Finishing time
3 hours 43 minutes 49 seconds
Weather
What a completely horrible day! It was heavy rain from the start and only eased towards the very end. At least it was mild and the wind was light going down the lake and behind us coming back.
Today’s run was dominated by the weather, it was typical Lakeland weather at it’s worst non stop heavy rain virtually all the way round. After doing the 10in10 2 years ago with lots of rainy days, I had mentally prepared myself for a day like this so it didn’t effect me like it had perviously . I decided to try and relax a bit more than usual and not look at my watch until at half way. I ran most of the first half fairly comfortably and in the company of Fozzy, which was much appreciated after yesterday’s very lonely solo run. We both thought the pace was pretty reasonable until I looked at my watch at half way and saw it was 1 hour 58 minutes, only 2 minutes out side a 4 hour finish which was something I wanted to avoid for all the 10 days. I immediated picked up the pace, Fozzy quickly dropped back and I focussed on trying to salvage a reasonable time from a very poor first half. I worked very hard and only spent seconds at each water stop to refuel and in fact I ignored the 16 mile one altogether. The next few miles were well inside 8 minutes miles, I was very pleased but it was hard going. By mile 21 I could only manage 8 minute miling and I found the last mile a real struggle, all my energy had gone and it was well over 9 minutes. I was very pleased with the second half’s time 1 hour 45 minutes, an amazing 13 minute negative split! I just hope this second half effort hasn’t taken too much out of me for tomorrow.
Today’s Highlight
“Shelly’s Sweet Stall”
Michelle, who has done the 10in10 twice before, is helping out on the course this year. She was going round the course checking on the runners and helping at the water stops. In her car was a wonderful array of sweets and chocolates neatly laid out, I was in heaven! White and pink chocolate mice, love them and not had them during a marathon before!
Today’s Low Point
Looking at my watch for the first time at 13.1 miles and seeing it had taken me 1 hour 58 minutes, well off my target!
