Hi...my name is Darren Simmons and at the end of Christmas 2011 I was reading a tweet on Twitter from a chap that was going to be running 2012 miles in 2012. I thought this sounded quite a fun idea, so new years eve I decided that I would do this also. What I didn't realise was that there are quite a few of us doing this challenge worldwide. Most are running, cycling or walking or a combination. I, however, am the only one going to be doing the whole distance rowing either on the ergo or my weekly rowing session at my rowing club.

2012 miles equates to 3,238,000 metres...which in turn equates to nearly 9,000 metres a day. I am aiming to row 10,000 metres a day and also undertake a rowing marathon (42,195 metres) and 1/2 marathon (21,097) a month...so I will be able to have the odd day off.

I am doing this for The Meningitis Trust, as when I was ten I contracted Meningitis which left me paralysed from the waist downward for about ten weeks and has left me with a weak left side of my body, hearing loss, memory problems and balance and back problems...amongst other things.

They do a brilliant job...and I just wish that they had been around 37 years ago to support me. But I hope the money I raise can benefit people that contract it now and helps towards finding a cure.

I started rowing primarily to strengthen my back and legs, which has worked quite well. But rowing 10km a day for two months now has really strengthened legs and back and my stamina is greatly improved.

A normal day consists of:

Up at 6am, followed by a 10k on ergo 6 days a week Then off to work as usual during the week Training at rowing club 3 nights a week, including/ circuits/ weights and more ergo's. Rowing outing on Sunday's mornings, normally about 10km

So, January 1st 2012. I started this mad challenge on my trusty model B Concept2. At times i was really not sure about it as at 6am in the wheelhouse of our boat where the ergo is the temperature got down to -1 degree Celsius. But with a marathon and a half marathon plus the daily amount I managed to clocked up 332,639 metres which is 206 miles. Not a bad start I thought and was glad to feel well and energised as it was a bit of a worry that I might be feeling tired.

February, I had a meeting with the meningitis trust to get there full backing and help with promotional stuff etc. I also had confirmation from Concept2 that they would lend me an ergo to complete the challenge. This is great news as when the weather gets a bit better I can get out and about and do some marathons to promote the challenge. I picked the ergo up from Nottingham and had a brilliant visit there and was given a tour of the gym and had a play on the new Dynamic ergo...so want one of those now. A big thanks to Niall for the tour, chat and the tech tops that are coming in handy as getting through quite a bit of kit at the moment. One big thing that has helped with motivation and drive Is meditating. It is a technique taught by a chap called John Boulderstone. Basically 5 minutes a day will help clear your mind and focus you for the day. You can find info in his book "living with vitality". By the end of february I had completed 606,992 metres which is 377 miles. So we have worked out that it equates to rowing from home in Medway, Kent to Newcastle. So we looking at being a 1/5 of the way there. And the whole distance is like rowing across the width of Australia.

I hope you enjoy reading about my journey doing this challenge...but I think it's a great way to celebrate the Olympic year and as a personal challenge. Also...I'm using it as training for next year when I hope to do some ultra distance rowing.

You can sponsor me at Virgin money giving....at this address:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenSimmons

Cheers

Darren