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Mark’s recovery adventure

By Mark Hughes

Help support Mark with their Challenge for a Bloke

My Challenge for a Bloke

The event
 
I'm attempting to run my first Ultra trail race on the 28th November, part of the UTMB series in Kosciuszko. It's the first time I've taken on an Ultra event, and whilst perhaps only an 'entry level' Ultra, it is still a big challenge, but hopefully also a fun day out. Starting in Perisher, the task is to run 50km, with 1300m of elevation gain and a degree of altitude (by Aussie standards) thrown in. The race has a maximum finish time of 13 hours 30 minutes, but I'm hoping to be well done before that, and propping up a friendly bar in back in Thredbo. 
 
Why am I doing this for Spoke to a Bloke?
 
Over the last 9 months, through people I knew from my gym, I was introduced to the Spoke to a Bloke charity - firstly through their annual Sydney walk from Clontarf to Watsons Bay, and then to some of the amazing characters that formed the charity and are leading its growth and development. Whilst training and talking, I realised that 2024, although starting somewhat negatively and unexpectedly (I found myself with plenty of time on my hands), could finish in a much more positive way, and not just by getting back my mojo and career ambitions as well as running a great race, but by doing the race for a purpose. So whether I raise some much needed funds, or raise the issues and the profile of the great work the charity is doing - helping men reach out and have conversations and get active with it - then that feels like a worthwhile thing to do. By more men being healthy, mentally and physically, everyone benefits. Families benefit. 
 
There have been a few obstacles to manoeuvre, notably having to learn to run again following a long term knee injury -  and it's true I haven't raised my challenge with my knee specialist, but through gradual development, lots of strength training (thanks Forma Battaglia and Total Physio) and my new mates at Trailfinders running, I might just make this 50k. It's a long way from that couch to 5k app , but making a start, just as having that first connection and conversation, is often the biggest hurdle. Jump over it. People care more than you think. Now I'm running for a purpose - and I feel great. 

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Raised

$53

My Goal

$1,000

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$52.75

Fiona Hughes

You got this! Always in awe of your epic training effort & looking forward to celebrating with you after the race x

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We are a charity focused on supporting blokes mental health. We do this through running a series of community based events, including Walk for a Bloke and Challenge for a Bloke. 

Funds raised via these events are being used to fund two core Spoke to a Bloke Projects;

M.I.N.D.S – The MEN IN NEED OF DIGITAL SUPPORT project is an initiative to bring together a wide range of mental health experts, knowledgeable individuals and everyday blokes to create 24/7 help content aimed at supporting adult and younger men.

121 – The 121 project will deliver direct professional help for blokes that need financial assistance and reach those that need it most. 

In addition to our projects, our events also serve as medicine.  We enable blokes to be active, to connect, to share, to listen, to learn and to share in events to help build resilience through action.

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