Super-fit James Adams admitted feeling “more focused and determined than ever” after receiving timely well wishes ahead of his extraordinary John O’Groats to Land’s End fundraiser.
The 28-year-old is taking on the 1,400km running challenge – the same as nearly 34 marathons – in August, raising funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The strength and conditioning coach, who lives in Newmarket, aims to complete the amazing feat in 12 to 15 days, staying in a motorhome that will be pitched up by family and friends at various locations along the way.
With the clock ticking towards his challenge, James received words of support during a visit to EACH’s Milton base on Wednesday. He was joined by some of his key sponsors and met staff from the charity, who gathered as a show of support.
“I had an amazing day and it was just the boost I needed,” said James.
“It was a massive fillip and I can honestly say I feel more focused and determined than ever. I’ve always believed it’s possible – I wouldn’t be putting my body through this otherwise – but speaking to people at the hospice underlined the reasons I’m so desperate to help.
“Hearing from members of staff, including the care team, who I have the upmost respect for, was just phenomenal. It’s crystalised everything in my mind and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m excited rather than nervous and, as I’ve said since the start, I firmly believe the actual run will be easier than my training. I’ll be in the zone and the adrenaline will be pumping.”
James was making his first visit to Milton, having previously been shown around The Treehouse, in Ipswich, last November. Parts of that trip were captured on camera and he produced a promotional film, encouraging people to get behind him and show their support.
His Milton visit was particularly timely as it came during Children’s Hospice Week – an important national awareness week – which got underway on Monday (19th June) and runs until Sunday (25th June).
“Once again, spending time at an EACH hospice proved a humbling experience,” said James, a director of his own strength and conditioning company, XCompete.
“It was a very thought-provoking reminder of why it’s so important to show support and raise funds.”
James’ monster run, from the most northern point in Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, is known as JOGLE. He is being joined by friends and colleagues for individual legs of the journey and is no stranger to eye-watering challenges, having completed a 230km run through the Amazon Rainforest in June 2022.
He is starting his challenge on 26th August and will be joined by family and friends, driving to various checkpoints and starting points. He plans to run between 60km and 130km every day, depending on which part of the route he is on. His support team will be ready and waiting to help him hydrate and eat.
To sponsor James, click here.
James is grateful to his sponsors – Manchetts Newmarket, Cheffins, Styrkr, mkhealthhub, Wicken 4×4, MOS Motorhome Hire, C Dingle Complete Building Services, Stablecare Equine Laundry, PB Gym, Clark Performance Consulting, Walker Property and Construction, Knight Travel and Godfrey and Hicks Builders.
Pictures: Dik Ng/EACH
