Day 10 - Brief Overview

As predicted, the weather was set to increase in temperature towards the end of the week.  Mark tweeted "Day 10 underway. Warm overnight. Think it's gonna be a scorcher." Below you can see the range in temperature forecast for the day, the minimum being from sunrise at approx. 05:00.

This is how the morning progressed: (no confirmation of camel spotting, yet)

Mark continued through to midday posting the following updates:

"Only 23.4 miles done so far. Very slow going in crazy hot temperatures. The shape of things to come."

and then

"Stopped at 25 miles for now. Going so slow. Hampered by left hamstring. Can feel right hamstring starting and sore right foot."

"Need to have a much needed shower and then apply ice packs to numerous areas."

"Thankfully physio @JasonStobbs arrives on the support team tomorrow evening. Not a moment too soon."

Conscious that he was 16 miles short of the 41 target for the day Mark turned to the support team to discuss tactics.  On Tuesday (day 7) Mark had calculated that the total distance ran was 263 miles which, by his calculations, is more than 10% of the distance done in 10% of the time.  Looking at these stats again today Mark confirmed "I'm 5 miles ahead of the overall schedule to get me to #Bondi on time. That's a position I was never in during the run across the USA."  Mark has decided that if counts today as a rest day and then runs 2 days of 41 miles then he will be back on track.

Here is a snap shot Mark's progress as of day 10:

Mark's summary for the end of day 10:

"Quite a few mozzies in the RV tonight. Looks like I'll be sleeping with my fly net on."

"Goodnight from our camp in the Outback. Surrounded by trees way off the beaten track. Australia won today but @rungeordierun will be back."

"Our overnight position has been marked by #Identicom. @gles48 is glad the police will know where to look for our corpses. Ah! Gallows humour."

"@gles48 has just found a 4 inch stick insect in bed with him and I'm sleeping with my knife under my pillow. #imageordiegetmeoutofhere"

Day 9 - Brief Update

A strong start to day 9 was soon interrupted by a storm...

At 5 miles Mark made this report on the weather:

The support team continues to strengthen and today physio Jason landed in Perth.  Jason has 2 days to collect essential supplies, sneak in a parkrun and to collect the support car.  The support car has been very kindly supplied by Mitsubishi Motors and will provide Jason with the necessary means to reach Mark and the support team.

Support team spirits were high this morning and, following a bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast at 13 miles, John had a story to share about showering in the outback.

As always, the messages of support are continuous. These are a great motivational tool for Mark and he's always appreciative for the kind words and encouragement.  Here is a special message recorded by the Clown Doctors.  

                 
                 RunGeordieRun! from TIN Arts on Vimeo.

The Clown Doctors are just one of many partnership programmes funded by The Children's Foundation. It is an innovative programme offering hospitalised children opportunities to take part in artistic play.  It aims to relive them of fear and insecurities and to empower the children to understand and come to terms with their situation at a traumatic time in their lives.

So that's Day 9, once again Mark ended the day with some great tucker prepared by Melanie (poor Jason, the standards have been set high!).

Here are Mark's closing Tweets and recording:

"1 mile left to the finish line near Coolgardie. Very tired. Feels like a small tear in my left hamstring. Been like that for 20 miles."

"41.1 miles done on day 9. Some good company and interesting conversation with running partners @memoodesign (12 miles) and John (23 miles)."

"I'm full of bangers and mash cooked by @memoodesign. Very sleepy."

Day 8 - Brief Update (Feet warning!)

Here are Mark's thoughts at the start of day 8:



So, today the support team became 3.  Late last night, and after a 4 hour drive, Melanie and John arrived at Mark's overnight destination.  Melanie and John have very kindly given up more of their time to join the run across Australia.  They will stay until day 12.  This is a fantastic boost for Mark (mainly as Melanie brought lots of foodie treats) but also as it strengthens the logistics of the team as well as giving keen runner Graham the opportunity to run alongside Mark over the next few days.

No sooner had Melanie and John joined the team Mark had his bacon sandwich on order and sock washing duties assigned!

With the marvels of modern technology (a satellite phone) Mark was also able to catch up with Gary and Lisa live on Real Radio. This will hopefully, signal permitting, be a regular feature on the breakfast show and will allow Mark to update the North East listeners on his progress so far.  Mark was also kind enough to share early morning put-you-off-your-breakfast shots of his feet.  Apologies in advance, I was told to include them!!

So a great day 8; new members of the support team, bacon sandwiches, home made burgers for lunch, curry for tea and brownies for pudding.  I think the calorie deficit is slowly reducing! Here are some of the nicer pictures that were uploaded throughout the day (minus the snake!).

Thanks to those folks who have made a donation. You're all stars.

Pic of a snake anyone? #fresh

Almost sun down. 35 miles done. 6 to go.

My view for the last 3 miles of day 8.

Mark ended the day at 41 miles, this puts the grand total for 8 days of running at 304.  To add to this, Mark also achieved a new record haul of miles for any morning session so far.  A very good day all round.

"41 miles done. Everything hurts. 304 miles ran in 8 days. All to do again in less than 10 hours time. #rgrdownunder with @drivebenfield"

#rgrart

Today's selection of pictures come from Miss Noble's year 4-6 class from Dunn Street Primary School in South Tyneside. 

Miss Noble's class are following Run Geordie Run with great interest and have chosen a selction of drawings to add to the #rgrart gallery which will hopefully cheer him in his way (some common themes of flies and feet!).  The children are also hoping to raise money for Mark's charities through a sponsored run after half term - watch this space.

The message from Miss Noble's class reads "Keep going - we're sending you our best wishes!"

If your child/class would like to get involved and send Mark some pictures then please email them to admin@rungeordierun.com

Day 7 - Brief Update

First things first,

This is fantastic news and a brilliant sum to have achieved only 7 days into the run across Australia. Massive thanks to everyone who has donated so far! There is still some way to go in order to reach Mark's target of £50,000 so please continue to spread the good word.  For anyone wishing to donate please click here. 

Day 7 started from a place called Moorine Rock.  Mark had this to say at mile 3:

By noon Mark had ran 13 miles and sounded exhausted.  Here he describes the contributing factors:

As ever Mark has continued to received tonnes of good luck messages, encouragement and support.  Today Mark received an email from David Williams who is the Deputy Mayor of Flinders Council  (which, if Google serves me right, is a local government area of Tasmania).

David had these encouraging words for Mark:

Hi Mark,

I am thinking of you and your inspiring run to raise funds for a cause which you are passionate about. I fully appreciate how difficult it's going to get as the days pile up and the questions start to pile up in your mind. But I KNOW you'll get there and I am looking forward to meeting you in the western suburbs of Sydney - I will be flying up there to join you for a while.

Hang in there and use my own mantra " I am strong, I run long" .... just chant it over and over : O)

This is only one of many messages and whilst Mark doesn't always have the chance to reply to them please be rest assured that he thoroughly appreciates each and every one of them.  The mobile phone reception is starting to become weaker meaning that at some stage Mark will no longer be able to post updates.  Until this happens he will continue to upload as much content as possible.  

Mark ended today on 36.8 miles here are the final tweets for the day:

Stopped at 36.8 miles. Too hungry. Huge calorie deficit last 2 days and it's starting to show. Eat then sleep.

Force feeding myself pasta and 2 bowls of crunchy nut cornflakes. Must get food sorted out. Not eating enough.

All is not lost though as Mark received some great news earlier in the day:

Today's amazing news - Remember John and Melanie from days 1 - 3? They are joining the support team tonight until @JasonStobbs arrives.

Melanie and John travelled 4 hours from Perth to add support to the run.  They have kindly shopped for  fresh supplies and Melanie has baked some naughty brownies.  These should help with the calorie deficit! 

So with those happy thoughts here are some fun pictures to add from today: #hayart

The saddest hay in Australia

This farmer has a sense of humour

A serious warning?

Humpty Dumpty

Finally, and staying on the theme of art, today Mark received another picture to add to the #rgrart gallery.  This was created by Holly who wants to wish her Uncle Mark lots of luck!

Day 6 - Brief Update

Having listened to the Soundcloud recordings for today I think that they describe the day perfectly in Mark's own words...

**This has to be a favourite - Come on!**

So, once again incredible progress having reached 226 miles in 6 days. Mark reflects: 

"In so much pain. I can't lie on my side as my hips are so sore. This is agony. Night folks."

Mark summarised offline:  "in a lot of pain, hips are terribly sore, can't lie on either side.  Need to curl up in a ball as its so cold".  Fingers crossed that some treatment to the feet, painkillers and the 'old faithful' Cherry Active all play their part in the recovery for tomorrow.

Yesterday Mark launched #rgr art.  He opened this up to any children who would like to submit a drawing of Run Geordie Run running across Australia.  We had two entries on the blog for day 5.  Millie Rowe who captured the scene well with a swarm of flies chasing Mark and and Josh Healy who drew Mark at the kangaroo warning sign.  

Today we have Harry Gettins, aged 6.  Harry drew a picture of Mark arriving in Sydney at Christmas.  Harry and his brother, Joey, sent Mark a lovely letter just before he left for Australia wishing him lots of luck.  They have been tracking the progress on their own map (see below).  Thanks Harry!

Day 5 - Brief Update

Last night's RV stop was in the middle of nowhere.  Mark was woken by the rain at approx. 01:15.  This rain continued during the first few miles of day 5 but had stopped by the time Mark had ran 10k.  The forecast for the day was for temperatures between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius but it was a cold start meaning that Mark had to wear 4 layers.

Here are some of Mark's thoughts for the start of Day 5.  Those of you who have followed the journey so far will know that Mark has been plagued by flies, this was the report from this morning:

"The ten thousand Australian foot soldiers are nowhere to be seen today. They must not work on Sundays! #flies"

Staying with the theme of flies, Mark received his first piece of #rgrart this afternoon from 7 year old Millie Rowe who lives in Newcastle upon Tyne.  I think she captures the scene really well - great stuff Millie!

Mark continued to make good progress throughout the day and as usual took the opportunity to share pictures and audio as often as possible.  Here are some more pictures and sounds.

Thoughts on Merredin Day 5 and great to see the distance from Perth increasing!

Mark achieved some good miles today but also ensured that he stopped for sleep (#tacticalsnooze) as well as important meal times.  Aside from the flies there hasn't been a great deal of wildlife along the route so far. Although the following sign was a warning of risks to follow.  I've added some more #rgrart to this section.  This one comes from Josh Healy, aged 10 from Newcastle upon Tyne.  Some great detail Josh, well done!

For anyone who was brave enough to look at the pictures of Mark's feet yesterday, please feel free to do so again today (Twitter/Facebook).  I can't bring myself to add them to the blog.  Needless to say that Mark is in a lot of discomfort and for that reason he called it a day at 31 miles.  Here are his thoughts for the End of day 5.

Day 4 - Brief Update

Another early start for Mark today.  He tweeted some pictures from last night's sleeping place (see below) Cunderdin and then some footage of the first mile of the day, click here.

Mark's tweets from day 4 should give you get a pretty good idea of how he was feeling:

06:35 The flys are out already. Gutted! It was warmer this morning than previous days. Perhaps that's why. :(

12:07 Dark times this morning but I have stuck at it. 16.5 miles done. Quick bite to eat then back out on the road.

12:09 There seem to be twice as many flies today. They are really getting me down. I can't drink or eat properly while wearing the fly net. 

Here are more of his thoughts that he recorded whilst out on the road: Day 4

Mark was able to escape the flies for a short period, these tweets and picture should set the scene:

14:13 #Kellerberrin and your virtually fly free public toilets - I salute you. #tweetingnotpooing

Is this what the kids call a #selfie? #flyfree @ Kellerberrin

I spoke to Mark briefly at approx. 18:30 (AWST).  It was clear that his spirits were quite low.  A difficult conversation when there are thousands of miles between us but positivity was the key.  The fact that Gary's #bigbrownjumper had raised so much for the two charities, through auction on Real Radio, certainly helped to lift the mood.  During the conversation the day had turned to night but Mark was determined that he was going to finish on 41 miles for the day.  

An hour later and I heard these two recordings: 

Sounds from Saturday evening 1 and Sounds from Saturday evening 2 

Just brilliant to hear.  On reflection Mark felt that pasta for tea, the dark, less flies, pouring with rain and appropriate music all spurred him on. Oh, and two young ladies stopping to ask if he was ok!

So that's 154 miles covered in 4 days, only 10 miles behind schedule.  This map should give you an idea of the progress made so far.  Perspective.

Day 3 - Brief Update

In the early hours of this morning, Mark tweeted about his use of social media.  Over the last few days he's spent a lot of time using Instagram, Sound Cloud and Twitter, mainly due to the fact that he won't always have a mobile phone signal.  This is his opportunity to share as much of the journey as possible while he still has the coverage to do so.  Mark is also conscious that he needs to ensure that he has sufficient rest periods, if he were to spend time writing the blog then he would lose valuable sleep time.  So, until Mark has his first scheduled rest day (next weekend) I'll try to summarise as much of the journey as I can.  This progress map demonstrates the distance that Mark had made after 2.5 days.

Mark's first tweet of the day read: "Morning! As I expected, a cracking start to day 3. A very cold 0525 start with @memoodesign and John has got me to 9 miles by 0730" this was then followed with "Half marathon done by 9am. Time for breakfast" and then "18 miles done today" by approximately 11:00.  A cracking start to the day, unlike mine.  

At approximately 04:30 this morning I was woken by a call from the call centre of one of Mark's sponsors - Connexion2.  Marks Identicom tracking device had alerted them to a 'man down' situation and they needed me to confirm whether he was ok.  I'm not sure what the representative thought of me but 'mumbling mess' springs to mind.  By the time I had fully woken and had come to my senses I was reassured that the microphone element within the device was recording Mark and that he sounded fine.  As protocol though I needed to speak to him to confirm that he was ok.  Cue call to Australia, and this is where he was...

Mark spoke with Gary and Lisa on Real Radio this morning and explained that it was more than likely as result of fly swatting which then set the alarm off.  Panic over and the taxi to Newcastle airport cancelled!  As dramatic as I felt it was in my sleepy state, how incredible is it that Mark has this device? After an apology Mark then tweeted "I'm fine but what a brilliant test of the #Identicom tracking device.  I can see how useful a device #Identicom is for lone workers in vulnerable jobs".  

Mark continued in good spirits and was once again joined by ex-pat John until the end of the day.  Mark recorded the following at mile 33...

Day 3 - Mile 33 at Cunderdin

I'll not spoil too much of the story so that Mark can share it in his own words so I will leave you with a few tweets and pictures from the end of Day 3:

"41.08 miles done. So much easier in the dark without the flies. Finished running at 2015. Thanks to @memoodesign and John for company".

"Feet feel like clubs of meat. Badly swollen. Losing ability to move my toes. Very similar to day 3 in the run across the USA".

"I expect this swelling to last a couple of weeks. There is blood in my socks where the nail on one toe has caught the adjacent toe".

I think that's enough detail to share with you around the feet situation, for anyone really intrigued then hop across to Twitter or Facebook and you can get a real close up of said feet!

Click on the link below which will play Mark's thoughts after the end of Day 3.

End Of Day 3 at Cunderin

On a final note, "I haven't been able to read any tweets today because of flys. Good food and a chance to read your tweets is a good end to the day".

  

The funds for the two charities, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Children's Foundation, is currently £16,643.  The donations have been continuous throughout the day which is fantastic. Please remember to leave your comments of support for Mark.  Click here if you would like to make a donation.