This mum wants to run....a long way...

[Mumwantstorun]

I really really really wanna run JOGLE (the length of the country). I just feel it feels insurmountable logistically. Also there is that niggling feeling that if I were a bloke I think it would be easier and I would just get on and do it.
I have children of primary age and I would need 3/4 weeks to complete.
Does anyone have any advice on how I even start to plan for this? I feel really frustrated that there are so many things preventing me from doing this one thing....not least of which is mum guilt but at the same time I am not getting any younger.....

It’s the time needed for training which is probably more of an issue. Dh is currently running the Montane Dragon’s back ultra and he runs every day training for races like this. So he runs a marathon couple of times a week and then the other 5 days he’s still out for between an hour and two hours running.

training wont be a huge problem as I run whilst the children are at school and have an innate need to just run most days. I am a bit of a forrest gump lol.

thats great then. So what would your dh say if you told him you needed to be away for 3-4 weeks and he needed to sort him and the kids out? I did similar when Dd was 5yo (not running) and dh didn’t bat an eyelid while I flew out to Africa on my own for 4 weeks.

Could you do it in the summer holidays and get your kids' Dad and or your parents to look after your children while you run? I think it would only be possible if you had others to help you with childcare.
You could find 7 different places through Airbnb or wherever. Your helper and kids could you spend a couple of days and nights in one place while you run before moving onto the next place.
Maybe you could sell it as an adventure for everyone and a great way to experience the UK.

I have a friend who has just cycled it.

You need to be quite realistic about how far you can cover a day - and you may need to allow for some easier days in case you need a bit of recovery.

The key thing is to work out where you will be staying each night (and that's something else that might mean variation in distances you need to cover, just to get to the next place if you're in a remote bit) or you will need a support crew to scoop you to your bed and bring you back the next morning (or arrive with a tent....)

You'll need to think about how much you can carry, and eating plans. How you will deal with any need for clean clothes (if you think you'll want any - some just go disgusting with only an overnight rinse, others don't fancy that) and whether you are likely to menstruate during.

And there's bound to be FB groups for this - can't recommend one though, as I've done this only as a virtual

awesome idea thanks!! :)

Thank you for these ideas so far. I really appreciate that you have offered practical advice instead of just telling me it cannot or shouldnt be done. :)

How old are your kids? I want to do a six day hike (not running!) near where I live and I have been trying to find the time for years! DH says he will look after the kids but it is difficult to find the time when he is available and I dont have to work. I also want it to be an organized hike where they carry your luggage which makes it trickier. Basically I have been planning for 3 years and last year DS17 beat me to it!! Good luck - I think it sounds amazing.