Lynne Allbutt Ran barefoot across Wales
Crickhowell gardener Lynne Allbutt ran into the history books by becoming the first man or woman to run the width of Wales barefoot.
Far from being an Ultra Runner or even working in the fitness industry, Lynne is a 47-year-old self-employed gardener (& often described as a Champion of Mother Nature). In just six months, Lynne trained herself to be able to run the 51 miles required (almost two marathons) to cross Wales in two days. She learnt the 'barefoot running technique' and conditioned her bare feet to cope with all sorts of terrain - from tarmac to moorland - during the wettest winter on record.
Lynne Allbutt flies the flag during her record breaking bare foot runLynne commented, "I have had to 'dig deep' but has been the most incredible journey, meeting lots of fabulous people and magical moments. It's amazing what we can achieve when Mind Body and Spirits collaborate. I hope it inspires other people to step out of their comfort zone, whether they’re barefoot or shod!"
“It was very much a personal challenge, like someone climbing Everest or swimming the Channel - I believe strongly in the benefits of spending time barefoot, running and spending time in nature, so it ticked all of those boxes too. Despite being described as a Champion for Mother Nature, my barefoot journey has resulted in an even greater connection with and appreciation of Nature - which is something we can all benefit from Putting our feet into shoes renders them blind and deaf, robbing us of their sensory ability; just being barefoot for a little time each day will make a difference in your life. I really want to encourage people to experience and explore a path less trod for themselves.”
Lynne was supported throughout by a rather unusual back up crew - newlyweds Rose and Gary Mapletoft who chose to spend their honeymoon marking the route and then following Lynne during the actual event to act as her support crew.
Three lovely things about barefoot running across Wales:
1) "The stunning scenery and wildlife. I was joined by numerous squirrels, rabbits, red kites and a fox, hares, an otter, cuckoos and a partridge (though not in a pear tree)"
2) "The kind people I met both in the run up (pun intended) to the actual event and during the event itself. It has been wonderful to meet and be supported by so many good-hearted, uplifting, positive and 'can-do' people!"
3) "Meeting Gary and Rose who spent their honeymoon supporting me by placing route markers and acting as Back Up Crew. They were quite simply outstanding."
Three memorable experiences barefoot running across Wales:
1) "Getting lost in the vast, bleak Wind Farm section and being rescued by a gallant man on a horse who showed me the way out! I have always dreamt of being rescued by a knight in shining armour on horseback - he was wearing a tweed jacket instead of armour but it shows you get what you wish for!"
2) "Feeling very much connected to and in tune with Nature. Some things in life are invisible and cannot even be explained, they have to be experienced. The support and guidance I felt from the elementals and nature Spirits was just so humbling as I trod lightly amongst them. I felt completely protected and supported by such a magical energy."
3) "Seeing people waiting for me at the beach at the end of the run. You can never be sure you are going to complete something like this until you actually have. At any time, in an instant, something can go horribly wrong. When I saw the beach and the crowd I knew I had achieved my Challenge."
About Lynne Allbutt
Lynne Allbutt has been described as a Champion for Mother Nature and also an Outdoorist; her enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors is infectious and inspiring. A popular public speaker she runs her own landscaping business (est. 1985), keeps a small holding with pet pigs and bees and writes a weekly column for Wales's National Newspaper, the Western Mail. She has also written a weekly column for the Tindle group of newspapers for nearly 30 years(!) A regular contributor to Radio Wales, Lynne has also presented several gardening series for BBC Wales and Sky TV and made several guest appearances on chat shows, including the Paul O Grady Show (with Dermot O Leary). She regularly interviews a wide range of celebrities for her various columns and handed a calendar she compiled for Charity to Prince Charles several years ago. She has been voted Wales's Sexiest Outdoor Worker and has raised over £30,000 for Charity, running marathons, wing walking and numerous other challenges. She is passionate about well-being and an advocate for being barefoot (including barefoot running) and 'Earthing'. Her latest book is Allbutt’s Almanac 2014: A Nature Lover’s Companion & Garden Guide