I’m an Eighties music lover and one of my favourite groups from that era was “Frankie Goes to Hollywood”. For a bit of fun and to celebrate their music, today wore my retro looking white t-shirt with the words “Frankie Says Relax” in big letters on the front. I don’t think it meant much to the young physios but for some other people around Brathay Hall, who were nearer my age, it raised a smile or two and after running 131 miles over the last 5 days we all need to still be able to smile.
Today’s weather was the best yet, mostly sunny and warm, with a light breeze. Great running conditions for me and it was great to be out running in the beautiful Windermere scenery in just a t-shirt.
After yesterday’s fast run my legs felt heavier than normal and mentally I didn’t have the strength to pull out a similar time so I decided to take the first half just that bit easier as there is still an awful lot of miles left to run. I have got a goal in my mind to run all 10 marathons under 3:40 so planned to get to half way in around 1:50 which I got spot on. As I wasn’t pushing the run I was able to enjoy the wonderful scenery. I do especially like the section of the course from miles 9m to 12m. This is on the west side of the lake up from the Swan Hotel in Newby Bridge, The road is usually very quiet with little traffic and the woodland on both sides of the road is very natural and unspoilt. There is even some land which is always slightly under water, with lots of little streams. The water is crystal clear and I’m sure this is what much of England would have been like hundreds of years ago. It is like going back in time far away from civilisation!
As I passed the half way point my legs had loosened up and I pressed on a little harder during the second half. I was extremely pleased with my finishing time of 3:34:33 which equates to a 5 minute negative split.
I met Andre in the ice bath, he must have seen my t-shirt earlier and said “Welcome to the Pleasuredome.”
The physio sessions are getting progressively tougher. I want to thank Charlotte for all her time spent looking after me and the great job she is doing. Without her I’m sure I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am! Up to now I don’t have any major problems but my calves are taking a battering and are very tender to touch. Tonight I’m wearing my calf guards to help relieve and protect them before bedtime.
Thank you to everyone who has sent in a donation so far, I’ve even had one from Charlotte’s Mum, if Charlotte hasn’t done enough already! Thank you Charlotte’s Mum!
If you would like to send Brathay a donation to help them with their work with young people then please visit my JustGiving page:-
www.JustGiving.com/Malc10in10
Look what I saw in the woods this evening
