Phillip Minns

My Activity Tracking

757
mi

My target 500 mi

May Update

Dear friends, colleagues, and partners,
 
I hope you’re all riding the wave of good vibes and feeling fabulous! I have some electrifying news that I can't wait to share with you: I’ve officially tackled Challenge Number 9 of 11—an Ultra Marathon with a twist that would make even a pretzel jealous!

So, picture this: I was all set to join an organised Ultra Marathon at the weekend. I had my game face on, my trainers ready, and a playlist that could get a rock concert jumping. But then, bam! Just like that, the event got cancelled! Talk about a plot twist, right? I found myself at a fork in the road. I could either throw in the towel or embrace my inner superhero. Spoiler alert: I chose the superhero route!

At the crack of dawn (and I mean 4 a.m.—that’s practically the middle of the night), I laced up my trusty running shoes, water bottles in hand, and set off for my own adventure. Why? Because who needs an organised event when you can create your own? I ran a glorious 30 miles, making my way to work. Sure, it wasn’t an official race, but in my heart, I was channelling my ultra runner spirit all the way!

Let me sprinkle a little humour on this saga: I crossed the “finish line” in first place! But hey, let’s be honest—I was the only one on this whimsical course. 

See the results below. 

Exciting challenges for 2024-2025 :

- August: Half Marathon on sand - 1 hour 54 min
- September: Olympic Triathlon - 2 hours 11 min
- October: 1/2 Iron Man- 5 hours 3 min
- November: Full Iron Man- 10 hrs 59 min
- December: 10 different park runs in a day- Completed 
- January: 1/2 Marathon- completed 1hour17 min
- February: Monopoly board run(forwards and backwards)- single route 13.96 miles, total distance run 28 miles
- March: 10-mile sea swim - completed in 5 hours 30 minutes
- April: Full Marathon Norfolk marathon 3:15;25
- May: Ultra Marathon - 30 miles- 3:44:44

- June: D-Day ultra run in Normandy - 44.5 miles
- July: Run between North West London and Birmingham along the Grand Union Canal - over 100 miles

I’m gearing up for the D-Day 44 miler, an event that promises to be both exhilarating and challenging—or as I like to call it, “The Great Test of My Willpower and Ability to Avoid blisters.” After a recent Zoom call with the event organisers, I was stunned to discover that the actual distance isn't just 44 miles, but 44.5 miles! I mean, who needs an extra half mile? At this point, I half expect to discover a surprise Pizza stand at that half-mile mark as a consolation prize!

It’s a minor detail that left me both shocked and oddly motivated. If I can still run after an extra half mile, I’ll definitely be ready to tackle anything—including that giant pizza I plan to celebrate with. The anticipation is building, and I’m prepared to embrace the adventure… or at least the nearest ice pack when I realise I'm not in shape for this!
 
These challenges are not just personal goals; I aim to inspire others to push boundaries while supporting the exceptional charity Combat Stress. Your contribution can significantly impact efforts to ensure a safer, improved, and healthier future for all.
 
We have already raised over £743 online and £450 offline and aim to increase this by June. Join me in supporting these noble causes by donating and spreading the word. Every bit counts towards creating positive change.
 
Follow the link to donate and be part of this remarkable journey!
 
This journey goes beyond personal achievement; it is part of a larger mission I hold dear. I am deeply committed to supporting two vital organisations: the Aga Khan Foundation and Combat Stress. Both of these charities do remarkable work, and through my efforts, I aim to raise as much funding as possible to support their invaluable initiatives.
 
I’m excited to invite you to embark on an incredible mission that has the potential to change lives! Your support is crucial for this journey; together, we can make a powerful impact! Imagine the difference we can create by helping these inspiring causes or by sharing the exciting challenges

I would be so grateful if you could help spread the word through your personal and professional networks—whether it’s chatting in person, sending an email blast, or posting on social media. Together, we amplify our efforts and make a remarkable difference for these organisations, enabling them to continue their essential and transformative work.

Thank you for your unwavering support, kindness, and generosity! Let’s join forces and create a profound impact together for these amazing causes!

With heartfelt gratitude and best regards.
 

Feb update

It’s been quite some time since my last confession—probably longer than a celebrity’s last breakup. My training journey has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, though thankfully none of those downs involved me rolling down a hill (yet). I’ve recently embraced cross-country running, which is just a fancy way of saying I’m running through fields while trying not to trip over playful dogs or unexpected tree roots. And trust me, dodging both at the same time should qualify as an Olympic sport! 

In preparation for a challenging 20-mile run next week, I’m intensifying my efforts. Basically, I’m upping my snack intake and practicing my dramatic fainting skills. This run will surely be a wake-up call—more like a “wake-up and question my life choices” call! But hey, my training is progressing, and the sponsorship opportunities are like my abs: slowly starting to appear. 

It’s time to fully commit to this journey and give it my all. I mean, who wouldn’t want to run 20 miles while contemplating whether chocolate counts as a post-run snack? Thank you!

July 2024- mileage update 320m

Support my D-Day Challenge

In honour of our forefathers as well as current servicemen who have bravely fought to protect our way of life, I will be taking on the D-Day Challenge to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

The D-Day 44 Challenge commemorates the 1944 Allied invasion of occupied France. I will be heading to Normandy, to race across its picturesque beaches, finishing at the historic Pegasus Bridge on the anniversary of D-Day, 6 June 2025.

Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. For over a century, they've helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, they provide support to veterans from every service and every conflict.

I’m taking on D-Day Challenge to help take vital strides towards ensuring veterans can get the support they need.

Thank you so much for your support.

My Achievements

Uploaded profile pic

Shared page

Self donated

Raised £250

Raised £500

Raised £750

Reached Fundraising Goal

Created a Team

Completed my challenge

Thank you to my Sponsors

£300

Anonymous

£169.60

Harry Windsor

Pride and Glory, great deeds great honour keep going

£127.20

Anonymous

Good Luck

£106

Anonymous

£28.62

A Former Soldier

Good luck

£21.20

Dennie Hunter

You got this Phil!!!

£10.90

Marie Roberts

Good luck Phill

£10

Sid Gurung