But as I complete one challenge the next one is round the corner and Challenge 3 - New Forest Ultra is only 10 days away!
So what have I been up to since the London Ultra? Not a lot really I had a steady training week last week where I completed just over 20 miles which may seem a lot but was actually about 30 miles less than a normal week.
On Saturday I took part in my 3rd Parkrun in Southend and despite the freezing temperatures I had a good run. Parkruns are part of a national programme and are a free 5k run which take place every Saturday morning. The runs are organised and supported by volunteers and are a great way to get into running or used as a time trial type training session.
So after a 2.5 mile warm up I lined up with another 98 runners. I came a very pleasing 9th with a new PB of 20minutes 46seconds.
I never started running to win races, that's because I knew it was never possible given my beer belly but I love the fact that I'm now reaching certain milestones that I never thought I would achieve.
Now without sounding like a football manager on the verge of winning a trophy I am trying to take each challenge as they come and not get too far ahead of myself.
That said I have been getting the route sorted for the beast that is Challenge 4 - 6 marathons in 6 days.
This will clearly be the biggest challenge so far and will be tough going. It must be said that I haven't exactly picked a picturesque route either, but it is the most direct from Great Wakering to Stratford Upon Avon.
More about challenge 4 soon.
As for now I've increased my training this week with a 20 miler planned for the weekend before I reduce the training ahead of the event.
Please remember that the Average Joe Challenge, which is a year long challenge, is to raise money for the Spring Board Opportunity Group.
Springboard is first and foremost a playgroup. Play is very important part of a child's development, as all children learn to play. They take children who, for a variety of reasons, may have needs that benefit from specialist support; children who need extra help and support becasue of physical, emotional or language problems.
They also act as a centre for parents of these children to give them information, support and help in co-ordinating all the agencies who may be involved with the family.
As mentioned previously Eva, my friends daughter who has Down syndrome, and their family have benefitted greatly from the support and work that Springboard Opportunity Group do.
Any donations no matter how big or small would be gratefully received and can be made through my donate page. A link can be found on the web version of this blog or by going to https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/averagejoe
More soon on the build up to Challenge 3!
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