People / Interviews
Running Lands End to John O’Groats in 17 days
Andy Persson likes to run. He really likes to run.
While a marathon is the pinnacle for some runners, cafe owner Andy thinks longer. Much longer.
The father of three has already run the length of both the River Thames and the River Severn from source to mouth, and next month will be running from Land’s End to John O’Groats, completing the equivalent of more than two marathons a day for 17 consecutive days.
is needed now More than ever
“I’m feeling ready,” Andy tells Bristol24/7 as we meet in Beyond The Wall, his cafe within The Triathlon Shop on Millennium Promenade in the harbourside that serves the type of healthy and nutritional fare he will need during his epic challenge.
“I’m chomping at the bit now actually. I just want to get going. I feel as ready as I’ll ever be.”
Andy ran 135 miles last week as part of his training, completing a circuitous route from his home in St Andrew’s to work each morning and night to build up the miles.
During the Land’s End to John O’Groats run, which starts on April 1, he will be joined by two other runners and a one-man-in-a-van support team.
“It will be tough, very tough,” the former primary school teacher admits. “Just doing something that you honestly don’t know whether you can do or not.
“Seven marathons in seven days is extremely manageable. This is such a step beyond that I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen to my body after those first five days. People either fall apart or keep going; I hope it’ll be the latter for me.”
Andy is raising money for Frank Water. To donate and for more information, visit www.jogle50.co.uk
Read more: Beyond The Wall – cafe review
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