Beau Miles. What a beauty. I am a long-time watcher of Mr Miles and a thorough enjoyer of his content. His easy nature and seemingly endless ideas for fun ways to enjoy the outdoors are of great inspiration to me. One video always stuck with me. The Mile an Hour. The premise? Run one mile every hour, on the hour, and then fill the downtime with various tasks you\u2019ve been meaning to get around to. The distance isn\u2019t unmanageable, but being awake for a full day is sure to bring some fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Five years have passed since the video released and I hadn\u2019t got around to copying it, leaving a trail of excuses as to why I couldn\u2019t at the time. Well, no more. During the Friendmas meal at around 3pm on Sunday the 17th<\/sup> of December, I decided that today was the day. It didn\u2019t matter that there was an hour drive home, or I had already been awake for that day, excuses were no longer a part of my vocabulary. I was getting this one ticked off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19:00 \u2013 Mile One<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My first of 24 loops of Hillsborough Park\u2019s main field. There weren\u2019t as many people about as I thought there would be. A couple of guys were walking their dogs. In all my excitement I actually went the wrong way. The route I had planned would cut through the car park instead of the main path, which adds the all needed extra distance to make it a perfect mile loop from the house. I forgot this was what I had decided and took the path. Well, this is my route now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Task number one was a festive one, wrap the presents I\u2019ve bought so far. I\u2019m not the best at wrapping but I have definitely improved over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20:00 \u2013 Mile Two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There were a couple more runners during this loop, with one very speedy gentleman absolutely smashing out his intervals. There was also a very big dog. Like, ride into battle big. This was my slowest loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I got in and inhaled a bag of Wotsits and then tidied up the kitchen and did the dishes (many more dishes were created in the subsequent hours).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21:00 \u2013 Mile Three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The road was lit by the glow of Christmas trees. These slowly faded as the night went on, but a single tree (and somebody else\u2019s living room light) remained on for the entire night. A young kid was practicing his football skills and passing to himself by bouncing the ball off the kerb. Another menacingly large dog was held by its owner off the path. When entering or leaving the park I had to navigate the mess that is the Leppings Lane junctions. Thankfully, I could see a tram in the distance and the traffic light for it was green. This meant I was able to cross without issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next item was a quick tidy of the living room, putting books back and generally rearranging the mess. I had two slices of buttered toast, the first of many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22:00 \u2013 Mile Four<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This loop was the first of the lonely ones. There wasn\u2019t anybody on the park loop (thought I could see headtorches further along). The lamps were still on so this didn\u2019t feel too spooky. That is until an owl decided to hoot away and an ambulance blasted past, sirens blaring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A leftover twirl from the Friendmas meal was hastily scoffed down. This provided the much-needed fuel to tackle the task of cleaning the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23:00 \u2013 Mile Five<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As the darkness fully set in, I had my first apparition. On the far path I though I spotted a runner, gently bobbing as they made their way up through the park. Alas, as I got closer, I realised my foolishness. The runner was nothing more than a house light reflected in the pond, its gentle bobbing my own. A police siren echoed through the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I hadn\u2019t eaten a proper meal since around 3pm so made a big bowl of rice with a hoisin style sauce and onions. This left just enough time to clean and organise the baking cupboard. Hopefully Fiona approves of the new layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 00:00 \u2013 Mile Six<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A dog walker had to physically restrain his dog between his legs as he saw me approach. That told me all I needed to know why he was walking it so late. The improvised meal I had bounced in my stomach, leading a little nausea but nothing I couldn\u2019t handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I did a couple climbing orientated exercises to help keep injuries at bay, as well as a bit of foam rolling, because why not. Homemade brownie helped fuel me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 01:00 \u2013 Mile Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A car sat in the middle of the road. I assume a taxi, but I couldn\u2019t see any plates. All the lights in the park were now off, marking the start of the spooky section. Birds chilling in the trees were startled by my approach, and in return they startled me as they erupted into the sky. Fairs fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those people I hadn\u2019t bought Christmas presents needn\u2019t fear as this hour was reserved for searching for and\/or ordering said gifts. I scoffed some marmite on toast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 02:00 \u2013 Mile Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I was surprised at the number of cars still out. I knew there would be some but not that many. I hoped it would make me feel safe and secure as I looped the park, but I was on edge, constantly checking my shoulder for anyone following me. What did break this fear was the look the driver of a flatbed gave me as he saw me running. I took some joy from his confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This hour I tried to hone my sewing and embroidery skills. I love repairing clothing that has torn or needs a new zip. I\u2019ve done my hydration vest, running gloves, jumpers, trousers, and I\u2019ve got a pair of shoe uppers that need a hole closing. The problem is, I\u2019m still not very good. The repairs hold (mostly) but don\u2019t look that pretty, so I squeezed in some quick reading and practise on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 03:00 \u2013 Mile Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The rain began to fall. Thankfully it wasn\u2019t too heavy and was short lived. A light was still on in a living room on the road, and I couldn\u2019t see anybody sat in there. There were still a fair number of cars about. I was wondering what they might be doing at such an hour, but I was in no position to judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I scoffed a slice of toast and sorted out the spare room for the arrival of guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 04:00 \u2013 Mile Ten<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 4am dog walking must hit different as there was a guy just vibing. He did seem a bit surprised to see me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I did the classic pickle power snack but miniaturised, taking cornichons straight from the jar and into my gob. I like drawing but don\u2019t often do it so spent this hour just doodling things about the run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 05:00 \u2013 Mile Eleven<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hallelujah, the loneliness was over as non-threatening looking people had started returning to the park. The worst of the challenge was over. I knew if I could motivate myself to keep running the loop at its scariest in the dark, as soon as day came, I knew I\u2019d be golden to finish it. This mental relief manifested in my legs, and I felt super strong on this lap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I took this newfound energy and decided to\u2026 read. I like reading, but again I haven\u2019t been giving it the time it deserves recently. I had recently started Markus Torgeby\u2019s The Runner<\/em>. I haven\u2019t finished it yet but I can highly recommend. I also had some garlic toast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 06:00 \u2013 Mile Twelve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We at the halfway point baby, and the birds are singing! This really improved my mood, my own little chorus. It was at this point I decided to try keep the loops more chill and save myself for one last mega blast for the last one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The basement has needed a bit of tidy for a while. I\u2019ve not been putting things back where they belong, so I gave it a quick rearrange. This didn\u2019t take as long as expected, which was a relief as it is a bit grim down there. I used the remaining time to have a look on Instagram and saw a Myprotein ad for any 1kg bag of whey protein for \u00a310 for new customers. Oh no, I\u2019ve already ordered from them. I then made three new email accounts and cashed in. It also came out to \u00a39.50 a bag, bargain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 07:00 \u2013 Mile Thirteen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rush hour begins. The cars start coming and they don\u2019t stop coming, fed to the rules and I hit the ground running, didn’t make sense not to live for fun, your brain gets smart but your legs go run. I apologise for that. On the way back I almost collided with a milkman emerging from behind a tall van onto the path. Thankfully I mooooooved out of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At home I worked on my PhD applications over a big bowl of bran flakes and maple syrup with a banana protein shake poured over. I also treated myself to a shower to mark that less than half remained and definitely not because I smelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 08:00 \u2013 Mile Fourteen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gah! This one was annoying. I had to wait a long time at lights and crossings because, as it said, they don\u2019t stop coming. What made it bearable was the numerous nods of acknowledgment I exchanged with other runners. What a brotherhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Didier the C1 needed a hoover and has done for a while, so I loaded up the Shark and headed outside. I didn\u2019t get everything, but what can you do when you\u2019ve only got the suction power of a handheld?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 09:00 \u2013 Mile Fifteen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fi set off with me on her way into Uni whilst I charged on to lots more waiting at the crossings. I saw her again coming out of the park at the tram stop. More accurately, I was shouted at to get my attention as I was so oblivious. My brain felt a bit frazzled. This marked 24 hours awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing she was up and out, this let me make the bed and tidy the bedroom. I found a mars bar on my bedside table (don\u2019t judge me) so I ate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10:00 \u2013 Mile Sixteen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This one did annoy me a bit. I\u2019ve seen a couple posts on Strava and Instagram recently with people\u2019s run ins with poorly trained dogs when they\u2019ve been out. This mile saw a lot of them. Constantly pulling, off lead and jumping on other leashed dogs, not returning to calls. I am glad none tried to go for my ankles as has happened multiple times before when on a run. There were some well-behaved ones, walking in step with their owners off lead not breaking file, even when other dogs were passing by, but its concerning to see the number of dogs that aren\u2019t actually under control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I spent the remainder of the hour with good old Henry, getting those carpets and wood floor nice and clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11:00 \u2013 Mile Seventeen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hillsborough Park is home to Sheffield Cycling 4 All, a project run by Disability Sheffield. This project provides trikes and four-wheeled bikes for those who can\u2019t ride a traditional bike. On my loop I passed numerous people having a great time, pedalling hard up the short hill and being rewarded with the long descent back to the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Henry\u2019s hard work set the stage for me to get some mopping done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12:00 \u2013 Mile Eighteen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The park got to its busiest yet. Having to dodge so many people made me think I was running slowly but it turned out to be pretty quick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n After an appropriate workman\u2019s meal of eggs on toast I whipped out the tools and put a mirror up. We have had this mirror a long time, and the markings on the wall for where the plugs needed to be drilled in have been there for maybe a day less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13:00 \u2013 Mile Nineteen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another run of standing about waiting to cross the road because everyone and their grandad was out. I did notice the apparent aggression with which some people drive. A car went to turn left and the man behind, instead of slowing and waiting the second or so for the car in front to complete its manoeuvre, decided to just swerve onto the oncoming lane and swerve back to then have to stop anyway for the obvious red light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I walked down to the shop to get some things for tea. When I went to start scanning, I noticed the old man before me had forgotten his cigarettes. I ran after him and handed them back, a lawful evil act?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14:00 \u2013 Mile Twenty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In stark contrast to mile sixteen, the dogs on this mile tugged on my heart. The number of puppies was ridiculous. Their little faces excited at the big new world around them. Nothing mundane. I did feel a little tired on this loop, but it was short lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had some Tangfastics and organised the tool cupboard in the hall. Much like the basement, I had got into the habit of using something and then not putting it back correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15:00 \u2013 Mile Twenty-One<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the brief notes I kept for each run I have simply written, \u2018This run has become lost to me\u2019. Ooooooh, isn\u2019t that a dramatic way to say I didn\u2019t pay attention and can\u2019t remember what that run was like. Chances are it was pretty much the same as all the ones before and after. Why not write your own account of it in the space below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I used to write a diary religiously every day, and then one day just stopped. On my birthday this year I decided to start again and so ordered a little black bullet journal because I was feeling extra. I spent this hour just writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16:00 \u2013 Mile Twenty-Two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tiredness just before this one really hit me. I had a period of 10 minutes or so of just wanting to sleep, probably brought on by just sitting and writing. The run itself felt slow again but I managed a good pace. The final sprint is tantalisingly close!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another house chore, getting the clothes washing done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17:00 \u2013 Mile Twenty-Three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I listened to Lorna Shore\u2019s Immortal <\/em>and To the Hellfire<\/em> to get me pumped during the penultimate mile, using the minute or so build up as an intro from the flat to outside. A couple of runners said Hey to me as I passed, and again at the other side of the loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then started this very write up. Is this write-up-ception?! Who knows, I\u2019ve bashed the rest of this out the following evening and it is currently 01:24 on Wednesday morning. Gotta love the Christmas holiday sleep schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18:00 \u2013 Mile Twenty-Four<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we are, the moment all five of you have been waiting for. A day in the making. Time to turn on the afterburners and go all out. I sprinted down the road, slowing to pass walkers, and stopping to cross the road. A running club were assembling in the park. My little legs carried me hurriedly to the lowest part of the course, halfway, before setting on fire on the miniscule climb. I breathed hard. I wanted this one to be the quickest of them all by a big margin. I stopped my watch at the gate, and like that it was done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All I had to do now was make dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All in all, I ran 24 miles in 24 hours, got lots of odd jobs done, and didn\u2019t sleep for 36 hours. Apparently, I was out like a light as soon as my head hit the pillow, and the worst snoring imaginable started shortly after. I can highly recommend this as a fun little challenge if you\u2019ve got nothing better to do with your time like me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to see the pictures, I may upload them here at some point but they are all on Strava<\/a> and saved on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Beau Miles. What a beauty. I am a long-time watcher of Mr Miles and a thorough enjoyer of his content. His easy nature and seemingly endless ideas for fun ways to enjoy the outdoors are of great inspiration to me. One video always stuck with me. The Mile an Hour. The premise? 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