Helston Nub News editor takes on intense 48-hour endurance challenge for charity

Helston Nub News Editor, Joseph Macey, took on an intense physical endurance challenge to raise money for the incredible mental health charity, Mind.

Inspired by a former interviewee for an article on Helston Nub News, Joe endured the 'Goggins' challenge - where he ran 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours.

The challenge not only tests your ability to run long distances but also tackles your sleeping pattern, mental fitness and determination.

Joseph Macey, an esteemed colleague and friend of mine, said:

"I had worked on an article with somebody that had done this just a week ago and looked at myself and thought I could give it a go, so thanks to Melissa Nicholas for taking the time to chat to me about it.

"I am really into my running, I run 5 to 10 miles every other day probably so I wanted to see what my body could do and find out what sort of shape physically and mentally I was in.

"If I was going to do the challenge I thought I could raise some money along the way so I had the idea of running for Mind, a charity providing support to people with mental health issues, supporting and raising awareness of mental health is so important in a time like this."

Joseph left for his first run at 6pm on Friday and set off for his final run at 2pm on Sunday, bringing him to 48 miles in under 48 hours.

Overall, Joe felt like he held up pretty well - which shows just how consistent he has been with running over the years.

"I am very confident when it comes to running and I knew I would get through it, I was running at a consistent pace finishing every 4 miles in about 40 minutes which is something I didn't think would happen, with a big push for the final 4 miles."

Of course, it was not all easy going. Joe faced many hurdles on his way, most of which were overcome by pushing through the feeling of his body and mind wanting to stop.

Joe said: "A few times my body wanted to stop but I just kept going and got over it whenever that feeling hit me, my uncle said to me just before it started: 'Your mind will always want to slow you up way before your body needs to' and I think that carried me through really.

"I honestly thought the challenge would stop me at some point, through injury etc but I think it just shows how amazing the human body is and how it reacts and adapts to intense pressure/situations."

The weather, as is usual in Cornwall, was not consistent over the two days and kept things shaken up.

"Some points it chucked it down with rain. Running through Penryn at 2am while it's belting it down with rain is not ideal," Joe said.

"Other times it was really hot, I don't usually run at 2pm as it's just unbearable heat in the summer but managed to get over that."

You can still donate to Joseph's fundraiser here.