Run The Date - Day 25
Date: Wednesday 25th September
Distance: 25 miles
Motivational quote: "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you."
Sponsor: Viv Oliver
Song: Windowlicker by Aphex Twin
Running partner: John Lawrence, Stuart Munn, Blister Sisters
Weather: Wet, damp, moist, soaking wet and windy
Fuel: Cereal, banana, Actimel, coffee, Bakewell tart, toast, veggie roast, crisps, nuts, protein shake, mushroom omelette.
Route: Football pitch loops, all over the town. Hythe run.
Comments:
Part 1
I awoke once more to torrential rain and a fierce wind. It
was 5:20 am. I could have slept for another 24 hours. Instead I rose and
dressed, had a coffee, four Weetabix and a banana. I sat at the table and
wanted to cry. Every now and then the size of this challenge is too much.
25 miles stretched before me, and 26 tomorrow, and 27, 28,
29, 30…. My right thigh had shooting pains where the quad muscle joined the
knee. The backs of my knees ached. My stomach was hollow and one glance in the
mirror revealed dark, round circles around each eye.
It was time for some PMA – Positive Mental Attitude – so I
focussed on the moment. If I could manage six miles before coffee that would be
a good start. Just six miles. I could do six miles.
When I left the house, the rain had stopped – temporarily.
It would return time and again throughout the morning; torrential monsoon
downpours that flooded the paths and gutters.
My legs felt sore and awkward, but I was running. A new pair
of trainers gave me a boost and provided some extra padding. Soon I was at
John’s house and we headed for the football pitches that have become a regular
route during this challenge. On the way we were joined by Stuart. I was moved
by the fact that this committed cyclist would come out on a dreary and damp day
to run with me.
The three of us looped around the pitches and I had soon
completed by six miles. My thigh was agony and when Stuart left us we headed
for coffee. I was limping heavily and unsure how long I could continue. Was
this the end of my challenge? If so, I would complete this day. John offered to
complete the challenge for me if I was unable to continue which is true
friendship.
I’ve been so well supported this month. It is no
exaggeration to say I wouldn’t have got this far without the encouragement and
help of my family and friends. What has surprised me – although maybe it
shouldn’t have – is the way people have been drawn into the spirit of the
challenge. People see good things and want to be a part of it. This is despite
all the negativity we are flooded with through the media every day.
One such example is the father of a friend’s partner. He
heard about the challenge and said he wanted to support something doing good in
the world, pledging £20. Yes, I’m raising money. Yes, I’m trying to push my
limits to new heights. But I also want to inspire others and generate good
things. It’s great to see that happening in practical ways.
Talking of people doing good and random acts of kindness,
when we limped into the café they had made a big Bakewell Tart and dusted it
with icing sugar with the number 25 in the middle. I was really touched and
proceeded to stick my face in it to show my appreciation.
Coffee and cake consumed, we headed out again. I found that
the faster I ran the less painful my knee felt. We went to another park and
lapped around it. I was still grimacing with the pain, but it was just about
bearable.
From there we continued down the Leas to town, down the hill
to the Harbour, along Tontine Street, up through the park and housing estate
and back to Johns. Fifteen miles done. That filled me with great confidence
considering how I had felt a few hours earlier. John made more coffee and toast
and we sat in the garden in the rain for a rest.
We set off again heading out of town and then back towards
my house. My aim was to hit 20 miles which I did by the time I reached home. I
thanked John for pacing me through the morning. For long stretches I had been
behind him just staring at his feet trying to stay focussed and keep moving
through the pain. ‘No pain, no gain’ was my mantra. Now I just had five miles
to go and another day was done.
There was just time for a quick hot bath with eucalyptus
salts before making my way to the Grammar School.
Another goal of this challenge is to inspire others to see
what they are capable of. Neil B is Head of Resolution House at the Grammar
School in Folkestone and he invited me to speak to the boys in their assembly.
I rambled on about various things; running, Rainbow Centre,
running, challenging yourself, running and running. I hope it may have spoken
to some of them and shown them that they can do more than they may think or
believe – and not necessarily by running. On the other hand, they may just have
seen a knackered, middle aged bald man in shorts with bandages on his knees
rambling on about how doing stupid things is a good idea.
That said I was impressed and inspired by them too. There
was a group putting projects in place to help the environment, one lad was
writing and directing plays and another has just been selected to play Water
Polo for England under 18’s! They should have been speaking to me!
In the evening I joined Blister Sisters in Hythe to run with their group. They were very welcoming and supportive.
I've now completed 325 miles. 140 to go. That puts me just past Carlisle on my way to Fort William!
My right knee is swollen and very sore. Advice is to rest, ice, compress and elevate. It will have to be three out of four.
