Day 4 Monday 11th May

Had a good night sleep, woke at 5.30 to go to the toilet and have another painkiller. Amazed that I can still walk downstairs frontwards. Gorgeous day - lifted everyones spirits. Saw Shelagh in the morning to talk about whats needed to make the day go smoothly. Set off again at 10:00, as it is day 4 and my number is 4 I was allowed to go first but all the front runners soon overtook me. Had a good run, felt strong. I wore a neoprene belt over my hips which seemed to work. The bottom of my right calf was hurting from around 22 miles but once sprayed with magic stuff I went on to finish in 4.21. I was pleased as that was only 2 mins slower than Day 2.
Saw Penny at Hawkshead and had a good natter, also saw Jill and Johnny near Bowness. Mam and Dad also supported a couple of times on the route and were there at the finish.

Had a lovely 10 mins sitting in the Brathay River with Mark Blackwood - fellow 10 in 10er. It seems that most people suffered injuries today - Mark S and Tom especially. Leon came in first today with Steve second and Adam H closely following. Lorna once again did brilliantly, she is doing amazing. Had some good physio with Mike, ultrasound on hip and work on bottom of calf. Feel tired and looking forward to a good night sleep.
Its funny we all seem to discuss the bigger pains /injuries and forget to mention the blisters, toenails going black, chafing that happens in interesting places!

Great send off and reception from Brathay staff. Their support means so much I can't put it into words but I'm going to try.... at the start I draw more energy (than I have already) from all the smiling faces and words of encouragement around. This helps over the first 3 tough miles where we are all trying to get our bodies warmed up and working. From the top of Miller Howe I know I have roughly only 4 1/2 miles to go. The closer I am getting the more I can feel the energy and "Brathay's pulse". At the Low Wood I can actually hear it beating in my ears and see it across the lake, those last 2 miles are the fastest in the race and the most enjoyable. Each day so far that feeling of energy is getting stronger and stronger.