And then it was done! 2000KM in 12 months. One significant injury derailed things for a couple of months but the journey back taught me even more. I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way, all of the donors, the members and listeners to Irishman Running Abroad, Tina (my wife), Mikey and of course Sonia. Running is now part of who I am and the money you have donated is now part of Jigsaw and how it continues to do the good work it does. Thank you all so much. You can still donate until March. Until the next challenge, good luck and stay well. Jar.

A few people asking whether I am going to hit my 2000Km target by December 31st. Well with the 3 months of injury lay-off I’ve been allowed to extend the 12 month deadline to the end of March. At the moment I am on so close and still it looks doable barring a disaster. If you fancy supporting me in the challenge, here is the place to do it. Today I met up a group of the legends who listen to the podcast for a swift 10K around the Phoenix Park. There is no way I’d be this close to the finish line without these guys and people like you who have supported me along the way.

400km to go! I can't believe we are this close to the target of 2000km in one year. It's been a long road, with loads of events, tears, deep heat cream and moments I will never forget. Since my last update I have done meet up runs with Sonia, a Phoenix Park meet up run, my first ever Park Run, The Run In The Dark and The Ireland Funds 10K. I never thought any of this was possible. It's helped me understand that no matter how bleak your situation, there is always hope. We have raised thousands and hundreds of you have donated. If you can afford it and you feel it is worth it, please give a little something again. I promise I am going to smash the target for you and for the whole team at Jigsaw. They have been in touch a lot and they are so happy with the response to the challenge. Every penny will go a long way towards helping the young people back home who need help.

Back in the saddle! Almost. Happy to say I'm almost there with my injury rehab. The leg feels good and the world feels a bit brighter. The challenge to run 2000km for Jigsaw.ie was always going to be a steep hill to climb especially starting from where I started. That said, I feel like I'm better equipped to complete it now than before the injury took place. Thanks to every one who has gotten in touch to help me through this tricky period. Sonia has linked me up with her brilliant strength and conditioning guru Trevor Cummins and that has changed everything really. For more updates subscribe to our weekly podcast. The next event we hope to take part in is the Fota Island Cheetah Run on June 7th. Fingers crossed. Safe running and thanks again for all your continued donations and support. Jar.

There was always going to be bumps in the road. I hit a pretty big one on April 13th when I sustained a stress fracture in my left tibia. I was running 50K a week at the time and had a bit of a pain in that leg. Assuming it was just a niggle, I pushed on. Boy was that a mistake. Turns out I had over done the training and this microscopic but still painful fracture was the proof. If you’ve been wondering why my mileage hasn't continued to soar of late it’s because I’ve been advised to avoid running for at least six weeks. It’s gutting but once Sonia calmed me down and gave me plan for recovery I felt a lot better. In some ways the mental struggle of this has helped me realise on a very small level how important the work of Jigsaw is. If I was a kid training and this happened to me, if I didn’t have Sonia or a great support network on Strava, I’d imagine the team at Jigsaw would be invaluable. Perspective is everything. That’s what Sonia keeps telling me and she’s right. This is not the end of the world. I am spending the non-running weeks busting my butt on my bicycle and building some strength so that this won’t happen again. I will get to 2000K. I might need to extend my deadline but I will get there. I’d love if you joined me or supported the cause. Stay safe. Jar.

Delighted to say our Mother's Day & Patrick's Day events have been a huge success. Thanks to everyone who signed up in the Irishman Running Abroad club on Strava. We have one more Lent event left and there's still time to join that one. I can't really wrap my head around the idea that we have raised this much money already and I'm heading towards 1000K in the next couple of months. Now that Spring is here the miles seem a bit easier. Sonia is the key to everything. Her coaching and belief in me all the way made me believe in myself. I can feel that from our other runners. Big shout out to Simon Egan who just completed his 1000K for Jigsaw.ie - he is a hell of runner and supporter of the whole project. All the kind comments and donations mean so much and really drive me on. Thanks so much lads. Please spread the word. Jigsaw's mental services and resources are only surviving thanks to you and people like you. I wish they were around when I was a young lad. They are changing and saving lives every day. Let's do our bit. Thanks again, Jar.

It's Spring at last! Sonia has designed three Lent events to keep us all motivated. One is on Mothers' Day, one is on St. Patrick's Day and the final one is a week long event to get us up the hills called "Elevation". I honestly have no idea how I'd have gotten through the last few months without this challenge, your support and the coaching of Sonia. I suffered a couple of niggly tendon injuries while "trying too hard" to up my mileage each week. Your support and the words from Sonia each week on the podcast meant that I got right back on the wagon. As you can see we are now steaming towards the half way mark. I'll do my best to keep a monthly update going up here so that you can track the progress and maybe throw in a couple of extra quid for Jigsaw if it impresses you. Jigsaw.ie are continuing to do incredible work. Please check out their site if you have the time. Jar.

We are fast approaching our second event on November 18th. 400+ people have joined the challenge over on Strava club. Join us or just keep track on how things are progressing. Almost 300K covered alread!