Running Through Storm Darragh: My Experience and Advice

Greetings, fellow runners and adventurers! Today, I found myself running right in the heart of Storm Darragh, which has taken the UK by storm—literally. It's December 2024, and we find ourselves facing quite a formidable weather system, at least by our standards here in the UK. With 45 to 50 mile an hour gusts of wind and torrential rains, it's been a challenging environment to lace up and hit the pavement. But in a busy world, sometimes you have to seize a small window of opportunity, and I did just that. So let me share what it's been like and a few insights I've gathered along the way.

Firstly, a bit of context. I recognise that storms in the UK often pale in comparison to those experienced in other parts of the world. However, our infrastructure here isn’t quite designed for major storms, and this one's been significant enough to disrupt everyday life. While I'm based in the southeast, where we're witnessing slightly less ferocious conditions, the northwest and the western coast have been battered much harder.

Before diving into the details, it's crucial to remember that this endeavour is more than just about braving the elements—it's tied to an important children's fundraiser. My challenge involves running an ultra marathon of sorts on consecutive days, aiming to stretch a distance around the world, barefoot no less! The broader reach we secure, the more funds we accumulate, meaning more children's lives are positively impacted.

Now, running in 45 to 50 mph gusts is no simple feat. It's genuinely tough, particularly with temperatures dipping to around 2 degrees Celsius. The wind chill is a relentless adversary. Thankfully, I found a brief span sans rain, though the torrential downpour dominated the past 24 hours. With such weather, even the football calendar took a hit, with many matches postponed—not because the grounds were unplayable, but due to possible travel chaos for fans.

As I pressed on, the wind presented a peculiar companion. Running one way, a tailwind pushed me effortlessly, though turning around was akin to battling uphill or wading through thick treacle. Even with protective gear like a ‘dead cat’ on my microphone, the wind's power was unmistakable. It's a stark reminder of the sheer force of nature and its whims. As the evening progresses, heavier conditions are anticipated, further affirming the storm's grip on us.

To those contemplating a run in such stormy weather—think twice. If there are active weather warnings suggesting you stay indoors, heed them. My drive is tied to the commitment of my charity work, a deeply personal cause that pushes me to run regardless of the elements or my physical state. But for most, safety should be prioritised. When Mother Nature flexes her muscles, very little can stand in her way.

Storm Darragh is sweeping across the UK, touching nearly every corner. Fortunately, being in the southeastern segment, I've been relatively spared the worst. But my advice remains: listen to weather warnings. They're issued for a reason and could very well save you from unnecessary harm. For the ardent runners out there, unless a commitment forces you, don’t risk it.

In broader terms, think of the response to this storm—half of the football matches across the country were halted, showing just how significant the threat is. Professional fixtures, which often soldier on in adverse conditions, were called off due to travel concerns. In essence, this storm is no joke.

Whether you're out on the roads or safely indoors, think about your choices when faced with nature's fury. If you're in doubt, play it safe. For any questions or musings, feel free to reach out. Together, by raising awareness and funds, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of children.

Thank you for following along this journey. Stay positive, stay happy, and until next time!