Run Britain Day 76: Pwlhelli not to Aberdaron

There is often a lot of pressure on New Year’s Day to start the year off right. It’s like a more extreme version of Monday’s - every new week is a fresh one to attack. A new year is an even bigger opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start on the right footing.

But 1 January isn’t a good time to endure pressure.

The come down from the Christmas season (with all its eating, drinking and merriment) can hit hard at the start of the year. And January tends to be a pretty bleak month weather-wise.

People often ask me why I am undertaking my challenge in the winter. The honest answer is that for me, practically, it was the best time to do it. I wasn’t ready to start it before the middle of the summer last year. And next summer, my sister is getting married, so I want to make sure I am back for that.

But since I have started, it’s occurred to me that there are lots positive reasons for doing this in the winter. First, logistics are easier in the winter. I would struggle to turn up at Airbnbs and hotels on the coast in the middle of the summer and just hope they had space for me. I’d also have to be carrying more water. And Shadow would struggle with the heat. I am also looking forward to having the summer to get back to when I am finished.

The most interesting suggestion about my decision to do this in the winter came from an interview I did with Wales Online. The journalist wondered if my decision to run over winter and keep running through Christmas may be because suicide rates are highest in the winter. This is the time of year that more people are struggling.

I really wish I had a bigger platform and that my story could reach more people, because it is true that the winter is the hardest time for so many people. And I would like to think that Run Britain could provide those who are struggling with a bit of positivity and also a reminder that the Samaritans are there for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Plus a reminder that if you are struggling, reaching out and talking about it is the best thing you can do.

But back to my 1 January.

It was rubbish.

I managed only two thirds of my planned route for the day. I ended up getting lost and stuck on a beach and had to cover an extra 5km back the way I had come. I was stressed and cold and wet.

But I did cheer up enormously watching the Traitors in bed after an incredibly good curry.