Saturday 26 October 2013

Reflections - By Andy


Reflections

It’s 5 o-clock in the morning on the day that Family Mouncey will depart for a week holiday on the Spanish islands. A couple of days ago we reached our cloud-funding deadline without hitting target. It’s now 12 weeks to go till The Spine Race and clearly my brain thinks it’s a good idea to make sense of some stuff before we wrestle two very excited small boys onto a plane. So here goes:

If someone had told me four weeks ago that we’d raise £4k in pledges for what was no more than an idea on a Facebook page I’d have, at the very least, raised my eyebrows in vintage Roger Moore style. If someone had told me four weeks ago that people we’d never heard of would pledge hundreds of pounds to come and stay with Family Mouncey on the strength of an idea of a FB page, you’d be hard-pressed to stop me laughing. A lot. And finally if someone had told me four weeks ago that we’d get over 1000 folks viewing a single FB live Q & A session with some bloke who hadn’t even reached half way during his previous outing on the target race, you’d have had to wait a very long time to get any sense out of me at all.
Yet all of those things have happened.

While thirteen years on this whole self-employment lark is still very much a work-in-progress for me, one thing I do know: Activity breeds activity. It may not initially take you in the direction you think you need to go, but stuff always happens as a consequence; some of it will not be on your first choice timescale – but of it will be good. The discipline is to get out there and do.

The Spine Race schools challenge has been at least two years in the making. I’ve spend a lot of the last five years or so trying to make a triathlon-based learning program of my design fly in schools and with young people who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). That’s not happened (yet) but what has happened is real interest and opportunity from a prison service battling to make any dent in a re-offending rate in this country that touches 60%.
Stuff does indeed happen: It may not be on your first choice timescale and direction, but clearly there is benefit in practicing the skills of perseverance and paying attention along the way. Thank the good lord I’m an endurance athlete then…

The school stuff alongside The Spine Race came out of being severely pissed off for wayyyyyyy too long. Work-wise I was struggling and getting worryingly good at doing periodic depression. While Charlotte was getting fulfillment from her role as a mum, Daddy wasn’t getting the same deal from his work or his sport. The boys were great distraction but I was getting leakage at a rate even Thames Water would be having kittens over. Finally I did a blank-sheet exercise – if I could marry personal drivers and professional strengths what might that look like? – and came across a pioneering program in Australia http://imp.org.au Then I DNF’ed at The Spine Race in January, re-discovered some mojo - and immediately starting plotting a return in 2014 this time with added leverage.

So I’m immeasurably proud that we now have five schools launched and chipping away at their 268 miles and there’s more cueing up. The last couple of months have also been my most consistently fulfilling for a very long time. I’ve met some great people and done some new scary fun stuff.
Last Monday was a case in point: 150 pupils at Riverside Junior School in Hebden Bridge confined to a sports hall ‘cos it’s bucketing down outside. Together with a good collection of spectating parents and the chair of school governors - they’re all mine all morning! There’s no film this time but the school took some pictures which I hope to be able to share with you – ‘cos we had a blast. Talking to the school a few days later and I get the news that the kids are running in break times and the teachers are blown away by the goal-setting stuff the pupils are coming up with and the conversations they’re still having from the morning.
The flip side is that there has been some big ole speed bumps and I’m still getting leakage:
‘But I’m still not generating much at all, ‘I said to Charlotte.
‘I know that,’ she says. ‘But we’re still OK, the boys are great, and no-one’s trying to kill us for what we believe.’ A pause and a look:
‘Does it feel right?’
Pause and slow smile from husband: ‘Yeah. Yes it feels right.’
‘Then go with it – you’ll figure out the earning bit eventually.’

On the training front two ankle injuries on the same ankle have meant running has been the stuff of fantasy. You might as well have driven a bus through my training plan. Hiking and biking has been my world, which has messed with my head periodically until I remember that blazing running speed is not really going to be a factor in this race – the ability to endure, cover the ground consistently and look after self in probably crappy conditions is considerably more important. I’m stronger than I was and I’m healthy, and if I can just manage this creaking ankle back to something near full function the final 12 weeks push will get me to where I think I need to be.
Will it be enough? Right now I don’t really care: It’s just good to enjoying the journey again.



Tuesday 15 October 2013

Edale Primary School and Arctic Hares


It's always a pleasure going to Edale, despite it being only a few minutes drive from where we live, it feels like you are stepping back in time.  It is particularly important to us here at Cracking The Spine as it is of course the beginning of the Pennine Way, which gives rise to all sorts of symbolic stuff for Andy and the rest of the competitors.  


Edale primary school is small but has a huge personality! There were 13 children and their techers waiting expectantly for us this morning.  We were also joined by Darren Hunt, who has been a great help supporting Cracking The Spine on Facebook.  He had the pleasure of being Andy's glamourous assistant….

We have certainly come across many mini athletes on our school rounds, and Edale, no surprises, has it's fair share, they were certainly already pretty clued up about running as a sport and they were certainly giving Andy a fair grilling when it came to question time.  
They looked on in astonishment as he told them about his epic triathlon from England to France, although as he was describing his English channel swim, I did hear a small voice pipe up exclaiming, ' That doesn't look very hard!'.    Hmmmm...challenging talk!


It was great to have a Darren along, he is going to be doing the Spine Challenger this year, which is no mean feat in itself , being 106 miles in length, from Edale to Hawes.  It's always good to put a face to a name, especially as Darren has been a huge help on Facebook spreading the news on our project and encouraging funding.  He led the children off on the first mile, starting from the beginning of the Pennine Way.  I'm pretty sure I saw Darren and Andy looking more than a little uncomfortable at the thought of what lies ahead come January, mwahahahaha.    I'm also sure that you lot doing the race will certainly have quite a few young supporters at the start in January!  The children loved the idea of being able to follow the progress of the race and come and meet the runners in January.

I know I mention it every time we come back from a school, but it is amazing to see so much enthusiasm in the children and the teachers - everyone is full of beans, the teachers are just as excited as the children.  It's fantastic to see children being given every possible opportunity to try new things and encourage to discover new hobbies and sports. 

courtesy of national geographic - arctic hare. cute.
Being at the beginning of The Pennine Way and at the heart of a National Park, Edale school has a very special relationship with the National Park Rangers, and we had the pleasure of meeting up with an Area Ranger - Sheila, who kindly gave up a few hours of her busy morning to talk to us about the work she does out on The Pennine Way and how it is so important to educate the children about he very special place they live in.  After all they are our future and all that! 

Everyone we have spoken to and who has heard about Cracking The Spine, has given us amazingly positive feedback, and have bent over backwards to help Andy and us to get things going.  It's impressive to hear the daily work that goes into maintaining areas such as the National Parks, so that we can enjoy them and run all over them.  You better keep your eyes peeled in January as there is all sorts of unusual wildlife out on The Pennine Way, for instance, fact for the day - did you know that we have Arctic Hares living on Bleaklow?!  

Sheila also stressed the importance of not underestimating the wildness of our national parks - it being all too easy to do just that, even the more experienced among us I'm sure have taken our more diminutive peaks for granted!

More on that in the film - don't want to give it all away!

Monday 14 October 2013

Never too old to learn - Horton-in-Ribblesdale

As we approached Horton in Ribblesdale the clouds began to recede and I didn't feel quite so silly with my sunglasses perched optinistically on my head. It was time to meet school number 2 , Horton in Ribbkesdale primary school, nestled at the foot of mighty Pen-y-Ghent.

It must be hard to be anything but a runner when you study in a village like this. Surely the children must be born with the legs of mountain goats! It is certainly an inspirational place to be. You can't help but be drawn into adventure with surroundings like this.

As we walked in I could see eager faces peering round corners and a hushed whispering of, 'Its that Andy man - the runner man'!  The school itself is a colourful place, full of artwork and photos and again, as at Kirkby Malham school, the enthusiasm of the teachers is everywhere.

The classroom  rapidly filled up with the small and not so small and the excitement was infectious.   As I filmed Andy's presentation, I found myself giggling along with the children as Andy dressed Ryan up as a Spine race runner - layers and more layers of clothes topped off with a dinosaur hat, a headtorch  and he even had his own ball of ice on his shoe ( for those not familiar check out image to the right of the shoe of last years winner!!).

All the children we have met so far have thrown themselves into Andy's challenge, with no doubts or fears just an extraordinary degree of confidence, which, I don't think I'll be alone in saying, I wish I could do too!
It was heart-warming (is that too corny?! I can't think of any other way to describe it), to see them all getting stuck in - the older ones holding the hands of the younger ones, the cheers from the teachers, the faster one waiting for the slower.  With no need of coaxing, the school was already acting like a team and thinking like a team.

There is a lot to learn from these young'uns. It can be easy as an adult to maybe not give the children the attention they deserve or to take them as seriously as we should, I am certainly guilty, but I was certainly taught a lesson by the end of our day.
Amid breathless laughing and talking,  Andy asked them for advice they would give to other children who are finding the running difficult, so when you are next out on your training run and starting to struggle have a think on these gems...

'Even when its really difficult just think how great you'll feel when you finish'
'Pace yourself, don't use up all your energy, find a pace'
'When you can't run, you can walk a bit but never stop, because once you stop its much harder to start'
'Think of all the cake you can eat at the end!'

And so it is to Edale we go tomorrow!

 If you can help us reach our target to make this film please have a look at all the lovely rewards we can offer in return!

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Update and School Visits!

Time is quickly passing with our Kickstarter appeal.  With only 14 days to go we have now reached 25% of our target amount needed to  continue making the film.  People are asking us what is going to happen if we don't reach the full amount - well sadly with Kickstarter, if we don't get the full amount we get nothing, but we still have a few things up our sleeve to tempt people to pledge, so we still think we will get there.   We are still positive!
We are working on contingency plans though...the great thing about this is that whatever the outcome we have learnt a huge amount and we have managed to get the word out to a huge audience all the way around the world.  

So it is business as usual until further notice!

We are heading off to Horton-in-Ribblesdale school, at the foot of the mighty Pen-y-Ghent, on Monday with Andy to film him giving the children the challenge to run the 268miles, and if there are any parents/friends etc out there who would like to be involved or go along then please get in touch with Andy!
Horton-in-Ribblesdale


The excitement of the kids is contagious, we are really looking forward to it, and they are great to film - they are so enthusiastic and love being part of the project.    

Next Tuesday, it is an about turn back to the Peak District where we will be filming at Edale primary school at the very beginning of The Pennine Way, and we will also be meeting a National Park Ranger - to interview and discuss the Pennine Way in more detail and get a real insiders view on life on and around the Pennine Way. 


So watch this space for some more mini school films, competitions, and even maybe some goodies to be given away.





Monday 7 October 2013

Speed Bumps

Oct 2 Wednesday

‘What the hell’s the matter with you - you look as though you’re about to burst into tears?’

Clearly I’m not wearing the face Charlotte is looking for as we sit with the boys in the chip shop in Hawes at the 105 mile point on The Spine Race route. This was meant to be a last supper of sorts before Daddy headed off for an overnight 40 mile jaunt up The Pennine Way to Middleton-in-Teesdale. Instead it feels like the last cigarette before the firing squad.

I’ve had this in the diary for yonks and spent half the afternoon on the phone yesterday trying to figure out how to get home – no, there are no buses, no there are no trains except from there which means you’ll have to…and that means five changes…and if you don’t make that it means…

Finally we realized that it would either take me 8 hours to get home by public transport or blow £30 on a taxi to get me 20 miles troublesome miles towards civilization which would then have me home by late morning. Driving half an hour now to give the boys a treat fish and chip supper seemed a great way to send Daddy off with a smile on his face and loaded with calories – except it would appear that Daddy hasn’t read the script.

In truth I’d been steadily tying myself in knots as departure time got closer and now I’m right back to where I was the night before The Spine Race in January this year: Fanning my fears and absolutely having kittens at the prospect. (Later I’ll reflect that I’m just not ready: Three days after a huge effort at Three Peaks Cyclocross I’m still abit frayed round the edges and making the transition from bikes to feet. Infront of me is at least 12 hours of solo time with cloud down to 250m and heavy rain and high winds forecast. And while I’ve done this leg in daylight at the start of the summer, conditions tonight make it a very different proposition. It’s a long time since I’ve done extended solo in poor weather, and this is not exactly easing my way back into it. Once I start over this remote section I will be committed. And clearly I’m just not).

Time to talk about feelings, then.

Pause as bits of courage are scraped back together. Eye contact:

‘I really don’t want to do this.’

She looks at me as the boys continue to demolish their fishy bites.

‘Look at my smiley face, Daddy!’ Our youngest points proudly at the work of art he has arranged on his plate with strategic use of ketchup and chips. Any chance you could re-arrange mine for me, son?

‘Well, I’m not going to force you…’ Charlotte pauses before delivering the knockout punch ‘…but I think you’ll regret it if you don’t at least do something.’

‘What’s the matter, Dad?’ Tom (our eldest) has clearly had his antennae up so we do our best to explain.

He considers our explanation. Then with all the wisdom of his six and a half years pronounces around a mouthful of chip: ‘Sometimes, Dad, it’s best just to get on with it.’

We go into salvage mode: If the Whole Thing is freaking me out, what about Some Thing? With cloud right down and only a Pennine Way map we finally figure a route home that I reckon will be about 5 hours – and I can get my head around that. Get out, tune into the solo, dark, limited viz environment and salvage something. Walking’s fine, you clearly just need to start with something less big and scary…

So I do – and it all goes fine even in the awful visability until the 3 hour mark when my left ankle very quickly starts to complain. It’s the same place and symptoms from a few weeks ago and it quickly has me slowing. I abort taking in the 650m summit of Whernside and opt for the low level option as my internal language deteriorates horribly. Six hours after setting off as midnight approaches I limp through our front door and make a beeline for the ice to ease the swollen ankle. A salvage job indeed – but at what cost?



Oct 3 Thursday

Back on the treatment couch and Mr Ward looks up from a preliminary examination.

‘Well the good news is that it’s a new injury.’

Huh???

‘If it was the same as last time we’d have a problem – but it’s different and in a different place: This is definitely new.’

But definitive cause eludes us and the best we can come up with is that I did some low-level damage in the ‘cross race – really? Ya think?! - that I didn’t notice until six hours on my feet under load exacerbated it. I’ve got bruising, broken skin, discoloration, inflammation and sore tendons and ligaments. The only certainty is that I’ll be off weight-bearing stuff for a while and back on two wheels. Oh well – it’s not like anyone’s watching this now, is it..?

Thursday 3 October 2013

September 30th Q&A session with Andy


Let the Questions Begin! Please comment them on this post!

Scott Gilmour How will your approach differ from last year's attempt?

Cracking the Spine I'll do some training! And get my head round the whole damn thing instead of the first third. And be positive rather than crapping it. And do detail rather than big picture. And nail the 'what' & 'why' bit. And have oceans of leverage in place. And be focused on me. And be cool with the scenario that even my best efforts may not be enough. So no, Scott - not much different at all..!?!


Scott Gilmour Well I believe your meticulous approach will pay dividend Andy! You WILL complete!


Kevin Watkins How do we get our local school involved in CTS?

Cracking the Spine Kevin, please email me directly andy@doingbigandscary.com so we set up a call time tomorrow.

Kevin Watkins Will do.

Benjamin Gardner-Hall Hi Andy who takes the best photos Matt or Ellie ? lol

Cracking the Spine oi you! but now you mention it - it's a bit like the pesto question if its good mine, if its not matts . Ta Ellie


Cracking the Spine Asking me to drive a wedge into the heart of our working relationship at this early stage is abit harsh dontcha think??



Andrew Bernie Bernard How many calories will you need every day Andy?
What supplements will you be taking?

Cracking the Spine More than I think. One of the lessons of this year was that I was eating and drinking less than I needed (energy for forward locomotion AND heat generation) - so something has to change. One of the leads this project has thrown up is the chance to work with a nutritionist which means I may well be get all scientific with the calorie stuff.


Cracking the Spine Oops - forgot to answer the 'supplement' thing: I don't as a rule. Just not comfortable with it. The only thing I've ever done is multi-vitamins. Given the possibility that we might be going all science-based on the fuel front I am, as they say, girding myself to practice the skills of being open-minded on the subject...Quite a task for a 40 something bloke who knows what he likes.


Andrew Bernie Bernard How much sleep do you expect to get?


Cracking the Spine Dunno. More interested in how much sleep I'll need 'cos this bit is uncharted waters: Do I plan it in advance expedition-style or just go till I drop runner style? Really haven't got that figured yet.

Sarah Gardner-hall Andy what's your biggest motivation to keep going when the going gets tough ?


Cracking the Spine Varies race to race, Sarah. I figure out the 'what' and 'why' for a biggie race each time. Common denominator since becoming a Dad has been our boys: See Dad finishing something he starts and enjoying the process etc...


Pete Harris Hi there . Whats the route.and what time do you.start ??

Cracking the Spine Pennine Way south to north 8am start saturday Jan 11th Pete


Kevin Watkins Andy how do you balance training time, racing and having a family?

Cracking the Spine Sometimes I get close to some sort of balance, sometimes I'm hopeless and every so often we (Charlotte and I) nail it. That's been a key: Practicing the skills of talking and sharing - now there's a concept. I'm better than I was but then priorities do shift when small people arrive. Sometimes of course if endurance stuff is our bag I think it is helpful to put ourselves out of balance, uncomfortable, hurting - as long as you can choose to come out of that and re-charge and our Significant Others have been fore-warned and have signed off on it. It's all still a work in progress tho'

Kevin Watkins Great reply Andy will let my wife read this!



Sarah Gardner-hall Do you think as I do in ultras that so much of it is mental rather than physical & if u can get your head around the distance & event that anything is then possible.?


Cracking the Spine IF you can keep your feet intact, manage your mood and find your way, then yes Sarah - I agree


Pete Harris What is the starting point

Cracking the Spine Middle of Edale village. Follow the nervous laughter - it'll be us.


Thanks to Andy for taking the time to answer all the questions.

If anyone can help us in our mission to raise money for the project please follow the link to the Cracking The Spine Kickstarter Page

Wednesday 2 October 2013

Frequently asked Questions for Andy Mouncey



How old is he?
Old enough to know better (46 and 3/4)

Why does he want to do it?
Unfinished business from 2013 and it's a VERY unique challenge I don't have to travel hundreds of miles/another country to experience


Is there snow and ice all the way?
Could be

How many drop out each year?
More than half

How long is the training?
How long you got?? I started endurance sport in my teens and specific prep for this race started in the summer - so that 30 years or 6 months depending how you measure it


What does he think of when running - family, the next hill, the other runners, a Caribbean beach?
All of the above except the beach (usually nice mug of tea is sufficient level of fantasy in the cold and dark). It usually splits b/w paying close attention to what I'm doing, remembering war I want to happen and why I'm doing this - and drifting away with the fairies


Live graph of heart rate? blood pressure?
Talking to the scientists now so possible

What does it do to him overall, psychologically, physically?
Both a life-enhancing experience (whatever the outcome) and can be destructive and draining physically, mentally, emotionally - before, during and after. The challenge is to harness the former and manager the latter


What is the muscular strain - compared say with walking on a street?
In a phrase: Repetitive Strain Injury

How do muscles keep delivering?
That's what training and goal-setting (motivation) is for

How can conditioning (training) help? Is it a big difference?
Conditioning builds confidence. A big part of success in ultras is about managing mental state: Confidence is the currency


Is the heart muscle strengthened by 2%? 5%? 10%? 20%? etc?
Depends on where the athlete is starting from and type of training they do e.g. - little is any change in a trained runner with many years conditioning, much more for someone relatively new


What is the risk of skeletal damage in a fall?
Higher than normal - tiredness, poor conditions underfoot, carrying a load -all add to risk

What rescue stations are there?
Mountain Rescue Team cover throughout in addition to race checkpoints

How does the organisation keep tabs on everyone?
GPS trackers, checkpoints, mobile phones

What does his wife/family think of all this?
Feel free to ask!

What does his GP think?
It's old news to her...

Are all the other runners like him?
No! I am unique!!

How may the weather change?
Horribly and quickly


Will the event be stopped in deep snow?
If the race organisation can't reach a part of the course then that may happen

Does he have to qualify by having cross-country experience?
Yes




Tuesday 1 October 2013

Calling all Bloggers!: Get your blog on film credits!

We know there are quite a few of you awesome people who are writing blogs, this post is all for you!

Cracking the Spine is about getting as many people involved as we can so we're calling all bloggers to get involved. 

We want YOU to write your own blog story on Cracking The Spine
Can you think of a new angle to write about the project? Here are some ideas...


  • From the point of view of Andy & Charlottes two sons
  • From the point of view of Mountain Rescue
  • Medical point of view
  • Social point of view

- In return we'll put a link to your blog on our links page -

The most unique and interesting blogs are up for an extra prize
We'll choose the top 5 blogs to be in the final film credits with special thanks.

We will choose the winning blogs in one week!
Sharpen those pencils and iron that paper - it's writing time!

Good luck and thank you!

Enter your blog by posting it on the Cracking the Spine Facebook Page and sending a link to us on a Facebook Personal Message.

If you have questions for Andy, Charlotte or the Film Crew just send us an email CrackingTheSpine@gmail.com or PM us on the Facebook Page or via Twitter @CrackinTheSpine

Please not the film must be fully funded to go ahead! See the countdown below.


Kickstarter Outtakes Video!

It's not all serious faces, calorie counting and training here at Cracking the Spine - Here's our Outtakes from the Kickstarter Video, enjoy!



Monday 30 September 2013

Andy's Training Stuff 2


The last bit of cyclocross madness, ankle fun and games and keeping the lid on. Read here...

Are our young people slowing down?


 I write periodically for www.tribesports.com Here's an article (not mine) about young people slowing down and a thread which is stimulating some discussionhttp://tribesports.com/topics/the-slowest-generation

Completely contrasts what we saw at Kirkby Malham primary school this week.
They asked me for my take and took a short version - here's the full one:

'I'd state three things at the outset on this one:
Beware generalisations; there are always exceptions - and we tend to get what we focus on.
So if you're writing a piece bemoaning the slowing down of youngsters then you would focus on evidence that supports your case. Wouldn't you?
I certainly would.
And if you're concerned about that very trend then you'd tend to notice stuff around you that is consistent with that - and that doesn't mean other stuff ain't happening, that's just how our brains work - especially the editing suite bit. Look up 'Reticular Activating System' and you'll see what I mean...
So 'slowing down' is certainly a part of a bigger picture - but how representative of that big picture is that part?

There's no doubt that our society has changed in many ways over the last 30 years. Most of us are more comfortable and enjoy more choice in our lives and our own hardwiring is both part of the problem and part of the solution: We are efficiency-orientated organisms programmed to achieve a desired emotional state with the least amount of effort.
Wanna feel proud? The you can crack a new gaming level on yer X-Box.
Wanna feel part of something? Join a Facebook group.
30 years ago joining your local footie team would have got you to the same state - only there was physical activity involved too.

So where am I going with this? Dunno really.
Are we slowing down? Some of us certainly are - and some of us certainly are not. Take my sport of ultra running for example and at the top of the sport there are plenty of young guns ripping up the trails in what is supposed to be a game for old guys and gals. I think we have more polarisation now than we did - that's certainly a feature of wider society so it's entirely reasonable to expect it to show in sub-cultures. So if there's less of a homogenised middle maybe it's just easier to notice the differences because differences there certainly are. One of the things we can say about the growth in 'extreme' outdoor/endurance sports is that there are clearly folks out there who are highly motivated challenge-monsters and the folks at the top end are seriously pushing boundaries.

With the degree of relative comfort most of us enjoy in our lives now you have to be really motivated to choose to break out of that. And that stands out.
And then there's the other side…'

The schools part of Cracking The Spine is all about getting 'em young, giving 'em a transformational experience and the skills to use and repeat that. No doubt a healthy % will go 'off piste' at some point through teens and 20s, but I believe they'll notice the difference eventually and if so there's a fighting chance they'll return to the fold -and that's got benefits way beyond their own lives. For me that's part of the answer to the 'Why?' bit of all this.
So let's make it happen.

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Gym Knickers and Rain

So, Kirkby Malham was a resounding success all round, and we are all buoyed up and ready to head off to Edale primary school next.   It's not just for the younger generations of pupils though, we are in talks with getting some secondary schools involved too.

I distinctly remember being a teenager at a school near Casterton and being told to run up and down the Cumbrian fells in torrential rain in horrific P.E knickers (at this point i'll just point out that it's Ellie writing not Matt or Andy,  i don't think they have ever worn gym knickers...!), I'm sure it was character building or something similar.
Either way I don't remember being all too enthused about the idea.  It would be fantastic to get teenagers hooked on running, and turning it from something you dread to something you look forward to and you never know where it will take you.
One of the most inspiring points of Andy's presentation yesterday at Kirkby Malham was when he brought out his 'Beginners' swimming certificate, which he was awarded when he was 8, for swimming  10 yards.  Everybody starts somewhere and Andy went on to swim the English Channel, at this point I heard jaws hit the floor.

Dreams can happen if you work hard enough at them and want them badly enough, and I think it's so important to make young people believe that.  We should be out there encouraging them  to think big and exciting.  And here the lecture endeth ;)


1st Milestone!

Yesterday  was a bit of a milestone for us.  Some of you may know that we were up at Kirkby Malham school with Andy. Kirkby Malham is the first school to accept Andy's challenge to run the 268 miles between now and March 2014.

Andy gave a presentation on Doing Big and Scary to 48 rapt youngsters, ranging in age from only 4 up to 10.  Matt, John Bamber and I were (also rapt) standing at the back and marveling at how we had never seen so many children completely transfixed by what Andy was telling them.

Andy made a massive scroll, which was all tied up and two girls stood at the front, unwrapped it with excitement and read out the challenge to the whole school.  As they read it out you could feel the anticipation of adventure in the room! All the pupils signed the scroll and it is now hanging up in their school hall.


It was pretty inspiring stuff, but that's exactly what the plan is.  When they went out to do their first mile with Andy, all of them gave every ounce of effort whether they were at the front of the back.

The Headmaster and the staff were so supportive and are completely behind the whole project.  It was awesome to hear what a positive school it is.  They are passionate about giving the children every opportunity they can.

We are excited about going back up there once the project has been funded and hearing how they are getting on.  We will be doing some interviewing with the children to hear about the progress they are making with their challenge.


Monday 23 September 2013

The PROJECT is LIVE!

So finally the day has come, we have had the green light from Kickstarter and it's now time to turn our ramblings into a reality!

Please have a look at our proposal and we hope you like the film we have put together.   Our aim is to submit this documentary to all Adventure Film festivals in 2015.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR KICKSTARTER PAGE!!


I thought it would be useful for anyone tuning in late in the day to refresh you guys on what exactly we are going to be getting up to, and the purpose of Cracking The Spine.

Back in June, ultra runner, coach and author Andy Mouncey approached us here at Summit Fever Outdoor Sports Media with an immense idea, this idea is Cracking The Spine Film.  
Andy wants to return to finish what he started, with a little bit of help from local schools and youth groups.  

Let me explain a little more...
In January 2013 he took part in The Spine Race, the most brutal winter non-stop 268 mile foot race the UK has to offer. After just over 100 miles Andy had to stop. In January 2014 Andy will be back, more prepared, fitter and ready to face a challenge of epic proportions.

Part of the project is to get kids moving too, as a father, Andy knows the importance of ensuring the people of tomorrow have the skills to make it a bright, shiny place. Schools and youth groups all the way along the UK’s Pennine Way will be running and walking the 268 miles as classes and teams over winter to raise money for Sports Relief and to show them that impossible is just a made up word grown-ups use when they think they can't.  
They will be keeping video diaries to document the ups and downs they encounter and to show how they overcome these challenges.  This footage will be put into the documentary.

Andy’s aim?  To inspire and motivate children through running, to show them the benefits of a life full of exercise, to teach them to think and act like athletes, to show them the importance of making and sticking to a pledge, and how all these skills can be applied to each aspect of their lives.

We, here at Summit Fever, are going to be making a film of Andy's progress, and medical stats, in the lead up to the race, and during the race, as well as the progress that is made in the schools and how running is changing the lives of the children who are taking part.  We need to get them all to the finish!

Cracking The Spine project is designed to engage YOU. Everyone's lives would be a little brighter, a little more fun if they took the courage to take that step so we're giving you the shoes and the push to get you out there and face the impossible. Funded via Kickstarter (our page is now live!) which is a crowd funding website you will be able to contribute to the creation of the film, in return there will be a whole host of things on offer! 

Everyone that watches this film will walk away feeling empowered to try the thing they never thought they could. It's time to show the world what running can do, so please, if you can, join Summit Fever and Andy Mouncey on a journey of a lifetime.

Friday 20 September 2013

Ghostly goings on... A mini selection of ghost stories we have dug out

The Pennine Way and a few ghostly goings on!


After lots of talking about the route we have realised that for those who aren't maybe as familiar with the UK - You might be thinking - what on earth is The Pennine Way?!  
The Pennine Way as you can see below is a route that winds it way up the 'Spine' of England, taking in the bleakest moors and most beautiful if remote areas of the UK.   It starts at our local 'The Nags Head' pub in Edale (good pint and blazing fires) and heads North, up and over the Peak District national park, the Yorkshire Dales, the Northumberland National Park and finishes in the small Scottish Hamlet of Kirk Yetholm (in the pub - British obsession).
Pennine Way Route

We have done a bit of digging around and have come up with a few ghost stories and myths and legends, which surround sections of The Pennine Way... 

Not that you should still be on the Kinder Scout section of the The Spine Race route come Easter (unless you really have gone the wrong way!),  watch out for the water spirit of Mermaid's Pool, which can be seen far below you as you pass Kinder Downfall waterfall early on the route.  This little critter manifests itself on the Eve of Easter and either promises long life or drags you down into the watery depths.  Take your pick!
Kinder Downfall, geography.org.uk

When you cross Bleaklow in the Peak District, watch out for ghostly legionnaires.  In 1932 four climbers near Hope Cross saw an entire Roman legion go by (was this post pub or pre pub?! - referring to the climbers not the ghosts!).  Apparently it has such renown for ghostly goings on that it is speculated that an undiscovered Roman road once cut over Bleaklow linking Snake's Pass with Longdendale.  Legend has it that an entire Roman legion were attacked and buried in the bogs on Bleaklow by local tribes.  The area was certainly well used by Roman legions and a Roman fort stands at Castleshaw.
Bleaklow - geograph.org.uk
And if you fancy partaking in a well earned beverage at the highest pub in England, the renowned Tan Hill inn, double check who is propping up the bar.  Ghost sightings have led to a team of ghost investigators making a film at the pub.  Don't panic unduly though sounds like a harmless ghosty who likes a puff on his pipe, however if you are thinking of taking an hour's kip in the bunkhouse watch out for a ghost of a boy who pops up to say hello to weary travellers. 
Tan Hill Inn, picture by The Observer
Cauldron Snout the wonderfully named waterfall is said to haunted by a ghost called 'The Singing lady', and on cold moonlit nights she can be seen sitting on a rock near the falls, where she laments the loss of her loved one.
Cauldron Snout

Cross Fell is the highest point on the Pennine Way at 2930ft.  Back in the mists of time this was called Fiend's Fell and devil's were said to inhabit the fell.  The name 'Cross Fell' is said (depending on your source!) to originate from the 7th century and given it by Paulinus an early Christian missionary, or the more dramatic version is that it refers to the 'cross' or 'angry' fiends that lived there.
Cross Fell
And on that note...Good Night!












What Karmas around goes around #dotheimpossible

Picture the scene, you're running or walking along a single track path in an overgrown forest, bluebells flittering in a gentle breeze. Despite feeling like the only person in 100 miles you find when you reach a gate that there is someone else behind you, I'm sure you would all hold the gate open for them. Positive actions towards others, be it holding open a gate, chasing after someone with their dropped Buff or helping someone to do something they never thought they could.



That is what I want to drill down to - helping someone do achieve something that they never thought they could. You may be thinking, errr okay well what could that something be? There are a whole host of things that are now available to do - many of them to raise money for charity - which are classic things 'which people don't do'. Here's a list of a few:

  • Skydive
  • Bungee Jump
  • Marathon
  • Abseil
Some of you might look at these thinking, I do ten skydives before breakfast or run a marathon just as a training run. For some these are some of the most daunting things there are, for 'other people', something that they might not think they could or would achieve. Think how cool you feel when you do them, that rush you feel. Times that by a million and your getting close to what it feels like to help someone achieve one of those things. Even Andy had his first marathon, his first 10km - everyone starts somewhere.

The sun setting over Mam Tor in the Peak District

Cracking the Spine is the tidal wave, the rising sun that will help carry you beyond the edge of impossible - You will see Andy weathering the harsh winter elements (if the long term weather forecasts are to be believed!), managing his training with his family life and hearing from medical professionals of how his body copes with this challenge of challenges. You will see that to achieve your impossible there is only a series of steps, there may be few there may be many but by taking each one you can get there.

Perhaps you know someone who always says 'I could never run a marathon' - offer to take them out for a run, it doesn't have to be long, it doesn't have to be difficult - this could be the start of making it happen for them. There was a day when you found the strength to face your challenge, it's time to pass that on.

We want to know your story - tell us what your Cracking The Spine moment was, perhaps it was a person that inspired you, or maybe you heard of an event - like The Spine Race.

Facebook/Tweet it with #dotheimpossible!

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Running simplifies things...

We are now playing the waiting game with Kickstarter - as we are sat twiddling our thumbs.  Only joking we aren't twiddling our thumbs, we are as busy as ever.  Andy has certainly been busy and has already set up the first school to join in with our Cracking The Spine project...

Kirkby Malham School is the first to join up and already 48 pupils have agreed to take part - that's incredible! Next week they will start to tick off their cumulative 268 miles ending with the Sports Relief mile in march 2014.

The beautiful Kirkby Malham - 72 miles along the Pennine Way South to North


I don't know about you lot but when I was at school the thought of running 3 miles around the cross country course seemed daunting enough - the idea of being physically able to run 268 miles just would not have even crossed my mind!

Humour me for a moment and think back to when you took your first tentative step towards the world of running - how did you feel? terrified?  Exhilarated? Freed? I think i can definitely remember a lot of pain!  What is it that makes us push through that pain and carry on - one step after another faster and faster?

FREEEEEEEEEEDOMMMMMMM!!!


We have just asked this question on Facebook and from your replies it looks like everyone agrees that running brings everything into more focus, everything that is going on in your world starts to make more sense, the mind clears, and there is nothing to worry about apart from getting to the next tree or hedge.
Running simplifies things (or when you are running up Parkin Clough, a local nasty hill, - pain starts to simplify things!).

So as we are waiting for our Kickstarter project to be confirmed, we are going to be putting together lots of stuff for the schools - if you could take a minute to scribble a sentence of support to help keep the kids motivated and send it to us at crackingthespine@gmail.com (with the country you are from) that would be much appreciated.