James Cracknell

A note from James

06/10/2011

If Martin Johnson is looking for a way of ensuring his players don’t visit a vertically challenged themed nightclub or engage in equally inappropriate behaviour at a hotel one option is to send them on a cycle ride from Land’s End to John O Groats. Admittedly it might leave them less than fresh for Saturday’s quarter final against France but if they feel like I’ve felt since the early hours of Monday morning going out wouldn’t be on their agenda.

I’ve constructed an ‘if only’ list that’s not much shorter than the 842miles we were aiming to cycle and my mood has swung from frustration, embarrassment, anger and disbelief. Right now the only positives I can take from the record attempt are I truly found my post-accident fatigue capacity which is a useful marker in my brain injury recovery, I never lacked the determination or doubted we’d get there and raised awareness for Headway as well as much needed funds. But what has elevated my spirits are your comments, if you’re in the public eye and make fuss about doing something people will be hoping you fail and won’t be shy about letting you know why

The comments have been incredibly supportive and helped me place what our failure to make it into perspective. I’m lucky to physically be able to do the ride after the accident and have my wife’s trust and support that the right decision would be made regarding safety. A decision made easier by devolving it to the support crew who could make a more unemotional decision. It was hard for them to abort the record attempt as they wanted to be part of a record breaking run. I’m thankful to them for making that hard decision and sorry we didn’t set a new record, it goes to show if something is really worth achieving it takes a lot of hard work.

The fact that we were nearly there only makes it more frustrating but at least we can look in the mirror and be sure that the face starring back totally emptied the tanks. The same is true of the guys who set the record in the same year we won the FIFA World Cup, beating that record using today’s equipment, training and nutrition should be a piece of cake. But that’s a mistake and underestimates their supreme ability to endure discomfort. It’s not about your highest speed it’s about your average and the less time you’re stationary the higher that average will be. Our failure was stopping too regularly and not answering the question “Do you really need to take a break?” honestly enough.

Failing at something is never and should never be a positive experience but I’m determined to learn from my mistakes and be able to answer “no” to the above question. In order to achieve that I’m going to rip out our sofa and replace it with a bike so I get used to sitting on one for hours, then maybe next time.

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Comments

Hi James ..I have shot of you guys just North of Wolverhampton on Day 1.email me if you'd like a copy ? Best wishes.John

John Kirk

On Belgian Discovery channel they held a marathon on all of your encounters. It was fun watching them all in a row! You are truly inspirational, James. It made me put on my running shoes and go for a 2hr run. Keep it up!

Kevin

James - we road a bit together on the L2P in 2010 and enjoyed every minute of your company and still amuse myself thinking how thinking how Bev snared you on the way over succesfully as i gather a little girl was made! As i lie here in the Atkinson Morley Wing of st georges on xmas eve having just had brain opp no 3 i can only dream of getting back on the bike. If i was you of course i d be gutted to have no accompished my task -my physio Duncan Hards also failed on his solo attemp last year and following a chat with him last week i could see how much the disappointment ment to him but like you he ll be back in his saddle in 2012 and is a strong boy!
Good luck with the sofa stunt - you re a flipping brave man - id be in all sorts of trouble if i attempted that manover ( as appealing as it is!) i wish you well next year and have no dobt you ll right it and think of you when i m out of here back on my Time trying to get my balance and pre opp power back in my legs. Happy Christmas and t

Tom leefe

Hi im from South Africa and have been watching some of the races you have done on the satellite tv here. I never knew the human body could take some much pain and accomplish so much until i watched your series.. As far as im concerned you are the best and i totally agree with Jeremy from RSA, you are an inspiration to us wanna be athletes and the world needs a lot more people like you...

Jonathan H

Hey James , just watched your Trans US attempt. Bit behind the times here in South Africa. "It wouldn't be fun if it was easy". What an awesome attitude! I have done a few mutli-day MTB races and my biggest fear is what I will feel like when I wake up the next morning and I had given up... You are a legend mate, the world needs more people like you to show us that there are still places both in the outdoors and inside of ourselves that can be explored.. You have to get to South Africa, we have lots of things here to keep you busy. Keep up the good work.

Jeremy

James,
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW.
You have inspired me, perfect timing. Thank YOU.
Just do it.

Amanda CS

Superhuman! James, you are quite possibly the most remarkable human being on the planet. You inspire me to challenge myself.

Terry McAdams

You are a complete inspiration always pushing at and crossing the barriers of human endurance. The extreme difficulty and ever present risk of collapse are all part of the challenge. The fact that you are now thinking about what you need to do to to crack it next time shows you're not defeated. I am taking on 5 Ultra marathons next year to celebrate my 50th Birthday covering a distance of 500kms to raise money for Beating Bowel Cancer. Watching your efforts and being inspired by them was where the idea first stared forming.

Roger Bullen

Your determination and drive is absolutely awesome and so inspiring James. Keep it up dude!

Adam Phillips

Hi James, everytime I read or see something about you and what your doing next is an inspiration to me and should be to everyone, your drive and will power is unbelievable and you will be back, its not in your being to lie down. So chin up my man and here's to the future.

Paraic

Nobody ever failed that had the guts to get off their backside and try. did George Forman fail against Ali?
I am hoping to be the first person to set a new 'End to End' record next year (with a new and bizare form of transport). and when things get tough (my trip may take up to 40 days) I will think of your guts and keep pushing. (and resting when my team tells me to)

Patrick Jubb

There is not great talent without great will power and you have it in bucket loads James......till the next time :)

Kim Shrosbree

Surely the main thing is the money you raised for charity and those who will benefit? In the general scheme of things it's just a bike ride between two arbitrary points with a bunch of made up rules. The inspiration comes from the learning about yourself and the lessons you take forward and raising the bar for others over what is possible. Leave the sofa where it is, enjoy sitting with your family and see it for what it is. The joy is the journey, the bike simply the medium.

hampshirelad

My wife took part in the Caledonian Challenge a couple of years ago - i was the support crew for her colleagues. At the finish line, it struck me that the ultra marathon runners completed in 12hrs, but walked off ok, yet the "walkers" all completing in 20 hrs looked awful.
I think there is a point after which your body just says "no" i want sleep.
Conclusion- next time, pee on the fly, but also, do do do, turn left after Glenfarg and take the Wick O'Baiglie road!

We look forward to what you choose to do next!

Hezz

James..you've just solved the problem of where to set up my turbo in my appartment....the sofa's going!!
Great effort - again - keep your pecker up.

Andrew Lambert

I can understand your frustration but to get as far as you did, in the time you did, was not only amazing but impossible for us ordinary people. You raised money and awareness for Headway and (yet again) proved to be an inspiration to many. All reasons to hold your head high and feel proud not embarrassed.

Rebecca Brightmore

James,i really do hope there is a next time.Good luck in all you do..

stuart brown

Get a grip, its not life or death

rob

James as part of your trusted crew for the weekend it has warmed my soul to hear that your fighting spirit is still burning brightly ! I have speant the last few days analysing every thing that we did and what i would do differently it clearly appears that every day is a school day and i certainly learnt alot over the weekend, both you and jerone are superhuman and your efforts and drive are second to none. Not sure about the sofa replacement but hey what ever works. Look forward to crossing that line in the future. mark

Mark

Your a total inspiration for me. I have watched you over a few years now and lost over 7 stone in weight to compete in the UK Ironman next year. Watching you do this ride (which I was out in the car on the Saturday evening) and the other things you have achieved just inspire me to do more. Of course its a shame it was never completed, but next time.....

Eric

James, you have everything to be proud of. I have found the challenges you take on powerfully inspirational. I hope after recovering from the treatments i am undergoing, to take on a cycling challenge on a recumbent trike. The trike was bought for me by H4H as i am unable to ride in an upright position. I am sure i will be attempting something incredibly modest compared to your efforts, however the experiences you have shared with us all will make success more likely for me. You have my thanks for that.
Best wishes.
Rich.

Richard

That's more like it!!! I love that you are already thinking about next time and learning from your mistakes will make you stronger. I still can't believe you got so close to this amazing record just over a year from your accident, you have true guts! How about doing it the otherway round next time then you won't face the same demons at the same place!!! - besides it's downhill to Conwall and I will be here to cheer you on! xx

Becky H

I have to say that you are an inspiration to all of us, someone who gives 100% no matter what you are taking on.
I know you will break that record very soon.

Martin Rose

I have to say that you are an inspirational person, someone who we all look up to.
Im very sure when you attempt to break the record again the outcome will be alot different.

martin rose

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