James Cooper, an avid ultra runner and fundraiser, is embarking on an extraordinary challenge in 2024 to run 366 marathons in 366 days, all in support of the renowned mental health charity, Samaritans and to raise awareness of his Smilinggg initiative, The Smilinggg Mile. This remarkable feat aims to raise awareness and funds for Samaritans' life-saving work, providing vital support to those in need.
East Grinstead, West Sussex is set to witness an unparalleled display of determination and resilience as James takes on this monumental task. The challenge, Smilinggg 366, will commence on 1st January 2024 and conclude on 31st December 2024 covering a staggering distance of 9,589.2 miles throughout the year.
Samaritans, a leading mental health charity, has been providing emotional support to individuals in distress for over 70 years. Their dedicated volunteers offer a listening ear, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring that no one has to face their darkest moments alone. The funds raised through this challenge will directly contribute to Samaritans' ongoing efforts to prevent suicide and support those struggling with their mental health.
James has a personal connection to Samaritans' cause, recognising the importance of mental health support and the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones. Inspired by Samaritans' unwavering commitment to saving lives, James has set an ambitious fundraising goal of £703,000 to help ensure that Samaritans can continue their vital work. This significant number highlights, honours and pays tribute to the 703,000 people around the world each year who die from suicide.
In 2014 and 2015 James experienced a depressive period within his life that rocked him to his core. An emptiness that was difficult to convey with words. James can't recall exactly when, but remembers reading a book called Mindset by a lady Carol S. Dweck. He didn't quite realise at the time, but it planted a seed and ignited the faintest spark in his mind. The power to believe we can improve. That who we are in this very moment isn't who we always have to be. It opened his awareness on an intellectual level that we can grow and things can and will improve through purposeful effort.
Over the course of many months, with small but purposeful effort, his situation did slowly but surely improve, and what came from the darkness was Smilinggg. The Smilinggg Mile proved fundamental in helping James improve his mental health and wellbeing. It has since provided a framework to live his life by. Not bad considering it all started by Googling 'How to be happy.'
Throughout the year, James will be running marathons predominantly in and around East Grinstead, but is keen to run further afield if opportunities present themselves, with the intention of engaging with local communities, businesses, and running enthusiasts to raise awareness about mental health and the services provided by Samaritans and The Smilinggg Mile. The challenge will also serve as an opportunity to encourage open conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting overall well-being.
James is calling on individuals, businesses, and organisations to support this incredible endeavour by making a donation to Samaritans. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Donations can be made securely through the donation platform JustGiving, and regular updates on the challenge's progress will be shared on James’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
James is available for interviews, speaking engagements, and media appearances to discuss the challenge, the importance of mental health support, and the impact of Samaritans' work. For media enquiries or to schedule an interview, please fill out the below form.
Join James on this extraordinary journey as he laces up his running shoes, pushing his physical and mental limits to support Samaritans and make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals. Together, we can create a world where no one feels alone in their darkest moments.
James Cooper is a personal trainer and meditation teacher. An endurance fundraising athlete and mental health first aider and advocate, James is the mind, body and spirit of all things Smilinggg.
Formerly a sales and marketing executive, James walked away from his office-based career in 2010, at the age of 23 due to dissatisfaction with his life and a yearning to live a life of deeper meaning. He obtained a Diploma in Personal Training and spent the next two years helping people all over the world improve their health and fitness as owner and head coach of JC Fitness Experience. An innocuous tackle whilst playing football in 2012 saw James break both his tibia and fibula in his left leg.
James since refers to this injury as his ‘lucky break’. It was the beginning of a five-year journey of self-discovery in South East Asia, culminating with the birth of Smilinggg and its simple daily practice.
Between January 2013 and June 2017, James spent eighteen months as a primary school teacher in Phuket, Thailand before basing himself in Hoi An, Vietnam as a health and wellness coach.
Since Smilinggg’s initial formation on Sunday 17th May 2015, James has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and promote The Smilinggg Mile and its benefits whilst looking at ways to serve the Smilinggg mission statement.
To build healthier and happier lives, one step and one smile at a time.
An enthusiastic and passionate voice advocating greater understanding and openness of mental health, James has channeled this through public speaking, digital publishing, podcasting and in addition becoming an ultra-endurance fundraising athlete for Mind: The Mental Health Charity and since 2018, Samaritans Charity.Participating in ever more challenging events each year since 2015, with thanks to the Smilinggg community, £23,019.42 has been raised for these charities.
His return to England in June 2017 has been with the intention to continue to build on from the work he began in Asia. James has a dream that Smilinggg will continue to grow and develop, benefiting schools, workplaces, households, communities and charities across the UK and beyond, supporting millions of people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives. That’s The Smilinggg Way.
Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
Samaritans are here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, they’re taking action to prevent the crisis.
They give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And they encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.
They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.
That’s why they work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.
They do this by:
THEY ARE COMMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING VALUES:
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🚨 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎!!
#Smilinggg366 Announcement
It brings me great excitement and grand trepidation to finally announce that 2024’s Smilinggg Challenge in aid of @samaritanscharity will be…
Running 366 marathons in 366 days.
Trust me to choose a leap year!
The challenge will begin on January 1st 2024 and conclude on December 31st 2024.
This will be by far the toughest challenge I have ever faced, but without a doubt the most rewarding.
I’m excited to share the journey with you across social media. Every single day, every step and every smile and every obstacle that needs to be faced and overcome along the way.
Let the games begin January 1st.
#Smilinggg366 - It’s 366 marathons not a sprint!
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
☎️ 🗣 Whatever you're going through, call Samaritans free any time, from any phone on 116 123 (UK & ROI).
A BIG thank you to Jesse Itzler and his team for kindly sending over The Big A## Calendar 2024.
I DM’d Jesse a few weeks ago and shared my Smilinggg Challenge for 2024, aptly named #Smilinggg366. He loved the idea - and sent me the calendar which will be perfect to allow me to mark off each day as I attempt to step and smile my way to success throughout the course of 2024.
Smilinggg 366 announcement to be made in the next few days… I promise!
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
✌️ is for two marathons
I’m calling this week a “Confidence Building” week. More for the mind than the body at this stage.
Following Mondays marathon, that night I had to tell my mind I wasn’t going to do next year’s challenge to allow myself to fall back to sleep at around 3am 😂 Woke up and informed my girlfriend the same thing. I got up out of bed, drank some water, had a coffee and laced up my trainers and out I went and covered a half marathon… 🫡
This morning I was treated to a stunning soul enriching sunrise as I plodded to the second marathon in four days. At a much easier pace, I’ve finished feeling fresh, a tad more confident and ready for 9-hours at work 💀
Will I ever truly feel mentally ready for this challenge? Not a chance. But I have faith that the way to overcome the obstacle is to go head on with the obstacle. Once I make the announcement (any day now 🫨) and it actually begins, I grow as a result of the pursuit and the rough seas will gradually ease and I’ll manage to find acceptance and an element of peace in the process… that’s what I’m hoping for anyway 🫠🫣
Ultimately, it’s all fun and games!
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
It’s been a battle of the two wolves since gum surgery 10 days ago.
Having concluded the previous block in high spirits with confidence at an all time high, telling my girlfriend I truly believe I have what it takes to achieve next years challenge. It’s since flipped on its head.
Full of doubt, questioning myself, letting the negative whispers get louder. Allowing thoughts to manifest into stories. It’s been a difficult 10-days. Granted it almost feels embarrassing even saying this given the real adversity and hardships people are facing around the world.
I spoke to dad about it and he reminded me of the two wolves fable.
My alter ego The Smilinggg Man lays dormant when I’m not running. This enforced rest coupled with a compromised and rather sore mouth this close to the challenge throws my belief into doubt. So it has been good to have dads wise reminders and Annabel’s supportive shoulder to lean on as I try and not throw away everything I’ve been working towards by making any rash decisions.
The gum stitches come out on Tuesday and I hope to get a few quality runs in over the next couple of weeks just to reawaken the smilinggg man, start feeding the good wolf and remind myself of who I truly can be as opposed to giving into the lesser of the two wolves.
If you’ve read the wolf fable before then I hope this serves as a refresher, if you haven’t, then I hope it helps you in some capacity.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Block 7 in the bag! A very drenched bag I might add 🌧️ 💼
What a way to end the block.
Finishing 18-miles at 7pm Friday and rolling out of bed at 5am this morning, sinking a coffee and pancakes and hitting the same trails for 26.2 of the most consistently wet miles I’ve experienced. The rain didn’t stop from start to finish.
44.2 miles within a 15 hour period. Today was a bit of a slog. Wet, dark and slow. Under fuelled and by the back 3 miles was feeling pretty agitated.
Nothing a hot shower and 175g of Frosties with a brew can’t fix.
Next stop? Work for 8-hours 💀 😂
Now to absorb this final full 14-day build. I’m in the dentist chair on Monday for gum surgery. Which requires no running for a week to aid the healing process. Hence the reason I booked it in at the start of a recovery week.
Beyond then, I need to figure out the best strategy to start tapering throughout December to be fresh and ready to dive head first into The Smilinggg Challenge for 2024 which begins January 1st. A few people are getting a sniff as to what it entails, but all will be revealed mid-December to allow enough time for anyone and everyone to formulate their own version of The Smilinggg Challenge for 2024.
Quick mention and reflection of Block 7. It’s been the smoothest block since the blocks began back at the start of July. No resistance. Just consistency, and a major attitude of gratitude throughout. What a privilege being able to do this is, and somehow a sense of following and fulfilling one’s destiny.
Happy Saturday!
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Block 7 Stats.
Total Distance = 260.42 miles | Total Duration = 36 hours 52 minutes | Total Elevation = 10,183 feet |
🤙 @strava entry ✍️
Block 7 Day 4. Chill Mix playlist on Spotify and rain throughout. Felt super peaceful.
Passed a group of elderly ladies at a bus stop. "Corr he's brave" said one lady to her friends. "Yes, or just silly" said another. They all agreed. Couldn't help but laugh.
Any challenge is probably quite nicely summed up as both brave and silly, so I'll take that.
Finding my feet with this block now.
There's little to no resistance to running these days. It's just an acceptance of what is required. This is really pleasing to witness.
Smashed a Tesco meal deal with 4 miles to go. Pleasantly surprised how I could run immediately after pounding salted vinegar mccoys, festive sarnie and a kit kat chunky.
Forgot head torch. Fortunately I followed a bike back on the rather dark forest way. When we reached the end of the trail I thanked him for being my light. He laughed.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
This is the face of a chap who has wrapped up his latest 14-day training block (block 6).
16-miles a day topping out with a 24-mile effort this morning, and what a day for it too!
We've had bonks of the inadequate nutrition kind, cats and dogs falling from the sky, and a pretty action packed work schedule.
But it's another goal accomplished with lots of valuable lessons learned along the way.
Now for a slightly shorter absorption phase, as I'll be kicking off Block 7 on Sunday, which is in fact the final complete 14-day build before attention turns to tapering throughout December. Block 7 will consist of either 17 or 18-miles a day with a marathon on Day 14.
Touching wood of the good luck variety, I hope to make an announcement early to mid December with regards to what all of this training is working towards.
So finally, here is Block 6 in numbers.
Total Miles = 232.3 miles.
Ran for 33 hours 19 minutes.
Total elevation climbed = 10,744 ft.
Thanks for sharing this smilinggg journey with me... We haven't even started yet!
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
That's a wrap on Block 5 🎬
22-miles this morning rounds out another successful building block.
It's easy to only see where you're at in this moment, and forget how far you've come.
I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude for this smilinggg journey. I'm proud that I've never given up on it and only now, approaching 9 years since its birth, I'm starting to believe that we are on the cusp of something truly special.
Time will tell. But I'm doing all I can in the meantime to be ready to start something pretty big.
Anyways, enough about that. This block has seen me just finish a 112 mile week, which I'm almost certain is my biggest week of running ever? Thank you body for staying with me.
Block 5 Round Up.
- Distance ran: 217.4 miles - Time elapsed: 31 hours 5 minutes - Elevation climbed: 9,566 ft elevation -
Now for an extra special absorption week in Kos, Greece. Let's try and put some weight on before Block 6 commences.
I hope you've had a great week, stepping and smilinggg to your own rhythm.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Some days.
Some days I believe it's possible.
Some days I believe it's beyond my capacity.
Neither right.
Neither wrong.
Both simply thoughts.
The hardest part? To not get lost in either narrative.
Just show up.
Day after day. Tick the box of what is required.
Each day edging closer.
Whether I can or can't. A lot is beyond my control.
Accept what fate has in store. But do everything in your power to steer fate towards your hopes and dreams.
Be stubborn in pursuit.
Be adaptable in approach.
Time shall reveal all.
Maximise the passage of time.
Stay right here. Right now.
In gratitude. In generosity. In growth.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
All smiles this Sunday 😁
Three goals and three points away at The Den for @leedsunited and the successful completion of Block 4. 💪
Thirteen Half Marathons and a 20-miler comprised block 4 and I'm delighted to report it's been a beautiful journey. I've grown into the two-weeks and observed next to no resistance towards any of the outings. My cadence and general running flow is progressing and fitness on the up. 🫡
I did have my first slight concern with a sore heel that I've monitored for a few days earlier in the block, but more pleasing was being able to witness how my mind has a tendency to catastrophise small hiccups. *Mind notices sore heel* "Oh god my dreams are over!" No irrational mind of James. Your dreams aren't over... just take a breath and stop being a drip. Can anyone else relate? 🫠
Anyways, with that said... below are the statistics from the past couple of weeks. 📊
Total Distance = 190.7 miles | Total Elevation = 7,414 ft | Total Duration = 26 hours 46 minutes | 😎
Thanks for following along... Time to take stock, allow the body to absorb the block, give the mind some downtime and come back harder, better, faster, stronger. 🏃
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💙💛🤍
Another block bites the dust. 💥
The sun was shining and the sky was blue as we rounded out the latest 14-day training block. ☀️
The numbers. 🧮
Total miles : 174.2 miles. Total duration : 24h 16m. Total elevation : 8,076 ft. 📈
Just as a rocket uses the most fuel during the initial stages of launch. I had to call upon discipline as my fuel in the early days of this latest block. 🚀
As the days ticked by, the resistance lessened, and I enjoyed three stand out days. A couple of 12-milers in Eastbourne, cruising around 7:30 minute miles and another in East Grinstead at 7:19 minute per mile where the reward was an almond chocolate croissant and a cinnamon roll. 🥐
Whilst the name of the game isn't speed or intensity. It's nice to occasionally throw down some quicker miles. Ultimately consistency is what it's all about. I'd say my block average pace would be around 8 minute 30 second miles. With an average heart rate around 125 bpm. 💓
It's now a week of recovery. Perhaps three easy 6-mile runs. Then the next build will all being well be 13 half marathons followed by a 20-mile long run to wrap up block 4. 🏃💨
For now I'll take a moment to thank my legs and mind for getting me through the last couple of weeks. 🙏
Have a great bank holiday weekend! 🫡
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
"Ok Google... OK Google... OK GOOGLE!!" 😏 Play @caamp on Spotify.
Block 3 Day 6 runni... Sorry Smilinggg 12-miles a day for the next couple of weeks.
I found my shortest shorts (more out of necessity than choice - clothes wash overdue), my smilinggg running vest, flipped the cap backwards and asked for a couple of 'candid' photos for the gram as I embarked on today's 12.
I'm finally finding my feet and my groove on this latest block. Momentum is so important. That's found through consistency. But consistency initially is so hard to find.
I find after my 7-day absorption phase which consists of half the distance and half the frequency of the previous building block. I've lost the momentum. You'd think after somewhat of a 7-day hiatus I'd be raring to go but quite frankly that isn't the case.
This is where I rely on discipline to get me back on track with a side of grace. Simplifying routes, trying to accept the resistance and having what I'd call a small ounce of wisdom to know the task will get easier once the first few days have been overcome.
So now I'm out here getting these latest steps and smiles in with a big smile on my face and quite frankly couldn't be any happier. Would I have been feeling this marvellous if I hadn't had to trunch my way through the sloth like steps and smiles?
Just another personal reminder to lean on discipline when the resistance is real and to soak in the internal sunshine when the Smilinggg miles are well and truly welcome.
I'm going to return to singing at the top of my lungs and get these final 4 and a bit miles wrapped up.
Running at an intensity that allows you to sing pretty much guarantees that you're working at an aerobic effort. The perfect effort for these 14-day building blocks and for anyone looking to build consistency in their running.
Have a great weekend 🙏
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Back from 11 of the wettest miles I've run in quite some time.
Long before I clicked start on the watch, my brother Ruairi had been running loops of the 400m track at Goldsmiths, Crowborough.
When I arrived at 8:30am, he was 3 and a half hours and 23-miles deep into today's challenge.
I left him just shy of 2-hours later a further 11-miles into his 100km track attempt, sitting around 34-miles... If you're in the world of ultra endurance, you can appreciate the notion of 'over half-way' meaning very little. Perhaps in distance you're over half-way, but the accumulative fatigue and compounding impact really makes 'over half-way' as little consolation.
But that's the beauty of these hefty challenges. Whilst we hope to offset discomfort for as long as we can, the man or woman who can welcome pain and discomfort into their being, accept it and lean into this state is always the one who will come out victorious.
The weather has only gone and got worse since leaving Ruairi but in the words of @jockowillink. GOOD!! Adversity maketh man.
I have no doubts that Ruairi will accomplish his goal today. But whether he does or doesn't, I can't articulate how proud I am of him.
I've known him since he joined @charthampark back in around November 2019, and witnessing this young man's growth has been quite simply one of my proudest feelings.
Recently he's found running, and has seen the impact this endeavour can have on mind, body and spirit... But mainly mind and spirit. We must appreciate and be grateful for having our bodies to act as a vehicle for personal growth but the body is merely the vessel that allows our mind and spirit to develop and grow.
I could go on and on but I guess all I want to say is Ruairi, I'm incredibly proud of you, not as a runner, but as a human being.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Pretty Little Fears.
July has been a really progressive month for my running. With one run remaining tomorrow, it'll be a month that has totalled 255-miles with an accumulative total duration in excess of 36 hours and 30 minutes.
I had recently mentioned I was plotting and planning for my next Smilinggg Ultra Endurance fundraiser for @samaritanscharity.
All being well, it'll begin on the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2024.
There are many many months and even more steps, smiles and miles to be had before then.
I'm 7-days into my second block of running every day for 14-days. My first block incorporated 10-miles on each of those days. Followed by a 7-day recovery week where I halved the mileage and ran 3 times during that week.
The current block is 11-miles a day. Before another 7-day absorption / deload phase, before another build once again.
I like to go about training quietly. Building the base and ticking the days off. Of course, everything I do is on Strava, but I'll likely just give a monthly summary post across other social media platforms for the next few months.
Thanks for reading. I hope your training is going well. What things are we training for currently? A race or simply for life?
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Remember. No two loops are the same.
There were times out on course that felt great. There were times out on course that felt good. There were times out on course that felt tough. There were times out on course that felt awful.
It was difficult to predict the pattern. A sudden change in energy, a subtle discomfort becoming gross. A pain lifting. As with the warm weekend, perhaps a momentary cloud cover reducing the temperature and the intensity of the midday sun beating down on our necks.
Everything was in a state of flux. Remembering the ever changing nature of both our inner and outer climate provided a sense of trust and faith that however difficult the present moment was; it wasn't set in stone and that the situation could change for the better.
I remember back in 2015 when I was going through my depressive period, and learning about the growth mindset , it was such a beacon of light and hope that circumstances can and will change with purposeful and intentional practice.
Keeping this truth at the forefront of my mind throughout tough times both in life and in last weekends race kept me in the fight when things were difficult.
The intentional practice for this race was to keep moving forward, one step and one smile at a time.
On the flipside, when things felt great, I also smiled and remained humble knowing that this wave at some point would break too.
As with both the backyard and life. No two loops or days are the same. Reminding oneself time and time again that this too shall pass kept me free from falling too deep into what I was experiencing in the moment.
This kept my mind with me when it could have gone against me.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
There are so many universal truths in life that can be applied to running long distances. There are many truths to be found in running long distances that can be applied to life.
Comparison is the thief of joy. I went into GOBYU with a specific strategy and game plan. To run my own race. To pace it to the point that it couldn't be any easier if I tried. Hard would arrive. Intensity would come knocking. Time would take care of that. But I knew a key component to a successful race would be to delay the onset of difficulty.
45-minute loops equate to roughly a 10-minute mile. Easy enough for some time, but that'll catch up on you. Instead what if I made the decision to run 14-minute miles. That's a huge difference in terms of intensity. Granted I'd have less time to rest between loops, but who needs much rest at that pace?
It made sense. It was simple. But it wasn't always easy to do. Seeing everyone flying off down the course. I had to remain disciplined and remind myself of the long game. To not compare myself with any of the other competitors.
There's no runners high to be found at 14-minute mile pace. The early loops were a complete slog. Trusting the process and accepting a monotony that remained for the best part of day one.
I compared it to an FA Cup run. You can't reach the Cup Final without taking care of the earlier rounds. I knew the race would begin at 24-hours. The early rounds had to be built in discipline, faith and avoiding comparing myself to any of the other competitors.
Fortunately on this occasion I was able to find the joy in following my own path to the final.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
📸: @jojo_parkypants
Well... Where do I even begin?
Firstly I have to say a HUGE thank you to Jane and all of the GOBYU team. From the race directors to the marshalls, to everyone that so selflessly gave their time, energy, love and support to all the runners.
No matter how low the lows got out on course, knowing I was only ever 4.1 miles away from encouraging words, smiles, and support always without fail rejuvenated me to go again.
Secondly, I have to give the utmost respect to all those who stood in the corral and shared the trail and canal path with me. From loop one to the finish. It was an honour to share conversation, steps and smiles.
My strategy for the race was to go as slow as I possibly could. Minimising time in the HQ between loops. This meant that I wasn't able to chat with as many people as I'd have liked. But what stuck with me the most was how friendly and supportive every single runner was when we entered the night loop. The one thing I love about the night loop is the double out and back. Guaranteeing at least 2 opportunities to encourage those passing by. Every single person that passed me wished me well and provided encouraging words. That's something that will stick with me. Yes we all wanted to do our best, but we also wanted to see others do their best. That's a beautiful thing. Something that isn't always prevalent in competitive sporting endeavours.
Shared suffering brings us closer. I feel like we have all forged strong bonds having voluntarily endured and battled to achieve our own personal bests this past weekend.
To the GOBYU class of May 23' - thank you for such an incredible event.
Until next time,
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
*I shared this on the GOBYU Facebook page but thought I'd post it on my feed too.
"The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of the world but those who fight and win battles that others do not know anything about." ~ Jonathan Harnisch
Just after the first mile of the Gods Own Backyard Ultra day loop, there's a building which has many placards displaying various quotes.
The particular placard with the above quote stuck out above all the others. It provided me strength when I was having a tough period and reminded me why I was out there as part of the Smilinggg mission.
'To build healthier and happier lives, one step and one smile at a time.'
I've reached out to almost everyone who has so kindly and generously donated to this year's Smilinggg fundraiser in support of @samaritanscharity.
There have been two or three people I've been unable to directly contact, so I just wanted to say thank you once again on here.
As of writing, we have smashed past the original target of £1,000 and are currently sat at £1,685.28 (Inc gift aid).
In addition to this, I still need to add the money raised from Smilinggg merchandise sales from this past week (all items will be posted later today!)
I can't thank you all enough. £1,685 has the potential to save 337 lives. For that I'm eternally grateful.
The fundraising page will remain open for one more week. Every £1 donated is appreciated beyond words. There's no such thing as too small a donation. (Link in bio).
Thank you,
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Well this one might take a while to process.
Delighted to report I managed to secure the win at God's Own Backyard Ultra with a total distance of 137.5-miles which equates to 33 loops of 4.16-miles on the hour every hour.
I've got to extend a huge thank you to the GOBYU family. Race organisers, marshalls, volunteers. I can't speak highly enough of everyone connected with the event.
Congratulations to all other runners. It was a pleasure to share the corral with you all.
I'm going to enjoy reflecting and writing about this incredible experience, but for now, I need to catch up on 48-hours with no sleep.
Finally, a HUGE thank you for all the incredible donations for @samaritanscharity (link in bio). I'll be in touch directly to thank everyone. Also a big thanks for all the encouraging and supportive messages. I too will get back to you as soon as possible.
And lastly...
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Today marks the start of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek (Monday 15th May - Sunday 21st May 2023).
Rather fittingly, Smilinggg celebrates its 8th birthday on Wednesday 17th May.
To top this off, later this week on Saturday 20th May, starting at 8am, I will take my place in the corral in search of God. Participating in Gods Own Backyard Ultra... The Last Person Standing Event in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Tying this altogether, I am launching this Pop-Up Fundraising page (link in bio) to try and raise as much money as I can to support @samaritanscharity during Mental Health Awareness Week and Gods Own Backyard Ultra.
This isn't my first rodeo in the brutal Backyard Format of ultra running. Finishing with the assist at the inaugural God's Own Backyard Ultra in November 2021, I'll be returning this time round to do all I can to go one better.
The task is simple on paper. A last person standing race. Run a 4.167-mile loop every hour. You are eliminated if you fail to complete a loop in an hour. Sadly, it's not run on paper. It's run on a combination of trails and a canal path hour after hour after hour after hour... This will likely go on for 2 days.
Every £1 donated is truly appreciated with every £5 helping to answer a call for help that could save a life.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting the Smilinggg Mission.
Building healthier and happier lives, one step and one smile at a time.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Where do I begin? We are three days removed from London Marathon 2023, and the whole experience still feels rather surreal.
The first thing that comes to mind is the support. The streets were teemed with friendly encouraging faces. At every corner, and on every road. The sound of cheers still ringing in my ears. The words 'Keep Smilinggg' as I found it hard to hold back the tears. Banners held aloft. Children with their outstretched arms and palms inviting high fives. It's hard to recall a time when I've ever felt more alive.
When times were good, smiles were shared. When times were hard, their encouraging words provided strength knowing they cared.
At times I lost myself in these moments. In awe. In this wondrous city. The people. Faith in humanity restored.
No amount of words can articulate just how the togetherness of London made me feel on Sunday. The collective spirit and energy was the sunshine and blue skies that the day lacked. No amount of rain could dampen that electric atmosphere.
London well and truly showed up and delivered.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
@londonmarathon - Wow, what an experience. 🇬🇧
Crossing the line in 3:08:58. Marathon PR by 33 minutes. 🥇
Delighted beyond words.
Thanks for all of the messages and support. Truly grateful.
I'll be back with my reflections in the coming days.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
The difficult training sessions on any build are the most valuable.
When you're at the back end of your race and digging deeper into the pain cave, it's not the runs that were 'easy' where the conditions were perfect, and the performance was exemplary that you'll reflect on.
No. Rather it's the training sessions where you opted to keep moving forward and overcoming the desire to stop. It's in these moments that you can call upon as a reminder that you can overcome the difficulty, keep pushing on and finish what you started.
Sometimes our physical performance will be limited by conditions beyond our control. Yet it's in these moments that our mental performance can be the star of the show.
It's our mentality that crowns us Champions, beyond our physicality.
The right mindset even during the toughest moments of a race will turn the experience into a win regardless of outcome.
This past Thursday I hit Eastbourne seafront for my long run. The wind from Sovereign Harbour to Holywell at the foot of Beachy Head was unbelievably strong.
The planned workout was 3x Sovereign Harbour to Holywell and back. Totalling 21-miles.
For a few seconds as I looked down at my pace, and realised I was moving far slower than I would be in calmer conditions, I contemplated choosing a different route... Then I remembered what I have shared above and persevered.
The outcome, a stronger mind and body and an experience that'll be stored away in the Smilinggg Treasure Chest to be pulled out at some point on Sunday 23rd April in London (@londonmarathon) no doubt.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Super proud of this one today.
10-weeks of hard and consistent training culminated in Annabel smashing the @endurancelife Sussex Half Marathon this morning in Eastbourne.
Having spent last week in bed with the flu, it took courage and heart to make the decision to toe the start line today.
It was wet, muddy and windy, but at every spectator spot, I'd see Annabel step and smile past, focused on getting the job done.
As far as half marathons go, this one is up there... With over 2,100ft of elevation gain throughout the 13.1-miles, it's certainly no walk in the park.
Congratulations on this huge success. Grateful I got to witness your growth in the process.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Crossing the finish line on Sunday.
The thirteenth and final mile proved my quickest of my entire race, with a 6:07 minute mile.
The Smilinggg Mile has changed my life in every conceivable way. It helps me every single day. But on this occasion as I heard "Keep going! One final mile to go!" from a Marshall, I went inwards and put a different spin on this particular mile. The Smilinggg Final Mile.
I love to finish races as hard as I can. Pushing the revs, red lining and trying to hold the intensity for as long as possible.
What I love most about this is that unless you harness the mind, you'll burn out pretty fast. You need to push against something to spark that extra effort. The mind and body have to work together to propel you forward without letting up.
For me, this final mile meant I went to those difficult times in years gone by. The sad moments, the tough moments, the disappointments, the overcoming difficult past experiences. Visiting the Smilinggg Treasure Chest for the bits of gold that made this current challenge faced seem surmountable.
I'm privileged and fortunate that the obstacle faced on Sunday was simply to push against voluntary adversity and discomfort to finish strong and to show to myself that when the going gets tough, I can get going.
I like to think that these moments help build resilience and ones ability to tolerate and overcome other difficult moments in life; those involuntary moments we can never be truly prepared for. From personal experience since The Smilinggg Journey began, it definitely seems the case.
Sometimes it's great to reflect on the good in your life. Other times it's great to reflect on the difficult moments that you've managed to overcome.
Both serve a wonderful purpose.
Both are parts of The Smilinggg Way.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
Delighted to make it around the rather challenging route; managing to survive the infamous Spring Hill climb in Fordcombe.
The highs and the lows... The highs, the lows.
I'd often hear @chancetherapper opening lines in my head, slightly strange considering I'd have no earbuds in...
It usually coincided when I was going through a difficult patch. Humming the tune and singing the only lines in the song I know was my cue to deal with whatever was arising.
A sore hip, painful limbs, general fatigue. The various discomforts would arrive as though on a conveyor belt. Each loop a different issue. The lows.
A spring in my step, optimism, friendly conversation, discomfort dissolving. You could never predict when a turn for the better might take place. But the somewhat frequent flow of positive moments, drowning out the negative, the light after the dark; bringing hope, keeping faith. The highs.
Equanimity. Calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation. Out of everything I obtained from a 10-day vipassana silent retreat way back in 2017, equanimity would be at the top. It's helped me in life. It's helped me in ultra running.
Don't let your lows get you too down. Don't let your highs get you too high. If you do, you have a ladder to climb to get out of the darkness. If you do, you have an almighty fall and bump when things do inevitably change.
Impermanence. The state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time. "This too shall pass." Too many times to count was I able to witness impermanence in action last weekend. In fact, every time I race. Just knowing this universal truth helps you persevere through the tough times. Dawn will break. Light will return.
Of course I can get better at applying what I write. One thing is to know things theoretically, another is to apply them practically. Whilst proud of my 35-yards, I still know I am only scratching the surface of what I'm capable of.
Running ultras is simply my vehicle to delve deeper within my soul.
This is truly exciting and drives my pursuit.
What drives your pursuits?
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
📷 : @challengerunning
It's been a few days since my race ended at The World Backyard Team Championships, yet only a few hours since the two Belgian warriors Merijn Geerts and Ivo Steyaert set a new Backyard World Record with 101 completed yards before jointly refusing to continue, and therefore sharing the DNF. That's 420.83-miles (677.26km).
Breaking World Records - redefining what is possible in human potential and breaking down previously held limited beliefs and lifting barriers is so powerful and important as humans continue to progress. It raises the bar, it broadens one's mind and it inspires people to reach higher than ever before. We see it time and time again. When one or in this case two people break a previously unimagined milestone, more people quickly follow. History shows this constantly.
For most of us, we won't ever break world records. Yet, what's even more important than breaking World Records is breaking Personal Records, and here is where I doff my hat to Lazarus Lake, the creator of The Backyard Ultra concept.
Whether you're aspiring to reach one loop, three loops, thirty loops or three hundred loops (never say never 😉), the pursuit of going beyond ones previous best drives us to delve deep within, to shine a light on our deepest and darkest limiting beliefs, to confront ourselves and to go beyond what we believed was ever possible. In that, in that very pursuit lies the greatest of feelings - pride in oneself.
The three G's in Smilinggg work as a team. Gratitude. Generosity. Growth. But today my post highlights in particular the impact the third G has on our wellbeing. Growth. To feel as though you're progressing, fills me with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose and meaning. The growth mindset helps remind that with purposeful practice in a pursuit that you love, your potential to progress is damn near limitless.
There is something incredibly freeing and encouraging about that.
And after all, it's the joy found in the journey, rather than the did not finish destination that holds the key to our happiness.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛