10 in 10 Race 7 - What a difference a Day makes....

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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* today

The 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 wife
This 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 view

3:28:32

I 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.
:)

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