The start of the Challenge

Sorry I haven't done this every day - I couldn't get into the office as I couldn't remember the code - the one I use every day to get into work, my mind is frazzled - its just like when you've had a baby and the hormones and lack of sleep kick in.

Friday 8 May
STARTED AT LAST!
At last the challenge has started! Had a brilliant send-off yesterday, I've never seen so many folk gather in Client Services and the champagne and nibbles were especially good. It was a lovely surprise to see Steve and Teresa turn up just as the corks were popping. Scott said some lovely things both about the Brathay staff and also about my training so far. Drove around the lake in the afternoon with Steve, Teresa and Gareth. Others arrived as the afternoon wore on and we all ate together at 6pm, the rest of the evening was spent getting our drinks ready for Fridays run. David Gill has given me a "big brother" camera to do a diary over the 10 days. Didn't sleep very well - strange bed. I felt OK though, not nervous or anxious as you would expect but very calm and focussed.
Fridays weather was atrocious and after breakfast and some physio we arrived on the front lawn to be greeted by dozens of people all wishing us well. Mark & Tara from KD Sports in Ambleside were really thoughtful and brought a great hat for me to wear, so grateful for it later in the race!
It was especially good to see my Mam & Dad, Gareth & Morgan and so many good wishes and smiles on people's faces - Brathay at its best.

The run went according to plan, just dipped below 4 hrs, 3.59 which was great. Enjoyed it. Saw Chris Batten on the route, Shelagh was out on the course too. Jill P ran some miles with me, got great support from the Finance team at Waterhead and Brathay staff at the bottom of the drive and the reception committee at the finish line. Lots of hugs and kisses - good stuff this running. Heard I am going to be on Radio Cumbria on Monday at 7.15am.

DAY 2 Saturday 9th May
Better nights sleep last night. Mac went to watch Morgan playing rugby, Anna Tetley came along and took his place supporting runners in the "middle of the field", weather is still not great with strong winds down to Newby Bridge and a horrendous shower with about 2 miles to go. Before I started I was given a bunch of beautiful sunflowers from Emma Warhurst, a lady who comes to our Tuesday night Salsa class. It was really special and a great boost. Some good support out there today. Clare Dyson in Hawkshead with a boisterous dog, Jim & kids in the car, Yvonne ( from Salsa class) at Newby Bridge - would have loved to stop for a beer but couldn't as had a job to do! Paul and Susie cycled past on their tandem, Godfrey and Annie drove past in the car and Shelagh was on her bike for a while. My hip started hurting today around mile 3 - the inflamed bursa! It didn't get any worse but I slowed down & didn't push things. At around 20 miles it started hurting worse, I realised my Ibuprofen had worn off so took another and then it went back to how it was.
Had a brilliant experience at mile 22 - the dreaded Miller Howe hill (short but steep). As I got to the bottom the music from Rocky started playing (the one where he is running up the steps) As I was getting to the top of the hill (just to the point where he has run all the way to the top in the film) Anna, Paul and Susie were cheering and shouting - it was PERFECT and a fantastic boost. I felt really strong for the last 5 miles.
Had some ultrasound on my hip (seems better) and I've iced it.

Feeling quite tired this evening so having an early night before 'going into the unknown'. I've never run more than 2 marathons back to back before. Not worried its going to hurt but thats what is expected to happen. Mike and Amy, the Active Physio team are doing a fantastic job, we couldn't do it without them.

DAY 3 Sunday 10th May
Oh yes it is day 3!! Didn't have a bad night, was in bed for about 8pm reading and chilling out. It sounded like most of the others were up having a great laugh as we could hear them. The party animal in me just wanted to stay in bed - thats a turnaround. I went to sleep at about 9.15 and slept well til 4.15 when I had to take a paracetamol. My legs were sore and my hip was hurting, looking forward to physio after breakfast and then to get another run under my belt. Hope the hip holds up!
Lorna (who is a GP) has kindly given me some slow releasing inflamatories whicl will mean I only have to take them once a day, this will help my brain fuddle!
My stomach is shutting down, doesn't want to take anything in - just let it out! (sorry thats too much info I know!).

The support out there was fantastic today, Shelagh and Tony, Paul from Hoad Hill Harriers who did a great job keeping me amused, Andy H on his bike, Mam, Dad & Morgan with the jelly babies, Phil Whiting and his new wife-to-be Rosie, Andy & Lesley, Jane Glaister & Holly, Godfrey, Annie & the boys, Scott & Jane, Sharon, Chris & Ali, Johnny, Helen & Kate. Just seeing people for a snapshot is giving me such a boost and that helps over the next couple of miles.

My hip was hurting from the start, at 6 miles Mike put some spray on it which helped. The pain was quite bad about 15 miles so Amy strapped an ice pack on it and I ran for the rest of the race with it against my skin, my fault the result is an ice burn but hey, I finished the race. Saw Gareth around the Lakes School, so lovely to have my family and friends sharing in the day - it gives me a warm fluffy glow - just like the Grinch!
My Mother's homemade bread pudding (great post race food) went down a storm - more please Mam!!!
It will be a good day tomorrow as all the Brathay staff will be back at work.