Days of sled dragging lay ahead, across this shifting landscape

Rupert Goodwin has been connected to Balance for many years now – he has had some tough times and has overcome them. Now he has a daunting challenge ahead of him that was taken on voluntarily!

Rupert's London training involved kettlebells, sandbags, mobility, rowing and copious tyre dragging

Ruperts preparations have been thorough but as with most living in London he has had to deal with the stresses of a his career, long hours and business travel. His physical training has included sandbag training, kettlebell conditioning, bodyweight drills, concept rower intervals and a few efforts on the “Deadmill”.

Apart from setting himself a personal challenge of a lifetime Rupert is doing this with the added incentive of raising some money for 2 wonderful charities.

Rupert pulling his sled on sand dunes in the Netherlands with his Dutch team mates

Please support Rupert in this great adventure by giving to Down’s South and HemiHelp, two wonderful charities that help families with children with Down’s Syndrome and or Hemiplegia – they are local and make a direct and very positive impact. Special children with special needs and their parents need help and support. These charities offer practical help and therapy – to families and especially to the children who need it.

These are the Just Giving sites you can use to support these two very worthy local childrens charities:

Down’s South: http://www.justgiving.com/Rupert-von-Eisenhart-Goodwin0
HemiHelp: http://www.justgiving.com/Rupert-von-Eisenhart-Goodwin-HH

Best wishes to Rupert from everyone at Balance.

This Sunday (12th July 2009) Frances (multisports injury specialist) has organised 3 teams from Balance to compete in the “Bananaman” triathlon at Dorney Lake, Eton. Best of luck to them.

Balance has entered 3 teams to compete in the triathlon

I can’t speak for everyone’s level of commitment but I have seen a fair few of the team members giving it some at various times over the last 6 weeks. Either heading out the door for long runs. Using the G-trainer for quality running sessions of overspeed training and speed/strength intervals.

TEAMS:
1. Counter-BALANCE: Sian (physio) – Warwick (Cyclefit Ringer)- Mick (podiatrist)
2. Im-BALANCE: Rene (sports masseur) – Jacqui (physiotherapist) – Graham (physio and director)
3. Perfect-BALANCE: Fran (physio) -Paula (physio) -Kellie (sports masseur)

Good luck to them all.

Jerym Brunton completed the Yukon Arctic Ultramarathon race in 4th position. This ultradistance event, as well as being exceptionally long, is said to be the coldest in the world.

The organisers of the Yukon Arctic Challenge describe it as the “The world’s coldest and toughest ultra!”.

From Feb. 15th – 26th, 2009, Jerym Brunton covered the 430 miles on foot (some chose mountain bike others cross country ski). Of the 16 competitors in this event (there are also marathon, 100 mile and 300 mile races) 7 did not finish.

But only 4 days before this phenomenal challenge Jerym wasn’t sure he would even get to the start line.

After 6 months of intense training Jerym developed severe shin pain and was unable to run. Fortunately he came to Balance and saw Raphael Rinaldi. After an intense course of treatment and a referral to Dr Charlotte Cowie at the BUPA Wellness Clinic for additional therapy Jerym was able to board the plane to Canada armed with  strategies to self manage his pain and discomfort and optimise his performance. He really did exceed expectations and went way beyond what many would have allowed themselves to achieve.

Thanks to Jerym for allowing us to share his story to demonstrate how impossible situations can be surmounted with discipline and determination. I’ve asked Jerym to give us a few words about the race so come back for a first hand account.

Jonathan Lewis wishes Oli Dudley well prior to his departure to the Antarctic

You may recall the blog post about Oli Dudley who Balance has supported in his training and physiotherapy for the 7 in 7 on 7 Challenge. 7 ultramarathons (31 miles) in 7 days on each of the 7 continents. His mission was to go from novice runner to extreme ultramarathon distance runner and adventurer in a crazily short space of time.

Oli was using the g-trainer for alot of his training following back injury he suffered following a rapid increase in volume of training in his enthusiasm for the event which is raising money for childrens charities in the UK and Uganda.

Graham Anderson and Paula Coates have been providing physiotherapy, Jonathan Lewis (me) has been trying to persuade Oli to focus on improving his movement qualities, efficiency and fluidity. Oh yes, and a little bit of kettlebells!

So things were going well until 2 weeks ago Oli decided to player fotball in the snow and ice!!!! One exceptionally painful slip and an injured hip/groin/pelvis later and for most people the adventure would have been cancelled. Oli took stock and then decided he would get to the start line at all costs, even he made it for just 10 metres. Thats spirit and determination for you.

We met today for the last time before his departure, Oli has not run for 2 weeks now due to pain (even in the G-trainer). After some hip mobility work showed Oli his hip was finally improving we did a couple of timed kettlebell pieces – a 10 minute then 5 minute continuos set – the aim was to give a bit of confidence and get the heart racing and lungs open. Mission accomplished!

Oli has managed to bring all his sponsors together under the pressure of time and injury that we often see bring men and women to a grinding halt whether they are training for the London Marathon or to join the Royal Marines. He has shown amazing logistical organisational skills we wish him well and will be waiting for him for the final leg in London on March 20th!

For those interested in the challenge that Oli Dudley is doing with Balance’s sponsorship and G-trainer support here is a bit more information provided by Oli.

THE 777 CHALLENGE – 7in7on7.com

What is it?

The challenge is to run 7 marathons on all 7 continents in 7 consecutive days.

What is the route?

Leg 1 Antarctica

Leg 2 Punta Arenas, Chile

Leg 3 Los Angeles

Leg 4 Brisbane

Leg 5 Hong Kong

Leg 6 Johannesburg

Leg 7 London

When is it?

Starting on 15^th March 2009 and ending 22^nd March. (It is 8 calendar days, but one is lost crossing the dateline). Because of varying weather conditions in Antarctica affecting aircrafts ability to land, the actual start date is subject to change.

Who is running?

Oliver Dudley, Stuart Kershaw and Chris Cuddihy, all proven extreme sport athletes and world record holders in ocean rowing.

How is it logistically possible?

The adventurers are travelling from London to Punta Arenas, Southern Chile, where they will spend a few days acclimatising. A charter plane will then take them to Antarctica to run Leg 1 and back to Punta Arenas to run Leg 2. From here they will travel economy class on a round the world ticket and will have between 11 and 16 hours between touch down and take off for Leg’s 3, 4, 5 and 6, before the climax run in London. Sleep will be limited and sporadic, and consist mainly of napping at terminals and during flights.

Is it a World’s first?

The challenge has been attempted by at least four people previously, most famously by explorer Ranulph Fiennes. However because of engine failure he never made it to Antarctica and ran this leg on the Falklands instead.

Why are they doing it?

Using an event of this nature as a spring board, the 3 runners have a huge opportunity through media channels to raise money and awareness for their chosen charities Kids Company and Isaacs House.

For further information, contact Oliver Dudley “oliver AT dudley.net”