Six degrees of separation

For 10 years I have been on a journey.  A journey of discovering just what is possible when I operate out of my comfort zone with a focused plan.  Starting with a 10km and moving onto ultra marathons and multi-staged races I couldn’t possibly of have imagined at the beginning.  But other than the satisfaction of raising money for Maggies Cancer Caring Centres (which was as much a benefit for me as it is for them) and the feeling of getting as fit as I’ve ever been in my life, I have met some unbelievable people along the way who are now great friends.  People from all around the world, from all backgrounds who have something in common.  They love life.
With my race just under 5 weeks away and every training session vitally important as I’m 3 weeks behind, due to illness and holidays, I was away this weekend (not good for training) visiting a friend that I’d met on MdS in 2013.  The chances of me meeting one of the UK’s leading chefs was highly unlikely, six degrees of separation, but I had the great pleasure of sharing a tent with him even although he couldn’t do anything with my boil in the bag food!  Why am I talking about this?  Simple.  It’s to do with having a why, having laser focus and  exceptionally high professional standards.  Steve Drake opened a new restaurant 1 year ago and last week was voted the top restaurant in England and also a Mitchelin Star!  We ate at his restaurant and it was world class - Sorrell in Dorking is amazing but good luck in trying to get a table.
But aside from the fine food and wine, I needed to train.  The Surrey Hills were calling and on Saturday I was running through a vine yard on a very steep hill in beautiful sunshine.  This was perfect and it got some miles in.  Sunday was a day off after a stunning meal and too much wine but these opportunities don’t come up too often.
This morning I headed off with Steve to what was supposed to be amazing views from the Surrey Hills however the curse I have with “hills with a view” followed me to Surrey - the mist meant no view - I thought I was back at Ben Lomond!  Steve and I ran through the most beautiful countryside with some nasty hills but although there was no view, it was great.
So although people question my sanity from time to time for all this running, the adventure I am on means I get to meet wonderful people from interesting backgrounds that I’d gladly spent days with them running through deserts or glens.  It’s amazing who you meet when you pull on a pair of running shoes.  Go enjoy your own adventure.