Jonathan Hall's Next Challenge: Hardmoors 160

Can you imagine running 160 miles in 50 hours or less with absolutely no sleep? Jonathan Hall (our chief panda) sure can and that's exactly what he'll be doing later this month. That's right, he'll be running for days to raise £2,000 for charity.  

Intrigued (and - I'll be honest - slightly terrified), I decided to sit down for a Panda Q&A session with our chief to learn more about his latest running challenge: the Hardmoors 160...

Amanda Panda (AP): So, Hardmoors 160. Tell me more ...

Jonathan Hall (JH): This is a big run and probably the hardest one so far. It's called the Hardmoors 160 and it's a 160 mile single stage run around the Yorkshire moors following the Tabular Hills route and the Cleveland Way. The race starts on Friday 29th at 5pm and it has a 50 hour time limit. I'm hoping for between 40-45 hours and no, you can't sleep!!

AP: Ouch :/ How do you train for a 160 mile race?

JH: Like all races you never quite feel like you’ve done enough but I feel pretty good about the run. Since November last year my weeks range from between 70-100 miles. However last week was my biggest at 118 miles and it felt great. I’ve chucked in a few 30 and 40 milers and also completed a 52 mile training run. To help ensure I’ve stayed injury free, 2 sessions of yoga a week have been a huge benefit. Leaving a yoga session, it feels like I’ve been given new legs. 

AP: When it comes to running, what motivates you to keep going? 

JH: I’ve been running for about 14 years now and I love it. The freedom and the feeling after a run keeps me motivated to train for the big events. My main enjoyment is the mental challenge these big races throw at you. It’s as much a battle against your own mind than it is a physical one. Also I’m raising money for The Running Charity and Anthony Nolan Trust which adds a great reason to finish the event.

AP: How did you get started ... and how did you end up where you are now, preparing to run 160 miles?!

JH: Joe, my co-founder at cranberry panda, asked if I fancied doing a half marathon and I agreed. Having not run for about 15 years it was so tough to start with a mile being a struggle on my first run. Things just built up from there and after the half marathon came a marathon and then it was Joe again who suggested we do the MDS – a 150 mile 7 day run across the Sahara. What sounded like a ridiculous idea was actually one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. 

AP: What thoughts help you make it across the finish line?

JH: When you are doing long races like this you get a very long time to think about things. A big thing to occupy your time is what meal would I love when I finish. This changes regularly as the run progresses and then I add on what drink would I have. The reality is you just want to lie down and sleep for a week!

People of ecommerce, show your support!

Show your support for Jonathan by commenting on our blog or sending a shout out via our social channels.

And, just as importantly, don't forget to visit his fundraising page! As part of our Panda Givingcampaign, Jonathan's aiming to raise £2000 to be split evenly between our two favourite charities: Anthony Nolan (saving the lives of people with blood cancer) and The Running Charity (helping homeless youths). Donate today and help make the world a better place :)