Ian McAra

The Pool is Finally Finished

What does a pool being finished have to do with running? For me, plenty. It’s been a tiring three weeks trying to keep mileage on track for the Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtual and prepare the ground for the pool. It was leveled by digging the backyard with a shovel. Not an easyContinue reading “The Pool is Finally Finished”

Highest Weekly Mileage So Far

I achieved my highest weekly mileage in the Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtual this week. I finished the week off with a six mile loop of Clarksburg, West Virginia. I was happy to hit the 40 mile mark for the week. Unless you are running along a rail trail or next to aContinue reading “Highest Weekly Mileage So Far”

100 Miles

I finally hit the 100 mile mark today with a trail run at Watters Smith Memorial State Park in Lost Creek, West Virginia. The Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtual run started off well at the beginning of May. It fell to pieces at the end of the first week and I have beenContinue reading “100 Miles”

Getting Warmer!!

As the end of May gets closer the temperature here in West Virginia is getting higher. The weather has been crazy this month bouncing around from below freezing and snow to high 80’s Fahrenheit and a lot of rain. Today was the first day I ran in warmer temperatures. It was 80F (27C) and sunny.Continue reading “Getting Warmer!!”

Running Again!!

I ran for the first time since leaving the hospital. It was only just over two miles at a very easy pace but it felt good to get back out again. My knee had been giving me some issues over the past week but it felt much better than I had expected. The hamstring aboveContinue reading “Running Again!!”

Getting Frustrated

It’s been six days since my hospital stay. In general, I feel much better, but my knee still hurts. I would love to start running again but my knee is not allowing it. Maybe that is for the best as I am slightly concerned about starting to run. Passing out has made me lose confidenceContinue reading “Getting Frustrated”

An Early Setback

After doing 33.3 miles during the first six days of the Lands End to John O’ Groats challenge, I collapsed in my house on the 7th day. I had been mowing the grass and I felt short of breath and my chest was hurting. I told my family I was going to go and layContinue reading “An Early Setback”

5 Reasons I Prefer Trail Running

I drove about 30 miles South to Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke, West Virginia to run on the trail system there. I much prefer trail running to road running. Here are the reasons why: 1. SceneryTrail running tends to take you to more remote areas which are normally very scenic. 2. Peace & QuietTrailContinue reading “5 Reasons I Prefer Trail Running”

The Virtual Map is Live

One thing I wasn’t expecting was a virtual map where I can see where I am in the UK depending on how many miles I have logged. It’s a great idea and really provides additional motivation to stay consistent with mileage. I need to be averaging 33-34 miles per week to finish before the NovemberContinue reading “The Virtual Map is Live”

Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtually

On May 4, 2020 I will start on a virtual 874 mile journey on foot from Lands End, at the southern tip of England to John O’ Groats, at the most northern point of Scotland. I will be completing my runs (and walks) in West Virginia, USA. Growing up in England, I always heard aboutContinue reading “Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtually”