10 in 10 - Day 5 The Race

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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 tired
The next 3 miles were horrible, and I was mentally having to break down the course into tiny sections
The 16 mile feed Station
The pub just before 17
The 18 mile Feed station.

I gave up on the idea of being under 3:30

And 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

3:27:32

All 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!
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