It was exciting having hundreds of runners turning up to run this final day. We could all see the build up when we walked down for physio. I was surprised to find I was having mixed feeling about other runners turning up. It was building up a fantastic atmosphere and a novelty at first but they were intruding into our 10 in 10 space. We all seemed to feel the same.
Kick off was moved one hour earlier so the invaders could start at 10:30am.
We met in the Goldsworthy room for 9am. We could watch through the window all the runners arriving and looking back at us. In the hall way were family, friends and the Body Rehab team (alias the Ninjas). We were finally called to come out to the finish on the lawn for photos. It was an extremely emotional moment being lead out passed all the people we knew and through all the runners for photos at the finish. We had a group hug with the Ninjas.
We made our way down the drive to the start with many, many spectators and runners who would be following us an hour later. If the start couldn’t get any more special I was told to get to the front to lead off as it was my 50th marathon. What a great honour it was to lead at the start. I’m at a loss of words to describe how wonderful that moment was.
Like on day 9 I decided to wear my ipod and enjoyed listening to Apollo 440 and 80’s music. Unlike the previous days I didn’t have to save anything for the the next day and after taking the first 3 miles easy as a warm up I started to increase the pace. I felt surprisingly good, maybe the emotions of the day were helping. My legs were doing what they needed to do but my mind felt like it was in a disco and I mind and arms were dancing. The whole marathon seemed to pass so quickly I was really enjoying it and didn’t want it to end.
My goal for this challenge was obviously to finish 10 marathons in 10 days but secretly I really wanted to complete it in an average of under 4 hours per day. This goal was on target until day 8 when I ran a 4 hours 53 minutes. I needed to run a 3 hours 48 today to achieve this goal. I thought this wouldn’t be possible but when I got to half way at the large oak tree near Fell Foot Park in 1 hour 51 minutes I know my time goal was possible. All I needed to do was dance fast!
Coming towards Bowness and then on into Ambleside the excitement in me grew. The legs were working brilliantly and my mind and arms were dancing to a mix of 80’s as I sang away to my hearts content. I probably sounded awful but didn’t care. At about 24 miles my left calf started to complain but it was too late nothing could stop me now and I just ignored it.
Finishing time
3 hours 38 minutes 33 seconds
Half way 1 hour 51 mins making the run again another negative spit.
Weather
Dry for 100 yards then the heavens opened complete with hail for the first 3 miles. Continuing blustery with spots of rain. Dryer with some sun for the latter stages of the run.
Today’s Low Point
Once again the weather at the start.
