Day 18 - A tough 23 miles.

I finished 23 tough miles today with a very sore right hamstring. I'm returning home for some intensive ice treatment before starting again tomorrow 20 miles to the north east of Lancaster.

Day 18 - Halfway to paradise!

At 15:20 BST today I crossed over the half way point between John O'Groats and Lands End. The real battle now starts as I have considerable pain in my right hamstring. It's going to take a lot more than that to stop me getting to the end in 18 days and 434 miles time.

Day 18 - A pain in the hamstring.

After a good start today I've just felt a slight twinge in my right leg. With a few climbs ahead today I'm going to reduce the speed a bit in order to reduce the risk of a repeat of the injury I had in the same area last month. Just as my shin pain is easing the last thing I need is to have to crawl to the finish line.

Day 18 - Sponsorshp landmark reached.

Many thanks to the new sponsors for getting the fund up to an amazing £14'000. Thanks also to the kind lady in the B & B for her pledge this morning.

Day 18 - Better weather.

I've managed to get an early start today after a longer than usual rest in the superb Tranna Hill B.& B. Anything less than 24 miles would be a disaster today but with sunshine forecast this shouldn't be a problem.

Day 17 - Thunder-stuck!

I had to stop at Brough today due to a nasty storm which has left the surrounding area of Kirkby Stephen flooded. There is poor mobile phone reception in these parts so updates tomorrow may be sketchy.

Day 17 - Thunder and lightning ahead,

With 11 miles done I can see some poor weather in the valley south west of me. The thunder is very impressive.

Day 17 - Attack of the flies!

Despite being coated in jungle strength insect repellent I'm under attack by loads of pesky flies. It's really hot today on the road to Brough.

Day 16 - The most enjoyable day so far.

Today, I was joined by nearly 20 Northern Rock staff who ran or cycled the 22 mile "Pennine Challenge" route with me from Rowley (near Castleside) to Middleton in Teesdale.

The banter was first class all day and I must give special thanks to Paul "Action" Jackson, Chris "Chopper" Cowan, John Mallon and the one and only Jimmy Bell (all pictured) who were with me every step of the way.

I'm so tired after 2 difficult days running so I will be posting the review of yesterday and today hopefully tomorrow.

For now though, I'm pleased to report that my shin pain is not getting worse and I'm able to control it, for sustained periods, on the run. I'm so pleased to remain on track with over 400 miles now in the bag and 400 and something left to run.

Thanks to all the Northern Rock Pennine Challenge Team for making this a most enjoyable day.

Day 16 - 400 not out.

I'm at 1700 feet and 400 miles done so far. 6 miles left today.