The 4x4x48 Challenge

I knew I had to be a bit mad to sign up for a challenge like this one. I knew it would be tough. I knew I’d have to dig deep. 

What I didn’t know or expect was the incredible support and encouragement I’d receive. Honestly, I’ve been totally and completely blown away by the messages and donations during the last week. Every ‘you’ve received a donation’ email notification spurred me on to run a little farther and faster. Every text message, private message, WhatsApp and DM gave me the boost I needed to keep on keeping on. 

I knew that running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours was going to be brutal. I said ‘yes’ to this challenge fully aware of what I was signing myself up for! I had some understanding of how much of a test of endurance running 4 miles every 4 hours would be - physically, mentally and practically too. But until you are actually living this hellish cycle of running, showering, eating and running again - it is quite hard to grasp this concept fully! 

There was just so little time between each 4 mile run. By the time I got home, stretched, showered, fed and changed, it was time for the next run. And so the cycle continued. Thankfully, my husband (Matt) suggested early on the Friday that I should let him run the 4am slot. This would mean that I could get a decent spell of sleep and rest, and give me the best chance of completing my 40 mile goal. This was very wise advice indeed.

But if I may, let me first take you back to Friday. I could feel my anxiety ramping up as each hour ticked by in school. As much as I longed for the working week to be over, I knew it only meant that the inevitable was coming - the first 4 mile run!

During the course of the 48 hours, we had several ‘group runs’ scheduled at Lurgan Park. I’ll admit that I wasn’t particularly excited to be running with other people as I usually run (it is definitely more like jogging!) solo and do be so very conscious of my heavy breathing! I was super nervous - not only about the challenge as a whole - but also about that first run. Would I be able to keep pace? Would I have to walk? Was it going to be awful? Just some of the many questions swirling round in my brain, and making my tummy queasy.

Yet I needn’t have got myself so worried, as the 8pm run came and went without any major drama. My brother-in-law (Ian) joined me for moral support, promising to run at my pace and keep me company - which he did. We all kept up a good pace behind the front runners and I felt fairly strong throughout. The pace was a little quicker than I’d been running during my solo runs, but I suspected this might happen when with the group! I actually ended up snagging a wee PB on that first run and I laughed, knowing that I’d never be able to sustain that kind of pace during the rest of the challenge.

We finished the first 4 miles with that familiar ‘runner’s buzz’, spirits were high and I made plans for Ian to collect me in a few short hours at 11.30pm for our midnight run around the Mall in Armagh.

I stopped at a local garage on my way home from that first run, stocking up on energy balls, fruit, Mars bars etc. I sipped on a lucozade while savouring a gorgeous sunset out the car window. I really had no idea what was ahead of me! As I drove home I phoned my mum to check in on Phoebe and to update her on the how Run 1 went.

There was plenty of chat in the car park after that first run, but I’ll admit that I was a little concerned by the lack of stretching happening! I know from experience that my wee legs don’t do well if I don’t stretch after exercise! So, on arrival home, I stretched then showered. I don’t own any ‘loungewear’ so I popped on some pyjamas and lay on my bed for half an hour checking my phone, updating my socials and replying to messages. Thank you for keeping me motivated and encouraged between my runs with your kind words and donations!

Before I knew it, it was time to pull on my running gear once again - PJs off and trainers on! I did feel hungry between the first two runs, so I ate toast with peanut butter and banana and took a Mars bar for the car.

I was grateful to have some company again, especially for the first midnight run. It was nice not to have to drive myself either. We were headed for the Mall in Armagh for Run 2 as Ian had suggested it might be good as it would be well lit up at nighttime. He was right! No head torches needed. I’d done a training run there to see how many laps of the Mall would equate to 4 miles. We would be running 6 and a half laps and I must admit, it felt kind of nice to be running at that time of night. The Mall was quiet, the air was still and we trotted around with relative ease, finishing around 12.35am as we’d set off a little early. Again, the pace was a little quicker than my usual solo runs, but I was still feeling good and happy. A faster pace meant a little more rest time!

Following this run, I made sure to stretch before getting into the car and heading for home. Feeling a little peckish, I intended to take a bite of my Mars bar, but in reality, ended up devouring the whole thing in about 30 seconds! Once home, I took a quick shower, set my alarm for the morning run, and hopped into bed. 8 miles complete - 40 to go - Matt’s 4am run was up next.

I drifted in and out of sleep during those wee hours of Saturday morning, conscious that Matt would be getting up for the 4am leg, and was aware of his coming and going for Run 3. I left him asleep in bed on Saturday morning for the next group run - 8am at Lurgan Park. I woke feeling ok, took some breakfast and used the motivation of a good coffee to get me through Run 4!

At 8am, we set off for another 2 laps of Lurgan Park. Once again, the pace of this run was quicker than I usually go, but I was still feeling pretty good … and the coffee was calling! Another 4 miles completed and I enjoyed a well deserved flat white and chocolate brownie from the amazing guys at Selah before heading home for yet another shower!

Before the noon run (Run 5) I forced myself to eat some scrambled eggs and toast. I couldn’t quite stomach a full portion, but knew I needed to keep myself well fuelled. After completing this next run, I’d ran 20 miles in 16 hours. I don’t think I’d ever ran more than 5 miles in one go before!

My lovely sister (Emily) joined me for Run 5 and we did our 4 miles around the very beautiful Loughgall Country Park. Emily isn’t a fan of running so I really appreciated her effort! I still blame Ems for ‘forcing’ me into doing the Mourne Wall Challenge for Reach. I was in a bit of a panic at the beginning of this run as my groin was hurting, however once I was about 10 minutes in, the pain subsided. I really wanted to complete this challenge - even if it meant walking the rest of the way. Once settled into a nice, slow pace, Ems and I chatted our way round the lake and then I called in with Mum to see Phoebe before home.

When I arrived at Mum’s house I took off my right trainer as my sock had felt a bit funny round the toe. Turns out it wasn’t my sock that felt funny - I had blisters between my toes! Now I was panicking about my groin and my poor blistered toes. How would I complete the challenge if I wasn’t even able to walk, never mind run!? Mum tried to persuade me to let Dad run the next leg for rather than with me, sending me home with udder cream and her foot spa!

Following yes - another - shower, I bathed my blistered toes in salts in the foot spa while psyching myself up for yes - another - run! The 4pm run was another group run at Lurgan Park. This was the halfway point, run 6 of 12, and felt like an important run to do. I told myself to take it easy, to walk if I needed to, and I told Dad to plough on ahead of me. I ate another piece of toast with peanut butter and banana to keep me going until tea-time.

As we waited in the car park for run 6 to begin, I heard my name being called from somewhere behind me. I turned around to find one of students with her family coming out of the shops. After a lovely chat, I had confirmation that I was right to come and do this leg of the challenge. Seeing my student (and a few more on route round the park) gave me the motivation I needed to keep focused on my ‘why’ - my reason for running - our young people.

I needed a strong focus during that run as after 1 lap of the park, I felt a very sore blister on my toe. I contemplated either stopping halfway or walking the rest, but stubbornness kicked in and I ran on, while also trying to keep my big toe raised off the ground! That 2nd lap of the park was an interesting one that’s for sure!!

This run was also a warm one, and to my absolute delight and surprise, the lovely guys from Selah had stayed open late for us finishing the run. After a recommendation to try a chocolate iced latte, I enjoyed my cool down with a really delicious iced coffee and catch up with Dad before he dropped me home.

Matt had spaghetti ready for me coming home and I very much enjoyed my first ‘proper’ meal since the challenge began. I was careful not to overdo it and eat too much, taking only a small portion and slice of garlic bread before grabbing a quick shower and short nap ahead of the 8pm run.

I probably managed to sleep for the guts of an hour before my alarm went off and I hauled my sore, tired legs out of bed and back into my running gear. I wasn’t feeling particularly good at this point - mentally or physically. I was nervous as this would be my first run with Matt and I worried that I’d be super slow. I know this is absolutely ridiculous to say - I mean, I’d ran 24 miles by this stage! I was 100% allowed to be slow, or walk, or crawl!

I stupidly chose the tow path for this run (run 7), mainly because it was the closest route to our house and it had taken me a while to pull myself out of bed and get ready. Time doesn’t be on your side in this challenge! This bad decision was setting the tone for this leg and it turned out to be my worst leg, by a long shot. I walked almost half of it, I wanted to vomit, I got a fly in my eye and my stomach was bloated and feeling yucky since the spaghetti.

I managed to run the first 2 miles, but everything after that is a bit of a blur. With every motion, spaghetti was jiggling around in my stomach, making me nauseous. I had shooting pains in my tummy and sides, and I was failing at trying to breathe in such a way as to keep flies out of my mouth! The tow path is also very long and very monotonous. Wrong choice Steph, wrong choice.

I’m pretty sure that I shed my first tears during this leg. I’m also pretty sure that I had my first legitimate doubts about whether I would be fit enough, or feel well enough to finish. At this point I was still facing 4 more 4 mile runs - 16 more miles over the next 20 hours. Bless Matt, he was so good with me. He gently encouraged me the whole way and didn’t question me when I told him to go on ahead and please just leave me alone! I needed some space to give myself a good talking to.

Looking back - that hellish leg was a culmination of a few things. I got in a negative mindset, blaming the pasta for giving me a dodgy stomach. This was only partly true. If I’d been more positive I definitely could have pushed through better than I did. I also got myself all nervous about running with Matt. He was the most incredible support to me during the challenge - keeping house, keeping me fed and watered etc. But, I let my guard down on that run with him, allowing the pain and tiredness to make me more vulnerable and ultimately, weaker. I was a blubbering mess at one point, because I could be. I felt safe and Matt was being so kind!

Never have I been so glad to finish a run as that one. I hauled myself into the jeep and made the decision that we would walk the midnight leg (run 8) and let my brother-in-law (Tim) run the 4am (run 9). As soon as I got home I took a quick shower before setting my alarm for 11.15pm and gingerly crawling into bed to try and get some sleep. I think I managed to get about an hour or so before the alarm went off for our midnight leg.

It took every ounce of my energy to pull off the covers and slowly inch myself out of bed. My body was angry at me, but my mind was resolute - I would complete my 40 miles, 10 of the 12 legs of the 4x4x48 challenge - even if I would have to crawl over the finish line.

My tummy was still a bit upset from teatime so I ate a mars bar, knowing I wouldn’t be expending just as much energy walking as I would have if I were to run this leg. Once again I changed my plasters on my toes and headed for the Mall in Armagh with Matt for run 8.

On arrival, we wasted no time in getting going on our 6 and a half laps of the Mall. Matt was off and flying but I told him he was going to have to slow down as I was struggling with my feet and generally just feeling pretty bleugh. We slowed the pace and trotted along together. We estimated that walking our 6 and a half laps would take just over an hour and so we settled our minds to just keep on plodding on for as long as it was going to take.

Despite the annoyance of the leg taking longer to complete, we enjoyed chatting together, holding hands and laughing as we avoided some poor souls who were staggering out of the cricket club at 1am! I felt a bit drunk myself as we neared the end of the leg, I couldn’t walk straight and all I wanted to do was close my eyes and lie down for a sleep!

I focused on my phone as we drove home in the those wee hours of Sunday morning. Checking donations and updating/replying to messages on my social media was a great focus and distraction between runs. This was also the one time that I didn’t need to shower when I got home - hallelujah! I pulled on my pjs and fell into bed, eternally grateful to Tim for running the 4am leg and letting me get a well deserved kip. I set my alarm for 7am Sunday morning and instantly drifted off to sleep.

By this point in the challenge I had realised the importance of taking it just one run at a time, and not allowing myself to overthink or worry. I had a wobbly moment just before the halfway point when I got the awful blisters between my toes. I’d convinced myself I wouldn’t even be able to walk, let alone run the rest! A little determination and dedication to strapping up my toes with fresh plasters and tape before each run ensured I could keep on running well.

I was surprised at how good I felt getting out of bed on Sunday morning. Pulling back the curtains, I was bathed in welcome sunshine and my mood was surprisingly sunny too. I enjoyed a glass of fresh orange juice and cereal for breakfast before donning the running gear once again, strapping the toes and heading back to the Mall in Armagh for a solo run.

I know you are supposed to have all your routes pre-planned out for this challenge, but I wanted a little bit of flexibility. I chose to run at the Mall again on Sunday morning because it’s very flat and smooth underfoot and cafe 4c would be open for coffee when I’d be finished!

I started off the 8am run (run 10) at a slightly slower but steady pace. It was nice and quiet but warming up in the sun already. The final two runs were going to be tough in the heat! I was so pleased that I was feeling so positive in my mind and fairly good in my body that day. My only niggle was in my left shin, but I didn’t put myself under any pressure, starting off with a jog and promising myself I could walk a few laps if needs be. I kept my mind focused and took it one lap at a time. I was finished in 48 minutes - delighted to have another run under my belt and at the prospect of walking across the road for a flat white!

As much as I adore brunch, I avoided the pancake stack and avocado on toast on that particular morning, opting for a salted caramel energy ball instead. There was no way that I was going to upset my stomach with just 2 runs to go. My choice was a good one - delicious - and just the right amount for my tummy to handle.

I made sure to give my feet a soak in the foot spa before the noon run (run 11) after taking off my trainers and discovering a bloody sock - anything to give myself a fighting chance at running the last two legs of the challenge. Fresh strapping for my toes, udder cream on my shins, more peanut butter and banana on toast and it was soon time to hit the road again, back to Armagh.

Matt drove me this time to keep me company and give me a rest from driving. He grabbed a himself a coffee from 4c and sat on one of the benches dotted along the edge of the Mall, cheering me on as I completed each lap. Again, I was feeling relatively good (you know, considering I’d ran 32 miles by this point!) and I ploughed on lap after lap around and around the Mall. This run was during midday sun, but thankfully the Mall is fairly shaded by trees so I wasn’t running in full sun. It was getting very hot though and I couldn’t stop thinking about a Mackles ice-cream while I was running!

You don’t need to guess where we stopped off on our way home - yes … Mackles, of course! I thoroughly enjoyed a delicious 99.

Run 11 was another successful run in my books - ever so slightly quicker than my 8am leg too, so I was definitely taking that as a win. The udder cream seemed to be helping my shins too so I could feel positive about the last run - that I actually might be able to run the whole 4 miles and most importantly, across that finish line!

I took my final shower and final soak in the foot spa while updating my social media, watching the US Office, and eating a pancake. I’d been craving a banana muller crunch corner so got Matt to call at the shop for one. I wanted to keep myself as relaxed and distracted as possible before the final run at 4pm - run 12 of 12!

When the time came, I couldn’t believe it was the final run. Good job too, as I was running low on fresh plasters for my feet! I wore my Reach t-shirt for the last run - the team joking beforehand about our ‘performance-enhancing’ gear. We needed all the help we could get at this point!

The closer we got to Lurgan, the more nervous I became. By now I should have felt confident in my ability to push through the pain and keep running until 4 miles were completed. I’d already ran 36 miles! Now I just wanted the final 4 miles to be over. I wanted the endless cycle of running, showering, eating, feet strapping and soaking to stop! I didn’t want to have to fight with my sports bra any more or squeeze my blistered feet into my trainers. I wanted to get into my pyjamas, with a glass of wine and a chinese takeaway!

Not yet Steph, not yet. One more run. Run 12 of 12 and I’d be able to say I’d ran 40 miles in 48 hours. Wow! I could do it. I would do it.

Just keep running.

And that is exactly what I did. I slotted myself between two groups of runners and that way I could keep pace behind the front runners and stay ahead of those following me.

But let me pause for a moment and tell you how flipping lovely it was to meet some of the other runners in person before this final leg began. Lovely Joy, who was running half the challenge - every other leg - had been keeping in touch during my training and running. We’d been encouraging and championing one another throughout (as many of us did) and it took everything in me not to burst into tears when we finally met in the car park. Emotions were running high for most participants, no matter how many legs people had completed. This was it. This was the end. And most importantly, we’d raised an astounding £15,000 by this point! I think we were all feeling the weight of what running this final leg meant and just how incredible the challenge had been.

The number of views on my Instagram stories were higher than normal during the 48 hour challenge, I could see people were invested in and curious about what I was doing. I’ve no doubt many people were simply watching to see if I’d even be physically able to achieve my goal! But it must be noted that there were so many messages of support, encouragement and cheerleading. I felt the weight of expectation and anticipation, not wanting to let anyone down. My Mum and Phoebe came to see me cross the finish line too. All I wanted was to finish well.

There was such a buzz in the car park before we headed off to run our 4 miles. It really had been such a brilliant 48 hours of fundraising and running. The runners were jittery, we were eager to get going - to get finished! We set off, some running anti-clockwise round the park, I opted to go in a clockwise direction, just for a change! This meant that we got to wave and encourage those running in the opposite direction as we crossed paths several times as we lapped the park.

I felt fairly good as we ran lap 1, although it was unbearably warm at times. I tuned into my breathing, keeping it steady, my feet pounding the pavement in rhythm. As we neared the end of lap 1, we had spectators whooping and cheering us on. I gave a rather faint wave to the audience, secretly wanting it all to be over in the moment. The thought of another lap was all a bit much.

But on I ran, constantly fighting a battle in my mind between knowing how long I still had left and my body crying out for me to stop and walk. The heat was stifling and my throat was getting tighter and tighter. Yet, I was absolutely determined to keep running. And that I did. I kept a close eye on my pace, noticing it gradually slowing as I got warmer and weaker. Again (like many other times during the previous 48 hours) I gave myself a good talking to. I could do this. I would do this. All while praying for my students by name.

That final lap of the park - miles 39 and 40 - were the hardest. By body was screaming at me to stop and it took everything in me to keep on running. Just keep on breathing, keep on putting one foot in front of the other - that’s all I could think about. It took all my focus to not vomit and/or cry! As I neared the final corner I got so nervous, knowing everyone would be waiting at the finish line. Everything was swirling.

Hold it together Steph, hold it together.

I was almost there.

And suddenly, as I cleared the last corner, I could see the end in sight. The cheers came up, I could hear people calling my name. This was it. I was going to cross the finish line!

There was no sprint finish from me as I neared the line. I simply kept pace - as I’d done all weekend - right to the very end, fist pumping the air as I crossed the line.

What a surreal moment. I’d done it. I’d achieved my goal of 40 miles in 48 hours! I wanted bawl my eyes out. I wanted to be sick. Instead I saved face, chatting to the people who’d gathered to support us, while drinking Diet Coke and eating a slice of pizza.

Those final few hours - the whole thing really - feels like a blur. It’s hard to remember the details, just a week later. My body had been put through a lot, my mind and emotions too. I definitely felt overwhelmed at the end and probably my most prominent feeling was of relief. I was so relieved to have achieved what I’d set out to do. Relieved to not have run again in a few hours time. Relieved that the torture of running 4 miles was over. Relieved to be finished.

I’d been so focused at getting my legs across the finish line that I didn’t even see Matt and Phoebe’s wee poster that they’d made! But it didn’t matter. I was done, and it was finally time to go home and rest.

Phoebe had stayed with my mum during the weekend. I didn’t want her to be unsettled as I was coming and going at all sorts of weird hours. It also meant that I could pour all my energy and focus into getting myself through the challenge. I’m so grateful I was able to do that. Mum suggested keeping Phoebs a little while longer on Sunday so I could go home and get showered, fed and rested a little in peace. Thanks Mum, good call.

I got home and slipped my feet straight into the foot spa (again!) whilst eating a Mars bar and drinking a cup of tea. My lovely sister-in-law popped over with some champagne and chocolates to celebrate, before Matt went to collect a Chinese takeaway.

As much as I wanted to devour the entirety of my plate, I knew I needed to be careful. I didn’t want to make myself ill or upset my tummy again. I enjoyed a small portion with a glass of wine before heading for a shower and bed. I still had an alarm to set though, but this time it was for work the next day!

I thought I would have felt much worse on Monday (and on subsequent days) than I did. My legs were fine, but my blisters were sore. My tummy definitely wasn’t great either and the tiredness was something else. I made the mistake of eating the leftover spaghetti for my lunch on Monday and then spending my free period in the bathroom over the toilet. I vowed to only eat small portions for the rest of the week!

It’s Friday now, almost a full week since I began that first run at 8pm. I’m still recovering. Still very tired - I’ve had to sleep most days when I came home from school. And my stomach is still dodgy. I’ve had to take it easy and try not to be bothered by the enormous stress spot on my chin! The body sure knows how to tell you it’s not happy with you. Well, I did push it to the limits that’s for sure!

I’ve had so many conversations this week with people about the run with many saying how they couldn’t have done it, how fit I must be, asking how I’m feeling etc. Truth be told, I don’t quite know how I did it. I expected to have had sorer knees and legs. I expected to have cried a lot more than I did. I didn’t expect to run as many legs as I did. One thing I did do was pray. I prayed myself through every single one of those runs. I thanked God for my body, capable of much more than I could have imagined, stronger than I could have dreamed. I had an important mission to accomplish. I wasn’t running for me, or my pride. I was running for Reach. That made all the difference.

I had the right motivation. My vision was absolutely clear. I wasn’t giving up on my kids. I was crossing that finish line no matter what. Feeling and/or running better than expected was just a happy bonus. It was never about me. It was about raising money and awareness for Reach and the amazing work they do with our young people. I’ve had the honour and privilege to be working as part of the staff team at Reach since March of this year. Taking part in this challenge was never not an option for me. It was important work for me to do, to sacrifice my time and energy for 48 hours, to help in a small way that would actually make a big difference.

As of today (Friday 2nd July) my team total stands at £1,140 and our collective total at a whopping £19,699! This blows my mind. Both figures are way above the targets initially set for this challenge. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Thank you to my wee team::

Matt Duke

Ian Vennard

Pete Smith

Emily Devlin

Tim Duke

Kathleen Duke (who walked her leg in Sligo!)

And thank you to all those who cheered me on and encouraged me during one of the most bonkers weekends in all my life! It’s an experience I won’t forget and an achievement I’m so very proud of.

For anyone braving the 4x4x48 challenge in the future, here are some things I learned:

1. Have plenty of gear. The less you have to think about washing and drying running clothes and socks, the better.

2. Be as prepared as possible with food, drinks, muscle rub, painkillers, plasters, compeed etc.

3. Be flexible in your approach. Change your route if it’s going to be easier for you. Stop for ice-cream or coffee if it’s going to give you a boost.

4. Have a support team in place. People who know your timings and routes so they can encourage you or practically help you throughout.

5. Know your 4 mile routes in advance (preferably run them during training) - something you don’t want to have to think about during the challenge.

6. Take it one run at a time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by it all.

7. I found that taking a ‘body shower’ after each run really helped. I have long hair so didn’t wash it much as that would have required too much effort. You want to expend minimal effort during your short break periods!

8. Keep focused on your ‘why’. Whatever your reason for running, keep it at the forefront of your mind. It massively helps when things get tough.

9. I’d really rate using udder cream for any aches and pains! I used it on my groin and shins and it made a noticeable difference.

10. I would have been lost without my Free Train vest. I’d bought it months ago so I didn’t have to think about strapping my phone to my chest or carrying it or my keys when out running. It’s super comfortable and is dead handy for checking your phone whilst running.

So there you have it, an exceptionally long blog post for an exceptional challenge! If you haven’t donated yet, there is still time to give if you can. How amazing would it be to reach £20,000?! Our young people deserve it. My blisters deserve it!

And maybe next year’s challenge could involve a little less running?! Just a thought!

Thank you for reading the blog, for donating and/or encouraging me during this most nutty endeavour.
Steph x