Brathay 10in10 2021 Day 1
There is a bit to talk about regarding how I’m back here again at Brathay Hall for my 8th attempt at the Brathay 10 marathons in 10 days challenge. I’ll write a separate piece about that. Anyhow I came up to Brathay Hall yesterday evening to give all the other runners in this year’s team a surprise as none of them knew I was joining the team. Their welcome was lovely and well appreciated, I hope to be able to give them positivity and support over the coming 10 days.
As this was such a last-minute decision to come, I had to sort things out at work to gain the time off and only packed at 7am on the morning I drove up to Brathay Hall. I was impressed that Brathay were able to rustle up a couple of t-shirts for me and a blank number which I had to use a sharpie pen to write my running number 18 on.
I was still organising my kit this morning before the first run and it was all a bit of a rush but rather exciting. Thankfully, the weather was kind, dry, cool, calm and cloudy, pretty much perfect running conditions. My legs had been rested for a couple of days and felt really fresh and ready to go. The biggest concern on day 1, when you feel fresh is not to go off too fast. Although saying that holding yourself back and not running your normal style can also be as damaging as running too fast. I went with how I felt and even though it was a bit quicker than I expected I think it was still the right pace. Only after tomorrow will I know for sure. I enjoyed a steady paced run getting to halfway in 1 hour 56 minutes and continuing at almost the same pace second half to finish in a very respectable 3 hours 54 minutes 36 seconds.
I had my usual few twinges in my right knee join that hasn’t been 100 percent since my last knee operation and a little discomfort in my right groin but hopeful nothing that will seriously affect the next few days runs.
I only opened my Just Giving page this morning and must thank Nozza Paul, Spencer and family, Tony, Rhona, Duncan, Neil, Barry, Avril and Anonymous for their kind donations. It is fantastic to know you are all supporting and following me on this crazy journey.
Time for an early night and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Bring on Groundhog Day!
