Finish Time — 06:42:41
Average Pace — 15:22 per mile
Steps Taken — 58,290
Mantra of the Day — “Listen to your body”
Day 7 started much greyer and damper than yesterday’s splendid spring morning. But this is the Lake District after all, and I think we have been lucky with the weather so far. So, on with the rain gear and don’t let the spirit be dampened!
Morning therapy at Body Rehab went well, as I realised when someone commented how quiet it was (I have a reputation for being noisy on the table) and when I got out twenty minutes faster than usual.
Opting again for the early start, I caught up with Davey and Toks around mile 3. By this time I was already warmed up and in a similar rhythm to yesterday, so I chugged on into the drizzling rain.
I quickly realised that my ankle pain had almost completely subsided, so despite the dismal weather I was on something of a high. For a mile or two I debated how to play today’s run, and decided to opt for a slow and steady pace. The idea being to maximise my physical recovery, and give myself the absolute best chance of a cracking run on Saturday or Sunday.
And so my day unfolded much like yesterday, except that my aches and pains were now “normal” runner’s afflictions rather than acute injury. This, I know how to deal with. I settled into the meditative state that makes me enjoy endurance running so much… You relax into the pain, don’t fight it, let it absorb you, look at it “from the inside”, and perceive it not as an alarm signal but rather as a measure of your capacity and state of fitness.
Apart from a couple of walk and chat breaks with various supporters around the course, this approach got me all the way to Ice Cream Mountain at mile 22, before the relaxed focus started to deteriorate somewhat, due to fatigue and busy traffic. The last 4 miles were a little tougher, but when you are so close to home the finish line calls out and you just run to reach it.
End result — a very satisfying “discipline run”, confirming that my injury is clearing and that I have this event under control. I am also very pleased see the principles of active recovery and minimalist running working so well in an event that is highly taxing by any standards. This in itself is a psychological boost!
As always, I would like to thank everyone who has donated to my fund-raising goal of £5,000. Please help me again by sharing this story with your friends and colleagues, and encouraging them to support the amazing work of Brathay Trust. Thank you!
Wow …. Rob,, amazing, i am very proud of you. go gettem
I am amazed at how you have been able to surge back up there after the ankle injury. Wow! its been wonderful following yours as the other athletes journeys….its a journey into the minds of the endurance athlete. I am sharing your story with my friend Nav who last year did 8 marathons in 8 days in 8 cities. I think this may just be his goal the next time around.
Thanks and keep on digging deep and staying focused. You will get there. As they say…never, never, never give up. If you have to walk it, just do what it takes! You’re inspirational.
One love
Jennifer
Well done Rob! You are incredible – keep strong and focused.
Loved the message from Class 4. “You Can, You Can Do It” Keep the Ice Cream van in sight and they are pushing you all the way.
tiens bon Rob,
on pense à toi dans l’effort,
on pense à toi dans la douleur,
on pense à toi dans la joie de l’arrivée.
courage et persévérance,
tu es capables de le faire.
tiens bon Rob
Good to read this note Rob
You are a really devoted and very encouraging person.
I wish you all the best and a great finish.
Michel
Hi Rob
Just think this time last Friday you had just done your first marathon and you had nine more to go, and now you have two more starts and then you would of completed you 10 in 10.I am so amazed you have got this far and i can feel it you are so going to finish! “Run strong, embace power!”
From Tara P.S You are my inspiration no matter what happens.