Unforgettable.....

That's what you are.......A bit of Nat King Cole for you today. My time in the Lake District certainly was that :)

I'm in reflective mood today, the dust has settled after the 10 in 10 but I have to say I'm still on a high following the event although it does still seem amazing when I consider what I've actually done.

So what lies ahead for Foxy ? well I have been considering a few options. Firstly I had such a wonderful time in the Lake district I have already submitted my application for next years 10 in 10 & I'm optimistic that having completed the challenged & raised over £2200 this year that would put me very much in the thoughts of the selection committee ? but should I not be given a place i may then consider heading off to South Africa for the world famous Comrades Ultra (56 miles).

I'm just about to book the Florence marathon in November, I ran it in 2006 & I have to say it's my favourite European marathon, a truly beautiful city. The race starts overlooking the entire city before winding downhill through all the beautiful plazas, along the river & back to the finish. maybe a course that lends itself to a PB, I would like to think so ?

My knee still isn't right, it's 75% mobile but there's a nagging pain on the inside of my right knee so gonna get it checked over next week just to be sure, if I'm told to simply rest I can't promise to follow that advice.

I have received a DVD of the 10 in 10 from our wonderful physio Amy & have put a few more pics onto facebook if anyone wants to check 'em out.

I know many of you are wondering what my other titles may have been ? it's a close thing but Nat just beat out "reflections" by one of the Motown artists which escapes me right now - The Temptations ? perhaps ? or from Dirty Dancing - "I've had the time of my life" & as you'll see from the day 4 photo - "Bring me sunshine" !!

best wishes

fox on the run / hobble !!! LOL !!!

Friends will be friends

right till the end (Queen)

It's been a wonderful 10 days, with a fantastic group of people.

amongst the 15 of us who set out, we've shared the laughs, the tears & the pain & it's been a fantastic journey.

& in the words of Forrest Gump - "I'm tired, I think I'm gonna go home now" but hopefully unlike Forrest my running days ain't over.

For the Stat hungry - I finished 6th out of 14 this year posting the 12 fastest time ever for the event, just inside 41 hours (4o hours 42 mins & 25 seconds @ an average of 4 hours 4 mins 14 seconds & joined an elite group of just 27 to have completed 10 marathons in 10 days & not wishing to boast I do feel pretty proud of myself.

I might miss club night at Milton Keynes Lakeside Runners on Tuesday & Wednesday's track night might be a tough one, but hoping to get out for a leisurely 5km with 'em on Thursday, injury permitting.

The people I have met & lived with in the "Big Brathay House" will indeed always hold a special place in my heart, like brothers & sisters they will indeed be friends right to the end.

12 months to wait now until the start of the 10 in 10 in '10 & hopefully in the words of Arnie "I'll be back" but probably without the Ouzie !!!

Best wishes

Foxy :)

I did it My Way !!

So now the end is "here" & so I face my final curtain.........But more much more than that I did it MY WAY !!

So that's it 10 marathons in 10 days all done & It's been fantastic, the event saw a new male & female record for the 10 in 10. Adam "Tango" Holland came home under 33 hours total, Lorna "Velociraptor" Gold came in a fraction over 41 hours total, phenomemnal performances from both.

Stevie "Wonder" Edwards, "Mr 10 in 10" showed what a true gentleman he is by presenting Adam with his World record shirt after eclipsing his own mark from just 12 months earlier & further showing his legendary staus as a great runner & An even better person. Steve I salute you.

For a simple jogger like me it's been a fabulous experience, an honour & a priveledge to be in the company of true greatness.

A big thank you to my Club coach at Milton Keynes Lakeside runners Yvette for making the trip up to the Lake district after completing the Manchester 10km this morning was great to see a friendly face as I was presented my trophy by Legendary fell runner Jos Naylor M.B.E.

Other tunes narrowly missing the cut today were Soul 2 Soul with "Keep on Moving" as suggested by my clubmate at MK lakeside - Bev :) Bon Jovi with "Something for the pain" when my knee blew out at 3 miles on the final day & as I can barely walk & have it strapped to my knee "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice.

my finishing time today was 4 hours 14 mins & 12 seconds & the airplane was out of the hangar :)

A big big thank you to everyone who has supported me over the 10 days to the wonderful Fetchies out there - I'd like to name you all but you know who you are, The 100 club guys,The physios,race support & my fellow TiT's (Ten in Tens)

To to steal a line from Vinnie Jones in Lock,Stock & 2 Smoking barrells

"It's been emotional"

Foxy Davy

Take it to the limit !!!

"Put me on a highway & show me a sign & take it to the limit "ONE" more time" (tommorrow !!! )- The Eagles.

I was singing that exact line as I ran up the hill at 22 miles to be greeted by Physio Amy with jelly babies.

A great day at the the office - was like POETS day but on a Saturday, I ran my fastest of the 9 days so far so look to be peaking at just the right time :) 3 hours 48 mins & 52 seconds today for my 5th consecutive 5th place finish - not bad for a "jogger".

I was given a wonderful lift by seeing so many great friends from the 100 club & Fetchies. The fetchpoint cheering sections were a great lift & especially the huge gathering at Newby Bridge 12 miles in,I do hope the airplaning didn't dissapoint them & I'll be searching out photos shortly :)

It wasn't as easy as it sounds & as Mike the Physio & Haddi will tell you there were tears, tears mainly of tiredness but also a sense of what I'm about to achieve :) Robert Smith got it all wrong with "Boys don't cry" we do & aint something I'm afraid to say.

I pulled myself together & was driven on over the last mile with the promise of a beer at the finish from Flip & he didn't left me down, so to Flip goes today's "Champagne Moment" (ok it was Budvar but equally well received :) ) Flip - I salute you sir & indeed all the fetchies I saw out there old & new. great to put faces to names :)

Other tunes narrowly missing out on the prestigious honour of titling my blog were - "I'm still standing" by Elton John, "Against all odds" from Phil Collins & "One more night" & finally the Tamperer (ft Maya) "Can you feel it" (& in response - yes I bloody can !!!)

Day nine in the Big Brathay House (please use your best Geordie accent !!) & all the housemates are happy & looking forward to making a very special piece of history tommorrow & the chance to join the very exclusive "10 in 10" club.

Looking forward to another 26.2 miles in the morning, a lap of honour :)

Best wishes

Fox on the Run.

Beautiful Day !!

An ironic title for today as it was by far the worst weather of the 8 days so far, It was incredibly wet & I did indeed struggle, but the time perhaps doesn't show just how much I struggled, I got round today in 4 hours 14 mins & 33 seconds.

Another reason for the title today is the fact that I only have Saturday & Sunday left & once I have done "you two" it'll be over (you get it ?!!).

With just 3 to go I think the attitude today was that the bulk of the work was done,but 26.2 miles is still is & always will be 26.2 miles & is never to be taken lightly.

Adam (Tango/The Pirate/Cowboy/jesus !!) was once again first home in 3.13 sharing first place with Top Cat Tim Charles, Stevie "Wonder" Edwards was a further 5 mins back & Lorna Gold "The Velociraptor" bought home the gold in the ladies event with a flying sub 4 to take 4th overall on the day. Leon "El Bee" & Adam Thwaites struggled through injuries but got the job done.

The wheels really fell off for me at about 18 miles up until then I was (just !) on target to dip under 4 hours, At 22 miles our physio Amy gave me a lovely cup of tea & some jelly babies & that picked me up & I was also help by some inspirational tunes - Highway to Hell, Born to run & Bohemian Rhapsody ( I was "scarmouching" as I went past my mate Gareth on the course, he recommended I don't give up the day job - cheeky bugger !.) I did alot of internal whining out there today, but finally said to myself "pull yourself together & get going" & so I put the wheels back on, sucked it up & headed "home" even just managing to break the 4.15 barrier.

The Cure were very unlucky to miss out on today's title, my pre race choice was going to be "Friday I'm in love" but I wasn't in love with it today & at 25 miles with tears welling up "boys don't cry" came on the ipod & I didn't but wouldn't have cared if I had & can assure you there will be tears on Sunday,combing joy, excitement & relief.

Just one more marathon to go before Sundays "Victory Lap" of the lake.

Today's "Champagne performance" was from "Fetchies" Dave A & YP1, not only did they give suppport & help out with drinks stations Dave even gave me a dry shirt to wear - I was soaked to the skin & had to peel my shirt off.I was very grateful for the instant dryness & more importantly warmth.

Looking forward to seeing more mates out there tommorrow & running with all the usual suspects on Sunday "Kaizer Souzee" will be out in his Collingwood vest as long as he can keep the wife happy in the meantime ?!!

Fox on the Run :)

I will try to fix you !!!!

As I can regularly hear from our overworked Physios !!! (Chris Martin, you'll have to ask Gwyneth for your massage)

Another good day out on the course & once again a sub 4, but only just 3 hours 58 mins & 51 seconds. So that's 4 x 4 x 4 & no that doesn't make me a "Chelsea Tractor !" simply 4 marathons in 4 days in under 4 hours each & I'm pretty pleased with that, but can't see my streak continuing tommorrow, I'm getting old !!

At 6 miles today I was really struggling, just very tired & with heavy legs & the tank felt empty - was very nearly "Running on empty" by Jackson Browne but i hung in there & kept going was worried I wouldn't get time for the airplane finish but managed to nail the landing with well over a minute to spare - early arrival - Easyjet take note !!!

So the magnificent 7 is in the bag & Yul Bryner,Charles Bronson,James Coburn & co we all did you proud out there :)

Other songs that almost made today's playlist were "All by myself" By Eric Carmen which I heard at 18 miles & I certainly was all by myself, "Another one bites the dust" got brief consideration, Plus an artist as opposed to a song nearly got in - I was thinking about our very busy treatment & massage room as House of pain played "Jump around" I declined their suggestion !!!

So there we go another good day at "The Office" & a weeks worth of marathons all done & just a triple to finish off.

Keep on running

Fox on the run :)

With a little help from my friends ......

What would you do if I sang out of tune ?

I frequently do & it's amazing how this motivates people around me to go faster ?!! Strange !!

Today's choice came on at 10 miles & seemed appropriate to pick a Sheffield Legend as my room mate Mark Sleeman hails from the steel city & is indeed made of the stuff, He's out there walking with Tom, hoping that he'll recover enough to run Sunday, fingers crossed for both our walkers today.

Cocaine by Cream came on the ipod just a mile in, but thought best not use that don't fancy a visit from the IOC or IAAF !
Once again I felt good & went with the simple plan of 18 minutes between drinks stations (they are very roughly 2 miles apart.) I did get between some in 15 minutes & mile 14 - 16 took 21, but I did run at an even-ish pace. At 12 miles I was a bit ahead of schedule & started thinking could I get me a 10 in 10 PB & At one point a sub 3 hours 50 was looking on the cards but wasn't to be but I did get that PB with 3 hours 51 mins & 18 seconds & I'm a very smiley boy :)

Once again the much nicknamed Adam Holland (Pirate,Cowboy,Johny Depp,Jesus) won the day, The "Jesus" nickname is nothing to do with appearance just everyone's reaction when they hear his time, But "He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy !!" (A quick boy at that !!) He was helped round by 2 guys - "Ben & Jerry" A pint of Rocky Road I believe last night ?!!

It was a close one today with Stevie "Wonder" Edwards & "Top Cat" Tim Charles a mere 2 minutes back.

At 22 miles the physio Mike asked how I felt & I replied "ok, but the Glutes are feeling it", so I knew that was an area that would need working on, Just 5 minutes later I heard The Waterboys, "Whole of the moon" & for obvious reasons that was nearly the title of today's blog !!!

My fastest ever Wednesday marathon, Ok so it's the only marathon I've done on a Wednesday but I can see that remaining my midweek PB for a while, at least until next May ?

Upon finishing we had homemade Malteseers cake & flapjack - there's been a good supply of cake knocking about the place & Ice cream arrived yesterday.

Just 4 to go & the happy stat is that every previous TiT (Ten in Ten) that has got past day 6 has finished all 10, long may that continue.

Many thanks to all my friends here, not just the runners, But Teresa Edwards & Mac who are doing sa fantastic job as race support & tea makers amongst a variety of other duties & all 3 physios Amy,Mike & Katie who are patching everyone up & getting 'em out there everyday - All 14 runners salute you.

Fox on the run :)

Halfway to Paradise.... !

....so near yet so far away !! (Billy Fury from the 60's for you youngsters !!) That is indeed where i find myself 5 done & 5 to go.

At 11 miles today's song was looking to be "Freefallin' by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, but I picked myself up of the tarmac, got some plasters for my thumb & elbow & carried on (I was really worried I'd get blood on my 10 in 10 T-shirt & couldn't bear the thought of that).

I reached 18 miles & Lindisfarne appeared on my ipod with run for home so it was karoke time again as I approached Bowness.

I startled 2 cyclists with a roar as I started boxing as I ran to "Gonna fly now" the Rocky theme, I was about to walk the hill in front of me, but it's physically impossible not to run to that - try it & you'll see I'm right !! (not often I'm right !).

Tom stepped off his crutches put on his walking boots & set off, no quit in him & tougher than the boots he's wearing, Mark Sleeman is similarly struggling & power walking today. Fingers crossed for them both & also for Adam Thwaites as he collapsed after finishing - The treatment room will resemble a scene from M*A*S*H* - Mike (Hawkeye ?!!) & Amy our Physios will be busy, I guess I'll probably be Clinger !!!

Personally I managed my second successive sub 4, first time I have ever run 2 sub 4's in 2 days & also my first sub 8 hour double - taking about 14 mins off my previous best for 2 in 2 days. 3 hours 57 mins & 9 seconds today for me.

No photos yet Amy our Physio is also the photographer but she has been busy with other things - once I get the photo to go on here it is worth waiting for & as you will see "Bring Me sunshine" was almost tune of the day !!

Off to lie in the icy river now, getting in is the most painful part of the day but the benefits are well worth while.

Foxy.

Flying Without Wings !!

At mile 10 today this came on my ipod & just had to be song of the day & I think the photo backs up why !!!

Other suggestions were "Here comes the Sun" Steve Harley & Cockney rebel or "I don't like Monday's" but if every Monday could be like today I'd be more than happy :) No work, the sun shone & I had a great run.

I decided to go with the best of British today & so out came the Union Jack shorts & bandana & I managed to fly the flag finishing ahead of the Welsh & Scottish contingent, but I'm sure normal serice will be resumed with the wee Scots one leaving me trailing in her wake as usual :)

I was the 5th person home today, would have been 6th but just passed Adam with 50 yards to go. I finally got the sub 4 hour time I wanted (but thought only possible on day one). I got round in 3 hours 53 mins & 30 seconds which was quick enough to get a hot meal, but swordfish isn't really top of list of favourite dishes !! I did have some pasta before heading down to river to soak my legs in the icy water - Union Jack shorts & sunglasses (just a glass of San Miguel & I could have been in the Med !!) .

The photo is from yesterday's "fly by" with Mark Sleeman, my room mate "Biggles" :)

Keep on running :)

Foxy

The Road to Nowhere !!

A bit of David Byrne & Talking Heads today, not my original selection but it came on at 8 miles & I thought yes that's the song for today, It was a close run thing other Candiates were "Slow Down" By Elo, (which i did !!) as requested by Teresa Edwards & "baby everything is alright" by Stevie Wonder, which came on at 2 miles.

You thought there was only one Stevie Wonder, but there are 2 - Stevie "Wonder" Edwards, this boy is in his third 10 in 10 & I don't know if he plays a piano but he gives a Virtuosso performance every time he laces up his runners :) A legend & inspiration to us all, 3 hours 26 mins for him today.

The mobile Karoke had a bit of an outing for the first 10 miles while I ran alone, I was joined by my Room mate Mark Sleeman at the 10 mile drink station & we ran together both walking the hills at that was our original game plan.

In the last few miles more inspiration was required & so I flicked the ipod back on & who do i get but my Hometown's finest with "Cum on feel the noize" the only thing better than Slade from Wolverhampton is the mighty Wolves from the Premiership :)

The last mile was greeted by "Highway to hell" - you can't do slow running that - simple as !!

Mark & I had lots of discussions about today's finish as we chatted around the course & decided that a red arrows finish was the way to go, having said which we did aklmost change our minds when the customary finishing rain appeared - were thought about going with Hawaii 5-0 paddling but instead Wing Commander Foxy was followed across the line in perfect syncronicity by "Biggles" Sleeman. we really had alot of fun out there, the guys on a similar wavelength to me & we had a great laugh. Once the pictures of the "aircraft" are available you'll be sure to see them :)

Our Psysio Amy even "brewed up" for me at 18 miles so i had a cup of tea. As Nick Moran said in Lock stock - "The British Empire was built on cups of tea & if you think I'm going to war without one ?, you're very much mistaken !!" Top girl :)

A tip I picked up yesterday morning is when pinning your number to your shirt don't pin it to the front & back with one pin - see photo above - couldn't work out why it wouldn't go over my head !!! LOL !!

If you just wanted to know my time sorry you've had to read through all my ramblings but I got round in 4 hours 22 mins & 52 seconds another pleasing adventure around Britain's loveliest most scenic lake.

Adam Holland leads the field & dons "Le Mailliot Jaune" after breaking the 10 in 10 course record for the second time in 3 days - 3.11 for the "Pirate" today !!

On a sad note my mate & drinking partner Gareth, one of the "3 Mustgetbeers" had to pull out in the early stages today through injury.The massage, accupunture & strapping over the past 24 hours not helping enough, but he remains a diamond geezer.

Tommorow 10 am kick off - same time, same place.

Be there or be sane !!!

Foxy

Don't stop thinking about tommorrow .......

Fleetwood Mac anyone ?

I felt good this morning & alot of that is down to our excellent Physios Mike & Amy, I felt strong so went out well, but still decided to walk the major hills with the other 8 days in mind - hence the title of the blog !!

The weather was better than yersterday (fractionally !!) Got a bit of sunshine but nearly drown in the downpour 4 miles from home & once again that turned to hail by the time I crossed the line, I was happier with the way it went today & decided to bring the aeroplane out of it's hangar for the finish :)

I crossed the line in 4 hours 6 mins & 12 seconds, 9 minutes quicker than yesterday, but I ran 27 miles yesterday after getting lost, but today decided to "taper" with just 26.2 miles.

Taking into account getting lost & the 10 mins that added to yesterday's time I have had 2 consistent times but run in very different ways. The run/walk strategy proved a better option. I will be looking to ease back tommorrow - I was hoping to get through the first 2 days in around 9 hours & I'm almost 40 minutes inside that.

I had a good karoke session & even had a tourist join me singing Sweet Caroline through Bowness :)

A good day at the "Office" :)

Foxy :)

Ain't No sunshine......

when she's gone only clouds of white & grey ...........!!!!

Reminds me of the joke "How do you turn a duck into a soul singer ? pop it in the Microwave until it's Bill Withers !!! LOL !!!

I was hoping the heading would have been another Bill Wither's track "Lovely Day" but it wasn't we had rain, wind,hail, locusts !!! & about 2 minutes of Sunshine coming through Windermere town at 21 (ish !) miles.

To be fair I would have missed the hail if I hadn't carried on into town at mile 25, but I did scope out the crazy golf, the "club pro" (lol) directed me back towards the finish & I crossed the line in 4.14.56 (if i hadn't got lost it would have only made a difference of about 10 mins & so I wasn't robbed of a sub 4 hour.) My 50th marathon (not including my 2 ultras) done.

It's been a laugh here all together with the other TiT's (Ten In Tens !) Will be taking it easier tommorrow & praying for better weather.

Just the 9 in 9 left now, down to single figures - piece of cake (hopefully chocolate cake :)

Fox on the Run :)

Foxy Davy

I'm so excited !!

& I just can't hide it, i'm about to loose control & i think i like it :)

Tommorrow I will be riding on a Virgin (train !!) flithy minds !!

I leave at just past 11 am & head up to the lake district in readiness to meet my fellow "Gladiators" taking on the challenge & i can't wait.

The plan was for an early night but i'm buzzing & don't think I'll sleep.

All the training is done, just a gentle mile & a half in the morning & then pancakes with maple syrup & a lovely pot of tea :)

Thank you all for the wonderful messages of support I have received.

if any of you still wish to donate it's not too late ;

www.justgiving.com/davidbayley

best wishes

Foxy

Easy like Sunday Morning !!

In the words of Lionel Ritchie that's exactly how my Sunday is going. A lovely bath, bit of breakfast & few cups of tea (The British Empire was built on the famous cuppa !). All the real training & big mileage is behind me & I'm now starting to taper (ease off gradualy).

This time next week it will be day 3 in the "Big Brathay House" not sure if Davina will be there or indeed there will be a diary room with a mysterious Geordie voice !!!

I'm trying to decide what to pack for my trip to Lake District, don't want to wake up & think "I've got nothing to wear !!" I will take 3 complete sets of running gear as my new shoes flew in from the States on Thursday. Gonna try & travel light as I have to carry all my stuff with me. I'm letting the train take the strain much safer than me driving & the Police get upset when you don't have a licence !!!

At the moment I'm not greatly organised, I don't even know what time the races start but sure it will probably be between 9 & 10. I don't even know where the nearest pub is to the finish line or the chippy !!

Gonna spend the rest of my day trying to plan my Autumn marathons, need to plan ahead as Abingdon in October is already full & might see if I can somehow think up some last minute fundraising ideas to boost the Brathay bank balance ?

Sorry to disapoint the ladies out there I won't be selling my body - sure 50p won't make much of a difference anyway even if every little helps !!

best wishes

Fox on the run :)