Charles Jardine, the founder and director of the Fishing for Schools initiative, undertakes his greatest challenge yet, on 7th/8th April – the #WessexWaterChallenge. This 24-hour event will see 65-year-old Charles fish at three Wessex Water Reservoirs and run the 60 miles between them, all in the space of a day. You can sponsor him here.
So here it is, my last blog before I do the #WessexWaterChallenge tomorrow (7/8 April). This morning I did my final training run – around the water meadows near my home in Downton, Wilts, with the stalwart Downton Running Club crew. And now I'm on my way over to Somerset with my daughter Annabel – ready for the big days.
The water meadows were a sight to gladden the heart his morning. The sun was out and there was a real sense of rebirth. It's amazing what a little bit of sunshine does – all the buds have suddenly emerged. It all makes you feel so much better!
Today I'd like to focus on thank-yous – I am immensely grateful to everyone who has supported me to this point, especially Downton Running Group and Sheila Jones in particular. Sheila has baked a massive batch of flapjacks and shortbread to power me through the runs of the next couple of days – and she bakes like an angel!
I would also like to put a big shout out to the Greyhound on the Test pub, which, despite not being on our route, has made loads of food for the event – their sausage rolls are legendary so I am really looking forward to those.
Then there are all the people who gave me such great support at the London Fly Fishing Fair and beyond. You have been amazing – thank you all.
Working up to this challenge has been a bit of an eye-opener for me. I thought I was fit and healthy, but it turns out my hips are apparently 4cms out and I have a vitamin and mineral deficiency after I picked up a virus at Christmas and never threw it off!
I had no idea I was carrying it – so it was great to have been checked out. And due to have given up all alcohol and caffeine for the past two weeks or so I am now sleeping so much better. Mind you when this is over I intend to drown in champagne!
So goodbye for now. If you can come along to support me over the weekend you are very welcome. Otherwise I'll let you know how I get on and you can follow my progress on facebook and twitter @fishingforschools @fishing _schools
Yours aye
Charles