The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
Day 8 Daily Report from Brathay

An overcast sky? Yes, strange but true, the ten runners left the start-line for Race # 8 in cooler conditions and grey sky. As with every other morning a small crowd of spectators and supporters were there to send us off. The runners are obviously delighted to be at the start-line for Day 8; some more than others given the condition of injuries.

A similar patterns to other recent races emerged. A lead pack of Steve, Ray, Jim, George, and Phil made an initial split from the others at the first turn before heading up the first of a million hills. The first two miles weave their way up and around several turns and hills. We are quickly reacquainted with the course, as are our knees, shins and Achilles.     

The overcast sky in fact created near perfect running conditions. This resulted in more great times emerging. Once again Ray had a terrific run, leading most of the way until the last couple of miles and coming in tied with Steve in a time of 3:29. In for 3rd was George in 3:45 followed by Phil in (3:47), again showing their depth and pleasing also in that Phil has shaken off, or perhaps ignored, the knee injury from the day before. Jim followed soon after in a PB for the 10 in 10 of 3:54, and then Matt (4:51), still in very good times remembering too that there is a cumulative toll on the body as the effects of one marathon is layered on top of the others. In a familiar pattern now, behind these runners came Malcolm, Michelle, Paul and Selina. While the times are longer for those in the back 5 there is still an equal commitment to run the best we can, which in part, is what running marathons is all about. We run not necessarily to compete with others, but to compete with ourselves and to keep pushing our limits.

And to enjoy it. Some may say how can you possibly enjoy running 26.2 miles? The answer is beyond the scope of this report to explain but there are many, many benefits. The euphoric feeling of having just run 26.2 miles hits us every time we do it, some times more than others. Here, at the Brathay 10 in 10 Challenge, the feeling is magnified with each run.  

The physios, Amy and John, see the cumulative toll on the body more clearly than anyone else, as each day they attend to the injuries lying in front of them and on the road. They decide to strap or bandage some injuries and / or give ultra sound to loosen muscle fibres and reduce inflammation. For some it is simply a case of massaging the muscles to optimise their capacity to take on the next run. The daily treatment of the injuries would make for a fascinating research project.

In addition to John and Amy we have been treated, perhaps spoilt, by the support provided along the course. Special mention goes to Pip, Jane and Tom (up from Wales for a week to support Matt), whom we have all got to know and enjoy seeing at what are several points along the way. Tea, Jaffa, cakes, ice-cream, water ... actually anything you request and they will do everything they can to make your run as comfortable as possible. Hilary has been here these past couple of days to offer her support as she bikes around the course. Closer to the finish near Ambleside, Brian provides a daily supply of Jelly Babies and either hands them to us in person or leaves them in  small box by his driveway along with a supportive note he’s written. Yesterday he was waving some of us down to make sure we got a “fix”. Teresa Edwards meanwhile, the other more significant half of Steve, has been a tireless supporter for us in so many ways that we will not know what to do without her when this is all over. It is the support from people such as these and the flood of emails, text messages and phone messages that has made this such an enriching experience for us.   

And so on the night of Day 8 after dinner we all appeared for a drink at Brathay Hall to celebrate. No specific reason other than to enjoy each other’s company and to acknowledge we are one step closer to completing what we set out to do. Day Nine will come soon enough. Already preparations are being made for Sunday’s race and runners are coming in to register. In addition to mentally preparing for Marathon # 9 our minds will be working overtime as we go to sleep tonight, thinking about the finish and the excitement of Days 9 and 10 in front of us.

Day 8 Finish Times

• Ray O’Connor – 3:29
• Steve Edwards – 3:29
• George Russell – 3:45
• Phil Roberts – 3:47
• Jim Mundy – 3:54
• Matthew Evans – 4:51
• Malcolm Anderson – 5:27
• Michelle Atkins – 5:33
• Paul Adams – 5:54
• Selina Da Silva – 6:38