Last post

Hey,


This will most likely be the last post of the Cornish Coastal Challenge blog, but not the last Challenge blog (watch this space).


I would have blogged sooner but my laptop decided to pack in on the way home from Cornwall.


I just wanted to share a little bit of my journey with you and share the pictures that I took along the way.


https://picasaweb.google.com/111844859232671488911/Cornwall15021st25thMay2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLKww76PlaaikAE&feat=directlink


I met some amazingly generous and kind people along the way and I would like to mention them here.  On Monday I flew down the side of a cliff into a little town called Boscastle.  I had been going around about 16 miles and this was where I was stopping for lunch, and boy did I need it.  I stumbled into a little cafe called The Harbour Light Tea Garden and managed to order a sandwich.  After a while I got into conversation with the owner about what I was doing and his family had been heavily affected by Alzheimer's and so very kindly he said lunch was on him and gave me £20 sponsorship! I have since called and thanked him for his generosity!
This certainly spurred me on in the afternoon and landed at Port Isaac where my cousins Mark and Jules met me with words of encouragement and delivered me to my accommodation.


This was the hardest time, I was worn out and didn't know how my body would cope with a quick recovery.  The thought of all the people I would be helping and who had wished me luck definitely made me motivate the next morning!


Lane End Farm was a wonderful place to stay and Nab and Linda Monk were exceptionally helpful and even moved me into their self catering bungalow annexe just so I could have an ice bath! They treated me amazingly and also donated to Alzheimer's! I will be sure to stay there if I get the chance again!


Tuesday saw me visit Padstow for lunch at the Fo'c'sle which was much needed! I then sat on a bench outside to put sun cream on and had a nice conversation with a family from New Zealand before heading off to Mawgan Porth.  I stayed at a place called Trevarrian lodge who were very accommodating and let me use a separate bathroom for my ice bath!
That night I ate at The Travellers rest where after conversing about why I was so mad to do what I was doing the staff contributed to the Alzheimer's society, very kind of them!


Portreath was my destination on Wednesday and a stop at Dolphin House which again was superb! The ice bath was welcomed with open arms and breakfast the next morning and the sandwich for my journey was well received!!


Thursday saw me pass through St Ives where I met Mum and Dad and Dad was going to run the last half of the day with me up to Pendeen and my next stop, The North Inn.  This was an exceptionally tough day, doing 35 miles and nearly 6000 feet of climb.
Whilst in St Ives and I was having a welcomed sit down on the bench I realised that the family from New Zealand who I spoke to in Padstow were again sitting on the next bench!  We got chatting and they were also very kind in donating to the Alzheimer's society! Small world!


The ice bath on Thursday was the best yet, a full bucket of ice!! Amazing!


That evening we met up with Dad's cousin and family, and also saw them in Penzance when I finished which was very nice and I hope to see them again soon!


Friday, the last day, even though in the morning I knew it was only one day, I still knew that it was a whole day of running and about 27 miles, but this seemed short in comparison to some of the other days! Dad was to meet me at the Minack theatre near Porthcurno to run the last section.


Penzance, my final destination appeared and Dad and I ran head on into the wind to finish near the Jubilee pool.  Wow, what a feeling that was! It took a little while to sink in that I had covered 156 miles in the last 5 days and the effort I had put in and how much I had pushed my body, my legs, my feet, my mind.


I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who sponsored me, who believed in me, who sent their wishes of luck before, during and after the run.  I want to say a MASSIVE thank you to Mark and Jules for supporting me and most importantly to my Mum and Dad who were there at the end and all the way through since the idea was born and always believed that I could complete it.


What more can I say other than I will be back blogging with something bigger and better!!!


Rob

COMPLETE!!

Firstly, Day 4 was a massive slog, the afternoon stretch was so tough, a lot of steep climbs and then steeps downhill sections too which takes it out of the legs! Luckily I had my Dad with to keep me company and keep me going!  I did 35 miles on day 4 and nearly 6000 feet of climbing so I was so tired when I finished and immediately dunked myself into a wonderful ice bath!

Today was my last day and what a day it was.  I made good time in the morning and the tracks were fairly clear and not too many steep sections and managed to visit Land's End and have some lunch.  I then went on to Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre.  The track was hard after here, my Dad joined me, he seemed to be getting the hardest sections of my days!

There was quite a lot of steep ascents and descents BUT we made it!!!! 155 miles and 5 days later I have completed my challenge!! I can't believe that I've actually done it!

I am completely drained and my legs are dead but I'm happy and will upload pictures and blog again soon!!

Thank you for all your support from start to finish, it's been overwhelming :)

Rob

Day 3

Just a quick post to say I landed safe and sound in Portreath and I'm stopping in a wonderful B&B and have been treated ever so kind! There is homemade chocolate cake in my room and I am being packed off with a sandwich in the morning for lunch!!


I'm not as tired as I have been but the running is taking a toll on my knees and legs, the ice baths have continued and I am hoping that they do some good!


Only two more days and my Dad is running the last legs of tomorrow and Friday with me which will give me something to aim for in the morning and then some company and fresh legs to spur me on in the afternoon.


Got to keep going.


Rob

Hey,

I'm sat in my room at Trevarrian Lodge just outside of Mawgan Porth.  They have WiFi!

I'm doing well, today was much better than yesterday and was a lot less feet to climb which was nice. I've been told that it gets easier (well more flat) from here.

Ice baths have been going well, the trick is to get in slowly, but not so slowly as to realise why in the world you are doing it and just not bother!

The people I have met down here have been so nice and helpful and have supported my cause and I'm very touched, I have been given donations along the way and even was given lunch on the house when I was in Boscastle, words cannot describe how touching it is.

And thank you to the texts and Facebook comments of support, it really is keeping me going and I am determined to finish.  I did have my doubts to whether I could pull it off after yesterday but that was an exceptionally tough day.

I will try and update again tomorrow, whether it be online or on my phone (which my phone and its lack of function and the Blogger app doesn't produce great posts!

Rob

Day two. Lunch

Hey. For those following my blog and wondering where I was as I didn't post last night. I'm fine. I just ate and crashed out. I am currently sat in a cafe in Padstow after getting the ferry across the river camel. My phone is rubbish and doesnt let me type numbers but I have done twelve point eight seven miles. Nearly half way now and just plug on and enjoy myself. Hopefully. Rob

Wow

Wow, what can I say?  I am travelling down to Cornwall tomorrow, my cousins Mark and Jules have kindly offered to take me and then the journey will begin!


The support I have received has been phenomenal.  The sheer volume of people donating and wishing me well has been astounding!


www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


I am very confident about the run, I know it will be tough but confidence is a good start to defeating the trail!


Rob

Days 4 and 5

After leaving Portreath there are some steep ascents and descents but soon levels out  and runs easily along the cliffs and around the headlands to Gwithian.  There is no habitation around here but a few cafe's which I may have a stop at!


I will be able to choose to run over the dunes of The Towans or along the beach if the tide allows.  On towards Hayle, which apparently doesn't win any prizes for prettiness as the industrial past is still very evident!


The next biggest town is St Ives which can be traced back to St Ia, a 5th century Irish missionary and daughter of a chieftain.  The natural harbour was protected by The Island (or St Ives Head) and was developed in the 18th century.  After a long history as a fishing port, St Ives has become associated with arts, crafts and tourism.

St Ives - The Island

On towards my next stop at Pendeen and this next section is reportedly one of the most spectacular parts of the south west coast path so I will be in for a treat!  Hopefully the weather will favour me and I will be able to enjoy it as in harsher conditions this section has been described as 'an arduous treadmill'. Which means I won't be smiling much!

Ancient forts on the remoter parts of the coast will change to ruined tin mines towards the end of my day.

There is a large evidence of tin mining when I will reach Pendeen with old chimneys, engine houses and winding gear to be seen throughout the town.  The tin mine was working up until as late as 1990!

My final stretch will see me pass through Lands End and on to Penzance where I intend sitting down for a long time.  Despite some of the crowds at Lands End, the scenery should be excellent and among some of the best along the coast so even if I'm dead on my feet and not good to look at, people can look at the scenery instead!

The famous signpost at Lands End

The last time someone set a record for an end to end trip from Scotland was a runner who did it in 9 days 2 hours 26 minutes! Amazing, and maybe one day!

The final stretch of my journey takes me through Porthcurno along some relatively easy stretches of coastline which I'm sure my legs will be glad to hear about!

There are a few wooded areas to pass through which is unusual for the coastal path and might bring a nice change to the scenery and running conditions underfoot.

The roads beyond Mousehole towards are through Newlyn are apparently a slog so will have my work cut out for me!

I'm sure by this time the adrenaline of nearly completing this challenge will have kicked in and will be keeping me plodding along!

Then to Penzance and to rest!

Bobby

Last week

Last week 07/05 - 13/05
Monday - Run - 11.96 miles (1 hour 32 minute)
Tuesday - 90 minute squash game
Wednesday - Day off
Thursday - Gym - upper body weights session and swim
Friday - Run - 6 miles (38 minutes 33 seconds)
Saturday afternoon - Refereed U18's game
Saturday evening - 5 a side in the park
Sunday - 5 a side in the park


Total is still rising because of all the amazing support, not going to let anyone down!


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Bobby

Day 3 - Mawgan Porth to Portreath

First stop, Newquay!!  I haven't been to Newquay since I was a rowdy fresher!  And I am now returning on a rather more mature note!

New quay was originally known as 'Towanblistra' and a 'new quay' was built in the 16th century and the town then prospered as a port.  A thriving fishing industry and cargo trade soon picked up and a railway was soon constructed into the harbour.

When trade started to decline, Newquay then turned to tourism to continue to thrive.  There are plenty of places I can stock up some supplies and if I feel like it, even go to the zoo!

Newquay Harbour

There are a couple of easily accessible headlands beyond Newquay which may be explored before having to cross the tidal inlet of The Gannel by ferry if the tide is in or by a footbridge if the water is low.

The Gannel

Not far away, over more headlands and sandy beaches is an Army Training Area, I doubt I'll be popping in for a quick session!

Passing Cotty's point and Perranporth I then head towards the once thriving mining area of St Agnes.  Most of the mines have now been capped but still could present some danger.  The section of cliff walking on Day 3 is quite arduous but there are a handful of small villages and sandy beaches where I can relax a bit before moving on.

Portreath is another little harbour which contains markedly contrasting solid stonework and modern buildings.

I wonder how my legs will be feeling now!?

http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2

Bobby

2 weeks - argh!

Last week 30/04 - 06/0
Monday - Run - 8 miles (1 hour 1 minute)
Tuesday - Day off
Wednesday afternoon - Refereed College Semi Final
Wednesday evening - 90 minute squash game
Thursday - Gym - upper body weights session

Friday - Run - 14.86 miles (1 hour 58 minutes)
Saturday - Refereed U20's game
Sunday - Touch judged Super League


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2 


Two more weeks to go, last vaguely intense running schedule this week and an easy week next week.  Everything is in place and I'm ready to do it.


I want to say thanks to everyone who has sponsored me and wished me well / said I'm crackers and I won't be letting anyone down!

Bobby

Leg 2 - Port Isaac to Mawgan Porth

Beyond Port Isaac is Port Quin and there are a number of small valleys to cross but are apparently not too difficult!  A small path along the rugged coast leads to Port Quin which was formerly a fishing harbour but is now just a simple huddle of buildings.

I will be passing Pentire Point on my way to cross the River Camel.  Pentire Point will give me great views over Padstow Bay and Padstow itself.  I will catch the ferry across this section, making sure that it is running or I will end up making a huge detour inland to Wadebridge.

Padstow Harbour

Past the river I will enter Polzeath for a few refreshments before heading onwards to Padstow.  Padstow is now mainly a tourist resort but still does have some fishing boats in its harbour.  It can be very busy but the narrow streets are full or charm and character and will well be worth exploring!

Leaving Padstow I then will head towards Porthcothan and Mawgan Porth where I will be spending my first night running.

This section is supposedly an easier section and takes in two significant handlands, Stepper Point and Trevose Head.  Trevone and Harlyn Bay are sandy beaches of note to stop for a while and take in the scenery.  The scattered little village of Porthcothan awaits. 

A few miles on from Porthcothan is Mawgan Porth, and rest.

http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2

Bobby

3 weeks to go

Last week 23/04 - 29/04
Monday - Run - 15.14 miles (2 hours 24 minutes)
Tuesday - Run - 9.98 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Wednesday evening - 1 hour 45 minutes of 5 a side football
Thursday - Run to gym - 4.5 miles (Approx . 30 minutes) then upper body weights session
Friday - Touch judged Challenge Cup
Saturday - Day off
Sunday -Run - 2 x 13 miles (1 hour 54 minutes and 1 hour 56 minutes)


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2 


Bobby

Leg 1 - Bude to Port Isaac

I thought that each week I could write a little bit about the route starting with the first leg, Bude to Port Isaac.


Bude is a small port slightly set back from the coast which used to be well connected by canal and rail into the late 19th century which have since closed.


I will be heading south along the path to Widemouth Bay and on towards Crackington Haven, a popular cove, passing High Cliff, one of the highest points on the coastal path (233m / 732ft) and then on to Boscatle Harbour.


This route covers a series of valleys and headlands with the pathway being quite rugged, with short steep ascents and descents.


Crackington Haven is apparently popular with geology students and was once a busy little port where boats would run aground with incoming cargoes such as coal and limestone and outgoing cargo such as slate.


Boscastle Harbour was developed in the 16th century and enjoyed a good trade up to the 20th century even though in wild weather conditions the approach into the harbour was fraught with danger.


On the next stretch to Port Isaac I will pass through Tintagel and the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle (pictured below).  There is little evidence to back up this claim but does have 2000 years of history.  It is the site of a 5th/6th century stronghold and a 13th century castle but has been in ruins since the 16th century.  If I'm ahead of time I might have a little jog round and explore some of the ruins for myself.

My first leg lands me in Port Isaac, which was once a thriving port for shipping slate as quarrying slate has been carried out for 500 years at 10 different locations along the coast, one being at Lanterdan which I will pass just before Port Isaac.


A fifth of my journey will then be over!


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Bobby

Training update

Last week 16/04 - 22/04
Monday - 45 minute game of squash
Tuesday - Run - 15.15 miles (1 hour 56 minutes)
Wednesday afternoon -  Run - 8.04 miles (56 minutes 43 seconds) 
Wednesday evening - hour of 5 a side football
Thursday - Run - 15.03 miles (2 hours 1 minute)
Friday - Day off
Saturday - Refereed Academy game
Sunday - In goaled Super League


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Bobby

6 weeks and counting!

Changed my mind from doing two big runs back to back and decided to take the weight off my knees and legs a little bit and had a gym session and a swim before my weekend of games.


6 weeks isn't long and it will fly by!  Trying to do a 15 miler each day next week, bar a day which I'll have off.


Last week 09/04 - 15/04
Monday - Touch judged Super League
Tuesday - Run - 9.71 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Wednesday - Day off
Thursday - Run - 15.55 miles (2 hours 1 minute)
Friday - Gym plus swim
Saturday - Refereed Academy game
Sunday - Touch judged Challenge Cup


Time to put the effort in!!


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Bobbie

Smaller week

Two days off this week as I was feeling a little fatigued from last week but I coped with it well enough, Wednesday last week was the killer, football was tough, but as they say no pain no gain and I am showing that I am getting fitter.  I think my body just thinks I'm abusing it everyday so it stores as much energy as it possibly can.


Next week I plan to do two consecutive days of big running, so an 18 and a 20 or a 20 and a 22.  So prepare, body or you will not be happy!


Last week 02/04 - 08/04
Monday - Light upper body weights session
Tuesday - Day off
Wednesday - Ran to football - 4.46 miles (32 minutes), 2 hours 15 minutes of 5 a side, ran home - 4.68 miles (35 minutes 8 seconds)
Thursday - Day off
Friday - Touch judged Super League
Saturday - Run - 15.15 miles (2 hour 3 minutes)
Sunday - Run - 8.25 miles (56 minutes 8 seconds)


7 weeks tomorrow!


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Bobby

Big week

So I've had 6 weeks of training and there is 8 weeks and 1 day to go to the run starts! It sounds quite a lot when you think I'm not even half way through my training.


I can't quite believe the amount of support I've got from everyone! Although the good wishes have always pointed out how utterly mad I am for running this.  I don't think I'm quite mad yet but I am certainly determined and getting more determined each day!


This week was the first week that I've done two 20+mile runs and my legs are feeling good and my body is coping well.  Nutrition is the key and as long as I keep my body sufficiently topped up with energy and topped up with protein to help recovery I will be on my way!


If anyone wants to come on some training runs, or parts of them then it would be great to have the company!



Last week 26/03 - 01/04
Monday - 90 minute squash game
Tuesday - Cycled to and from the gym (~12 miles) plus a 30 minute upper body weights session, 1 hour 45 minutes total
Wednesday - Run - 20.02 miles (2 hours 45 minutes)
Thursday - 2 hour badminton session
Friday - In goaled super league
Saturday - Ran to and from the gym (8.59 miles in 1 hour 3 minutes) plus a ~30 minute upper body weights session
Sunday - Run - 22.08 miles (3 hours 4 minutes) and 6 a side football session


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Bobby

Training - update

Last week 19/03 - 25/03
Monday - Run - 9.08 miles (1 hour 13 minutes)
Tuesday - Run - 7.11 miles (54 minutes 20 seconds)
Wednesday.  Run - 13.82 miles (1 hour 53 minutes)
Thursday - Day off
Friday - 90 minute squash game
Saturday - Refereed reserves game
Sunday - Touch judged super league


Less mileage than last week but active every day, didn't want to be burnt out for the weekend so a calmer end to the working week.


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Rob

Last week 12/03 - 18/03
Monday - Run - 7.41 miles (51 minutes 37 seconds)
Tuesday - 90 minute squash game
Wednesday.  Run - 21.34+ miles (3 hours 2 minutes+) (Watch decided to stop for an unknown length of time)
Thursday - Refereed reserves game
Friday - Day off
Saturday - Run - 7.92 miles (59 minutes 11 seconds)
Sunday - Touch judged super league


Another week, another lot of miles under my feet.


Onwards!


Rob

Training - update

Last week 05/03 - 11/03
Monday - Run - 19.78 miles (2 hours 49 minutes)
Tuesday - 90 minute squash game
Wednesday.  Run - 7.26 miles (59 minutes 14 seconds)
Thursday - Refereed reserves game
Friday - Day off
Saturday -Touch judged super league
Sunday - Run to the gym (5.19 miles there, 41 minutes 42 seconds, 5.48 miles back, 41 minutes 51 seconds and 30 minutes upper body weights session)


Tiring


Rob

Training - update

Training is still going well.  Mileage increasing.


Last week 27/2 - 04/3
Monday - 90 minute squash game
Tuesday - Run - 16.02 miles (2 hours 17 minutes) 
Wednesday.  Afternoon - Refereed student game.
Thursday - Run - 7.59 miles (57 minutes 28 seconds)
Friday - Day off
Saturday -Small bike ride
Sunday - Touch judged super league


Legs are holding up well!


Been recommended ice baths are the best for recovery so might be braving those after each day in Cornwall!


Rob

Training

Training is going well.  Ramping my mileage up and how long I'm out running and being on my feet for.


Last week 20/2 - 26/2
Monday - Day off
Tuesday - 16.52 miles (2 hours 25 minutes)
Wednesday.  Afternoon - Refereed student game.  Evening - 90 minute squash game
Thursday - 60 minute touch rugby session
Friday - Day off
Saturday - Upper body gym session
Sunday - Refereed U20's game


Doing something day after day is slowly getting my legs ready for being pounded everyday.  Aiming to incorporate more longer runs back to back.  But, feeling in good shape! Although I'm eating so so much food!!


Webby

JustGiving

I don't know why I haven't put this on earlier but here is my JustGiving page for Alzheimer's society.

http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2

A lot of great work is done by the society for people with Alzheimer's and helping to find new ways of treating the disease.
For more details see the website at http://alzheimers.org.uk/

Robbie

Definite

My accommodation is booked. It is actually happening!!

Route

My route has been planned.  For some reason I've been saying I'm doing the run over 6 days but I'm actually doing it over 5 (approx. 30 miles a day)
Day 1 - Monday 21st May - Bude to Boscastle to Port Isaac
Day 2 - Tuesday 22nd May - Port Isaac to Padstow to Porthcothan to Mawgan Porth
Day 3 - Wednesday 23rd May - Mawgan Porth to Newquay to Perranporth to Portreath
Day 4 - Thursday 24th May - Portreath to St. Ives to Pendeen
Day 5 - Friday 25th May - Pendeen to Porthcurno to Penzance


I have sounded out accommodation in all of these places and B&B's are available at good prices so I will be booking that in the next week.  I will be stopping in Penzance for 2 nights and travelling back on the Sunday (providing I can walk).
I would love it to have company on some of my journey and if you know you are free and willing to come, either to sit in a cafe in a town I'm passing through or to run along side me or just see me at the end of the leg it would be superb.
Get in touch with me if you are thinking about it.


Planning another long run today!

Robbie

Training has commenced!

So slowing down and taking my time is the main aim of the next few months and building my stamina so that I can actually last on my feet all day...and then for 6 days consecutively.


It's going to a be a tough one, today's first run was a 12 miler in about 1 hour 44 minutes and it took it out of my legs but as it has been said to me it can only get easier.  I feel confident so far but there is going to be a long road (lots of long roads) ahead.


Robbie

To-do

To do list for 2012 (the bit prior to the run)


1. Confirm route and places to stop at night
2. Book accommodation
3. Persuade people to come and wave at me for most of the days
4. Train like a mad man
5. Fund raise like a mad man
6. Buy lots of equipment to prevent my feet from disintegrating and to keep my body running
7. Raise awareness about my run and cause


2012 should prove to be a successful year in many ways and this will give me the drive and motivation to really do something great.


Robbie