John Townsend

RUNNER . CYCLIST . ENDURANCE ATHLETE . ADVENTURE SEEKER

WELCOME TO MY HUMBLE WEBSITE! 

I am always up for the next adventure; I love the planning and logistics & often take on short solo adventures. As a full time employee, my adventures tend to be multi day as opposed to weeks, but each one challenges me, excites me & takes me to new places! 

I love being in the pain cave,  because it's there that I find out the most interesting things about myself.  Pushing myself physically and mentally,  helps me to learn and grow into the person and athlete I'd love to become.  

COACHED BY:

Gym:

Running:

Cycling:

Joseph Watson

Caroline Hastie

Myself

PAST EVENTS:

2020

(Run) Red January 1st - 31st January 2020

This January, I'm challenging myself to get active every day, my way. Whether I run, swim, cycle or choose my favourite fitness activity, setting my own goals, while enjoying support from the RED community every step, splash and pedal of the way! Kick-starting my 2020 in a positive way, while raise funds for Mind so together we can be active for better mental health.

(Run) 1000 Mile Challenge 1st January - 31st December 2020

In 2020 I want to run a minimum off 1000 miles, this would be a great start for 2021, when I want to get in to endurance trail runs.

(Run) Fitmums & Friends 365 Challenge 1st January - 31st December 2020

The aim of the Fitmums & Friends 365 Challenge is to complete 365 miles or 365 hours of physical activity, or a combination of both, in 365 days. I'm doing 365 miles, to run alongside my 1000 Mile challenge.

(Tail Run) Polar Bear Challenge 4th February 2020

The Polar Bear Challenge is a 6 hour running event at Ryton Pools, on  4th February 2020 at 09:00. I decide! The 3.3-mile out and back loop at Ryton Pools Country Park means my race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! I decide how many laps I am going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If I'm looking to cover a marathon distance I will need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps.

(Ride) London Wales London 2nd May 2020

It’s not about speed and it’s definitely not a race.  The only person I will beat is myself. London Wales London is a 407km test of my strength of mind.  The distance I travel is not measured in miles or turns of the pedal, it’s the gap between self doubt and completion that counts.


The 407kms takes me from the west of London to Chepstow and back.  Along the way I will cross some amazing scenery and discover if I have the will power to complete the bike ride within the 27 hour time limit.

(Ride) Shakespeare Way 25th - 29th May 2020

The 235 km (146 mi) waymarked route (which opened in 2006) runs from William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire to the modern Shakespeare's Globe (near the site of the original Globe Theatre), on the south bank of the River Thames in London.

(Ride) M25 Cycle Way 30th May 2020

Six counties, two Thames crossings, eight lanes (or more)… This might sound like a description of the M25, but David Motton's big loop around London shows there’s a far more attractive way to orbit the capital.

(Trail Run) Panda Bear Challenge 26th June 2020

Panda Bear Challenge is a 6 hour running event at Ryton Pools Country Park, on 26th June 2020 at 09:00.  I decide! The 3.3-mile out and back loop at Ryton Pools Country Park means my race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! I decide how many laps I am going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If I'm looking to cover a marathon distance I will need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps.

(Ride) National Three Peaks Challenge 3rd - 14th August 2020

Climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales & cycle between them! You’ve heard of the Three Peaks Challenge, why not test myself on this gruelling, action-packed trekking & cycling trip? Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and 1000 miles cycling…this is my ultimate UK challenge!

(Run) Hadrian's Wall 12th - 13th September 2020

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile (135 Km) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast.


It follows the line of Hadrian’s Wall, along the way passing through some of the most beautiful parts of England - from rolling fields and rugged moorland to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle.

(Trail Run) Grizzly Bear Challenge 13th October 2020

The Grizzly Bear Challenge is a 6 hour running event at Ryton Pools Country Park, on 13th October 2020 at 09:00.  I decide! The 3.3-mile out and back loop at Ryton Pools Country Park means my race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! I decide how many laps I am going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If I'm looking to cover a marathon distance I will need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps.

(Canoe) The Desmond Family Canoe Trail 7th - 10th May 2021

The Desmond Family Canoe Trail is the longest of it's kind in the UK, spanning over 160 miles from Liverpool to Goole.

(Ride) London Edinburgh London 8th - 13th August 2021

London Edinburgh London is a 1500km self-supported cycle ride across the United Kingdom, between the iconic capital cities of England and Scotland. LEL is not a race, but you have only 125 hours to make your way around to Edinburgh and back to London.


This is a test of my mental and physical resilience. If things go wrong, it is up to me to use my skills & experience to put them right. If I'm tired, or cold, or hungry, they will not rescue me! But when I make it to the next control, I am guaranteed their total support and attention.