Helston runner takes on gruelling Navy Seal running challenge

What have you been doing through lockdown? Long walks? Painting? One woman from Helston took up the Goggins challenge, running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours.

Starting on Friday evening (3rd) and finishing off at 6pm on Sunday evening, Helston resident Melissa Nicholas set out to raise awareness of mental wellbeing with the challenge.

Melissa told Nub News:

"My motivation comes from my love of running, the support from family and my friend Becky who ran a lot with me. You get out of running what you put in. I thrive to reach my goals and complete what I set out to do."

The challenge was invented by David Goggins, an American ultramarathon runner, Melissa saw the challenge on the running app Strava and there she had her next challenge.

Melissa had already completed a challenge back in April when she took on the London marathon by running around a local field.

She continued:

"I had never tried anything like this before. I've done long distances but not a lot of night running and definitely not ran every 4 hours for 2 days.

"It was easier than I expected, and I enjoyed it so much! Running at 2 am is very relaxing as it's so quiet out, I also had breakfast on the beach one morning and met friends along the way.

"I enjoyed the whole experience and I am so grateful for the support I received. My parents met Becky and me at our finish line on Sunday for our last run."

Melissa is now planning her next challenge, training for an ultra-marathon which is 64 miles.

"Even though this one hasn't been for charity, myself, my husband and our two girls have done various virtual events for charity during lockdown for NHS, Cornwall Hospice and local running organisations," Melissa added.

Keep an eye out for Melissa's future running challenges!