Lands end John o groats (walking) LEJOG

[i4got]

The Rotrex Kid said:

Sorry that today didn’t work matey, good luck on the rest of your journey!!!

Cheers.

[i4got]

I’ve ended up slightly further along than I planned due to accommodation issues.

On the plan I have two days to get to Taunton 23 miles away. Rather than book anywhere in between,I’ve decided to just try to walk through.

Best case - I make it and get a free rest day in Taunton tomorrow.

Worst case I get maybe 17 miles in to Wellington then If I can’t go further, get a bus (sorry PH) into Taunton. Then bus back to Wellington for a short 5 or 6 miles day tomorrow.

So up at 630 for an early start to see how it goes.

Edited by i4got on Monday 11th April 07:13

[i4got]

So far very pleasant weather along the canal. Touch wood.

[i4got]

interstellar said:

i4got said:

So far very pleasant weather along the canal. Touch wood.

I am in Dorset and its lovely here so assumed you would be ok!!

Enjoy, I wish I had your day ahead rather than meeting's all day on teams!!

You know I was thinking exactly the same this morning. Up at 630 on a monday morning. Was thinking I’ll be aching tonight. But no way I can moan about it as I could be getting up to go to work instead.

[i4got]

croyde said:

OP, how much training did you do for this?

I'm happy doing 10 miles a day but the mileage you are doing daily would have me seizing up.

to be honest its the backpack thats the issue. I did a couple of months of walking 4 or 5 days a week ranging from 8 to 17 miles. Carried 8kg on my back. If not for the backpack I reckon most people could do 6 to 8 miles in a morning and the same again afternoon.

[i4got]

blue_haddock said:

If your coming anywhere near shropshire i'd happily offer assistance and support.

Cheers.

[i4got]

egor110 said:

rodgie said:

Really enjoyed reading this thread and it sounds a great trip. I have fond memories of Taunton as I lived there for a few years. Enjoy the walk!

Ex 40cdo ?

I lived in Taunton for a few years mid nineties. On fact both my kids were born there. Not military though. In fact I’ll be passing within 50 metres of my old house shortly on the west deane way. Longaller if you know it.

[i4got]

egor110 said:

Let me know if you need anything around Taunton

Can you recommend a barber that does wet shaves ? 😊

[i4got]

i4got said:

egor110 said:

Let me know if you need anything around Taunton

Can you recommend a barber that does wet shaves ? ??

Actually not sure I need a recommendation. How many barber shops are there now!! Must have walked past more than 10 just on the same road as my hotel.

[i4got]

Made it to Taunton. 26.1 miles. I’m pretty knackered buut will find a pub for dinner then early to bed.

First day off tomorrow so - Lie in , sort out laundry, get a shave, find some replacement reading glasses - old one broke. I know how to enjoy myself.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qkBGY4R36

[i4got]

The Mad Monk said:

i4got said:

Made it to Taunton. 26.1 miles. I’m pretty knackered buut will find a pub for dinner then early to bed.

First day off tomorrow so - Lie in , sort out laundry, get a shave, find some replacement reading glasses - old one broke. I know how to enjoy myself.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qkBGY4R36

Here you go

https://tinyurl.com/bdz5p8t3

Just the job. Think my last ones were from there.

[i4got]

MYOB said:

Can I ask what your motivation is to keep going? I believe you’re not doing this for charity and suspect it’s for self-fulfilment. Just wondering what’s willing you on!

Once I know there's a good chance I’ll finish I will (or more likely my wife will) put up a charity just giving page. I didn't want to start a charity walk only to fail. Thats only a by product though and not the main reason.

I’m not very good at working out motivation, i’ve always tried to get a longish solo walk once a year just a a chance to recharge batteries and get away from day to day life for a short while. (Camino, coast to coast, ridgeway that kind of thing) Normally only a couple of weeks.

Always fancied a big challenge. Had a via francigena rome walk cancelled due to covid and though the easiest logistical walk would be UK.

Also I retired about 5 years ago and almost immediately had a short illness and quite major op. (Like get your affairs in order type of thing) So theres maybe also an element of just wanting to do stuff rather than waste whats left.

Edited by i4got on Tuesday 12th April 09:23

[i4got]

S100HP said:

OP, did you weigh yourself beforehand? Would be really interested to see how much you lose embarking on this journey.

I didn’t unfortunately but I have a rough idea.

[i4got]

Well that was disappointing. As I was back in Taunton for the first time since 97, decided, for old times sake, to go have a drink in the Westgate pub.

I led their pool team to consecutive promotions in the taunton league in the mid nineties.

Was hoping for some kind of Norm from Cheers reception.

Instead I found this.



An Indian restaurant.

[i4got]

interstellar said:

Did you get a free korma for old times sake?

Couldn’t bring myself to go on and see what they’ve done to the place.

[i4got]

PurpleTurtle said:

i4got said:

MYOB said:

Can I ask what your motivation is to keep going? I believe you’re not doing this for charity and suspect it’s for self-fulfilment. Just wondering what’s willing you on!

Once I know there's a good chance I’ll finish I will (or more likely my wife will) put up a charity just giving page. I didn't want to start a charity walk only to fail. Thats only a by product though and not the main reason.

I’m not very good at working out motivation, i’ve always tried to get a longish solo walk once a year just a a chance to recharge batteries and get away from day to day life for a short while. (Camino, coast to coast, ridgeway that kind of thing) Normally only a couple of weeks.

Always fancied a big challenge. Had a via francigena rome walk cancelled due to covid and though the easiest logistical walk would be UK.

Also I retired about 5 years ago and almost immediately had a short illness and quite major op. (Like get your affairs in order type of thing) So theres maybe also an element of just wanting to do stuff rather than waste whats left.

Good on you OP. For me the motivation would be akin to Mallory when asked about Everest. "Why do you want to climb it?" "Because it's there".

OK, walking LEJOG isn't quite such an achievement but still impressive. For me it would be "I've walked that" every time I see a map of Great Britain.

I'm really envious because I have ulcerative colitis. It's as under control as it can be with meds and without surgery, but the reality is that every morning I need the khazi a lot before 9am, then my guts settle down and I can go maybe 3-4hrs without having to rush to the bog. Exercise, especially walking or running, can set it off worse. The anxiety of always needing to be near a toilet is really stifling, it holds me back in a lot of outdoor pursuits, The thought of going walking for a day away from facilities is beyond me, much as I'd love to be able to.

So yeah, do it whilst you can and are fit and able to.

Funny you should say that. I had a bout of bowel cancer and a while on a stoma bag. Still not back to normal - good days and bad days. I have the Flush app on my phone which is handy for finding loos. Worse case have to make do with the occasional wildie so I carry a trowel just in case. !! TMI ? Mind you, yours does sound more problematic.

[i4got]

bristolbaron said:

i4, glad you’re all clear and bagless, mines a bag for life. I cycled C2C about 9 months after my first surgery and had a couple of field emptying sessions - st happens!

I remember those days!

Nice sunny start to today's walk to Langport.

Great day off and feeling refreshed, showered, laundered and shaved.

[i4got]

LordHaveMurci said:

Late to the party sadly - would’ve offered a walking companion & a meal or something but you would’ve passed me a few days ago.

What a fantastic adventure, safe travels!

Cheers !

[i4got]

LordHaveMurci said:

Late to the party sadly - would’ve offered a walking companion & a meal or something but you would’ve passed me a few days ago.

What a fantastic adventure, safe travels!

[i4got]

croyde said:

Did I read that you did 29 miles in the day prior to your day off.

Some going considering you are walking almost everyday.

I've only done a 20 mile walk a couple of times, both in one go, more due to if I had stopped for more than a few minutes I'd seize up.

The next days I wasn't capable of doing another walk.

What boots are you using?

26 miles but it was flat and good weather. Otherwise would have been a real struggle.

I’m not wearing boots - I’ve got Hoka trail shoes.very comfortable and well padded. Stink to high heaven mind you given some of the crap and slurry I’ve walked through. Did my best to give them a wash yesterday and at least they look presentable. They dry quickly which is a bonus.