The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
Day 6 Daily Report from Brathay
Another summer’s day greeted the runners at the start line this morning. The mood was upbeat as usual and there are smiles all around. A growing crowd is emerging at the start line now, and today a TV film camera also made its appearance, along with someone holding it.
Paul Adams burst ahead of the pack at the start, but within a few minutes the more common spread of runners emerged, with Steve Edwards out in front followed by Phil, George, Jim and Matthew. The two other Peloton Boys, Ray and Malcolm dropped further off the pace, speculating on how wonderful it would be to have bacon and eggs for breakfast for change. The two of them and Michelle, stayed close to one another for the first 7-8 miles, at which point Ray kicked into a higher gear and gradually caught up with the others ahead.
The front runners all came in with good times once again, including first place Steve Edwards (3:35), and Jim with his PB for the 10 in 10 (4:17). Jim’s times have been coming down with each race. George too (4:05), in second place, has been getting stronger over the past few days as has Ray (4:29), while Phil continues to run well (4:08). Matt had a good time despite a nagging injury (4:40), while Malcolm eased through the day making sure an injury sustained the previous day did not get worse (5:12). Michelle finished strongly again today to notch up her PB with a 5:23 time. Selina finished strong as she crossed the line (6:07), and Paul also finished well with a good time (5:55).
The sad news of the day, however, is that Sue Adams sustained a foot injury in the latter part of the race. It is too serious for Sue to continue, and so she has had to pull out of the challenge. Which is an obvious blow for Sue, but also for everyone else as we had all been hoping that we’d all come through the 10 in 10 together.
It’s also been a time for reflection today as we become increasingly aware of the fragility of the body, especially when it has sustained enduring physical stress. There are a few of us highly conscious that what Sue has had to deal with today could be us tomorrow or the next day. These sorts of thoughts and views are shared as we discuss the day among one another while waiting to receive physiotherapy and/or massage treatment, and through the night.
There is no doubt that all 11 runners show a high level of tenacity and resilience that puts them in good stead for the remaining four days. None of us, however, can be anywhere near 100% confident that we will be injury free over the next few days. We’ve just run 6 marathons. With 4 more to run, anything could happen, and it could happen at any time.
Meanwhile, at Brathay Hall the set-up has begun for the Windermere Marathon this coming Sunday. It promises to be a great day, with over 800 runners registered for the event as well as friends and families coming along.
But for now, we are pleased to have finished Day 6. It’s a new day tomorrow. There is a level of the unknown in our upcoming Day 7 for each of us. We will need to be on our game and be highly tuned into what our bodies are telling us. We’d be foolish not to listen.
Day 6 Finish Times
- Steve Edwards – 3:35
- George Russell – 4:05
- Phil Roberts – 4:08
- Jim Mundy – 4:17
- Ray O’Connor – 4:29
- Matthew Evans – 4:40
- Malcolm Anderson – 5:12
- Michelle Atkins – 5:23
- Paul Adams – 5:55
- Selina Da Silva – 6:07
Sue Adams – retired at 21 miles
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