A few words of wisdom from the Pooles
A family blog from Woodley, near Reading. Started during lockdown in 2020.
We're the Pooles — Matthew is an endurance athlete, IT professional, and RAF veteran. Emma keeps everything together. Thomas is studying film at university. Oscar is the one who talks most. The posts are here if you'd like a read.
Recent Posts
They Just Looked At Me Like I Was Crazy
13 March 2026
They just looked at me like I was crazy. All we'd been doing was chatting about our plans for the weekend. A perfectly normal conversation. The kind y...
25th March
14 August 2022
25th March My first alarm (of five!) went off at 0445. I had a good sleep considering what I was about to do, which was a relief as this was the last ...
Build-up – 22nd to 24th March 2022
23 June 2022
22nd March I woke up nervous. For the first time since I entered MDS, I had a feeling of butterflies in my belly. They only lasted until I made myself...
Couch to MdS
In 2021, Matthew decided to run 250km across the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables. This is the diary of that journey — from couch to one of the toughest races on Earth.
Read the story →Thomas's Portfolio
Thomas is studying film at university. His portfolio of films, photography, and creative work is here.
View portfolio →