I don’t know the precise reason or person who started off “Ladies day” but it has been around since the early years of the 10in10. I think the idea was to acknowledge the courageous pioneering lady runners who did the 10in10. Usually the fast men set off each day and the ladies get somewhat left behind. Ladies day addressed this by recognising their achievements and letting them start first. Maybe another reason for this day could be to inject a difference into the middle day of this 10 day “Groundhog Day” experience and also take our minds off the pain we put ourselves through. Over the years the day has developed with the male runners dressing in bits of ladies attire, pink clothes and having their nails painted. Sadly a little bit of the original spirt has been lost due to health and safety as the runners have to set off separately in single file with the fastest first so we are not all bunched up or overtaking each other along the dangerous narrow winding road. Generally now this means the ladies no longer set off first.
I’ve mentioned all this day 5 event history as this year the team of male physios took the day one stage further. While we were all out running day 4, they went to a charity shop in Ambleside and kitted themselves out with ladies clothes to wear during the physio session on day 5. They had long floaty dresses, some rather sleazy night out fits and even a bikini with a denim skirt. One physio had even found a pair of high heels which fitted him, I was surprised how well he could walk in them. It was hilarious seeing them all. The picture in one of the physio rooms was pretty unnerving!
They really got into the spirit of the day and even cheered us off at the start in these clothes. A bunch of them braved a drive to Newby Bridge at mile 12 to cheer us along the main road. I wonder what a policeman would have said if he seen them.
I wanted to write about this to show what lengths the physios go to for us. They work very hard for 10 days, nothing is too much trouble. It is a fabulous partnership between the runners and physios during the Brathay 10in10 which is so very special. I wish to thank them all for what they do and especially Adam, head physio who co-ordinates it all with help from Kate and Nicola.
Back to my own running. Day 5 started off cloudy and cool but for the fifth time the sun came out to play for most of the run making the second half of the run pleasantly warm.
Like yesterday my legs felt good and the weather was ideal, I started off well and unlike yesterday had plenty of energy so I pushed the pace. On previous days I’ve let Rob and Jonathan move off ahead but today I decided I was capable of staying close to them, which I did. By mile 9 I was putting them under pressure, first I over took Rob and then Jonathan to take pole position. This didn’t last too long as Jonathan retook the lead at mile 10 while I was taking a drink at yellow box 5.
I followed Jonathan up to mile 15 where I retook the lead. We stayed fairly close together into Bowness at mile 20. I kept the pressure on the pace and after Ice Cream Mountain I finally put some distance between us and headed back to the finish on the Brathay Lawn for my first stage win of the event. It’s a lovely feeling winning a day as it is so rare for me.
Sadly I also saw my friend and fellow 10in10 runner Jim on the lawn, he had had to pull out of the event due to injury so high and low emotions for me as I stood at the finish line.
My afternoon physio session was a little more painful but nothing serious. Second toe on my left foot is still very sore but hopefully I can have a similar good day tomorrow.
Later this evening was the first rain while we have been here, I suppose it was inevitable in the Lake District. I wonder if we will get wet while running tomorrow?
