I had thought day 7 was the worst weather ever but today was close to beating it. Not as much rain but stormy winds that buffeted me all over the course. The wind violently moved the trees all over the show creating loads of noise and there was loads of debris all over the roads, making it a bit dangerous to run without tripping over the leaves, branches, pinecones and all manner of tree related bits. A tree came down blocking the road at mile 10, it was a seriously big tree, luckily for me I had passed it but four of the runners had to scramble over the branches to get through and continue, the last thing you need on your 9th marathon. When the rain did come it was severe and very nasty. I was relieved that the second half of the course was at least a little drier and we got to see a few extremely welcome sunny spells.
Fallen tree
Before the start I felt pretty upbeat and had the intension of trying to put in a reasonable time. I knew the first few miles would be slow and tough as I tried to loosen off my sore Achilles but believed that once I had got over this barrier, I should be able to motor on. Sadly, this plan did not materialise and to my disappointment my other Achilles started playing up as well. This made it impossible for me to run normally, every time either of my feet landed it was painful. The more I ran the more the pain built up so every so often I had to walk to let the pain subside and then I would go again. Totally awful situation to be in but all I could do was soldier on until I was back at Brathay Hall.
At times the run felt like it was never going to end, thankful it eventually did and I crossed the finish line in 4:44:53. Nothing to be proud of apart from the fact I am still in the game, with only one day left to go. I’ve got to thank Netty today who ran with me on and off for most of the second half. I think we were both finding it horribly tough and helped each other. We weren’t so much as running together but kept passing each other, I seemed to be faster on the down hills and Netty was able to keep a more consistent pace overall.
I had a surprise from a very welcome visitor on the finish line today, it was Yuk-Lam. Lovely to see her but no touching, I’m in the Covid-19 secure Brathay Bubble so will have to chat from a distance until I finish Day 10 tomorrow.
After the run, there was more ice treatment in the physio room from Zak. I actually found it rather soothing on the warm and tender Achilles. I didn’t find the massage as soothing afterwards!
1 day left, I can’t wait to have a rest, it hasn’t been easy this time.
Student’s Pumpkin
