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Archive for September, 2014

The Unforgettable Dream ( Come on Take Me Home – Home Again)

Friday, September 12th, 2014
So I settled down that night in a football dressing room they provided at the back of  the   Iorwerth Arms bar in the Welsh village of Bryngwran . My last night on the road for tomorrow night I will be at my destination Holyhead.
I pulled a piece of plywood which was lying behind a row of chairs, pulled a nail out and propped it up on eight chairs to make a bed.
I slept well, in all about eleven hours rising at eleven am when Phil came by with some tea and Weetabix, then Wyn gave me a sausage breakfast roll. Wonderful people.
So I was off and running about noon, twenty four hours to Dublin, I am in great form running with a spring in my step. For some reason U2′s song The Unforgettable Fire has been ringing loudly in my head these last two days.
My thoughts have the music in the background, like its the final scenes in a movie epilogue, I rename the song and sing The Unforgettable Dream
“ Come on take me away
Come on take me home
Home again
 ” Walk ’til you run

And don’t look back
For here I am

Carnival

The wheels fly and the colors spin ”

 

Yes I am rolling now, Is it possible I will ever forget this dream. I have often wondered during some of the glorious, most memorable moments of the run that if, God forbid I ever develop such a cruel condition as dementia or Parkinson’s could I possibly ever forget this run in the future, Sadly I think that is to be expected of such a deliberating condition. 

I have decided to finish Wales at the South Stack Lighthouse as it’s further west than Holyhead, so on I run around about twenty stunning inlets and small bays,
In a village called Valley stop at a grocery store and a lad there called Rob tells me he is new to running and how much he enjoys it. He tells me he loves Spain so much and wants to run the coast of Spain, I tell him to go for it. I sit down on his stool and drink my coffee while he tells me I am living his dream.
Up the road I check my smart phone, I get a congratulation email from my friend Jean Beliveau from Quebec who walked 77,000km around the world in 11 years. He stayed in my home for a week. One night when we were talking about his world walk  I told him he was living my dream,
Now I am thinking of Rob and how things have changed. 
This was Jean’s email:
WOW Tony!!!

Luce and I are so happy about what you have done.
I remember when I was in your home in 2006, you said you are doing my dream… YOU did your genuine dream.

Congrats, Jean.
PS. When you will feel the best time, please Skype me.

So on I run, a man tells me it’s too far to run to South Stack. I tell him I am running around the world, same to a woman who offers me a lift. The reply is always the same. 
” Good on ya mate” Not really sure if they ever believe me. What would you think if someone answered you like this?
Eventually I made it to the South Stack lighthouse, down 365 steps to the end of Wales, My final foreign footsteps have been cast… 
I look out to the Irish sea and see a mountain.  On a clear day perhaps Ireland.
And once again my head explodes in a crescendo of familiar rock music
I hear the unmistakable intro with The Edge  on keyboards, that goes on and on, the intro is the constant chorus being repeated over and over these last two days.
Eventually Bono comes into my dream he is singing at full volume,
“Stay…
Stay tonight…
” I’m going home,
I’m going home…
” Home tomorrow….
 Home…. I’m going home…  I’m going home… “
 And the music continues….  On it goes to the beat of…
” I’m going home,
  I’m going home…
  ” Home tomorrow….”
 So it went on and on I could hear…
Larry  banging away on his drums in his distinctive way. While Adam and the Edge thundering away on bass and lead guitars,
I raise my hands, punch the air…. I am at my final foreign shore, ready for home.
” Ready for Home, Ready for Home
My head is spinning as my thoughts coincide to the words and music of…
”  Come on take me away

Come on take me away
Come on take me home
Home again

And if the mountain should crumble
Or disappear into the sea
Not a tear, no not I

Stay in this time
Stay tonight in
Ever after, this love in time
And if you save your love
Save it all

Don’t push me too far
Don’t push me too far
Tonight,

Tonight….

Tonight…..
” Your only rivers run cold
These city lights
They shine as silver and gold
Dug from the night
Your eyes as black as coal “
And then I think of tomorrow in Dublin port :)
I canter back to Holyhead, I dare not miss that ferry! :)
Words of the Unforgettable Fire courtesy of Adam Clayton and U2
Press  HERE to play The Unforgettable Fire
Please read two new postings below.

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Iorwerth Arms Bar in Bryngwran, Wales

Friday, September 12th, 2014

Phil, Paul and Wyn

Thursday 11th September 2014, Nine eleven I awake thinking of my American friends, supporters  and those that have helped me on the run. Today my heart is very much with America.

I have a late start, don’t know why I am so slack in the mornings, things will have to change in Ireland. Today I have a decision, it’s 51 kilometres to the end of Wales, the end of my last overseas country of the run, I am thinking one day or two days. My ferry from Holyhead departs at 9am on Saturday so I can run this in two days if I want, and that’s what I decided to do, I will have two easy days taking my time.
Ah yes decisions. I have been listening to the conversations in the cafes and bars in England and Wales these last two weeks. Everyone seems to have an opinion about the Scottish vote, will they vote for an independent Scotland or remain part of the UK. Many Scots have moaned not getting enough Scottish say, often they refer to their oil reserves as though they were a Gulf nation. Many people don’t realize that when the true geographical border is drawn that England will get more than they expect. I am reliably informed that with a yes vote Scotland will then cease to be part of the EU. Many people may think this is a blessing in disguise but who will bail them out if they become another basket case like Greece. Will mother England or the Eu? Just like they bailed out another non EU country, Iceland.
Personally I believe that anyone with a good steady job would be unwise to vote yes. How many of the multi-nationals will pull out if the September 18th vote is yes? Already Scottish companies are being hammered on the Stock exchange, notably Royal Bank of Scotland.
Eventually I ran out of Bethesda taking some back roads and trails on my gps avoiding the large town of Bangor. Over the Menai bridge and onto Anglesey island my next island will be Ireland. I got too much time to think, I wonder if an island is really an island if it has a land connection like a bridge? If not then surely the day the Euro Tunnel was opened between Calais, France and Dover England that by extension (pun intended!) means the UK ceased to be an island that day. Three of the world six continents are joined together in the shape of a jagged letter r. Europe to Asia and then Asia to Africa. North America is only separated from Asia by about 30 kilometres across the Bering Straights between the USA and Russia. South America though not joined by road to North America is joined by a jungle. The world is a lot closer to us than we realize I thought. I will never say it’s a small world, not after running it, that’s for sure!
Many times I stopped that day enjoying the fresh Welsh country air. Most of the highway A5 had little or no shoulder, far too many dangerous bends to enjoy. As in England local services cutbacks meant hedges, shrubbery and trees were overgrown hanging out onto the highway and at times blocking my view of oncoming traffic. Often I had to change sides because of this and the dangerous bends, slow progress on this busy stretch of road.
I stopped on the highway just past the village of Mona. A sign said stop when a highway light is red. It was at RAF base Mona. A hawk jet barely clearing the road is coming in to land. Later I was told this is a taking off and landing training centre.
I can’t help thinking about India. I remember how drivers refused to stop at an uncontrolled  railway crossing. A guard was frantically trying to get the trucks, buses and cars to stop. I watched for about three minutes. perhaps the train driver expected this for it had stopped. That is only one part of the mayhem, the uncivilized mess that is north India. I wondered what they would have done here, would they have stopped to let a jet land! I wouldn’t bet much on it.
On I ran to another village called Gwalchmai and stopped at the local bar of the same name. No pub grub so on I went another three or four kilometres down the road I stopped in Bryngwran and went into the Iorwerth Arms bar. Still no pub grub but what a welcome I received from the locals. Paul the barman made me about six cups of tea all free of charge over the course of a really pleasant evening. i wondered if this will be my last night on the road abroad for tomorrow I will be staying at my destination.
I was told the bar was not a commercial bar, it was bought for £100,000 by the community only four weeks ago. The locals take turns to bar tend, only pay is a pint at the end of their shift! There is a fundraising event featuring a live band is performing tomorrow night. A few men are putting up a marque for the band. I joke that I can sleep in the marque tonight, later I am given the keys to a changing room a football team use at the back of the bar. Another man called Phil gives me a foam mat to lie on and an electric kettle, mug and tea bags! Fast learner Phil :)
A man called Wyn takes publicity photos of me holding both the Welsh and Anglesea flags. Later he cooks me a huge dinner of sausages,rashers, beans, black pudding, chips and eggs.
I am a bit surprised when I am told to put my coat on and eat it out in the backyard. Then I am told it’s because they haven’t gotten their food licence yet.

Eating out!

I get talking to a woman who tells me many of the locals are in support of the Scot yes vote. I ask if she thinks Wales will follow suit. She doubts it as Wales has very little industry since Thatcher closed the mines as she said.
Before I could ask her why she drove off so later I caused a debate among six of the men in the bar. The reasons being according to the men was she was against unions and wanted to privatize the mines. Another man said in fairness coal was not selling well, it was no longer profitable. That’s when we went nuclear chipped in another, and nothing to do with any ‘ Greeny stuff ‘ as he put it.

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Wales Has Been Run

Friday, September 12th, 2014

 

 

Wales Has been run!! :)

I finished at South Stack light house, the nearest point to Ireland and then had a lovely canter back to Holyhead where I wait for my ferry to Dublin in the morning.

Thanks to Stenna Lines for my complimentary passage :)
I  am in Holyhead now and will be on the ferry to arrive in Dublin Port at noon!

Please note not Dunlaoire port but the port close to the city.

A big welcoming crowd is promised! Thank you so much. If you are late we plan on doing breakfast in the Topaz petrol station which I understand is close by!! Please see my website www.theworldjog.com/blog
I am having a bit of a problem getting the Irish route copied and pasted but my first day will be from the port to topaz to Fitzwilliam Place, Ardee St, Grey Street,Meath Street, Thomas Street,Bridge Street,Church Street, Gravediggers Pub Glassnevin, Finglas Village to Ashbourne. I think Sunday is to Dunleer but need to confirm this.
Hope you can come and run some, See you This has been an Unforgettable Dream but its not over, Let the party begin!! Come on Ireland, I am so proud to be from Dublin and Ireland :)

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51 kilometres to Dublin

Thursday, September 11th, 2014

Today nine eleven as always my heart and thoughts are with my many American friends, supporters and those that kindly helped me.

Things are still going well for me now in Wales the 40th country of the world run.
48,340km run in 1,112 road days. Just 51km more in Wales and then the ferry to Dublin.My Irish route will be 1,609 including the marathon, so nicely placed form the 50,000 km at the finish.
Wednesday night I stopped in Bethesda in the Victoria bunk house as a dormitory accommodation is called in this area. A nice and clean place over a pub of the same name. On the the road an English cyclist called Sam stopped to offer me water. He is from Hereford and doing a construction job here so gave me the name of the place. I was given a £5 discount by the nice staff here only charging me 20, a true bargain as most nights I have been quoted between 60/75, luckily the weather is very dry and warm with just a small night time chill so I camp out.
I was running through the magnificent Snowdonia National Park. Snowdonia for me is perhaps the third most picturesque location of the run after the Colorado Rocky mountains and the Turkish mountains.
I can’t believe the run is almost over, soon my dream will be put to bed, the monster idea which haunted me for so many years will finally be exorcised. Like a sibling growing up and leaving the nest there will soon be a huge void in my life. How to fill it is another question. What will I do, perhaps become a professional motivational speaker, perhaps giving lectures of the run. I am told by my fellow world runner friend Jesper Olsen from Denmark that there is a huge demand for this. Jesper will be running the last week in Ireland with me, more on this later.

Gotta run! Talk later!

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Saturday is my D Day, Dublin Day!

Saturday, September 6th, 2014

Homeward Bound!

Thanks to Mick in Kidderminster for a great chat and a bed for the night. A great lad who drives a truck Mon to Fri does his running from his truck and breathes running at the weekend! Nice he could run me out of town for five miles, a typical ‘ salt of the earth ‘ Yorkshire man who couldn’t do enough for me!

Thanks also to Billy’s sister Maureen who we stayed with in Dudley. I had an interesting chat with her husband who is a shrink! :)

Hi Everyone! I cant believe I will be arriving in Dublin Port from Holyhead, Wales on Saturday! Hoping as many runners as possible will come out and meet me, of course non runners also welcome :)

Tomorrow Sunday I hope to finish running England and cross to Wales. 48,199km run in 1,108 road days. Thanks so much to Siobhan Clifford  husband Billy and not forgetting Fifi their dog for crewing for me since Dover. It has been so much fun.

They are gone home now to prepare for my homecoming and six week /1,622km/ 1,000 mile lap of Ireland which will begin after breakfast on Saturday. This will be a fundraiser for Aware and details of how to donate will follow later.

Siobhan, Billy, Kevin Scanlon and Tom Enright will travel over to Holyhead as foot passengers on Friday. No doubt we will all have a celebration somewhere and will all return together on Saturday :)

The first days running in Ireland will be from the port to the official starting location of the Ireland lap at the start line of the Dublin City Marathon in Fitzwilliam Place. to the Liberties where I grew up and took my first steps including…. The Coombe, Ardee St, Grey Street, Meath Street, Thomas Street then out towards The Gravediggers pub in Glasnevin to pay respect to the Kavanagh Striders. To Finglas Village and run the 16km/10 mile from there to Ashbourne. This last segment was an old training route of mine when I tried so hard to win the Finglas marathon in my earlier days. This was my very first competitive ambition, which I never achieved.

I will be hosted by Fergus Owens that night, thank you Fergus who has promised a massive steak :)

See you in Dublin on Saturday!!!!!!

 

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List of countries run

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014

Update:

I am still running in England and thanks so much to Siobhan Clifford and husband Billy or

their ongoing support and superb crewing :)

48,068km have been run. Roughly 315km to Holyhead and Dublin. I am still on

schedule to arrive on September 13th in Dublin Port at 12 noon. The plan is to start

the lap of Ireland shortly after my arrival at the port.

LIST OF COUNTRIES RUN:

1. Republic of Ireland 2 Canada 3 USA 4 Mexico 5 Guatemala 6 El Salvado 7 Honduras 8 Nicaragua 9  Costa Rica 10 Panama 11 Colombia

12 Ecuaror

13 Peru

14 Bolivia

15 Argentina

16 Chile

17 Fiji

18 New Zealand (North And South Islands)

19 Australia (Including Tasmania)

20 East Timor (Also known as Timor-Leste)

21 Indonesia (Seven Islands Run)

22 Singapore

23 Malaysia

24 Thailand

25 Burma (Also known as Myanmar)

26 India

27 Iran

28 Turkey

29 Bulgaria

30 Serbia

31 Hungary

32 Slovakia

33 Austria

34 Czech Rep

35 Germany

36 Holland

37 Belgium

38 France
Current and future:

39 England

40 Wales

41 Northern Ireland

Finish with a full 1,620km lap of Ireland north and south, and then the Dublin Marathon on October 27th.

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since Tony began his World Run on 25th October 2010

Please sponsor a world walk hotel night or a meal etc!You do not need a Paypal account, just a bank card! Press Paypal link below. Thank You :)

Donate to Aware

Text WORLDJOG to 50300 to donate €4.

100% of text cost goes to Aware across most network providers. Some providers apply VAT which means a minimum of €3.26 will go to Aware. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 01 4433890.

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About Tony

I have always considered myself to be an average runner. In school, I was even bullied for I was a sports wimp. Through hard work, dedication, perseverance, self-belief and a strong mind I succeeded in not only running around the world but breaking four ultra running world records during my competitive career. Having previously cycled around the world I didn't start running until I was almost 30. Then I had a dream of running around the world. For many reasons, I waited for over 20 years. One reason was to establish my pedigree as an endurance athlete. I started and finished my world run as the current World Record-Holder for 48 Hours Indoor Track 426 kilometres (265 miles), a record I have held since 2007. I also broke and still hold the World Record for 48 hours on a Treadmill 405 kilometres (251 miles) in 2008. When I retired from competition, more pleasing than any of my world, European or Irish records I had the respect of my fellow athletes from all over the world - in my opinion, sports greatest reward - an achievement I am most proud of. Then I finally put myself out to pasture, to live my ultimate dream to run around the world! This blog was written on the road while I struggled to find places to sleep and to recover from running an average of 43.3 kilometres or 27 miles per day for 1,165 road days. There were many nights I typed this blog on a smart phone, so fatigued my eyes closed. Many journalists and endurance athletes have referred to my world run as the most difficult endurance challenge ever attempted. During my expedition I rarely had any support vehicles, running mostly with a backpack. In the more desolate areas I pushed my gear, food and water in a cart which I called Nirvana, then I sent her on ahead to run with my backpack once again over altitudes of almost 5,000 metres in the Andes. I stayed in remote villages where many people had never seen a white person before. I literally met the most wonderful people of this world in their own backyard and share many of those amazing experiences in this blog. My run around the world took 4 years. There were no short cuts, I ran every single metre on the road while seeking out the most comprehensive route across 41 countries, 5 continents, I used 50 pair of running shoes and my final footstep of the run was exactly 50,000 kilometres, (almost 31,000 miles) I eventually finished this tongue in cheek named world jog where I started, at the finish line of my city marathon. I started my global run with the Dublin Marathon on October 25th 2010 and finished with the Dublin Marathon on October 27th 2014 at 3 05pm! Thank you for your support, I hope you can share my unique way of seeing the world, the ultimate endurance challenge! Read more...

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