Seeing any successful Bob Graham finish still gives me goose bumps. I love it when there’s a pacer guiding someone into the town. Just great. Rightly or wrongly, I have long had a feeling that you’ve not ‘done’ the BG until you had a really active input in getting another contender round who was struggling. It’s great
But for mere mortals like us and the other 99% who attempt it, supporting others prior to your day out is the way to go. Through the good times and the bad.
I have been reading positive reviews of Jamie Aaron's successful Munros Round last year, what an achievement that was - I wish I could go and see it myself.
Somewhat at the polar opposite of that, on Friday I went to see Alex Staniforth's movie presentation on his Frog Graham Round. It had been splashed all over social media by his sponsors (Ellis Brigham) and although I had been forewarned, I have to say it was very disappointing. Alex is a young man with (obv.) significant mental health issues, however I would venture that a very needy ego is one of the other things he has to contend with. Perhaps the two are linked, however what I do know is that it was rubbish and if you are contemplating it, I'd recommend you give it a miss. "Shameless Self-Promotion" springs to mind on what was actually a very average FGR. The film maker was daft enough to admit that it had been rejected by the Kendal Mountain Film Festival and believe me, that's not a surprise.
A lot of what I read about what he does I’m not a fan of. Fair play about getting out and doing it and overcoming his illness, but there is something in it that doesn’t sit right with me.
However, I’m not his target audience.
I can imagine if they made a film of my BG or any ultra I’d done it’d be language bleeped out interjected with belching and farting.
Possibly more entertaining depending on the audience.
I’m not sure it would attract the sponsors though.
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Bob Graham Leg 3
Jun 2013