Surf-Running 300 Miles Around the Coast of Cornwall

I’m running 300 miles around the coast of Cornwall, surfing along the way and living out of my campervan (supported by my girlfriend Katie and dog Oreo!).

I set up my @averagej0nny Instagram account last year, after many months of trying to talk myself out of it. Putting yourself out there is scary, and the whole “become an influencer and quit your job” thing was never for me. I work for Cancer Research UK and I love it – it brings me so much purpose and fulfilment.

My main goals with this account and the adventure are to:

• Document my trail-running and surfing adventures in a meaningful way that isn’t directed at gaining followers/following trends;
• Make meaningful connections with local people and brands in the trail-running/surfing worlds, and
  build momentum ahead of a few big personal projects that I want to take on in upcoming years (this 300-mile surf-run around the coast of Cornwall is hopefully the first of many!).

The idea of taking on the South West Coast Path in some capacity has been playing around in my head for years. It’s a really special trail and, living locally, I’m so lucky to have it right on my doorstep.

I’ve spent the last 6 years taking on various trail-running challenges, so the idea of running it rather than thru-hiking/bike-packing was just the natural rhythm for me. Even though I spend countless hours running, my favourite way to spend my time will always be surfing. I couldn’t bear the thought of running past clean, empty waves that I haven’t surfed before, so that’s how the surfing/campervan element came about.

I also saw Elsey Davis set the FKT on the trail last year and I just thought it was the coolest thing in the world seeing a huge accomplishment like that so close to home. I’m not a professional athlete, so I wanted to put my own spin on the adventure by slowing it down and adding in the surfing/camping side of things.

Finally, I’m doing it to fundraise for Cancer Research UK in memory of a close family member I lost a few years ago to brain cancer, very unexpectedly. When something like that happens to you it really puts everything into perspective – they would’ve loved the idea of me taking on this big adventure in my own way.

I’ve got a Volkswagen T5 that we reconverted last Spring and a pretty hard support crew too (my girlfriend Katie and our energetic dog Oreo!). We go away in the van quite a lot, so we’re well tested on that front.

Last year we spent a few weeks in the van in the southwest of France just the three of us – surfing in Hossegor and trail-running in the French Pyrenees. The hard bits are going to be not over-packing or faffing about in campsites too long each morning!

A big part of this adventure is about having the opportunity to see more of where we live, and spending time outside together as a trio. I’m particularly excited to visit beaches I haven’t surfed before (mostly near the Devon border) and trails I haven’t run before (mostly between Falmouth and Plymouth).

Katie is also painting a series along the route, which I can’t wait to see how it turns out, and I’m making a film in collaboration with Passenger and a filmmaker called Amon Shaw, which we’re hoping to show at outdoor film festivals. Seeing that film on the big screen will be a huge “pinch me” moment!

Meaningful escapism for me means taking time out of your day-to-day life to do something that brings you joy. It doesn’t have to be something huge like summiting Everest or rowing an ocean – even just camping for a night or two near where you live is enough to break the routine!

When I was planning this adventure, I tried to resist pressures from things like social media e.g. the idea that my adventure would only be valid if I ran the distance in the fastest time I possibly could. My best advice would be to pursue what feels true to who you are and remember that adventures can be fun too!

Running and surfing play a HUGE role in my wellbeing.

A few years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD and I was really struggling to find balance in my life. I have a very hyperactive brain - running and surfing slow down my thoughts, and remind me to be present in what I’m doing.

Ever since I moved back to the coast a few years ago, I feel much more grounded and can spend more of my time doing what I really love. I feel like a happier, more authentic version of myself.

I’ve been testing some Passenger gear these past few months on my long training runs. Last weekend I ran for 5 hours straight in the Swift Trail Shorts and the Trailscape Light Waterproof Jacket without any issues whatsoever. That’s no mean feat – it’s common to encounter issues over those distances, particularly with breathability or chafing.

When I’m not running, I’ve been keeping warm in the Valiant Deep Pile Fleece on colder days and going for sea swims in the Drifter NetPlus Swim Lined Shorts. It still blows my mind to think you could make a pair of comfy swim shorts from recycled fishing nets!

I don’t normally listen to music when I’m running, as generally I like to feel unplugged from distractions and plugged in to nature, but I do if it’s particularly tough conditions out there or I’m needing a motivation boost.

I’ve got quite mixed music taste! Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of 70s music (Talking Heads and Fleetwood Mac), modern UK jazz (Ezra Collective and Yussef Dayes) and Irish folk (Amble and Kingfishr). I’m also a big fan of Olivia Dean and Lorde.