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.I know that as a phrase is is much overused, but in this particular case it almost under-states the reality of what the 10 in 10 was for me.Two years ago the first of these was held. Lorna and I didn't know about its existence before that, but once we did we looked at each other, and almost in unison said,"You know what...? *WE* could do that."That in itself was a significant point. It was a challenge that we saw as an *us* challenge. Something that we could do together. And that was really important.And we thought about it from that point forward.Logistically we couldn't organise things to take part in 2008, so we started badgering Scott Umpleby at Brathay as soon as we'd finished running the Marathon in May.In our minds we were already training for it. At least, it was the *focus* for the training that we were doing. If I'm honest, I always thought that of the two of us, V'rap was more likely to get accepted by virtue of the greater number of marathons and longer Ultra events that she's done. I wasn't at all confident that *I* would get a place at all.We talked about what we would do if only one of us got in, and really there was no question. The other would be there to do whatever they could in a supportive role.Because it was an *us* thing!We needn't have worried. An email and letter from Scott informed us that we'd both be part of the running 'team'And then came the self-doubt for meA marathon is a significant undertaking - it's a LONG way - it's a distance that you have to respect - ONE is pretty tough - how on earth does one train to do 10 on the bounce...???We formulated a plan - which was quite simple really.Make running something that we *DO* not something that we *TRAIN FOR*Make sure we have one decently Long Run a weekDo some back to back long runs and racesAnd run more than once a day.The last point was important, I think. We quite often ran quite long mileage broken up into smaller chunks. So getting the volume and the strength to hold good form, without battering the body too much with repetitive longer runs.And it gave us the "get back out there and do another one" mentality that would be needed for the 10 in 10.I also think that it went some way towards conditioning our bodies to quick turnaround recovery (although that is just a guess on my part!)But it also changed the way we thought about running. A half hour gap would have previously been dismissed as too short to bother getting changed for.Now it was an opportunity to trot out a 3 mile circuit.Over a week - that's another 21 miles! Training without realising you're doing it!We started training in earnest in September, and initially it was going well, and then V'rap developed a phigglesome shin in November, so December was a bit of a write-off. I found it difficult to get out and train when she couldn't - and even once she was back in January, it took me a couple of weeks to get back to it!But from that point on it all went well.We did most of our training together, something which I think benefited both of us.An interesting side-effect of this was that I started to get quicker over every distance, and from February to April, I was bettering personal bests pretty much everywhere. And recovering from harder run races really quickly.I was particularly pleased to run under 3 hours at Shakepeare, just 12 days before the start of the event, and even happier to see Lorna massacre HER marathon PB on the same day.We had clearly got something right to this point!There was something quite surreal about driving up to Brathay on the Thursday. We arrived reasonably early, having waited fro the rush hour traffic to peter out.We followed the signs to Shackleton Lodge, which was hidden away in the woods away from the main buildings. There were a few faces that we already knew and had met.Steve and Teresa Edwards, Aly Knowles, Tom Giles (briefly in passing on the race route on weekend when we were recce'ing it), David Baylay (briefly at Shakespeare), and then slowly but surely a bunch of new faces. As it is with groups of people meeting for the first time, Day 0 was NOTHING like any of the other days 
The really striking thing about it was how relaxed people were in each others company from the off.We were introduced to Robin, the Team Nutrition fella, and a little later, Amy the Super-Physio did a little presentation about what she and her team would be able to offer us during the event.I wonder if she realised *then* just how much work it was going to be!!!!Day 1 was the most nerve-wracking of the 10. I was my usual caged-lion self, and incredibly nervous. Logically I knew that once we got under way I'd be OK - and that proved to be the case. But the anticipation of ACTUALLY getting started was unbearable.And the weather was unhelpful I won't repeat the minutiae of each race here.... because there was SO much more about the event which I didn't put into those reports!The most incredible thing about this whole event is that, while it is a deeply personal challenge, it was also one where the very BEST in people was brought out.Nowhere have I seen the level of support between the participants as I did here. From Adam who broke the event record numerous times and was running just over 3 hours for most of the 10, to Anastasia who often took over 7 hours to complete the course - always missed Lunch and so had significantly less recovery time than everyone else.There was genuine relief and joy when people returned - a fair number of "Oh. My God.'s" when folk defied their injuries and posted an unbelievably great run.
Tim winning a race outright - a real highlight for me And the day that Tom came into the Lodge in immense pain, collapsed on the floor and sobbed, saw everyone in the room galvanised into action. The initial look on Amy's face was not that of a physio concerned for a client, but of someone that was truly concerned about another human being in distress, and one about whom everyone cared.Tom rose up from that point with his infectious good humour, and his achievement blew me away And a crashing low point when Gareth had to pull out of the event on day 3 with an injury with which he was simply unable to continue.The strength of character, and the measure of the bloke that he is was shown in the fact that he came back to support the remaining runners for the last few days. And quite rightly took his place with the team at the presentation on Sunday.It's hard to describe - but it was like being a Family - but one that REALLY cared about every person there.There were few defences and barriers amongst the group. There couldn't be really. With Mark S on one bed and me on the other, galvanising the physios into a competition to see who could make whose 'bum' wiggle the most, and elicit the most humorous 'squawks' which WAS a great spectator sport 
There were low times too.On the evening of Day 6 I was all but ready to throw in the towel. I'd upset Lorna - and I just wanted to get the hell out of there. I really couldn't see the point of being there at all. I was REALLY bad company that evening, when Lorna's parents took out for a really lovely meal 
And come the start of Day and Race 7 I was less than mono-syllabic - it was awful!BUT - I ran better, and by the end of the race, the GrumpBee Demon had been cast off and under the wheels of a passing lorry. He wasn't a welcome guest!I must just mention Day 8. As you know, I had a bad day at the office. My slowest marathon, and mild hypothermia by mile 14 - day saved by Amy and our friend Dave. Interestingly this wasn't my worst race! I very quickly accepted that I couldn't run (when I couldn't) and my head zapped into a completely different place. Finishing became to goal - do the VERY best I could became the goal as wellI was at peace with that - and suddenly walking sub 13 min/miles was not only a goal but a triumph!!Starting to run again - an incredible experienceSpending a bit of time with Dave running just behind me yattering about everything and nothing - fantastic - it could have been as beautiful sunny day, I wasn't really noticing the weather. I waxed lyrical about how much I loved the course (easy when you are on the 'easy' bit though )Tim cheered me in as he was lowering himself into the riverI finished in 4:32 - it hurt - a lot. But I was strangely happy with it.Lorna (who'd had a really good run) came belting out of the Dining Room to hug me looking worried and upset. She had scared the Kitchen Staff in to making up some more hot food for the cold runners. Dave and Helen came in for a chat as well.Everything about that day summed up for me the incredible power of Good that is in people. It was both humbling and uplifting at the same time The last 2 days were like a big partyIncredible support on Saturday, and the knowledge that, barring death, once it was done then completion of the event was GOING to happen.
Missed seeing Aly's parents though. They'd been a permanent fixture on the course but were otherwise engaged that day. It was really noticeable that they weren't thereThe Final day was a revelation. The weather was perfect for running. The start 'huddle' was strangely quiet and intimate, and that spell broke when we stood up.The end of the journey which had been such an intensely personal one - but taken with an incredibly tight-knit group of people- was in sight. It could have felt like an intrusion with so many people sharing in it..... but it didn't. It felt like a celebration of something incredibly special, and with a large number of people that had been following our progress through the power of technology.I felt incredibly privileged to be standing on the start line with the extraordinary people with whom I'd shared this journey, and for there to be so many friends, family and well-wishers there to see us off is something that I'll never forget.There was a striking difference between the noise and hubbub of the build up to, and the start, and the quietness of the road once we had started. Because I was running well, I spent most of the run alone.It was amazing - and intensely emotional.I have come to think of the course as an old friend, and in a way every footfall was bidding it a fond Au Revoir.I had to control the urge to cry may times during that peaceful first 12.5 miles.The finish was the most spine-tingling thing I've ever experienced. It is a memory that will stay with me forever!If the events of your life, and the people you meet along the way shape the person that you are, then this event and these people - EVERYONE who was involved - have been a huge chapter in mine.I think that the synergy created by that specific group of people, at that time, in that place, doing that event was completely unique - utterly unrepeatable.......The experience of a lifetime!.
.Woke up this morning feeling quite nervous, as did Lorna.This is normally a Good Thing, but with the events of the last couple of days, I didn't dare hope for my self.I had a really good feeling about what Lorna would do though :)So the morning routine of food and physio commenced. Amy and I discussed what to do with my Left Ankle, and we felt that more of the same was sensible. So I was taped up.We headed down to the start area to see if we could meet up with any Fetchies - and it didn't take long :)Before we knew it our names were being called, and we 'huddled' before setting off from under the Finish Banner to the Start.There were hundreds of people about and the start was a real party :)Mind-blowing!And so the final race started - Adam shot off (as he does ;)) and pottering up- the first hill my ankle seemed to be behaving itself.The first downdulate was also comfortable, although I had to really concentrate on form so that I could run without anything hurting.I thought to myself - "this is the last marathon - if you are feeling good, go for it!"So by the 3rd mile I'd picked up the pace and was feeling good on it.I was running alone, with Adam somewhere ahead, and Steve and Tim a little way behind."Run your own race!" I told myself - "Keep it relaxed, and just see how you go"Before I knew it the Mile 7 Hill was upon me, and I took it easy on the ascent, relaxed on the flat, and bombed the down. I couldn't believe how good I was feeling, and how well I was running.Psychologically, this next section is great. It's nett downhill for 5½ miles :)Along here I was cheered on by Kelley and Sprog - Brilliant - unexpected surprise :)And there were more supporters in Newby Bridge.The next section to 17 miles is the toughest part of the course. Unremitting and undulating. I kept the effort level down on the Ups, and let it fly on the downs.And then around mile 18 I saw Adam a little way ahead."No way!" I thought.18-20 is delightful to run, and I saw that Adam was slowly coming back to me. I caught him just after Bowness where he said he was waiting for Steve and Tim so they could cross the line together.I left him and headed up the Speed Bump, at the top of which were Stuart, Ruth and a few others - Awesome positioning guys :) That is the last of the hard running and the run-in over the next 4.75 miles is fabulous - I LOVE it!!!!!I started to pick it up.I wanted to finish with a good run, and I was running really smoothly.The updulate at 23 miles went without a hitch - as did the move on to the road in Ambleside.The last half mile started to feel a little more hard work.As I turned into Brathay, I could hear the announcer telling the crowd that I was coming and a real shiver went down my spine!!!I eased up over the crown of the hill, and then gunned it to the line.There were LOADS of people there - it was amazing :):)I think I put my hands above my head and started clapping back to the crowd.I crossed the line and was completely spent, and who was there to give me a huge hug....??"Where the HELL did THAT come from?" asked Amy.I shrugged my shoulders because initially I couldn't speak - told Amy that I loved her (again) with her Hubby looking on :)I know I've said this before, but she is amazing. She knows Sports Physio like no-one I've ever met - and if you live up this way and need looking at - she's the person to see!Gareth was also there - which made the day complete. We'll SO be up to support him next year!!!!The rest got a bit blurred.Someone went to get my bag from ReceptionI had something to drink and eat10 minutes later Adam Steve and Tim came in :) the Sub-35 hour Posse :):):)And I was waiting for my Soon To Be A World Record Holder Wife to arrive.And she duly obliged with a STORMING run of 3:55, Closely followed by Adam T who has been truly inspirational in his squaring up to adversity having been held together with elastoplast since Day 2 :)I missed a few coming in but caught up with them as soon as I saw themEveryone was brilliant.Incredible runs by incredible people - and it has been an absolute privilege to share the same space and road with every one of them over the last 11 days.A bit of self indulgence here:Finishing time 3:10:45Splits: * 7:54 * 7:42 * 8:05 * 7:35 * 7:37 * 7:42 * 7:16 * 8:07 * 7:05 * 6:49 * 7:15 * 7:13 * 7:06 * 7:27 * 7:23 * 7:21 * 7:07 * 7:07 * 7:08 * 7:13 * 7:13 * 7:14 * 6:57 * 6:40 * 6:41 * 6:451st HM: 1:38:022nd HM: 1:32:43Quite pleased with that :).
.This morning was all about getting trussed up and minimising any potential problems from my ankle.Walking was fine. I had no idea what running would be like.We were a little late setting off and we did so just as the rain eased. There was a fantastic crowd of Fetchies to see us off. That set the day up for being a good one :)Off we went and I hit The Wall after ½ a mile!!!The sneaky blighter had done it's best to second guess me. And my ankle was REALLY painful.I fiddle-faddled with different ways of running until I found a decent compromise that kept propelling me forward faster than walking.V'rap, Adam T, Mark B all went past me, and I was struggling to get any kind of pace. I settled into 9:30's, caught back up to Adam and mentioned that I thought it was going to be a Long Hard Day.At about 5 miles I was running a little more freely and caught back up with my lovely wife. Haddi and family Haddi were at the 6 mile Feed Station - Brilliant :)He said they'd next be at Newby Bridge!!!Once again people from the Fetch community prove to be the best supporters in the world.The Mile 7 hill saw Adam's Dad catch up with me on his bike. I ran up it faster than he rode :) Funny as it seems, that was a real confidence booster!I could see Mark ahead of me at the 8 mile Feed Station, and caught him at 10. The ankle was loosening up and giving me far less grief, and I started experimenting with running as fast as I could without hurting myself.It was a really fine balance, and EVERY footfall had to be exactly right. Kept me very focused and I had to concentrate really hard.Passing the 12 mile Station I knew that Newby Bridge was just around the corner.And as promised, there was haddi - with the promised Jelly Babies. He said something about "....around the corner"Oh.My.God.!!!!!!!!!An enormous group of familiar Fetch faces making a huge amount of noise. What a lift :)Thanks Guys - You are awesome :)I started the long open section to the 14 mile Station, and was reeling in Foxy Davy. I caught him at the feed Station, where Amy had promised to be if I needed anything.I didn't this time :):)Things were going reasonably well - but this part of the route is the most undulating, and the quick changes were proving slightly troublesome with the ankle.Amy drove past me just before 15, and checked on me. I told her that my ankle was a bit sore, but in 2½ miles the course becomes flat, and that I'd be fine from there.She said she'd wait at the top of the Speed Bump :)haddi was at the 18 mile Station and found my bottle for me and ran with me until I was done with it (Cheers mate - really appreciated that )And as I'd predicted running was much easier. A quick check of the Garmin showed that I was averaging less than 9 minute miles overall now, and I was running well.This section is easy to run, and makes it one of the best last thirds of a marathon I know.I found myself waving at loads of cars with people who beeped their horns, or who cheered. It was great :)Was feeling reasonable through Bowness and up to the Speed Bump. Amy was there as promised. "You OK..?"♫ "I'm still runnin'.." ♫ I warbled :)And I headed straight on.Average pace read 8:37min/mile!!!!I started pushing the pace as far as I dared. There are some lovely downdulating sections along this section.22 passed23 passedand the short section to the last water station loomed.I felt like I was running well - and I was - I was seeing 7:3* paceBlimey!!!I was thirsty - so stopped for a decent drink and to wet my Buff. And set back off again.2½ miles to go.I picked the pace up a bit - ankle said - OK :)Loved the run into Ambleside - managed not to fall over.And as I headed out - ANOTHER Fetchpoint had created itself. AMAZING :):):):)My average pace had dropped below 8:30's - now THAT I never expected at the start!!!As I entered the grounds of Brathay I changed the display on the Garmin to show me the running time 3:37:57Oooooh - If I get a move on, I'll get under 3:40.......... (sad, eh!!!)As I crowned the hill, I picked it up...... and there was ANOTHER Fetchpoint at the finish line - Unbelieveable :):):):):)3:39:45GRRRRRRAAAARGH! (no Idea *why* I roared, but it seemed appropriate at the time!!)Said a quick hello the the good folk who'd turned out to see us in, and went for FOOD!!Cheered the next couple of runners in, and headed out to hug the wife who'd had ANOTHER brilliant run :)When we went back up to the Lodge for physio and the like, discovered that Tim had won today:)That REALLY made my day. Tim has been running really well, and is such a nice bloke. I was absolutely delighted for him, and I think that it showed. :)Fantastic day :).
.Hi Dave and Helen :)GOTum-ti-tum-ti-tum..... :)Hmmm.....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH :-O (PTT which had been grumbling a bit became impossible to run on) (Mile 11)WalkSee Dave and Helen at Newby Bridge - Say something like " I'm in a bit of trouble"Set new goal - "finish"Shiver (Blue lips the lot!)WOO WOO WOO WOO (Amy comes to the rescue)WOO WOO WOO WOO (Dave gives me ALL of his clothes and a couple of his buns :) )Lorna goes storming past looking fantasticDavy nicks a dry shirt off DaveMark and Adam T go pastShuffle ShuffleWOO WOO WOO WOO ( Amy comes to the rescue again )Walk FAST sub 13m/mTry shuffle run - OK for a bitWOO WOO WOO WOO WOO ( Amy returns with Coffee, Jelly Babies and paracetamol)(16 miles)Start running really gentlySub 12 min/mile - YAY - Go me!Oooh - sub 11m/mOooh - about 10m/mOooooooh - 2 sub 10's I'm "nails", me :)WHAT - miles with an '8' in them. YAY, I'm shuffling nicely now.Some MEGA support from Dave - You are a star, mate - Awesome :)Blimey - only 2½ miles to goGAH - Garmin has died (25.2 miles) [ note to self - Charge it tonight!! ]Ambleside - Helen tells me Lorna went sub-4. My wife ROCKS :):) Best moment of the day :):)Finish - GRAAAARGH. 4:32:17I'm SO happy with that - I thought I'd have to walk from 14 all the way.Food - LornA has MADE the kitchen staff make a pot of HOT food "because there are some hypothermic runners coming in"My wife ROCKS :)Physio - Kath ( a friend) pops in to say Hi :):):)Fetch People ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Amy and I have a conspiratorial chat about the plan for tomorrow ;)Off for tea shortly.All in all a REALLY hard day - but about an hour better than I thought It'd be.Gotta be happy with that :):):):).
.Was it sitting in the river?Was it the incredible work that Amy has done making my Glutes wiggle (you had to be there ;))Was it simply just a better day at the office?Dunno.But my legs were much *boingier* todayThe only concern was some discomfort on the inside of my left ankle.Lorna and Steve were being interviewed by Border TV this morning, and somehow I got dragged into the bit featuring my lovely wifeThis was a reasonable distraction before the start of Day 7 - even though I was still feeling really low.The first mile saw Adam fly off :) Followed by Tim, and for a short while I was running with Steve.He pulled ahead and caught up with Tim around Hawkshead, and for the next few miles they were pretty much in sight. I was running comfortably and got a fantastic surprise just after 6 miles...Hannah (SW from Fetch) was there at the side of the road, and I stopped for a hug :) Brilliant!Mile 7 hill went fine, and the ITB didn't grumble.Amy has done some real magic with me and the other TiTs - she is amazing!I was really enjoying the nett downhill section to Newby Bridge today, the only concern being that my ankle was becoming more uncomfortable.At the turn I could see both Steve and Tim. "Do my eyes deceive me?" I thought, " they look closer"They were!By Mile 16 I was only about 20 seconds behind Tim, and looking good pace-wise for about 3:19 or 20.Then the ankle became troublesome.Mike the other physio was doing 'front' support and asked if I was OK at 18, and I said I was. About half a mile later I regretted that, as running was becoming more uncomfortable.I really hoped that he'd be at the mile 20 Feed Station - he wasn't :(I pottered on through Bowness and though 21 miles, running OK, if cautiously. And for the first time I walked up the first section of the Speed Bump.It flattens a third of the way up and then steepens again, so I'd started running at that point, and saw Mike at the top.MARVELLOUS :)"Do you want some cold spray?" he asked"Yup -and some scissors!!!!!!" I replied.Off with the shoe and Mike set about cooling the hurty bits, while I set about surgically altering my shoe.I muttered something about walking if I had to - and at the time I genuinely thought I'd have to!!That all done I set off again, limping initially, and then getting back into my running. As 22 miles passed I knew that the running was nice and easy, and with a bit of work, I'd be able to get *just* under 3:30.I ignored the 24mile drink and headed on, safe in the knowledge that if I could hold my current pace I'd get that time!!! :)The ankle held up OK for the most part - stopped me from gunning the last incline, and I was REALLY happy to see the finish line hover into view3:28:32I was SO pleased with that.I waited for Lorna to come in and went with her to the Dining Room (I'd already eaten) and then made my way to the river.I don't think any 'normal' rules can apply to this event, which is BRUTAL!!!Amy has worked her magic on me, and we'll see what tomorrow brings.:).
.Warning - Self-indulgence contained herein....With some physio work done on me with regard to my Rt ITB V and I headed to the start which was sunny and breezy, with a few fluffy clouds round about.We were a bit late setting off today - and what a fantastic sight to see a Fetch vest with XB inside it at the start :)And saw him again on the first half Fabulous :):)Within about half a mile a was feeling the fatigue in my legs,and Adam, Steve and Tim soon went out of sight.The engine was ticking over fine with my HR in the 140's (just over 60%WHR!), but there was nothing in the legs!At 6 miles the ITB started to twinge, but it coped OK with the hill at 7.The nett downhill into Newby Bridge didn't yield any faster running, and I gave up on the idea of 3:30 at about mile 8.12 through 17½ was turgid - and I had to adjust my shoes a couple of times.At 18 I started to feel a little better and shortly after that saw a Fetch Away colours with Kev Scone inside itBrilliant :):) That provided a real lift.I stopped at all the subsequent Feed Stations for a drink and felt the pull of the finish at 24 once again.Near disaster coming into Ambleside where I tripped on something and stubbed my whole body on the road, narrowly missing a car. And that really shook me up. Hip and hands were hurting, and I was virtually in tears running through the village.Most odd!The run in passed in a bit of a blur, and I clocked 3:37:41.Headed straight to dinner and then went and sat in the river. After today, I'll try anything.Head was SO scrambled that I thought I was first on Amy's physio list - apparently not!upsetting Lorna is not on the the agenda.Epic Fail!!!!!!!!!!!Amy did all sorts of stuff that made my bum wiggle this evening. My glutes are tight and it's partly responsible for my ITB issues.Having a real 'down' evening this evening, and I have hardly spoken a word:(Lorna's parents are here and are taking us out this evening, which is rather good of them :)I'm hoping Mr Grumpy will make himself scarce!.
.OK - that was tough!I was clearly tired last night, judging by the amount that I slept last night.And there was a great deal of lethargy hanging around this morning.Adam, Steve and Tim headed off at a super quick pace, and for the first 7 miles I could see them (well, Steve and Tim!!) ahead of me running really nicely.Although I was running OK - I felt tired. And my concern about my Right ITB, which said "Hello" briefly yesterday, reared it's ugly head on the hill at 7 miles. I stretched it out at the top of the hill, and it seemed to ease on the downs and the flats - but was niggling away at me on every incline.By 12 miles it seemed to be behaving itself again, and once I was through Newby Bridge heading to half way, I felt ok - if tired.I went through Halfway in 1:44:44 and then started the Bad Patch from Hell.Every step was heavy - I'd lost so much time on the 3 ahead that the Feed Station was unmanned (and I needed a wee!) and I felt REALLY tiredThe next 3 miles were horrible, and I was mentally having to break down the course into tiny sectionsThe 16 mile feed StationThe pub just before 17The 18 mile Feed station.I gave up on the idea of being under 3:30And then it went away!The section from 18 to Bowness (20) is really easy running, just after 21 is the Speed Bump which I ran at 'effort' rather than pace 
The next 2 miles are lovely - really easy running and one almost imperceptible incline, and my last Feed Station was just before 24 (on purpose)I glanced at the watch and realised that I could stop and take a decent drink and my average pace would be *just* sub 8. THAT lifted my spirits a HUGE amount!The last 2½ miles are lovely - and some folk came out of the Hotel in Ambleside to clap and cheer 
The run up the drive was fine and into the finish there were a decent number of supporters there including Teresa (of course ) Steve and Tim who'd had great runs, and Adam who'd had an absolute screamer 3:27:32All in all that was far better than I expected. Had a quick lunch - saw V'rap in, then headed up to be looked at by Mike.Been ordered off my feet tonight!.
