Janet & Lexi take on 100 miles to end homelessness

In the lead up to World Homeless Day on October 10th, Social Bite challenged to our supporters to take on the 100 Mile Challenge – completing 100 miles over 40 days. Anyone can cover the miles however suits them best and raise funds to help break the cycle of homelessness.

Read Janet’s story below as she talks about overcoming injury and enlisting the help of her four legged companion Lexi to join the movement to end homelessness by taking on the 100 Mile Challenge.

 

Taking On The Challenge

After hitting the saddle to take on Break the Cycle in 2021 I knew I  wanted to take on another challenge in support of Social Bite and the mission to end homelessness.

I wanted to support Social Bite as for me it’s pretty simple, I think everyone deserves to have a safe place they can call home and I’m hugely inspired by the initiatives to help turn the most vulnerable lives around

My challenge is to run 100 off road miles with my 4 year old Labrador, Lexi, by my side to support me along the way.

I suffered a bad ankle injury back in 2014 and was told by a physio I should never run again. It’s been a long journey working with a fantastic PT, to regain fitness, mobility, and strength.

Starting with cycling, including the Glasgow to Edinburgh Break the Cycle event, over time I gained confidence to give running a try again, leading me to take on the 100 Mile Challenge this year.

Overcoming Difficult Moments

Covering 100 miles over forty days, about two and half miles a day, is about endurance more than anything else. Getting your steps in each day may not sound like much but the challenge has been a bit of a rollercoaster so far with great runs but also some mishaps.

Running off road is amazing but of course the terrain with changing gradients brings its own hazards.

Unfortunately I did suffer a nasty fall which was a setback. However I knew, with some rest and recovery, I could keep going. It’s important to try not to beat yourself up if anything goes a bit awry.

I’m back onto covering the miles and if it all goes smoothly I should be able to celebrate smashing through the 100 miles target within the next week or so!

Having The Best Team Mate

It’s been a joy covering the distance with Lexi and a lovely way for us to connect.

She loves being outdoors in nature with me and she has helped give me the confidence to get back out running after my injury issues as well.

 

 

Lexi helps to make the runs brilliant fun and she has been well behaved running with

me, although she does occasionally get distracted by her biggest weakness….chasing squirrels!

I’ve loved being able to take on the challenge with Lexi as an amazing teammate.

I’ll be absolutely delighted when I cross that 100 mile milestone. As for a celebration, it’ll probably be a long hot bath and a proper rest day, although a luxurious spa day would be amazing!

I think Lexi will be deserving of an extra special doggie treat to celebrate her completing her challenge as well!

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Janet has already raised an incredible £400 for her 100 Mile Challenge and is eager to keep fundraising to raise as much as she can before World Homeless Day to help to break the cycle of homelessness across the UK.

Fundraising from the 100 Mile Challenge helps Social Bite to provide food, jobs, and homes for people living in a situation of homelessness and spread awareness of our ongoing mission to end homelessness.

Inspired by Janet’s story? You can take on your own 100 Mile Challenge at a time that suits you by registering here or reach out to our team at community@social-bite.co.uk to learn about how you can take on a challenge to help break the cycle of homelessness.

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