Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he sums up the first six months of his incredible journey and looks forward to the next!

Hi everyone,
 
Can you believe it? We've officially reached the halfway point of my "12 Marathons in 12 Months" challenge! Six marathons down, six more to go. It feels like both an eternity and a blink since that first 43.33km trek from Liss to Romsey Road. It’s been an incredible, at times excruciating, but ultimately deeply rewarding journey so far.
 
This past Father's Day, I tackled the Hampshire Hoppit Marathon. My preparation was, shall we say, ‘non-existent’. Celebrating a close friend's 50th birthday into the early hours of Sunday morning, complete with plenty of dancing, probably wasn't the ideal pre-race strategy! Feeling the alcohol literally working its way out of my system, coupled with surprisingly high temperatures and 692m of elevation gain, made it another brutal 5 hours and 59 minutes. Yet, I got it done.

 
Each of these marathons has presented its own unique brand of challenge and pain:

• Liss to Romsey Road (43.33km, 5:58:22, 589m elevation): The inaugural run, a real eye-opener to the task ahead.
• BIGMUD Marathon (27.5 miles, 7:04:00, 1,158m elevation): Lived up to its name with relentless mud and hills – a true test of mental grit.
• Phoenix Walton on Thames Marathon (8 laps, 7:04:00): A repetitive but poignant reminder of battling through discomfort, akin to the cycles of treatment many endure.
• Southampton ABP Marathon (4:55:00): A tough one with minimal training due to a busy work schedule and lingering plantar fasciitis.
• Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge (43.28km, 6:34:00, 1,153m elevation): Brutal climbs and stunning views, reminding me of breaking huge tasks into manageable steps.
• Hampshire Hoppit (5:59:00, 692m elevation): An emotional Father's Day finish, fuelled by sheer determination despite the celebrations beforehand.

Beyond the Miles: Health and Mindset

This challenge is about so much more than just running. It's a loud and clear wake-up call for men's health. We often shy away from health services, dismiss symptoms, and prioritise everything else over our own well-being. My own experiences, from getting a simple PSA test to realising the value of self-check FIT tests, reinforce the critical need for proactive health management.
 
I've learned that pushing through these marathons, especially with injuries and minimal training, requires a powerful mental game. It's about breaking down daunting tasks into achievable steps. This mindset isn't just for running; it's vital for navigating life's mental health challenges too. My pain is temporary and self-inflicted; it pales in comparison to the daily struggles many face with serious illnesses or mental health battles. That perspective keeps me going.
 
A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors!

Reaching this halfway point has been possible only with the phenomenal support I've received. A massive, heartfelt thank you to all the companies who have already stepped up to sponsor a marathon or have simply donated to the cause:

Milwaukee Power Tools
Toro UK
Hayter
AriensCo UK
STIHL GB
EP Barrus
Husqvarna
ISEKI UK & Ireland

The generosity shown by our industry, my friends, family and so many others has been invaluable, not just in boosting the fundraising total, but in providing immense motivation for me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
 
We're Nearly There!
 
When I started this, I set an ambitious fundraising target of £10,000. I am absolutely thrilled to announce that, as of today, we have already raised an incredible £8,000! We are so close to hitting that target, and every single penny makes a tangible difference to the four fantastic charities: Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice.

How you can help us cross the finish line (both literally and financially!):

• Sponsor me: Please consider donating to my fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal and supports vital work.
• Cheer me on: Your messages and encouragement are a huge boost, especially when the going gets tough.
• Get inspired: Let's all prioritize our health and well-being. Even small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can have a significant impact.

Thank you all for following this crazy journey. The next six marathons await, and I'm determined to make every step count!