GREAT BARROW 10 IN 10 2017 - Pukie & Ian's Running Adventures

20 Jun

20Jun

Barrow 10 in 10 Day 1.

Had my ritual porridge and toast then set of for the event. Discussing tactics on the way, which is rather difficult to do as this is totally unknown to us. I kind of settled on the fact I'd need to go very steady and try to finish around the 5 hour mark. I think if I try for any quicker, I will pay for it as the days go on. Mrs s was saying similar, but with a finish around 4:30. But, really, it's just take each day as it comes and always keep in mind that it's not about today, it's about 10 days.

Once at the event village we registered and handed in our waivers, saying if we drop dead, it's not their fault. Then we took part in a medical research test. This is with Sheffield university and it's to see how the lung capacity copes with things over 10 days. So for 4 of the 10 days we do the same test, all different breathing techniques, this is done before and after the run.

Then it was race briefing which went on for a while, all the normal stuff plus lots of introductions. Besides the 10 in 10 people there are runners doing 1 day only, 3 days plus some doing the ultras, 31 miles.

Weather was very good, for me. Bit breezy and cool. Which I was happy with.

So, of we go, I saw mrs s for a whole 2 mins then not till the end. I knew from the route and the fact i never once saw her, then she was having a good run. The route, this was the yellow route was if truth be told rather tedious. Mostly road but there was 5 sections off road. They were not nice off road section, just fields with really sticky mud. I ran very steady from the off, but it was tempting to go quicker as this was a fast route, but I had to think of tomorrow and the next day etc. The road sections were your typical country lanes, all you saw was trees and fields of corn and wheat plus loads of thatched cottages and barn conversions, which are very nice but it would of been nice to see something else occasionally. A lot of the run was ran with other people so that kept boredom at bay. The whole route though, I just tried to keep comfortable, it's probably the most comfortable I've ever ran a marathon. Though the legs were still feeling tired on the last 4 miles. Mainly due to the last off road bit which with the mud, made your shoes 3 times as heavy as normal. The fueling all went well, though I only really ate at the checkpoints which were every 5 miles. That all worked really well. Anyway, got to the finish line just before 5 hours, which I was happy with. I was met by a grinning sharnie who had come home 1st lady, her competitive side took over and tactics out the window. But she knows what is comfortable for her and I was chuffed and proud of her 1st lady finish.

Then we did our breathing tests again, then headed to the food tent where we demolished a hot dog and burger plus 2 coffees.On the way home, in the supermarket I then purchased a pair of slippers, so I can kick the shoes of after the run and put these on as we walk around.

My time was 4:56:44. Sharnies time was 4:11:35 and 1st lady home.

GREAT BARROW CHALLENGE DAY 2

BLUE ROUTE.

Today was going to be ran on very little sleep. 3 am wake up. Not good. Same morning ritual as yesterday and off we went. Arrived and registered and made any final adjustments. We had talked about taking a pair of trail shoes and leaving them in the car, in case of last minute change of mind. After finding out this route was 20 miles off road, if I had the trail shoes I would of changed them, but that would of been a mistake, as road shoes were perfect. I had on my Brooks Ravenna's, same as yesterday. Legs were feeling ok, much better than I expected. The start was different to yesterday, today we was lead out of the event village by a fire engine, sirens going.

The route was all off road for the 1st 20 miles. Through fields, paths and forest paths. Checkpoints were at mile 6, 10, 15 & 22. The 1st 6 miles flew by and was probably my best miles of the day. I had mrs s in my sights for the 1st 2 miles today, but never again after that. I was running with another person doing the 10 in 10 from 2 miles to the end. All was going very well, up to mile 15. At this rate I was on for a 4:30 ish time. Legs were still feeling good as we're the feet. I had for the 1st time ever put vaseline on my feet to prevent blisters, it worked. Feet preservation is high up on the list of priorities. I was enjoying the route up to mile 15 though it was all very samey. When we got to the forest path though, there was some seriously long straight sections these were so boring. Between the 3rd & 4th checkpoints was 7 miles, these dragged and dragged for me. At mile 20 and once back on the road, we came across the hill that everyone had warned us about. Fortunately this was a Suffolk hill and not a cumbria hill so it was very runnable. Then at 22 miles and the last checkpoint came the highlight of the day, water melon. This was the only checkpoint with it. I tell you, it was the best water melon ever, I could of stayed there and ate the lot. Plodded on though for the last 4 miles. We reached the 26.2 point but still not back but was given the final surprise, a hill, not long but short and steepish and certainly at that stage, a walker. By now and after the last 10 miles, the legs were feeling it, far more than yesterday and far more than I'd like. Got over the finish line to be greeted by Mrs s who had come in 2nd lady.

Times were

Ian 5:01:29 & sharon 4:35:28.

Total miles ran by us both is 106.96

So I'm still getting the steady 5 hours time. Though I feel tomorrow may be slower. The other thing we have to keep an eye on is mind demons, we cannot afford to think past the next run, and while on that run, just purely think of finishing. Thinking of the bigger picture is very daunting.

After the run, the new slippers were put on, and it was lovely walking around without trainers on, then we both had a big hot dog in the event village catering tent and on the way back to the accommodation, a very nice ice cream.

Great Barrow Challenge Day 3

Orange route ( all routes are colour coded)

Before I get on to today, let me tell you what happens after the run. Once home here, we shower and get tomorrow's kit ready. Then chill for a bit and write these reports and catch up with the bug. Then we eat, last night was steak and chips followed by, for me only, a pot noodle. At some point ginger nut biscuits are consumed. Other meals have been pasta, pizza and Fray Bentos pies. Plus snacking on other things like crisps, this day after day does make you hungry plus we know we need to stuff our faces for energy reasons. After that I get mrs s to massage my legs, but so far she hasn't let me near her calf's. Then a few beers and TV and bed by 9:30 ish. So that's the routine so far.

Today, day 3.

A step into the unknown for us both. Neither of us have done 3 days on the trot before. Though there are no nerves about doing these runs, there is that element of wondering what's in store for us, how will it feel etc.

Awake at 5 am, breakfast, toast and porridge again, only toast for mrs s. Get ready and of we go to the event village. Arrived there, but now there is no parking up and having a wander to take it all in, we just sit in the car till register and briefing.

The route today was all road, though we had no idea what kind of route it will be. We never study the routes beforehand, just get on with what's there. We don't need maps, though both have a GPS map on the watch, but you can't go wrong, they are so well marked out.

We were joined today by more one day runners plus some runners doing the half marathon.

It was nice and cool when we started, but that did not last. The whole route was once again on peaceful country lanes. The 1st 6 miles were flyers, though not for me, i behaved and just plodded around at a hopefully consistent pace. The legs felt ok, much much better than I was expecting them to. All was going well. The HM runners changed route after the 1st checkpoint so our numbers dropped then. My tactics on these runs is just to get from 1 checkpoint to the next. Stuffing my face at each of them. Half way between them, I eat and drink what I have in the belt. For 20 miles I just kept a steady plod, pace differed but the effort felt the same. Worst bits was when the sun came out, then it was baking hot. After the last checkpoint and the start of mile 20, we had our 1st proper hill, which was walked. These last 6 miles were much better than the last 2 days. There were a few other climbs and they were the toughest 6 miles of the day, but though my slowest miles, they were ok.

I knew I was on for my quickest time so far, but that was only due to the friendly course, I wasn't pushing for a quick time.

Made it back to the finish to be greeted once again by Mrs s, a mrs s who so far has had no finishing photos taken of her, and unless she let's me beat her one day, she won't.

Sharon had a great run though, I knew she would like that course. Finished 2nd lady once again.

Then it's the after race ritual, slippers on, finishing picture and burger & hot dog plus the ice cream on the way home.

Been a very good day for us today, the step into the unknown went very well. Just hope tomorrow does also.

Stats.

Ian. 4:46:27

Sharon. 4:12:45

Overall position (over the 3 days)

Sharon 6th

Ian 16th

Total miles so far by us both is 159.65

Great Barrow Challenge Day 4

Red Route

Normal service in getting to the event. Breakfast, i am seriously getting fed up with porridge, but things are going well so not going to change it, except for tomorrow as I forgot to pick some up on the way home. So, breakfast, get ready and drive to the event.

When we got there, the car in front had the one and only Jilly in it. After saying hello and talking for a while sharon and I after registering went to the medical tent to do round 2 of the breathing tests for Sheffield university. Bit more talking, saying hi to people, final adjustments and listen to the briefing. Jilly unnecessarily having a few nerves, she was going to run with Sharon, "what if I don't keep up with you " type nerves. She needn't of worried.

Off we went, 1st 6 miles was the reverse of yesterdays last 6 miles. Much easier this way. I had lost sight of the girls after 5 minutes cause I was being very well behaved and sticking to my plan.

My plan for each run, which has worked very well so far is to just run to each checkpoint. Today there was 5. Mostly road till we got to Newmarket then there was about 8 miles off road, some of which were going through the horse racing gallops but I think the horses were having a day off.

At the half way point it had taken me 2:15, which means if I did the same again I could possibly get a 4:30 finish. But my aim is to stick to the 5 hour mark, this meant I could take an extra 30 mins on the 2nd half, which I did.from mile 14 ish a ran with someone else which helped pass the time. At the checkpoints i continued to stuff my face mainly with cheese and mini sausages.

All went ok and I got over the line in 5:03:29.

There is was welcomed by sharon, jilly and Gael who had travelled uo to see us after she had an earlier race. Then it was back to the breathing machines to complete the days tests. So far, for us both, the lungs are pretty much behaving the same, before and after the run, maybe I'm not working hard enough.

To the food tent next, where my customary hot dog was waiting for me, despite the fact that Gael had kindly brought us all a picnic. So besides the hot dog I had jam sandwiches, crisps, fruit, pork pies and biscuits, it's hungry work this challenge. Believe it or not, it's now 6pm and as I write this, I'm stuffing myself with pizza. Thank you so much Gael, was very kind of you and was great to see you again ( now get logging).

After much chat, a few pictures etc, we all parted company. Was great to finally meet up with Jilly and she had a superb run today.

The course today was again, not the most riveting, the country road around here are just the same as each other. I'm sure if any of these runs had been run as a 1 off run i would think differently towards them. It may even be that they are nice, my sole goal is to get to the next checkpoint as best as I can. So it's possible I'm so busy concentrating on getting each mile done, I just don't notice things. Either way, no route up to now has been enjoyable, they are just a means to an end. Maybe if I get to day 10, i can enjoy the surroundings.

Physically things are going well, a bit too well really. The legs ache after the run, all evening and in the morning, but once you start running, it feels not much different to yesterday. I hope that continues. My feet are fine, no blister, no toes hurting, though I did remove my big toenail on left foot last night, but that had been hanging off before this challenge.

Sharon 4:22:10

Ian 5:03:14

Total time ran 17:21:20

Total miles by us both 212.46.

Great Barrow Challenge
Day 5

Half way there.

Won't bore you with the evening/morning stuff as that never changes, well, except I never had porridge today. But besides that, the run up to this one was the same.

There has however been a change in me, the evening leg pummelling was the most ouchie so far. No panic though as it's expected, im rather surprised it's taken this long. This morning also, was the least enthusiasm either of us had. There wasn't the same level of excitement ( if that's the right word) as other days. But we lined up on the start line prepared to just get it done.

This was another new route for us, though it did take in some stretches we have been on a few times. Road and trail for this one again. It was a much more quieter route I found and I think it's the one I've enjoyed the most. Though, it was also the toughest run so far, lots of us thought it was a tougher route today. Kept to the plan again and was at the HM point was 2:15, exactly the same as yesterday. Then the 2nd half was longer again. Today though, the legs were feeling it, it's more of a struggle get going again after a checkpoint or a walk break. I just plodded on as best as I could. The feet are feeling tired, as a matter of fact, it's the whole of me that's tired. The tiredness is the biggest thing so far. I was mightily relieved to cross the line where once again sharon was waiting for me. Sharon also had her ploddy day today. Was still half hour quicker than me though.

When changing into my slippers I noticed I have a few blisters, i couldn't feel them while running and they are not in the normal places I get them hopefully won't be an issue.

Afterwards we had our customary burger / hot dog and today, chips. Chat to a few people and head of home. It's when back here we really feel the tiredness, it's like a big wave of tiredness sweeps over you.

Anyway, we are half way there, which in one sense is good, but on the other hand we still have exactly the same to do. When crossing the line, there is no jubilation at finishing, no, oh my God I've ran 5 on the trot, there is zero celebrations going on. That won't change till we complete day 10. Till then, it's one day at a time.

Highlight of the day was when back here and the 12 ducklings came to visit us, so I chucked bread over mrs s and they all jumped aboard to get the bread.

Stats

Ian 5:03:25. Total time so far. 1:00:50:12

Sharon 4:30:23. Total time so far 0:21:51:43

Total miles 265.77

Great Barrow Challenge Day 6

This was a repeat of the day 2 course and the course I disliked the most so far. And after yesterdays tough course and run, mixed in with how tired we are, neither of us were looking forward to it. Last night's leg massage was the worst again, I imagine there will be a new worst each day. The legs being really tired and the overall tiredness is really a big thing now. I have no specific niggles to deal with, which is pretty amazing but everything feels tired, my toes feel tired, my feet and legs feel tired. Mrs s has the same tiredness plus her Achilles are not happy. No more blisters to report thankfully.

So far, and mostly intentional I have gone out to run the 1st half, all previous 5 have been around the 2:15 mark, then the 2nd half has been around 2:45. Today I decided to go off slower but try to cut out the walking that I did on day 2 and though a slower pace to start off with, it should hopefully even out, it did, today was 2:16. Unlike day 2, i ran on my own, only briefly running with runners who were either passing me or me passing them. I also decided not to look at the watch, only once did I see the mileage, other than that I had no idea of time or pace, it was a what will be will be. Again, only concentrating on checkpoint to checkpoint I just plodded along, never walking, not even the hillier last 6 miles, i just plodded away.

Got to the finish line to be met by sharon and my elder brother and was rather pleased to see a time of 4:54, 7 mins quicker than day 2. Sharon also had a quicker time this time round. From what we were expecting to be a bad day, turned into a good day.

There is still no mindset of being on the homeward stretch, still no light at the end of the tunnel, you really can't think like that, has to be one day at a time. Plus with 4 still to do and knowing each day will hurt more and be more tired, i for one certainly don't see the light yet.

Was still far to hot out there, but I can deal with it better when going at these paces.

We also, for the 1st time, managed to get some finishing pictures of sharon.

Legs are really tired now and calf's are like a couple of big boulders stuck to my legs.

Tomorrow is an out and back, so that will make a nice route change and will also mean I get to see Sharon at some point, besides the 1st few miles when I see her in the distance our paths never cross on these runs. Sharon is holding on to 2nd lady place still.

Ian's time. 4:54:50. Total time 1:05:45:02. Currently 16th

Sharon's time 47:27 total time 1:02:19:11. Currently 7th.

Total miles 319.04

Great Barrow Challenge Day 7

There was only 1 major thing today that affect us all, the heat. Was a killer out there.

Had rubbish nights sleep, woke at 12:30 for a good hour. Whilst laying there awake and being longer than the bed, where feet hung of the end of the bed, the calfs really hurt. 1st thing this morning, 5:15 am, they still ached a good un. Once moving though, and once at the event, they never felt that bad. Both of us thought, this probably means a tough run ahead, you know what it's like, feel ok = tough run. Leg wise though, it felt best it has for days. Which was good as we had the bigger problem of the heat. ( heat maybe mentioned a few times in this report).

The route today was not only a 1st for us but a 1st for the organisers also. An out and back from event HQ at Barrow and going to Bury St Edmunds, and back again obviously. Was mostly road with a few miles of paths thrown in. As a one of event I imagine it would be a pretty fastish route, though not for me today. At 1st there was only going to be 3 checkpoints at mile 7 & 19 ( the same one) and at the half way point. Which would mean 7 miles at the end which would be torture in the heat.

Fortunately they added extra water at various places including 3.5 miles from the end which was most welcome, despite that, I still carried a water bottle with me.

Before the start we took part for the 3rd time in the breathing tests and met up with bug Baz Taylor.

Off we went and again my plan was to not look at the watch and just plod my way around, which I did. Run was pretty uneventful really, just going from checkpoint to checkpoint and chatting to a few folk on the way around. One of which was David Lewis, chai6of the marathon 100 club, he was nice and encouraging. Somewhere around mile 11 the winner comes running past me on his way home, sub 3 hour for him. I had taken my phone with me as at some point sharon would also come past me and it was a picture opportunity, unfortunately for her that came later than intended due to her taking a wrong turn, she wasn't a happy bunny, but understandably as in the heat, an extra mile is not welcome. After half way (2:16) it was run back time. The heat now was unbearable, ave was 28 degree's and at its peak 32. At one point a younger female runner still on the way out looked like she was really suffering, which wasn't surprising as she had no water with her. I got her to drink mine and pour the rest over her. Then it was a case of just keep plodding on. So plod on I did. With 3.5 miles to go someone told me the mileage, which I'd avoided due to not clock watching, wasn't amused. Those last few miles though, there was some extra walking. Eventually crossing the line still not actually knowing how long I'd taken. Pretty pleased it was around my 5 hour mark.

For both of us, the legs and feet behaved very well and we both walked away from this one feeling less tired than the last few days. The fact this went well physically well now convinces us, tomorrow won't. I hope it's cooler.

Ian's time 5:04:31. Overall time 1:10:49:33

Sharon's time. 4:25:08 overall time 1:06:44:19

Total miles between us. 372.88

Great Barrow Challenge Day 7

There was only 1 major thing today that affect us all, the heat. Was a killer out there.

Fortunately they added extra water at various places including 3.5 miles from the end which was most welcome, despite that, I still carried a water bottle with me.

Before the start we took part for the 3rd time in the breathing tests and met up with bug Baz Taylor.

Ian's time 5:04:31. Overall time 1:10:49:33

Sharon's time. 4:25:08 overall time 1:06:44:19

Total miles between us. 372.88

Great Barrow Challenge Day 8

Last night's leg pummelling by Mrs s was definitely the worst yet, not surprising after the tough day yesterday. But I manned up and the was no girlie screaming from me. Woke at 4 am but didn't feel to bad about it. Had the normal morning ritual of porridge, toast, get ready. It just so happened, I was feeling ok, the best I'd felt since the first few days I think. Unlike Mrs s who was suffering a bit, especially with not much sleep.

We arrived at the event and my legs were feeling good, I was feeling rather chipper this morning and ready for the task ahead, unlike everyone else we spoke to. The Meldrew in me was hidden away deeply, i couldn't work it out. Would probably mean a bad run is waiting for me.

Even the weather, before the event was cooler than yesterday, though not for long. We had the briefing, where we were warned that if we look like we are suffering in the heat too much, we would be withdrawn. There was some folk, not any of the 10 in 10 ers or the ultra runners that went out yesterday with no hats or water, crazy people.

Todays route was the repeat of Saturdays quick road route, the one where I had my fastest time so far. Said goodbye to mrs s, and off we went. Because things were feeling good I thought, if I am able to, I will try to beat my best time, but not if I had to do anything daft. Wasn't long before it got ridiculously hot again, at some points, hotter than yesterday, where was this promised rain. Ran the 1st 10k, to the 1st checkpoint with a couple from Ireland, a couple we have crossed paths with before at the cumbria way ultra. They are quicker than me though so I fell back after the checkpoint. Then the next 9 miles with 2 other blokes doing the 10 in 10, Paul and pascal. HM time today was 2:12.

Was then on my own all the way to the last checkpoint at mile 20. That's when it happened, I heard thunder and felt a few tiny drops of rain, thank you lord, now give me a proper downpour, did he heck as like, that was all I got. In total there was over 60 of us out there today, 10/10, ultras & 1 day runners, i was told there were still 40 behind me, I thought, thats not bad, see if I can do the last 6 without anyone over taking me, not really worrying if they did. But when I left the checkpoint, there was no one in sight behind me. Was trying not to clock watching, just crack on, but the run was taking its toll by now. Was having an occasional glance back and seeing no one, then, 1.5 miles to go, I saw a white shirted runner catching me up and looking like they would. For the 1st time in 8 days, the competition was on. Unfortunately, at the 25 mile point, there is a climb, which had i not seen this runner, i would of walked, but I plodded on up there, hoping they would walk it. Turned left into the village and cracked on, not looking back again, just keep going till the end. They never caught me.

Arrived back 4 mins quicker than last time and a new quickest time.

Was met by Mrs s, who informed me, she had the benefits of the rain, it seems most people did, except me.

Then, the white shirted runner arrives, it was one of the girls, charli, who said, she saw me at same point and thought " I'll get him on the hill ", but by the time she reached the hill I was at the top and gone. Think that last 1.5 mile is the most fun I've had on these runs, it's normally, get the job done only.

This mornings unexplained feeling good is no longer, both very tired again now

Times here are the official results, not garmin.

Ian's time 4:42:37. Overall time 1:15:32:10

Sharon's time. 4:13:33. Overall time 1:10:57:52

Total miles between us. 425.39

Great Barrow Challenge Day 9
All the normal routines in the previous evening and this morning. Woke up early, again ( 3:45) but that was ok, once you get to the event, any tiredness disappears as tired or not, you still got to get on with the job ahead. The feelings this morning were a bit different, we have discovered that day 9 is not liked, day 9 stands in your way to day 10. You just want and need to get this one over with. Despite that though, all was good and we were feeling ok with the task ahead. Mrs S had firmly banished yesterdays blues and was rearing to go. There was a general feeling of just get this one done with everyone there today.

Today was also the 1st day we had some retirees amongst us, which is pretty good going i think to get to day 8 with a full quota. It's a shame because we all kind of thought that if you complete day 8, you will crawl the last 2 if need be. But however disappointed they are, and I think it was 3 or 4, cant tell till results are out, they would of made the right choice if that injured.

So, today was a repeated route, Sundays Newmarket route, or now known as Jillys training run route. On Sunday my time was 5:03 and I ran / walked with someone most of the way. Today I wanted to try not to walk so much so decided to stay on my own, except for a few times when you catch up with someone, or they catch up. But mostly it was on my own. Was baking hot out there but legs were ok ish, tired though. Had a good 1st half ( 2:13 ) and wanted to keep going as best as I can till the hill on the horse gallops in Newmarket at mile 16. Up to then it was again, a pretty boring route, lots of long straight stretches of road. A member of the public gave me a bottle of water and I drank this while walking up the hill, where a jockey, asked what we were doing and asked if I'd like to borrow the horse, i said no as I was more likely to eat the horse the chase the jockey for 2nds. This is also where I noticed Charli, my competition from yesterday's last 2 miles. I decided there was no way she was catching me up, though she did at each checkpoint, but I left before her each time. That bit of competition helped take the mind of the last 10 miles but did mean I had to try not to walk. Anyway, i plodded on and on. This run had the same last 2 miles as yesterday, therefore the same hill. The competition was a lot closer this time, and as she told us afterwards, she was determined to catch me. But I ran the whole last 2 miles, including the hill and the extremely boring last mile back to the event village.

Came in at 4:47, 16 mins quicker than Sunday. Was met by sharon, as always, im lucky in that respect because I know she's waiting there, unfortunately I've never beaten sharon so I'm not there to take any finishing pictures. 4 mins later Charli arrives and 1st words were " you bast### you ran the hill again " in a nice way of course.

Mrs s had a fantastic run, none of yesterdays blues and ran a superb run, getting 7 mins quicker. Whatever happens tomorrow, she has done absolutely fantastic in sticking to the task, even on unhappy days, she pulls out an excellent time.

Normal service afterwards, few pics followed by hot dogs.

Ian's time. 4:47:17

Sharon's time. 4:18:52

Total miles by us both.

Now this one is over, we can now look the light at the end of the tunnel in the eye. I am expecting a very happy bunch out there tomorrow. Not sure how to run it though, stay steady, or give it everything I've got left. We shall see.

Great Barrow 10 in 10 Day 10

Lead up to day was the same as normal, exactly the same routine. Arrived at the event and thankfully at that time it was nice and cool, but that did not last. Everyone was in a happy mood and the place was the busiest it's been so far, with more one day runners and supporters. Despite the happiness, everyone still want to just get it done.

This was a repeat of day 5, the circle route. Pretty similar to all the routes really. Off we went and straight away it started heating up, turned out to be the 4th stupidly hot day on the trot, previous 6 days had just been too hot. A mixed route once again with a quicker 1st 7 miles on road. I never ran with anyone today but did speak to lots of passing people. We all just tried to crack on with the task. Again I ran from checkpoint to checkpoint which had served me well so far. At the HM point it was 2:13, so the same once again. Quads felt a bit achey and a blister was rubbing, today was the 1st time I actually felt the blister while running. At mile 16, with just 10 mile of the entire event to go, I had my 1st mishap, tripping over a tree route. All was ok and no one saw me go over. The last 6 miles dragged, they often have, but I just plodded on. Last 2 miles I never stopped as I just wanted to complete it. Got back to the event where for the 10th time, Sharon was waiting. There was a bigger crowd today so was the best return of the 10 days. Crossed the line 8 mins quicker than day 5.

Then, we had our customary hot dog , beer and chatting. At 3pm we had the trophy presentation where all 10 in 10 runners get a trophy, after the organisers research, it does look like we are the only married couple to do a 10 in 10 as far as they can tell.

Cheesecake and bubbles have been consumed.

Ian's time 4:55:47

Sharon's time 4:29:18

Total miles run by us both 531.28

FINAL THOUGHT

Taking on the challenge.

When I signed up for this it seemed like a million miles away from what I was capable of doing. I mean if I attempt a fast ( for me ) marathon, i struggle, it hurts and the legs & feet suffer afterwards. So though not a fast attempt it's still 10 marathons on the trot. Right up to day one I had doubts I would finish the challenge, not because I'd give in but, but I thought my feet would blister, get serious leg pains and generally suffer big time. I was expecting this suffering to start after 2 or 3 marathons, as after 2 marathons, i am in unchartered territory. I made it to the start line in pretty good shape though.

Instead of doing one long write up, chronologically I'm going to break it up into subjects.

Kit.

I took 6 pairs of road shoes and 2 pairs of trail shoes. I ended up only using 2 pairs of road shoes. Brooks Ravenna's for days 7 days and a pair of New Balance shoes for 3 days. Neither pair had ever been worn for a marathon before. They were both great though. Tops were just the ones I normally wear on any run. Shorts though, confession time, I only used 1 pair. These are my favourite, and with vaselining the thighs all went well on day 1, so I thought why change. I did wash them occasionally in the shower though. But there was not even the slightest hint of chaffing whatsoever. I was worried about changing anything that worked. Though I think the shorts could possibly of ran an 11th marathon on their own by the end.

They've been washed now.

Food.

Oh my lord, did I eat. We were weighed on day 1 when we took part in the Sheffield university lung behaviour tests plus 3 other times including the last day, after the last run. I did not lose or put weight on after the whole event. Which apparently is good as it means your eating and drinking enough. In the runs I had on a belt with 2 cereal bars and 2 gels. Some days I had 1 cereal bar and no gels or the gels and no cereal bars. I could of actually not bothered with the belt as I ate like pig at the checkpoints, the runs were fueled by cheese, crisps and water melon. I also had a small floppy bottle which was used between checkpoints and I drank loads of coke, water and squash at the checkpoints. After the run it was a hot dog or burger then an ice cream. In the evenings it was pizza, cottage pie, lasagne, pot noodles, biscuits, crisps. In the morning, always toast and porridge and 1 coffee. It was weird as though never really feeling hungry, I ate loads. Bottles of beer were also consumed each evening. In fact, when we got back to where we stayed, the 1st thing we did was sit in the garden with a cold beer and the ice cream, it was always a highlight of the day.

Weather

This was not good, days 1 to 6 were far to hot, then it was like the temperature got turned up even more for days 7, 8, 9 & 10. The heat was probably the worse thing about all of this, it was one of my biggest worries beforehand . Going at the paces I was though, it was a little easier to deal with. Just had to drink, drink and drink.

The routes & checkpoints

There was 6 different courses, 4 of which we done twice. No matter which course we did, Barrow is on a hill so it was always a quick start and slow finish. The course director actually did a great job in compiling the 6 routes, it couldn't of been easy. Day 2 & 6 were the mostly all trail routes, the others were all mainly road with bits of trail thrown in. They were all good running routes, 1 in particular was a faster route. But mostly it was your typical country roads that you went down. Some of the villages we went through were nice but I can't say that I loved any of the routes, they were all a bit samey. I wasn't particularly impressed with the Suffolk countryside but that may be due to the fact we are spoilt here at home with the scenery. None of them were disastrous either, they were just not very inspiring. The organisation though was superb. If we had to cross a busy junction on the A14, the organisers were there making sure we go over safely, there was always someone driving between checkpoints and the always waved or slowed to ask how you are. Though you can and did run on your own for lots of time, you could normally see other runners so you never felt isolated at any point. They were all well marked also, though I was following the map on the watch, unlike others, not once did I get lost.

The checkpoints were fantastic, i think on the out and back route, 1 more could of been added but other than that they were spread out very nicely. The longest gap you had was 7 miles but that was only a few times, normally they were between 4 & 6 miles apart. The volunteers at each and every checkpoint were fantastic, all were very cheery and happy to see you, loads to drink and eat, they couldn't do enough for you. It was a pleasure to reach these stops.

The other runners and organisers.

39 people started the 10 in 10 and 35 finished, also out on the course were 1 day runners and the ultra runners. The camaraderie amongst everyone was fantastic, sometimes you ran with someone for a mile, or 10 miles or just passed each other, whatever the scenario, there was always words of encouragement for each other and lots of chatting. We met some fantastic people out there. They really were a great bunch, you always felt like one big happy group, all going through the same things. On the run and of the run, you could just go and chat to anyone.

All the organisers were also superb, they had time for everyone, we were not nameless sheep like you are in events like big city marathons. They were all fantastic and did a great job throughout.

Physically

This was a bit I was worried about, I had done 2 marathons back to back, so kind of knew if I keep it sensible I'm ok for at least 2. But you never know what's going to happen on a run, you could fall, twist the ankle etc. Plus, surely day by day things will deteriorate till you can take no more. The quickest bit of me to suffer is the feet, never a good thing. I ran the 1st marathon as normal but someone suggested I should vaseline the feet up, so I did that from day 2 onwards. They survived very well, I got I little blister on 2nd toe on left foot and at the side of the left foot and a little one on the right foot. None of these hurt or made any difference whatsoever.

The legs were fine, yes they got more tired and achey, but after a few days they pretty much stay the same. They ached more in the evening and morning that on the run. Some days they ached a tad more or a tad less, but never to the point it hurt so much you felt you cant carry on. A calf/ leg light massage each evening helped immensely ( thanks mrs s ). So all my fears of falling apart were unfounded, im sure lots of that was down to a good steady ploddy pace, but I was really pleased and amazed how well everything felt.

Mentally

For those that know me, and know about not being in love with a run whilst on it will know I do get a healthy dose of mental demon battles. But I decided before the 1st run to only do checkpoint to checkpoint, no more. After the last checkpoint it was think about getting to the finish line. When I train for a single marathon, i can only think of that marathon, if it's a PB attempt then every step after 10 miles is a mental battle. All of these though we're at a happier pace, therefore, easier to deal with blocks of 4, 5 or 6 miles at a time. I didn't even think of each run as a marathon, but just as a run. There would be no point in me torturing myself on each run if there is still 9 to go. So I genuinely only thought of checkpoint to checkpoint, admittedly some of those blocks of miles were tougher than others, but as long as I tried to occupy myself, each block was soon over. You also can't afford to think of the whole challenge, if your finding it tough at the end of day 2 or 3 and you think of the bigger task ahead, that would be fatal. When you've completed day 5, you still don't think on day 6 that your on the homeward stretch, your not, you still got 5 days to go, and those 5 are going to be tougher than the first 5 days. So it's vital I only thought of the task ahead, get to the next checkpoint. When in between runs, evening/ morning, you talk only of the run you just had and maybe what course your doing next. I just had to blank out the bigger picture. I think the worse day, and not really mental demons, was day 9, that was the one stopping you getting to day 10. We all just put the head down and got on with day 9. I think I survived the mental demons.

Tactically

I think this is the aspect I'm most pleased with. I said from the very start that I wanted to keep each one around the 5 hour mark. If I'd of gone out on day 1 and pushed it to get a time of 4:15 to 4:30 that would of been disastrous for the next day and the knock on affect as the days went by. My average time over the 10 Days came out at 4:55. That's not bad.

I was happy to put in a better shift on the 1st HM of each day, with as little or no walking as possible. From day 1 to day 10 the HM time was around the 2:15 time. This meant I could afford a slower 2nd half of 2:45 to take in account for tired legs and more walking breaks. This tactic seemed to work perfectly. I think one of the biggest things I learnt over the 10 days was pacing. After the 1st few runs, i decided I would no longer look at the watch as obsessively as I normally do, and even on the days I totally resisted the watch, the times were very close to each other. If only I could learn the same pacing lesson at a faster pace.

This seems a good place for the stats.

HM time & Finish Time

Day 1 HM 2:14:14, FT 4:56:37

Day 2 HM 2:18:37. FT 5:01:29

Day 3. HM 2:15:47. FT 4:45:53

Day 4 HM 2:16:52. FT 5:03:13

Day 5 HM 2:15:47. FT 5:02:59

Day 6 HM 2:16:35. FT 4:54:50

Day 7 HM 2:16:17 FT 5:04:31

Day 8 HM 2:12:40. FT 4:42:37

Day 9. HM 2:13:10. FT 4:47:17

Day 10 HM 2:15:50. FT 4:55:54

Total Running Time 2 days, 1 hour, 15 mins, 21 seconds

Total miles 265.3

Position 39 started, 35 finished, i was placed 16th.

Overall Experience

Despite being very worried about taking this challenge it all went far better than I thought it would. Everyday was the same routine, I liked it like that and if it's working, why change it and once the 1st day was on the way it was very much the same routine. I was looking forward to each day ahead, and loved every bit about it. You obviously get days when the legs ached a bit more or you'd find yourself saying, " here we go again, let's get this done " but I did look forward to each day. I actually enjoyed the whole experiance. Would even go as far as saying overall it's the best event I've been involved in. My head was always in the right place and I even surprised myself with the enthusiasm I had for it.

I'm not sure when or if the opportunity to do it again will happen but I would do it again, though logistically shorter multi day events maybe be easier to get to and do. Hopefully as well, this will do me good for future events I take on, the next one is in 6 weeks, a 60 mile run in the peak district and when times get tough on that one, I will have it in my head I've got through a bigger challenge, and I will get through this. I have also discovered that at this present time, I'm far happier about the running than I was before the event. I seem to have found a new enthusiasm for it, we shall see if that lasts though. Who knows, miracles may occur and I may actually start enjoying this running parlavor.

So, I think that's about it, thanks must go to mrs s, who not only ran a fantastic event herself, apparently we are the only married couple to do a 10 in 10 ( organisers research ) but she was superb throughout, we obviously talked tactics along the way and the help and support she gave me was invaluable. I couldn't of done it without her. Thanks to Steve Edwards who sowed the seeds for us doing the 10 in 10 and his words of encouragement each day. To Gael for bringing the picnic and making me jam sandwiches, to jilly for popping along, even if it meant you had to run day 4, to my brother David who came along on day 5 and for taking the only finishing pics of mrs s.

And of course to everyone one the bug who commented and gave us both loads of encouragement and support on the each post we wrote, i know for 10 days, we were hard work.

It's now 3 days since the last marathon and all is good for both of us, I am amazed at how well we have out of this.

That's it, over, job done. Move on to the next task.

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