Finishing Day 8 at Brathay Hall
What a difference 24 hours can make, the worst day ever yesterday with perpetual rain, today lots of pleasant sunshine. The first day this 10in10 that I have gone around the course without a waterproof jacket. We are all hurting now but good weather lifts the mood of the team and makes what we have to do each day so much more bearable.
For a second day I took some music with me to distract my mind from thinking about my sore left calf. It is no worse today, thankfully but I still feel the pain every time my left leg lands each stride. That’s roughly 20,000 times in a marathon! As the weather was good, I also took my camera, I thought it was the opportunity to take some photos of the course as memories of the event. I know I have done it 6 times before, but always in spring, so it has been nice to experience the course in autumn colour, when it hasn’t been raining. I have put a couple of favourite photos in this post and will share the rest on Facebook. Most of the photos are of the first half of the course (my favourite half) and are of my favourite points of interest.
Hawkshead
During the first few miles, like yesterday my left Achilles was tight and took a good while to loosen. At least I was able to run more than yesterday. It was nice to see my physio Zak at Outgate stood on a wall cheering me on. I got to halfway in 2:23.
I took a tumble at mile 15, I twig hidden in some leaves at the side of the road got tangled between my legs as I tried to run past it, rugby tackling me with an unexpected thud onto the tarmac road. Thankfully nothing injured, just a bit wet and dirty with stinging palms. A kind driver who saw the incident even pulled over to ask whether I was ok, which was kind and appreciated.
Mile 9
During the second half of the course, I felt warm and comfortable and was able to run more balanced and freely. This made my pace per mile improve, by the last few miles I was really starting to motor in a way that I normally run, it was so uplifting. I hope I can do more of this over the last two days.
Today was my 77th official lap of the lake, I love extending this record every day.
I might be doing lots of running but it is all about raising money for charity so if you can please send me a donation, it will really help the Brathay Trust support young vulnerable people and children…
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Malc10in10x7
Rothay Foot Bridge
