Southern news and sports reporter Kenny Paterson is tackling the Borders’ first ultra marathon – a 38-mile challenge starting in Jedburgh and taking in all three Eildon Hills. As the big event gets closer, the nerves are starting to kick in.
IN the style of the most famous pieces of sporting commentary of all time – “Edmund Hillary, Roger Bannister, that Jamaican bloke who runs really fast – you boys took a hell of a beating!”
Ok, so this is maybe a slight adaptation of Bjørge Lillelien’s hysterical (in both senses of the word) on-air rant after his country’s football team beat England 31 years ago, but it summed up exactly how I felt last Friday night after completing my first 20-mile run.
In truth, Hillary would have treated the trek from Selkirk to the summit of Minchmoor near Traquair and back again as if he were popping across the road for a pint of milk.
But to me, after battling through the mud, rain and nearly cold temperatures of a late summer afternoon in the Borders, it felt like a record-breaking achievement to match that of Usain Bolt and co.
My jubilation turned to agony minutes later, however, as the hot water of the well-earned shower hit a series of chaffed areas of my body – it made the scene from Psycho seem like an edited version of Bambi.
With the 38-mile trek less than two months away, I will admit I am more intimidated than a Liberal Democrat ahead of a cabinet reshuffle.
Despite my fears, I am more determined than ever to keep increasing my miles ahead of the big day on October 28.
Thanks to those who have so far sponsored me – all in aid of the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust – and those still willing to part with a pound can do so by getting in touch with me.
Anyone still wanting to take on the Three Peaks Ultra Marathon can get further information at jedburghhalfmarathon.org.uk