Brathay Helps Out
- Duncan
- May 2
- 3 min read
Updated: May 3
Paddington Helps Out
This morning I sat up in bed with a puzzled expression on my face. Happenings at Brathay, particularly breakfast always followed a strict timetable and it was most unusual for me to awaken so early and before the alarm even went off.
Dashing down several flights of stone steps, the now well established, almost regimented second day pre-race preparation included the consumption of crumpets, porridge, coffee, orange juice and now marmalade. Taking no care over my personal presentation, I look, I hope, slightly 'windswept and interesting', woolly socks, sliders, bright red fleece (LFC) hoody and running shorts to complete the ensemble, but not caring a jot as I'm comfy, warm and surprisingly refreshed for saying I'd completed a marathon less than 24 hours previously. Off to see Ella for help, which she duly obliged with. The achilles worry I arrived with has diminished somewhat and surprisingly I feel almost prepared for Day 2.
Into the athletes room and a quick check of how I look, in case the 'paps' are out today, and this is what greeted me in the mirror
The first 13 miles drifted by as if some invisible force were at work. No aches, no pains and even a little spurt around the half way point courtesy of the Billy Connolly audiobook Windswept and Interesting. Closely following Izzy Creed I guffawed at the point when Billy is explaining that he used to like being in a state of undress as a child and also as an adult, after all about 100 million tv viewers have seen his willy. No wonder with me laughing hysterically Izzy went on to set her PB around the course. Apparently Bassit was bored on the course today, so he told me at dinner, and thanks to my hysteria induced increase in running pace, he too finished with a solid time. Unfortunately, my wheels started to come off with the undulation in the second part of the course taking it's toll, my quads feel like I've done a thousand goblet squats, the springs feel like they've sprung.
Thank you to Warren and Davey for helping sort out my inhaler, didn't need it but with the drop in temperature, I half expected to have a few breathing issues.
Met a few previous 10in10ers on the course today, shout out to Louise, Maria, James and Pat (downing a Peroni probably) in a bar in Bowness, and Happy Birthday to Pat too!
A friend of mine is running the Pennine Barrier Ultra today, Paul Bushby (another 10in10er from the Class of 2019), at the time of writing he's just finished, a fantastic achievement.
Physio was a little painful today, but hopefully with a decent night's sleep, we'll be okay tomorrow. We've been 'playing' an ice-breaker game courtesy of Jon Webb an amazing facilitator and business coach and someone I admired during my years in hospitality. It, sort of goes like this, favourite animal and describe in 3 words, favourtie colour and describe in 3 words and favourite place and describe in 3 words. Apparently, the animal describes how you see yourself, the colour, how others see you and the place, your sexuality. A few giggles erupted when someone mentioned furry and hectic as descriptive words for the categories. At least we're having fun, I think?
Never had a blister on the Windermere course until today and it's a beauty. Maybe different socks and trainers tomorrow? Advice anyone?
On the playlist today was Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani, it seemed appropriate, after all a few times I've been around this track and this sh.. is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
Suggested song, which arrived during the 26.2 miles was...
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