The Dorset Double Challenge - Fundraising for Dorset Mind & Sport in Mind

Nathan and Jack are two days (and a bit) into their epic walk from Lyme Regis to Reading. So far the weather has been reasonably kind to them!

Talking to them last night, they told us how the first two days saw them walk more than a marathon (each day!) and climb Snowdon (each day!) - wow!!

They’d love you to pledge your own walking activity, the link to do this is in our bio. We also know they would love to see your messages of support below ⬇️

Keep going you two!



(Thanks to from Hall & Woodhouse for joining the walk yesterday, and for arranging accommodation and meals along the route)

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Paul and Jason from ! 😀

We had a great discussion about my 2022 challenge, where the funds go and potential future collaborations. Very proud of the fundraising achieved thus far and to be supporting communities in getting active!

Part 2 of the challenge (an ultrarun to seven H&W Houses) is still on hold for the moment due to long COVID. But hopeful that training can resume again soon....

Yesterday I attended Dorset Mind’s Courageous Conversations event which they have held as part of

It was the first event of this type that they’ve held and it was fantastic. So much to talk about, but my key takeaways are:
- we’re all individuals and have our own stories
- prevention is better than cure

Talking early and openly is the first step - this is as simple as a conversation with a family member, a colleague or a friend.

Currently 1 in 6 adults report living with anxiety or depression each week in the UK. If you’re the 1 of the 6, get talking. If you’re the one of the 5 of the 6 - GET TALKING! 😊

So please pledge to reach out and have a Courageous Converstion.

Later today I'm doing something that definitely pushes me outside of my comfort zone so I went out on an easy morning run to help energize my day and clear my head - what a beautiful view I was greeted with!

Outside of the training for specific goals or events, how do you use activity as part of your day? 🏃‍♂️😊

- With Part 2 of my charity fundraiser on hold due to COVID recovery I've been finding it hard to stay motivated to train on reduced intensity, mileage, and in the absence of a full training plan!

About a month ago I met with Dee and Yas from to present them with a cheque representing then monies raised so far. Looking at these photos helps remind me of our conversation regarding the importance of fundraisers and the important services made possible by the funds raised 😊

All this helps give me the motivation to keep plodding on with training even in the absence of clarity on when I'll be able to take on Part 2. "Keep going with the process, you'll get there then you get there" 😎

Finally back out on the hills after time off (too long!) due to COVID. Really glad to be back out being active in the beautiful countryside 😍⛰️🏃‍♂️

Being forced to reset (after surviving the feeling rough and being mopey stages) has provided the opportunity to replan and do some admin - today I tested out my new poles and gaiters!

Rescheduled date for part two to follow once training is back to "normal" (whatever that is! 😹)...

P.S. for those doing this weekend, going is good at the foot of the

Being mindful of your mental health and taking care of yourself is important.

Getting out in nature, being active, and practicing self-care are all ways you can prioritize your wellbeing.

Take a moment to think about what taking care of yourself means for you.

New longest run! (And feels like my legs are going to fall off! 🤣😹). All for a great cause - two of them actually!

Not quite sure how I get from this to 110km and a lot more elevation - but I'm sure I'll get there. Time for some serious recovery.

If you'd like to help out the amazing and , please follow the link in my profile for donation links 👍

A fantastic write up on 's website - thank you! 😁

Remember, the fundraisers are still open ready for Part 2 of the challenge!

Donation and article links at LNK.BIO/IAMJONMEAD 👌

Hi everyone!

Now that things have cooled off a bit (metaphorically and literally!), I'd like to say a few thank yous. I'm hugely proud of what myself and my fellow riders achieved on the day - but this was only made possible through the support and kindness of others.

Firstly... Thank you to everyone who supported the event and has donated to the fundraisers - £1,445 raised so far is amazing and will go a long way!

Secondly, thank you everyone who joined for various sections of the ride; including Tim Bailey (whole ride), Dave Callaghan (200+km), Andy Smith, Damian "LG", Claire B, Ellie (my daughter!) and fellow H&W Team Members: Robert Ujhelyi, Toby Herbert and Anthony Woodhouse!

Extra kudos to Robert/Robi who, not having his road bike, took this as an opportunity to set himself the equally ambitious challenge of riding 100 miles off-road – managing to visit 37 H&W Houses in the process. A major undertaking and really embracing the nature of the challenge!!

Thirdly, thanks to all of the support crew and Houses who kept us fuelled and watered! – including Royal Lion, Duchess, Halfway Inn, Grasshopper, Olive Branch, Angel, Churchill Arms, Fleur de Lys (Inn at Cranborne), Half Moon, Crown at Marnhull and Brewery Tap!
- Special mentions to:
- Royal Lion for fuelling us and providing very comfortable accommodation for us the night before the ride
- Olive Branch and Angel who prepped cookies and ice water for our arrival!
- Brewery Tap for serving delicious beers and burgers!

Finally, a huge thank you to my wife Rosie who was took on her own endurance challenge by posting our progress and selfies on social media all day during the ride and for the many MANY hours of training and "logistics" that went into preparing for this challenge. The true endurance of this challenge is better measured in months rather than hours!

Don't forget... Part 2 is still to come in December and the Fundraising Pages remain OPEN!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TheDorsetDoubleChallenge2022DorsetMind

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TheDorsetDoubleChallenge2022SportInMind

At the start of the day Robi, H&W team member at The Duchess, joined the guys. You might have noticed he wasn't in many photos afterwards, that's because he was doing his own off road challenge! Riding 100 miles across Dorset visiting as many H&W pubs as he could! He certainly accomplished his mission :D

Possibly in the wrong order (I think my brain has stopped working!) here is Robi's documentation of the day :)

Well done Robi, epic achievement!!

That's all folks! Thank you for following our posts throughout the day and for supporting the guys on what has been an epic challenge!! This is Rosie (Jon's wife) over and out!!! x

Dorset Mind Sport in Mind The Aligned Athlete Method Precision Fuel & Hydration idb Tri Coaching