Run Around Australia Andre Jones
Update
20 Jul 2019
As I sit here in Tennant Creek, with the Intrepid II broken, it is with a heavy heart but a sound mind that I bring an end to my Run Around Australia.
After almost 5500kms and more than four months on the road, my body and spirit were wavering to the point where I knew the daily grind of the entire 15000km challenge was not sustainable.
There are so many emotions running through my head. I am exhausted. I am relieved. I am proud. The list goes on.
I am proud because I had a go. In life, I’d rather have had a go than not. I knew this was an enormous challenge and truly believed I could do it but things didn't turn out that way.
Not achieving my goals is a far more acceptable to me than not even trying in the first place. If there's one thing I hope people can take away from my efforts, it's that we all owe it to ourselves to get out and have a crack at whatever it is that we are passionate about. Just give it a go.
I want to thank my wife, Morag, for supporting me and my 'crazy' dream. Your love and belief in me is beyond description. To my daughter Meredith, her partner Peter, family and friends - I couldn't have done this without you. The four charities I have supported - thanks for believing in me. I hope I have contributed positively to your goals in some way. To those that helped me in offering services, financial support, a meal, a bed to sleep in - thank you, thank you, thank you.
To the hundreds of people, most of whom I've never met, that offered kind and inspirational words of support on social media and out on the road, I thank you with all of my heart. The incredibly generous financial contributions to each of the charities I supported are greatly appreciated.
Here's a few stats from the Run (a third of the way) Around Australia:
I ran 5401.66kms
That included 35,300m of elevation or 4x Mt Everest
The highest elevation covered in a day was 1,286m
I was on the road for 131 days total (inc. 13 rest/non-running days)
There were 79 days of marathon distance or more (15x 60+kms / 39x 50+kms)
The longest day was 69.4kms
I lost 11kgs in all
I gained some friends for life
Finally, I'm heading home on Monday .. to plan the next adventure ???????????? @ Tennant Creek, Northern Territory
Update
17 Jun 2019
It’s been awhile between updates!
I’ve been run off my feet ....
I recently passed Day 96. This milestone was the end of the 1st leg - the run from Melbourne up the east coast, covering a total of 3,776kms.
This was the easy leg. I say this because I had accommodation of some description most nights, only camping about five nights. I had nine rest days (seven planned); I had a ‘recovery’ day after some ‘food poisoning’ in Brisbane, and I had a spare day in Clairview after running 70kms.
From the east coast, I’ll be heading to Broome, which will (should) take 84 days. Accommodation has been arranged (mostly) for the 32 nights where there is any, with the remaining 52 nights camping. The Intrepid II will also have almost doubled in weight with 50L of water, plus food.
There will be an updated schedule online shortly. I’ll no longer be attempting the Savannah Way after Normanton, deciding the 500+kms of gravel/dirt/dusty road too arduous. I’ll be sticking to the sealed road via Cloncurry, Mt Isa to Tennant Creek, then up to Katherine.
It will be interesting to see if I recognise any of this portion of the Stuart H’way, having run up here in 2017.
Update
17 May 2019
Hello all
Just a brief update on progress.
It just over 2 months since I left the MCG in Melbourne on 10 March - this is now Day 68 and I am in Rockhampton, QLD on schedule.
The fundraising tally so far is now $13,128,
with a big boost of $5000 from Dick Smith!
As always, I’d like to thank those who donated, whether it be online or in the street, for your support of these four awesome charities.
Over these 68 days, I’ve covered 2,640kms on foot pushing the Intrepid II, and climbed the accumulated elevation of 22,500m (which is 2.5 Mt Everest).
I hope to send another update in a month or so.
Thank you all again.
Andre
Update
18 Apr 2019
Hello everyone.
As the photo shows, I’m now in Grafton after completing Day 40 of my solo run. To date I have covered over 1600kms, ‘climbed’ the equivalent to 1.75 Mount Everest’s, lost over 9kgs, and met some very wonderful and kind people.
Physically, I’m fine - which I do find surprising (considering how I felt the same time when I ran solo to Darwin in 2017). Yes, there has been some chafing and blisters, but nothing too traumatic. The buggy, Intrepid II, has also had a few issues, but again, nothing that couldn’t be rectified easily.
Let’s hope the next 40 days proves as successful.
Once again, I’d like to thank you all for your support.
Please share the word.
Andre
Update
09 Apr 2019
From the wife’s perspective !
After some thought, I decided that it would be beneficial sharing this ‘reflection’ on various social media platforms and accounts, so that it reaches the many people who are supporting and encouraging Andre on his adventure.
Today Andre will run 52kms, having left very dear friends in New Lambton, arriving in Karuah this afternoon (day 29 of 343). Andre is entering his fifth week on the road, and I felt it important to share with you just a few memorable moments to-date.
As many of you know, as his wife, I remain in Melbourne while he undertakes this enormous challenge. Yes, I miss him, especially each morning, as he has always made my breakfast when home, and of course I miss his expert ironing. My time alone is however, filled with enormous pride, and is sprinkled with stories, which illustrate enormous kindness, love and positivity.
Running around the country is certainly something many of us see as completely mad and fraught with danger. The risks are many: injury, ill health, buggy breakdowns and traffic, just to name a few. Conversely, there are many, many, many delightful situations which, ultimately help Andre’s journey, be one of great achievement and pride. Memorable moments are continually shared with friends, family, neighbours, communities and strangers. Here are just a few I would like to highlight….
• Day 18 - Andre arrives in Milton. He was expecting to camp however was contemplating any options with motels. As he wandered along the highway, a lady was emptying her mailbox. She commented that she had seen some media regarding Andre. Her invitation for an afternoon cuppa resulted in a night of great food, conversation and accommodation with this kind lady and her husband. Andre stated it was like finding a long lost aunt and uncle and he was overwhelmed by their hospitality. A long lasting friendship forged with strangers.
• Day 26 – After a very quick visit to Taronga Zoo, Andre exits Sydney via a ferry to Manly. The plan was to run to Palm Beach that afternoon and take another ferry to Umina. The steering on his buggy snaps. In urgent need of repairs, Andre locates the nearest Bunnings in Balgowlah. After a quick conversation about what was required, the Bunnings staff take over the buggy repairs, insisting it was their contribution to the adventure. Andre is then rescued by Gavin, the Tailwind representative, and spends the night being hosted by his family.
• Day 28 – There are times in one’s life when taking a wrong turn gives you more than you could ever imagine. Andre turns left across the bridge at Budgewoi, instead of right before the bridge, and soon hears a voice calling out ‘Uncle Andre’. Our gorgeous nephew Lars, who he had met up with in Sydney, was with friends fishing from the bridge. This meeting, was definitely one of those unexpected moments in we encounter, when we least expect it.
The daily conversations with strangers, the cars tooting, with many stopping and handing Andre cash donations, are countless. Andre is continuing to receive great coverage and support by the various paper and television media outlets.
Our big THANKS, however, go to YOU – Andre’s social media followers and the 80+ donors.
The overriding message of HOPE resinates in this adventure. I hope that you experience the ‘feel-good’ endorphins I have felt over the past month … let us all be mindful of these positive experiences, as I’m sure we will need to share them with Andre when his journey is tough going.
Update
04 Mar 2019
My new buggy - ‘Intrepid II’ - is ready to go (maybe a bit of tweaking..). This is my home for the next 343 days, carrying about 80kgs of water, food and equipment.
DONATIONS217
Anonymous
Mon, 23 Sep 2019
$ 12
$ 12
Penny Kent
Fri, 13 Sep 2019
$ 100
Great effort Andre and so pleased we could be there to celebrate your achievements and support some very important causes. Penny and Simon.
Great effort Andre and so pleased we could be there to celebrate your achievements and support some very important causes. Penny and Simon.
$ 100
Guy & Sarah Barnden
Wed, 28 Aug 2019
$ 20
What a fantastic thing you are doing Andre. You are an inspiration
What a fantastic thing you are doing Andre. You are an inspiration
$ 20
Tracey Ker
Sat, 27 Jul 2019
$ 50
Andre, you have shown us what is possible, by just getting out there and giving it your best. Going solo on such a long trip is a massive feat.
Andre, you have shown us what is possible, by just getting out there and giving it your best. Going solo on such a long trip is a massive feat.
$ 50
KASSANDRA OKELLY
Sun, 21 Jul 2019
$ 40
Amazing achievement well done to you!
Amazing achievement well done to you!
$ 40
