Day 5 Tuesday 12th May

Had a terrible nights sleep, was awake for hours and then woke up feeling washed out and knackered - no energy.
Weather was glorious. Had some strapping put onto right calf - achilles problem, also put padding under my laces. I felt it was going to be tough today, I set off and was struggling from the start. At the first drinks spot (2.2 miles) I felt exhausted. Had something to eat and drink and set off again. My calf was hurting and I had some treatment with Amy and Mike at 4 miles. Michelle came past me at this stage. I tried to get back out there but it was hurting too much and I struggled to keep running. Walked uphill at 6 and 7 miles.

By the 8 mile drinks station I had had it and made the decision to walk. I was looking at "the big picture" and wanted to do everything I could to get me through. This decision was huge as up until this I had run every mile. I was very upset and sobbed on Amy's shoulder, I felt as though I had let myself and everyone else down. I knew I had to pull myself together, dig deep and carry on. Within 1/2 mile I had sorted my head out and was feeling positive and relaxed about walking the rest of the way. Mac and I had a lovely day - glorious weather, beautiful scenery and each others company. I had turned what was a negative into a positive. Amy and Katie kept in touch the whole way round but didn't need any more treatment.

Mam, Dad and Gareth saw me a few times - I even had my Mum jogging alongside me at one point. Shelagh came out with a cheese sandwich, it was bliss! Thanks Wayne!
Paula joined me to walk back from Miller Howe, we chatted all the way and at Low Wood I decided I wanted to try to run back - test my calf out. The "Brathay Pulse" was beating and dragging me in! My calf didn't get any worse, it felt good to be running again. I finished in 6.45 - phew, a long day but once again I have learned so much about my inner strength and the difference a positive attitude can make.

Great to see Brathay staff greeting me - only just caught them before they finished work. I'll try harder tomorrow and get in earlier - missed my lunch. Only had time for a quick 10 mins in the river, shower, physio and tea.
Tommorow's another day - let's see what that holds??