After yesterday’s awful weather day 2 started much brighter with plenty of sunshine although still pretty cool at the start. The start area is shaded by trees and was very cool so we all waited in the car park near the start as it was in the full sun and much warmer. While waiting I got myself into the sit squat which I’m told is a good stretching position. While we waited several others joined me. Thanks to Rexy for the photo. I hung around in this position for some 5 minutes or so and then briskly moved to the start line and was second to set off. My legs hadn’t recovered from the lengthy sit squat and I struggled to get any kind of sensible running motion going. All the physios and family were there cheering as I set off and I tried my best to look like I could run. I was so relieved when I got out of sight and could slow down and give my legs some time to recover. Needless to say it was a very slow first mile! Note to self, leave plenty of time from doing a sit squat before running a marathon.
There is some nice support out on the course each day from members of the public who know what we are all doing and even the honks from passing cars is much appreciated. One such honk on my way to Newby Bridge today was from friends John and Sarah which was a lovely surprise. They laid in wait for me at the Swan Hotel and again in Bowness, thanks guys, surprises like that really do lift my spirits.
The first half of the marathon was much more enjoyable today with the pleasant weather. I felt a bit tired and ran slower, I think this was because I had run day 1 just a little too quickly. Nothing to worry about but I just had to listen to my body and take it a bit easier.
Half way passed in 1 hour 52 minutes. I tried not to let my pace slip too much during the second half. At half way I was in 4th place and knew Paul Mayson wouldn’t be too far in front. I gave myself the challenge to push on a bit and see if I could catch him. I passed through Bowness and even over Ice Cream Mountain at 22 miles and still there was no sign of him. I didn’t give up on this mini challenge as it gave me a focus and hopefully this would keep my time reasonable. With little over a mile to go as I approached Ambleside he suddenly came into view. This gave me a second wind and I pushed on hard, I love these mini challenges I set myself during a marathon sometimes. I soon passed him and continued to push all the way up the drive and on to the front lawn of Brathay Hall where the finish line is erected. Marathon 2 completed in a slower time of 3 hours 47 minutes 17 seconds but still a time I’m more than happy with.
Big day for me today as it was my 61st official lap of the cause and a new record, hopefully I can break my own new record tomorrow.
