up to my usual pace and finished well to put myself in 112th position after two stages. A major problem arose as I finished. The Illiotibial Band had completely inflamed and I was unable to move without extreme pain, like knives through the side of my knee joint. The weather was improving and it became hotter, so that evening we all slept a little better. By now, many people had fallen out with injury or exhaustion. I was fine excepting my leg, so the following day, with the help from my tent mate, Richard (doctor) I planned a course of painkillers to get me through the next stage of 92km. Ian, Richard, Tom and I decided to run as a team for this long and arduous stage, so that whoever was the most motivated, could press on the others to keep the pace up. As we started, I was alright until the first checkpoint at 14km where as I stopped to adjust my socks. I couldn't get up again as the Illiotibial Band, had ceased up, was tight as a piano string over my bone and very inflamed. Richard gave me some walking poles and it was "goodbye" to the team as they carried on. I have never been in so much pain, but had 34 hours left to complete this stage, so there was no question of throwing in the towel. The “ITB” pain is controllable whilst walking and ceases up when stationary, so with a third layer of painkillers, I set out from this checkpoint with no intention of stopping, not even for a second. That is what I did. I speed walked the last 78km slowing down once to pee whilst I was still walking and going straight through the remaining checkpoints without slowing down,but to collect my next water ration. This strategy ended up giving me a respectable finishing place some 12 hours later. I was the tortoise in this race and it paid off! I was a little worried about damaging my kidneys from the amount of painkillers, so made sure to drink more than I could care for. One of my tent mates did really well in this stage, but with a combination of exhaustion and diarrhoea, blew himself out of the event and ended up in the medical tent along with a many others.

By now, there was a serious problem of diarrhoea going around and the whole Bivouac and surrounding area. It became very unhygienic and you had to watch where you were stepping! We had worked our way further south east and the landscape was more rugged with more hills. During this rest day people started dropping like flies and the medic tent was working to full capacity. I was lucky as my feet were fine and I was eating like a trooper, not effected by the “gut rot”. It was on this day, when I thought how well I could have been doing without an injury, that I decided I would have to come back another time, but with legs of steel. Eating the dehydrated rations was becoming a task as opposed to something to look forward to. The flip side was everyone was in the same situation, so trading between us became fun which introduced some variety. I remember thinking this was going to be a major problem to deal with as I set off for three months solo across the Atlantic later this year.

On the final day, it was going to be the hottest day of the event and our 43km stage included ascending and descending three small passes, more sand dunes and crossing a river. The atmosphere before the start was jubilant and incredible. Over seven hundred people in a party mood, even if the majority seemed to be a little wobbly on their feet! Patrick Bauer, the Founder of the Marathon des Sables, gave his daily preach, we sang Happy Birthday to a few competitors and set off for the last time. I tried to run, but lasted only a few hundred meters before having to revert back to speed walking and poles, the side of my knee now swollen like a tennis ball. After crossing the river the ground became flat and I came alongside Chris the Cage fighter, so together we pushed on for a few more miles, encouraging each other. With about 10km to go, for some reason I thought to try and run again. I picked up the pace, gritted my teeth and thought about where I might be in a couple of hours. The pain became manageable and I maintained a good speed all the way to the finish where Tom and Richard cheered me in. I broke down in tiers of joy and pain as I received my completion medal from Patrick Bauer. I had completed the 24^th Marathon des Sables and made some great friends along the way.

My body and mind were in very good shape, no blisters, no crazy thoughts or hallucinations and only a small drop in body mass (later measured at 4kg). The Illiotibial Band is a common injury in running and can be fixed through specialist physiotherapy and weight training, but if it pulls and inflames, you are best to rest it for six weeks. Running up the side of sand dunes was the cause for my injury by over stretching the outside of the leg. I ended up 182^nd overall, 33^rd Brit and 1^st from my Village!

There is a lot of planning for an event like this, especially as weight is critical. I owe special thanks to Karen Rowntree and David Kelly who helped in my pre race planning and training. There is nothing I would change about what I carried and wore, only I would take less food next time. The training and mileage I clocked up beforehand was also good, but I shall do more walking and running on sand dunes before the next MdS!

Now onto my next challenge and learning how to row!

I first thought about running the MdS about 12 years ago and now here I am about to jump on a plane to Morocco for the 24th Marathon des Sables. I am completely relaxed and going to the gym as usual in the morning at 0630 for a last session of stretching before sitting on a plane. Really relaxed.

I have been really stressed up over the last few weeks and that's probably why I came down with illness last week. The pressure in my head has been immense and I've never had headaches like it before. Lot'sof juggling between work, family, training and boat details! The desert will do me good!

Have I done enough training? I'm not sure, but I certainly know I couldn't have done much more, so I can honestly say I've put the effort in and now I can enjoy the fruits of my labour!

I was recently at the South East Essex College for Beauty where I was surrounded by a handful of beautiful Essex girls (students) who worked away at my feet for 2 hours!! Thanks to my Title sponsor InsureandGo for the pleasure. Whilst we were having a bit of a laugh, I realised I was over twice their age! A sobering thought. Anyway, I came away with a soft pair of pampered feet. Great fun. I will be back for more.

Right then, bills paid, family duties done, Neil has the business under control, lawn cut and bag is packed. So here we go for the first Challenge. 151 miles across the desert with all my own kit. I will get my inspiration from Shaun on my right, My father on my left and the motto Jaco sent me yesturday..

"If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. If you can't crawl,do what ever you have to do, but keep moving forward  and never, ever give up".

Bye for now

I just can't believe I've come down with a throat and chest infection. Again! Only 4 months after the last one! I've been laid up all weekend, but the antibiotics are kicking in now and I'm feeling a bit better. I've clocked up some good training this month and carefully planned, checked and weighed my equipment. So now every aspect of this challenge is ready to roll, only the matter inside this body needs some quick fixing.

I think there's too much going on which is causing me headaches, so although I'm having a moan now, I can't wait to get out to the Desert and start running, which will release the "pressure valve". Things will then be better.

The boat is actually finished and just looks amazing. I will go down to Exmouth as soon as I get back and take her out for a maiden row. Now there's something to look forward to. If you ever need a rather special rowing boat (as you do!), then Jamie Fabrizio is your man.

This sore eyes is off to bed.

It's great to see a little more light at the end of the day and to see all the buds coming out. Roll on Spring. It makes a big difference mentally, so making it all more enjoyable!

My training programme has been really positive. One lost toe nail and a pulled arch is all the injury I've had. Almost all my running has been cross country which has helped strengthen my ankles and other limb joints. My favorite run is doing a new route for the second time as I don't then need a map, but can look at the countryside. I must say there is alot more to Essex than meets the eye. Once you get off the trodden paths, there really is some beautiful country out there, even in "England's back yard!". I've been doing several shorts runs during the week and adding 40 miles to that at the weekend. One more weekend of this and then I'll start to stretch more and rest a bit. 20 days until I jump on the plane. Can't wait.

My mind is now becoming more focused on the row again. As I'm completing the training for the MdS, I've started to plan the next seven months before I ship the boat out to the Canaries. It may seem a long time, but is actually the last part of a 24 month campaign. I will be rowing the new boat "JJ" off the Cornish coast for the first time a week after I get back from the Sahara. Can't wait.

How do I feel about all of this now? Emma has become increasingly supportive and my family are all now involved in some way, from booking flights and accomodation to helping with charity issues. I am very excited about going to the Sahara and am physically ready for it, but it's the row, the boat, the people behind it and this adventure that I'm living for. So much has gone into just building the boat alone, but now she is finished, the next bit is down to me, the engine. There is so much still to do aswell.

Over the next few weeks, I have sponsor meetings and some interviews to do. I am looking forward to seeing how much more we can raise for Addenbrookes after the first challenge has been completed.

Soren and Jo organized a telephone interview on Antonia Brickell's Drive time show last Monday at 5.50pm, but I thought it was going to be at 4.50pm! (where did I get that from?) So as I sat in a "satellite office" on a building site in Sloane Square waiting for the call, I realised I needed to go to the loo! What do you do?? I don't know, go for it and miss the phone or try to hold on. I waited and waited.... got bored and decided to go online and check out the Radio Station. Hey presto! It said I would be on at 5.50pm. Now relieved 5 minutes later, it was now 5.50 and the phone rang " Hi Charlie, this is bla bla Antonia will go live with you in....are you there?..." Bloody phone didn't work in the office, so I tried to get off the building site as fast as I could. Fell over in a pitch black entrance hall, found the door handle, opened, ran and found myself on the street" why are you doing this Charlie?" I missed the whole introduction and didn't know what Antonia had asked me! Anyway, I managed to catch up with her and all went well. Phew! Dramatic.

I ran two 16 milers at the weekend across country, but have pulled an arch from carrying the weight on my back. I am resting the feet, but hope to go out for a short one tomorrow. This little injury worries me. It's enough to shatter all the hard work and not get to the start line.

That apart, for the first time I feel really ready for the desert and now can't wait to get there and into it.

Whilst doing all this running stuff, Tim (my son) has quietly been pumping the weights and is now stronger than me! Ah, but he won't come running with Dad! Wonder why?

Ok, another first. I have given myself a #2 all over for very good reason. I have reduced the amount of trapped persperation on the body surface and I'm telling you it makes a huge difference to drying time and is more hygenic (actually I got carried away when I was doing my sideboards with the electric clippers, a definate improvement though, she said!)

The boat is being painted. Yes, she is really neally there. Watch out!

I went to the Hunt's party earlier this month and am glad to say I've just got over the hang over. Thanks  Clare, love you!

I've just got back from a great day, so I thought I would tell you about it. Woke up about 1000, had cooked breakfast and read the papers until the Wales v Scotland match, got drunk and went to bed. Actually...

Got up at 0500 on a Sunday morning, hitched up with Karen who drove us to the South Downs, we then completed the Punchbowl 30 miler X country run in bright blue sunshine and crispy snow on the ground. We then drove back to Essex. I've just checked out the feet and they are looking good and am feeling better than I thought I might after my longest run to date. Karen is a well known Ultra runner and was a pleasure to run with. I really look forward to another outing like this.

I recently visited Global Boatworks and finalised the last details with Phil, Jamie and Emily for the completion of the boat. Jamie is a craftsman. The attention to detail is accurate and beautifully finished. The construction method has made the boat incredibly strong and light, so I feel very confident about being out in the Atlantic in this tiny vessel.

Launch date? We are provisionally looking at Mid April for sea trials off Exmouth.

Soren Bradbury needs a mention! This man has taken on what other people would call a full time job. He is in charge of all aspects and liaising between several team members to do with the PR and Fund raising for our chosen charity, ACT. He has come up with the fundraising ideas and more. I think there are at least nine other people involved in one way or another. You are Steph, Lizzie and Ben. Philip and Pete. Jo, Yvonne and Mel. There are others!  You see, one man's run and row for charity involves a whole team behind it. It's incredible!

Despite having a "Yes sir, No sir" week at work, everything in my world is rocking and on fire at the moment!

Last weekend was great. We launched James and Oli's boat in Burnham, then I raced them up the river to the Ferry Boat Inn at Fambridge. Two men in a boat, one man on his feet. Eight miles later I was downing a nice cool Guinness before the young one's turned up. Stage two - the race back, only they had the tide with them this time. Off we went. After  being out of sight from each other for a few miles, as I came back to the river's edge, there they were just ahead! I ran the last four miles out of my skin and later learnt they had done the same. They beat me by metres! Next weekend we are on for another one -  can't wait  to swap my shoes for oars.

Dino (my physio) strapped my shoulder back earlier this week with LOTS of very sticky medical tape. This is to aid my shoulder injury, which is definately getting better. I really hope it is bio-degradeable, because I have tried removing a tiny bit and it has plucked my hairs and removed my skin. How the hell am I going to remove the size of a large book of this stuff ? The ultimate wax!

My running is going really well with some longer X country  distance runs under my belt and lots of core exercising  sessions with Christian at the gym. I'm starting to get my kit together on the Dining room table and will have the pleasure of  Karen's experience  (MdS Vet) tomorrow to check over everything with me. Pen and paper ready!

Work is much better now and less stressful, so I'm able to relax more and enjoy  more time with my family.

The boat? You may well ask. Well I'm off back down to Cornwall next weekend, but it is neally finished! Jamie thinks by the end of February I'll be able to measure up for carpets and cushions. Emily has been sending daily photos and the rate of progress has been like a lizard drinking. Phenomenal !

We are hoping to launch the boat the week after I get back from running and start the sea trials off Falmouth Roads. Can't wait.

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear meeeeee, happy birthday to me!

Let's not mention how old! Everything is going well indeed. Howard the Torturer did some physio on my shoulder and whilst he had me in a half nelson, forced me to join the Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners. So off I went last Sunday to join in a X coutry run with 24 strangers. I can't actually remember the last time I ran with someone, but I thoroughly enjoyed the outing. How can people chat when they are running? Beats me. I'm definately up for more of this. Lovely people!

I feel confident about my training programme. It may not be typical for Ultra running, but I think with two months to go, I will be ready for the MdS. However, I am worried about  what kit to take and will be knocking on a few doors to seek advice in the near future.

THE BIG NEWS which has yet to be properly launched, is that I have secured a Title Sponsor. They have dived into the Challenges with enthusiasm and support. It is fantastic to be in this situation considering the dire economic state of our country. There is now a small team of people involved in the Challenges and I will do my best for them. Gues who the title Sponsor is?eerrr...

Off to the London Boatshow tomorrow, maybe I'll see some more Lap dancers there!

My feet are freezing, it's -7°C and I'm thinking "this time next year I will be nice and warm and cozy somewhere in Mid Atlantic (hopefully)". Actually thinking about it, in three months time, I'll be in a desert - warm and dry!  This training is more appropriate to running to the North Pole or catching a lift on James Cracknell's sledge to the South Pole!

Anyone got a good idea?

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you have some good resolutions in place and that your 2009 will be happy and exciting one.

December was really difficult on the training front. I was "off exercise" for two weeks with the usual winter cold and work has been manic aswell. However, I managed to get going again on Christmas day and finished off the year with a 40K trail run loaded with my MdS equipement. I have not worried about the lack of training, because resting is very much part of it and I really do feel back on track and well rested! I'm looking forward to the next few months with a few longer runs planned and lots more...

I'm off down to Cornwall again tomorrow to see how Jamie is getting on with the construction. They have been working over Christmas and now hopefully the boat will be ready a few weeks ahead of programme. My car is full of kit for the boat which we are going to work out  where it can be fitted! You see, the last time I went down, it dawned on me there is a hell of alot of equipement and provisions to take, so where on earth was I going to put them? This is a little boat!  Unless I take Action Man supplies, we might have a problem. Watch this space (what space?)

A few days ago I took the family off to Mersea Island for a winter walk, Native Oysters and Fish n chips at the Oyster Shed in West Mersea. Go there! We are off there again on Saturday, but with a party of 20 or more family! On Sunday it's back to sea with a training row on the Crouch with Oli and James in their boat (entered in the same race).

So here is 2009! My year for doing it! Still, there is so much to do and very little time left. Good luck to all of you for 2009 and please keep your questions etc coming in.

Picked the wrong shift after my last blog! I've been horizontal and off training for 13 days, I've shrivelled up and all my hard work has gone backwards 2 months and down 3 kilos! Pretty ****ed off, but what can you do? I blame all those lowsy people who commute to work giving their ***t  to others when they should be in bed!!

To make things easier on myself, last night I designed my own sleeping bag from PHD and ordered it online. How cool is that. It only weighs 550g and will keep me warm in 0 degrees C!

Hopefully I'll get a run in before Xmas, but work is totally at the forefront of my mind until a few projects are handed over soon. Then re - focus!

I went down to Cornwall last weekend to meet Phil and Jamie and go over the construction. "Insure and Go" is looking amazing. Jamie's attention to detail is second to none! Wait until she (the boat) is unveiled in February. I should be able to launch her sometime in late March, the only problem is.....

I will be doing the Marathon des Sables then! My training is focused towards this and I'm starting to clock up the "time out running" and I've got a new trainer in Christian who is helping me along. But I've got a stinking cold and the only time I'm running is at night time which is so far removed from running during the day in 40°C. So, not ideal. I just got some special trainers to break in, but they have given me my first blisters, ever! Worrying to say the least. 

I am finding it all very hard at the moment, not from a motivational point, but every bit of time not working or sleeping is basically being sucked up in something or other to do with the Challenges. I think it will be easier in the new year (hope so!), so roll on Christmas.

Under a year to go! I hope the weather will bit warmer than this.

I took the family to the boatshow today. It was perfect weather for it, cold and drizzly! Very interesting, I saw no fewer than four different Ocean rowing boats, other boats ( as you would expect ), racing cars, racing powerboats, a huge stand for modelling animals in clay, open to all, a lap dancing stand (advertising their club in London) with models, yeah. What else, oh! an Italian Vespa stand with at least 50 of them on show and much more. Quite diverse really! Worth the visit.

Whilst there, I met some new friends Chris Martin who is about to attempt the Pacific from Japan to San fransisco, Margaret Bowling who is going to attempt the Tasman Sea, Amy who is off to do the Indian Ocean and Oli Back who will be training in my home waters this winter. I also met James Ketchell with his his boat, Atlantic Adventurer, who will be attempting the Atlantic Ocean in the same class as me next year. So readers, lot's of very normal people taking this increasingly popular sport to all corners of the globe.

A good day, (especially watching one of the Lap dancing models walk past. Yes, I waited and she came back, even Emma was astonished! I tell you, I don't know how she would get up if she fell over! )

Yes, a good day.

The boat construction is coming along and I'm ordering all sorts of parts and having them sent down to Devon where she (we always call boats "she"!) is being created. So far we have the hull and bulkheads in and Jamie is starting to put his personal touch to every detail. I can't wait to grab some oars and go to sea, but unfortunately that is some time off yet.

I'm now starting to concentrate more on preparing for the Marathon des Sables which is now less than 4 months away. There is an awful lot of administration to do, sourcing the right equipement and doing the physical bit aswell. We are on track!

All in all, today has been a major turning post and I'm one happy chappy! I'll tell all soon. In the meantime, it's off to Earlscourt Boatshow and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park with the pups!

For the benefit of those who don't know what "Fartlek" means, it is a Swedish term for speed play! This is what you do when you go and run for fun! But now I have invented a truly new sport based on it's Swedish predecessor. "Fart Art for Runners". Yes, it is going to become international, there will be championships and judging all over the world.... What is it?

Instead of just going for a boring old run or Fartlek, add some creativity! All you need is a GPS like a Garmin forerunner or similar, lots of space  and a creative mind. The idea is to go off for a run and whilst you are at it, draw an image or write a word using your co-ordination. When you get back and hook the GPS up to the computer..HEY PRESTO.. you've just drawn some art! Banksy eat your heart out! This is Charlie Pitcher's idea!

Off to do another masterpiece, see you soon. ( part of my training schedule now!)

Let's be honest, with the damp drizzly weather, grey skies, and the current affairs going on, I find it really, really difficult to get motivated about training. It just goes on and on and on. I'm thinking about how I can diversify the regime, make it more interesting etc.

Definately a low period, but hey ho! press the button.. up pops Shaun and says " Get on with it Pitcher, what's the big deal? You chose to do this you ******! HA HA".  Bastard!

Today Soren and I launched the facebook community to start raising funds in memory of Shaun! We are hoping to raise £100,000 for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust. If you read this, how about donating a fiver or more? Pretty please?

Folks, we are so close (but that feels so far away) to breaking news, but I've still got to wait. I've got no finger nails left! Watch this space.

If you have read this, send a response " I did ! ".

Thanks

Still getting over October! Well I've just got back from doing a Sea Survival course with KTY Yachts  on the Hamble River and I promise Yvonne and Keith could not have squeezed any more into it. I didn't have time to think about anything else from 8.30am on Saturday until 7.00pm on Sunday. Anyone out there who goes offshore and has never done anything like this...YOU MUST! It is a big eye opener, believe me.

Do you realise the Christmas decorations came out in Oxford Street in October? It's gone crazy. We now have 5 months of continuing "Sales". Think about it, Sept, Oct - late summer bargains! Nov, Dec - Season's greetings, then January Sales which run into February! The business to be in? Those who supply all the "Sales" advertising and print the posters.

I am going to make a really important phone call tomorrow... I'll have more to write after that!

It's the 1st of November and am I glad to have got through October. What happened? Apart from my day job, I squeezed in  6 x potential Sponsor presentations, 1 x RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate (this takes 5 x days in a classroom for anyone), 3 x day trip to Palma, 1 x Live BBC Radio interview, About 100k running, 70k rowing, 2 x dinner parties and to finish it off nicely...The Quantum of Solace last night!

Off to my mother's now to do some gardening (has to be done if I am to rely on her continued support!) and get some sea air.

I passed ! Big box ticked. " With a little help from my friends", special thanks to Neil Burgess at East Anglian Sea School in Levington Marina. What a set up they have and very professional. I must also mention my "left hand man" Phil Coakley who was a rock.

Knackered!

Hope you all think the "new look" website is informative and interesting. I must thank my cousin David for all his hard work and effort over the last 6 months. Yes, he really has been on it for this long!

The clock is ticking. It seems like a long way off, but bear in mind we started planning for the row at the beginning of 2007!  Jamie and Emily at www.globalboatworks,com have built the boat upside down, but turned it up the right way this week. Now they can continue to fit it out over the next few months.

Good news - Listen to BBC Essex Radio on Friday 31st at about 1255 onwards. There will be a "live" broadcast . I've never been on Radio!

Big day tomorrow, I have my Ocean Navigation exam. (done in a classroom!)

Can't wait for the end of this month.

I'm sitting in Palma Airport waiting for a delayed Ryanair flight to arrive in order to take me home! So I'm treating this as an exercise about controlling your attitude when you can't do anything about the situation. “ If it is beyond your control and everyone is safe...chill!”That is what I'm doing. By the time we are called up, I will be an expert on Tropical Revolving Storms, Azimuth and Intercept! For those who don't understand, this is to do with ocean navigation. I have a test next week and must pass in order to qualify for the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race 2009.
October is a huge month. I've packed too much into it and can't wait to see the 31st! I've got a big day on the 30th and hope to make an announcement after that. Watch this space.
I had some really good news yesterday. My entry in the Marathon des Sables became official, so no more waiting games wondering if I was going to be accepted. Sorry to you guys that have missed it for this year. So now I can do a little more running, yippee!?! If there are any veteran MdS runners out there, I would love to hear what running shoes you wore, how much weight you lost and how your nutrition programme worked out? Please.
Back to the boat. Global Boat Works are flying along with the programme and will turn the hull over this week. It makes this all become “real” and now the more cynical people out there are starting to believe I will get to the starting line. The more optimistic people are thinking about a holiday in Antigua. Hey guys, one step at a time, please.
I've got to mention Soren without who's valuable time, we would be miles behind on Charity and Sponsorship presentations and reviews. Thanks.

Michael emailed me yesterday. He said "The world has changed in the last two weeks". Whilst waiting for my early morning train, Andy said "There have been as much M and A's in the last two weeks as we normally see over a decade". This is a most difficult time for obtaining sponsorship and it has to come in now and from somewhere! I'm working on it with some potential partners and gradually chipping away at the old block, but who and when will that "title" sponsor be?
The physical training is the easiest part for me as I like the routine and enjoy keeping healthy, but sitting on an indoor rowing machine (ergo) is really boring and that's for no more than an hour. How will I cope for 70 days at sea? I'm worried about my ass, it's going to get shot to bits!
Jamie started building the boat last week which is a huge step forward. Not pretty, but hopefully it will do the job and get me across the Atlantic.
I'm not young anymore, but I've decided the best way to do my diary (blog) is not to pretend to be young and "cool" which attracts a certain type of reader, but to be completely open and honest. No cut or edit! I think this is the best way for people to interact with what I'm up to and how I really feel. So there we have it, my first Blog entry.
Now interact if you want to, it's easy. Does anyone out there know how to contact the girls from Booty Luv?