Brathay 10in10 – Days 9 and 10

Day 9

After a day of struggling to get round yesterday due to a lack of fuel and energy. I spent the night eating, put more gels with my bottles for today and went to bed at 9:30pm to only to get up at 7am. I hoped this would help me get round a little better and quicker.

I did a reasonable amount of pre-race preparation and stretching, and it was time to start. The first mile is always a bit of a wobbly affair as my legs and groin loosen up and today was no different. The course to mile 4 at Hawkshead is very undulating and mostly uphill so never a quick section of the course but to my relief I moved reasonably well. I enjoyed the company of Mark, Louise and Maria near Devils Gallop and got everyone doing planes as we went down from Devils Gallop. I’m hoping Michelle got some silly photos of us to share at a later date.

I was feeling pretty comfortable about my run and this continued to about mile 14 as I started to return up the east side of the Lake passed Fell Foot Park. Sadly, I started to feel my energy levels fade and so did my pace. By mile 18, I had Mark on my tail. I didn’t have any issue with him over taking me if that was to happen but I had more of an issue with my pace slowing when I desperately wanted it to be consistent. I suppose having Mark close behind gave me the kick up the bum I needed to push as hard as I could. It was nice to see my mum and dad out on the course at a couple of places, I wanted to stop but needed to keep going. At Bowness Yuk-Lam, Abbey and Lucas were there to cheer me on and handed me a piece of fudge, which was a lovely lift.

I got more and more tired over the last 6 miles and had to work so hard not to walk and keep a reasonable pace going. I kept Mark at bay and got a much needed lift from Neil and Dawn in Ambleside with only 1 mile to go. A last push up the drive (I always run the drive) and on to the lawn to the finish. Day 9, job done in 4 hours 25 minutes 47 seconds.

Thanks to David Lee and family, Sonja, Vikki and Euan my physio for all your donations today.

Now time for chocolate and sleep in preparation for day 10.

Day 10

Brathay 10in10 day 10 finally completed. My knees, ankles and leg muscles are all screaming at me. Every mile in the horrible rain seemed to get longer It felt at times like it would never be over. Half way in an OK 2:12 but sadly slowed and finally crawled over the finish line in 4:33.

That’s my record breaking 9th Brathay 10in10 completed and my 99th official race around this course.

Thanks to everyone that has followed my journey, supported and donated.

If you would like to donate to Brathay please use the link below, it would be lovely to get over £4000…

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malc9