2019 – Nick Butter Running

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Nick Butter Running

Ultra Runner, Endurance Athlete, Adventurer & Motivational Speaker

Category: 2019

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2017, 2018, 2019, Diary Updates, Events, Running, Running The World, Sponsors, Ultra, World Records

Running The World 196 – Everything You Need to Know… 196 Marathons, 196 Countries, 550 Days, 8 World Records.

September 16, 2017 — 0 Comments

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2017, 2018, 2019, Events, Running, Running The World

Running The World 196 | A Marathon In Every Country In The World | A World First

August 13, 2017 — 6 Comments

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Day 280 - United States 🇺🇸 Yosemite. Day Two - I picked up a couple of hitchhikers today. - I’m beginning to realise the power of nature. Today was yet again a brilliant day. I’m just so much happier when I’m away from buildings and man made things (and yet frustratingly I rely so heavily on them for WiFi, or for air travel etc). - Last night after my star gazing I drove the 1 hour 20 min journey south out of the valley. I tentatively made my down the winding narrow mountain roads to a place called Bass Lake. If you’ve ever watched the new Netflix show The Ozarks it was basically the same. - Nobody is allowed to sleep within the National Park so most visitors either camp in paid camp sites in and around the valley or make their way just beyond the permitter to surrounding small settlements or sleep by the side of the road. - Not only did I need to get fuel, but I was craving some proper food so this was win win. This morning I lazily made my way to a small breakfast restaurant overlooking the lake and then filled the car up with gas. This was easier said than done when only holding a British debit card. - After my morning drive around the mountains I pulled over to pick up some hitchhikers attempting to make their way back to Yosemite village after a long hike. - These two were super friendly and so we ended up hanging out for most of the afternoon. We went for lunch, climbed to the top of Sentinel Dome, chilled in the valley for a while and then dropped them back at their car at Glacier Point towards dusk. - It’s now 23:45 and I’ve just got back to the van after another night of cold star gazing. Hi to Colton and his girlfriend who i spent several hours with photographing the sky. - I have apprehensively decided to stay up here at Glacier Point. Although technically breaking the rules; there’s only a few cars around and I need to be here at 06:00 tomorrow morning to meet Summer for sunrise. Summers currently making the 5 hour drive from San Fran to spend my last couple of days with me in the mountains. Legend. Excited. - Fingers crossed I don’t get moved on by the rangers. #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #adventure #photography #runnersofinstagram #running

Day 279 United States 🇺🇸 Yosemite Day One - Today was one of the best days of my life. - At 10:15 today I saw the view from glacier point that I’ve wanted to see for years. Half dome in all its glory. - I woke up in my little van at 05:00am. The sun was ready to peep over the horizon, the sound of tent zippers began and the gentle chatter of sleepy campers soon engulfed the wilderness. By 07:00am I was meandering through the valley with a whole day ahead of me, on my own, in blissful peace and quiet of nature. I stopped and pulled over several times on the journey up the 7000 feet accent. - The sharp yellow lines down the centre of the road, the fog and haze of the distant morning, and the roar of water cascading over cliffs far away. I can’t put into words how lucky and privileged I feel. It’s strange to think I’m far from anyone I know, I’m alone, and yet I have the biggest smile on my face. The planet offers us such beauty. So go look at it, run in it and smile I thought, so I did. - The scale, the colour and the crisp horizon lines of this place are special. The granite walls rising high above the valley floor; you can almost feel the texture of the white pastel mountains. If you’re ever feeling down or glum, hop on a plane and get here! Sorted. - I was unsure where to buy entrance this morning; nobody was around to take my money so I carried on though the gates. Apparently this is allowed. Phew. - After purchasing a tripod from the nearby shop, and chatting to a great chap about photography for a while, I ventured up the mountain to watch the sun fall below the grey walls. The clouds, the sun, and the cold, made for brilliant views with the best atmosphere. Thanks to Bill and Ron who chatted with me about everything and anything to do with photography. I was in my element. - The sky turned black and the magic of the planet turned on the tiny specs in the sky. Stars in their multitude, scares to be counted - I have wanted to capture the night sky here for as long as I’ve known about it; and tonight, just 3 hours ago I did. Boom, today I made every second count. Tomorrow you have 86400 to use how you want. #adventure #stars #nightsky #photo #yosemite

Day 278 United States 🇺🇸 San Fran to Yosemite National Park 😛👌🏼 - A little boys dream come true. - That’s not strictly true I suppose; I was probably 18 when I started to climb a bit. I was rubbish then, and I still am now; but I love it. Climbing introduced me to Alex Honnold @alexhonnold - and if you don’t know him, shame on you 🙈, he’s possibly the best free soloist of all time. Climbing led to Alex, and Alex led to Yosemite. (Or potentially Yosemite led Alex if you want to be poetic) - So tonight, as I write this I am sleeping in a small car sized RV in a campsite that I haven’t paid for, and I don’t really know where I am; but I’m in the National Park and that’s where I’ve wanted to be for about 10 years! - After an early start to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge I got an over expensive taxi to the pick up location for my Jucy RV. Imagine a big America family car and then put the seats down in the back and add a kitchen. Well, that’s basically this. It’s comfy and I get to sleep more or less anywhere 😋 yay. The Golden Gate Bridge is spectacular, but you don’t need me to tell you that. - 5 hours later and after faffing with my WiFi box which I had managed to break the drive was complete. It was dark and driving on the right hand side again kept me alert. - I stopped off on route in the utterly brilliant REI store - basically it makes Go Outdoors look like child’s play. This store is American. Need I say more. It’s big. I stocked up and off I went again passing a small store for 24 bottles of water, some milk and some snacks. Who needs food ey. - So as I say goodnight, I feel like a kid at Christmas. The mountains surround me and I’m super excited for tomorrow’s day exploring. #adventure #goldengatebridge #photography #landscape #sanfran #travel #runnersofinstagram #runningman #run #running #marathon #runningtheworld196

Day 277 United States 🇺🇸 Chicago to San Francisco - Bye bye Illinois hello California. - Today was a simple 4.5 hour domestic flight - only my 3rd domestic flight of the trip plus the most significant negative time difference so far. Catching up with family and friends is harder because I am waking up just as they are falling asleep more or less. - I left Chicago this morning early, easy checkin, met some lovely people on the plane and like magic I was there... The Golden Gate Bridge is something I’ve been waiting to see for a while. - My original plan was to rent an RV and camp from San Fran to Vegas before rejoining my Europe leg of phase 7. In the large part that’s still the general idea; tonight though I’ve opted for a hostel. The San Fran International Hostel is central and pretty good really. Amazing that I’ve been travelling for nearly 10 months and this is only my second hostel. Fortunate. Don’t get me wrong I actually love hostels but I need more space to dry clothes and generally feel exhausted. Either way San Fran had no free accommodation. - The bonus of today was meeting up with my super cool Californian friend Summer. Me from the UK 🇬🇧, Summer from the states 🇺🇸, and we actually met in Italy in a small cafe waiting for a train. If you travel enough you’ll learn this is the best thing about the world. People are awesome. - I dumped my stuff at the hostel after a bit of an Uber issue; boring so won’t go into it, and then Summer arrived in her stereotypical little red pick up. Thanks for driving into the city to show me round. 👌🏼 - We spent most of tonight exploring the city; this was my only night here and so we made it count. - As you all know I love my photos so we began the photo hunting quest. - We did the Golden Gate Bridge some creepy caves on a beach, an old ruin and then headed to Haight-Ashbury to witness the hippy side of San Fran. I watched a guy nearly splat himself into a car by sitting on a makeshift cart down the steep street. I was also treated to my first ‘In and Out’ burger plus we feasted on 6 Krispy Creams before a walk towards Pier 39. - Thanks Summer and thanks San Fran. I’m tucked up in my little bunk bed. Night. #run

Day 276 - United States 🇺🇸 #Christoper #Columbus Day - Thank you #Chicago - On 12th October 1492 Chris (as I know him) rocked up in America. If you’re not a fan of long journeys , just imagine what his journey was like. I can’t really get my head around a world before the knowledge we have today. Travel, Communication, and context, all so wildly different and really just a few years ago. - It’s a national holiday in the states today and there’s a huge precision through the streets. - It’s been a real treat to have a few extra days in Chicago. - Here’s a recap: - 🔸I ran quickly in the rain including a stop to toe my shoe lace and take a few photos. 🔸I visited the mirror bean at cloud gate 🔸I went to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, Willis Tower. 🔸I ran past the famous Chicago sign 🔸I ran down a section of Route 66. 🔸I found a great spot to photograph the commuter train through the city 🔸I walked through the Lake Michigan parks 🔸I stayed in the beautiful Viceroy hotel 🔸I met new friends 🔸I met up with Hugo, a friend I made in Paraguay, #friendseverywhere 🔸I met a brilliant family who were inspired enough by the trip to come visit me 🔸I designed the WonderFULL cap 🔸I ate the famous deep dish pizzas 🔸I visited the famous Navy Pier 🔸I ate at Cindy’s bar 🔸I’m still not over the jet lag. - I also managed to photograph a protest a couple of days ago which I forgot to mention. Photo 4 and 5 capture the march through the city against the sentencing of Vandyke. Powerful to witness the most peaceful of protests. The power of people is incredible. - Tomorrow I venture west. San Francisco here I come. Please be sunny. #running #travel #runnersofinstagram #photography #landscape #buildings #arcitecture #marathon #run #runningman #america #adventure #runningtheworld196

Day 275 - United States 🇺🇸 Chicago Marathon - Apparently the best way to run a sub 3 marathon is to run 79 marathons in 79 different countries within 9 months. Perfect training really. Haha 😂 - Well that went better than expected. 😋👌🏼 2:59:11. Haven’t run a sub 3 this year yet. Although this is only my unofficial watch time I’m happy. I decided to give today a good go. Loved it. - So this is my 80th marathon this year; but it actually doesn’t count. I don’t need to be here really. My expedition is to run a marathon in every country in the world; and I ran Miami as marathon number 2 back in January. But as you all know, I couldn’t help but sneak in all the world majors too. So London and Berlin counted as U.K. and Germany, but Chicago, Boston and New York are just bonus marathons for me. Yippee. - I always like to start quite far back in the field ... two reasons 1) so I can run past people and feel like I’m Mo Farah, and 2) it’s a good way to spot people I know and chat to them. Starting so far back did mean I had to weave around lots of people today... I ran so much further than I needed to. Never mind, a few extra miles can’t hurt. 🙈 - I loved today; probably within my top 5 all time favourite runs. I haven’t run for time for over a year; i usually just enjoy the spectacle. If I’m honest I expected my legs to turn off after half way, but they were fine. - Q - What did I eat before and during? A - Always eat two bananas 🍌 🍌 and at least 2 litres of water 💦 💦 before a race, nothing during. - Q - What’s my post race look like? A - Hot chocolate 🍫 , water 💦 , Dunkin Donuts 🍩 , litre of milk 🥛 , bagel with bacon and cheese 🧀 , and then two massive bags of ice on my legs until the go numb. I ice my knees, my lower legs, my upper legs, (both on top and underneath), and my hips and achilles. I then scoffed my face with a brilliant chicken 🐓 and rice 🍚 dish from Chipotle. Oh and about 20 minutes of casual stretching 🙆‍♂️ - Thanks Chicago and well done to all who ran and enjoyed the 26.2 miles in torrential rain ☔️. #running #runnersofinstagram #runner #run #adventure #marathon #travelblogger #runningtheworld196 #chicagomarathon #motivation #chicago

Day 274 - United States 🇺🇸 Chicago - Bib Collection - Everyone loves a nice runny egg right? What about a dip in a warm steamy swimming pool on the roof of a sky scrapper? - Today went like this: - 05:00 - Yawn. I’ve made no attempt to fight the jet lag whatsoever - I’ve been nodding off about 6pm and waking up at 5am. Winning. - 07:00 - Brunch at Yolk. A classic no frills American diner. Runny eggs, hence the name, huge portions, massive cinnamon roll (not photographed cos It was to tasty to last) - 09:00 - Umbrellas at dawn. I collected a snazzy umbrella From my hotel Viceroy and wandered around the city attempting to take some arty photos of the skyline. The fog hung below the tops of buildings and the heavy rain made for some great classically Chicago shots. I hope. - 13:00 - Packet pick up. Never known it to be called pocket pick up; was always called a bib, but hey America change the name why don’t you. The expo wasn’t that big actually, well organised though and I bumped into so many people that I knew or that at least knew me. Hello to my sponsors @runderwearofficial. If you’re a runner, try their gear out. Honestly a great product. Does what it says on the tin. - 15:00 - Family fans. It was lovely to receive an email from a family that wanted to hang out with me. Lisa and her family have been following the trip from day one - we met briefly and chatted. Thanks guys - reminded me of the good that this trip is doing. I hope you continue to feel inspired. Go grab your dreams. - 19:00 - Pizza and Pool. An awesome pizza place is right next door to the hotel. Lou Mahatis is famous for their Chicago deep dish. Once again I love some junk food so I may or may not have eaten two full size cookie pizzas (yes a pizza but made of cookie) and then bobbed around in the rooftop pool watching the sun go down. Bliss. I did feel rather bloated though. 😂 - Bedtime now. It’s only 19:00 🙈 Marathon tomorrow though. My bet is that it rains... 100% of my time here, it’s rained, so fingers crossed for a change in the weather. #running #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation #runningman #run #chicago #marathon #marathonrunner #nickbutter #runningtheworld196 #runderwear #adventure

Day 273 - United States 🇺🇸 Chicago, Lake Michigan, Illinois - Windy, rainy, and just how I like it. I’ve never been to Chicago before, but the bad weather is always how I imagined for some reason. The windy city living up to its name. - I ventured out from my gorgeous hotel into the cold city. Some sightseeing had to be done. I visited the bean, the pier and then attempted to get a great view of the city from the famous skydeck. The fog and low cloud has been lingering over the city all day, and I’m told it will continue that way. Sadly no photo from the tops of skyscrapers. - What with my pro athlete lifestyle and aptitude I was hungry and so as usual I feasted on the most non athlete style meal. To hell with nutrition; a giant, American sized Five Guys @fiveguys burger with all the trimming will do it. Yum. Needless to say I walked out of the burger heaven with the feeling I had just eaten my body weight in oily fat. Oh the guilt, or not 😋 - Some of you may know that I collect caps. I’ve been buying a cap from everywhere country or city I’ve visited so far. Give or take a few due to the lack of, well, anything. I happened to stumble past a Lids store today. If you don’t know, @lids is an American cap shop, and I love it. - You remember my new magazine WonderFULL? @wonderfullmagazine Well I thought I’d get our logo mocked up on a cap. We’ll branch out into this kinda material one day soon, so it was fitting to give it a try. Came away really happy with the outcome. I’m easily pleased aren’t i. Also in other news, I’m really pleased to announce that Mike and I have secured a designer for the magazine. She’s brilliant and her name is Carmen. The mag is purely in print form and we hope you’ll all grab a copy when it’s launched later in the year (January issue). Thanks Carmen for some great work. - So that was my day; simple but fun. My legs certainly did a fair few miles walking around the city battling the wind. Oh and I forgot I was supposed to pick up my race bib. I’ll do that tomorrow. The joys of having a bonus day or two in a city. #running #runnersofinstagram #chicago #illinois #viceroychicago #run #WonderFULL #adventure #magazine #travelblogger #runner

Expedition Finish

Running The World 196November 11th, 2019

12 months to go.

RTW196 Closing EventMarch 30th, 2020

17 months to go.

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