Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-wall
Phil was my pacer for this 15+ mile section. It was just before dawn when we set off but getting light, which had been the plan so as to avoid the need for head-torches! As you'd expect the first quarter of a mile or so was too fast but we slowed it down to a steady 8 minute mile pace which we managed to stick to on the flat, though slowing on the small climbs and speeding up on the descents. The morning temperature was cool and refreshing, with Newcastle treating up to a double rainbow as we ran out of the centre passing two early morning fishermen. Apart from them all we met on this leg were dog walkers and a couple of commuters on bike and foot. Such a good time to run, I don't know why I don't do it more often, oh wait yes because it means getting up ridiculously early! The air was fresh, the slight drizzle welcome and the section eased through. The only climb of note is the 300 feet up to Heddon-on-the-Wall over the last mile and a half or so and the first place walking was the better option! At the top of the hill in Heddon we could see Tony's car but had another 3/4 of a mile or so to go as the path takes you around the town, we also tagged on about 100m so I could show Phil the first large bit of remaining wall. As we pulled up to the first pacer change over, I was feeling good. Jane was ready with the food and drink so I wolfed down my rice pudding, bagel and juice as the rest time allowed was 8 minutes.
Heddon-on-the-wall to Chesters Roman fort
Still feeling fairly fresh Tony and I set off, me with bagel in hand on the second section of leg1. This section was expected to be slower due to the step-stiles and gates etc. that add to the fun by breaking up any rhythm, well by making any rhythm impossible! The is a fair bit of monotonous steady climb too but Tony and I plodded along and quickly got into a routine where Tony would go ahead at the gates to open them and the stiles to warn if they didn't have grip. We passed the half way point about on time at a pace that felt maintainable and pasted though the first landmark distance of 26.3 miles in 3:57:50. By the time we dropped into Chollorford we were only about 1 minutes behind schedule clocking the fastest mile on the whole run a staggeringly quick 7:39!
Chesters Roman fort to Birdoswald Roman fort
Adam was already waiting and stretching out - not because he was planning to run fast but because he was carrying a groin injury! I was still feeling fairly good but knew the next leg was the one that would be the most telling. Seeing Tony and Phil off (Phil had driven Tony's car to this check point) Adam and I set off
Birdoswald to Rickerby Park
Set off with Chris and took about half a mile before my legs would work
Rickerby Park to Burgh-by-sands
By now I was physically pretty much spent
Burgh-by-sands to Bowness-on-Solway
By now it was grin and bear it, whether or not I would finish was not in doubt but if I could run more than walk deffinitely was. Steve cajoled me on to run to the next purple bush - "not that one the one up there!" and such encouragement. This was hugely appreciated
Bowness-on-Solway
To quote myself from my fundraing page:
"On turning the final corner and the last few metres to the finish I was greeted by friends family and work colleagues cheering and clapping me in. The relief of finishing and the sense of pride in having such a good supporters would later bring me to tears but at the time I was just happy to still be standing."
What have i leant from this?
Firstly my body can take it - just, and secondly I need support to bully me into doing what I have planned, this I failed to stress as I didn't realise its importance. I should have rested longer to make sure I ate all the food and drank all the liquid I needed, carried more with me or at least got others to carry it and made sure I streached effectively at each rest break - too much time was spent sitting!
Will I do something like this again?
You can count on it, and that it will be further, harder, longer and more ambitious! I have a few ideas rolling around my head for 2013 but for now the focus in on getting myself in shape for a fast BGR in May 2012
