Having a goal has become even more apparent to me during the last few months. 

As previously mentioned, I went through a bit of a slump at the start of the year.

I still ran every day but only for 2 to 3 miles with no real intent or desire to do it other than going out with my huskies and keeping my run every day streak going. 

I have still not had the inguinal hernia fixed which I have been carrying around with me for a couple of years which didn’t help but turning 66 was what really hit me. 

Where have the years gone as so many of us say, particularly as we get older? 

Then back in March, someone said to me? “What is up with you, you are normally one of the most confident and motivated people I know?” Dare I say it was like a slap round the face wake-up call? 

Don’t get me wrong, I am always busy with Sportlink work, albeit mainly behind the scenes these days, and of course with all the animal work, which I am now very much hands-on with. 

(Image: Neil Featherby)

However, whilst this can be so very rewarding, it can also get you down at times, especially when working with animals who have been rescued with some horrific injuries and or illness and then despite the very best care and efforts from some amazing people, you lose them.  

I said to my partner Steph: “I think I might be suffering with a form of PTSD and I think I need to find something else to focus my mind on again.”  

So, with that and along with just a few close friends, it was decided to do another running challenge. 

I jokingly then mentioned in this column about running Route 66, aged 66, which of course some people took seriously. 

Being away from home for around three months could never happen with all my commitments and whilst we looked at various potential challenges in Norfolk, what with having done most of them already, it was Hadrian's Wall which kept coming back at me. 

So that was it – Hadrian's Wall for a third time (previously 2008 and 2018) and whilst I am not pushing to do it in under 24 hours again, I really would like to be able to complete it between midday on July 24th and sometime the following day. At the same time, it will also celebrate 43 years of running every day, spilling over into year 44. 

So, with my newfound enthusiasm and as my friend Harvey Murray-Smith who I met in Ashbourne whilst on holiday in the Peak District last year regularly says, it really did become a case of just ‘getting it done.’ By April I was running around 50 miles a week before gradually increasing it right up to 70 miles a week in May and now three weeks into June I am averaging over 80 miles each week. 

(Image: Neil Featherby)

I feel so much better physically and mentally. Whilst I know there will never be a return to being able to run as fast as I could even just 10 years ago, my confidence and belief is where it should be again i.e. if you really want to do something bad enough then you can. Or of course ‘winners never lose’. 

This Saturday evening we will be taking on a long training effort along the Weavers Way from Cromer to Aylsham and then Marriotts Way to Lenwade (Summer Solstice Jaunt) to simulate moving forward during what would normally be sleeping hours as the one thing I do know is that when doing such long ultras, one of the toughest things can be trying to run when the body is used to being tucked up in bed. 

Needless to say, I am not doing Saturday’s little jaunt on my own or indeed Hadrians Wall for which I must give the team Craig and Tracey Bowen Jones, Karen Grapes, Chas Allen and Steph Jones a mention. Without them none of this would be happening. 

One other thing which is keeping me motivated and focused is the amazing charities who we are running for - Nelson’s Journey, The Hallswood, Pact and Hillside Animal Sanctuaries plus dog’s rescues Pawpers in The Ruff and The Northern Inuit Dog Rescue. 

(Image: Neil Featherby)

Whilst running and all sport is something which you can guarantee will be filled with highs and lows, now having followed and worked with some of our designated causes during the last few years, for me it puts a whole new perspective and meaning to overcoming the lows to then be able to move on and achieve the very highest of highs. 

Yes, having a goal and target really is so very important, whatever stage of your life you may currently be at. 

Being able to look back at the good times of years gone by is great but still being able to look forward with enthusiasm is perhaps even more important. You could say just like when focusing on moving forward during an ultra. 

A huge thank you to all those people who have already sponsored us. We won’t let you down! 

For anyone else who might want to know more about our challenge 84 at 66 for Great Causes with Great people or indeed make a donation then please click here.    

Have a great weekend everyone…