November Rain !

Thankfully after floods during the week in Cornwall the rain stayed away for race day & the weather was good a bit overcast but dry although a little windy over Bodmin Moor.

I like my flat European City centre marathons in general. Florence,Amsterdam & Berlin topping my list, but there are 2 beautifully scenic races in the UK that really capture my imagination - Windermere & The Cornish, both are hilly & challenging (the Cornish much more so than Windermere) & i love 'em both :)

East Cornwall Harriers put on a fantastic event every year, a field of just 200 but made it a friendly sociable occassion, I could say I loved every minute of it but that would be lying !!

i set off with my few mates Paul & Colin but within 2 miles realised that 7.50 min miling was gonna be too quick for me & eased back to 8.10's for the first 8/9 miles & then the course starts to really bite & there are some tough long hills, I dug deep & worked my way up them at a reasonable speed but then paid for that effort as the course flattened out over a windswept Bodmin moor En Route to Jamaica inn & those 8.10's became 9's, became 10's & even as bad as a 10.30 min mile over the half way point.My hamstring really tightened after working up the hills & I started feeing rather sorry for myself & just wanted it to be over :(

Reaching Jamaica Inn at 14 miles, coming off the moor & realising a sub 4 hour marathon was slipping away I realised I needeed to stop my internal whing pull my finger out & get going, I sped up a little (aided by a gentle downhill & I was back to 9 min miling, My mate Michael caught & passed me but I kept him in eye sight as long as I could & was subsequently joined by "Pikeman" Stephen Young & we chatted & wiled away another 4 or 5 miles before he disappeared into the distance too (I would catch him later).

I reached 20 miles in 3 hours & knew 10 min miling would get me home sub 4, but with the adrenaline flowing I sped up & averaged 7.25's over the final 6.2 miles, not sure where I found that kind of speed ? but started ticking off the miles in the hope of breaking 3.50 but with 2 to go I suddenly thought I have a shot at sub 3.45 & put my head down & went for it, the final mile was run in 6.45 & 1.20 from the 26 mile marker got me to the line in 3.44.57 - I'd done it by the skin of my teeth - so close I didn't even get chance to get the airplane out of the hangar.

The reward at the end was a Pasty, cup of tea & lemon cake from "Cornish Eva" (yes she really exists !!) & a bit of detective work meant we even found the bar which was very secluded & tucked away.

Today's champagne moment goes to Stephen Young for picking me up & helping me along when I really needed it, many thanks for your company out there :)

thankfully the November rain held off & everyone seemed pleased with a good day at "The Office"

keep on "sprinting" lol ;)

Foxy

Greased Lightning !!

A huge cast of runners turned up not exactly the T-birds & Pink ladies (but close - lol )for the MK Enigma track marathon.

Stars of the day were indeed Greased Lightning - Danny Zucko (Adam Holland) who romped home to win in an amzing 2.37.00 & Sandy (Jen Salter) led the pink ladies home in 3.13.34. Both the winners set PB's with Adam slashing 12 minutes of his & looking amazingly fresh - bloody kids !!

The day went well, better than I could ever have imagined, I met many friends old & new & finally put faces to some of my "cyber" friends. The sun came out & we couldn't have wished for a better day (on Friday whilst eating pizza with the rain pouring down outside I had my blog title sorted Guns n' Roses "November rain" but it wasn't to be but "Paradise City was a bit of a stretch !!)

We started a little later than expected but everyone comfortably made the 6 hour time limit & there was possibly some clarification on the car parking situation required. (although those parked in the wrong place didn't have their vehicles broken into - sorry about that Brian :( ).

The awards seem well received by the 6 recipients

1st - Adam Holland (tango)
1st Lady - Jen Salter
1st Male Vet - Dave Ross
1st Lady Vet - Sarah Thorne (sarah1)

Enigma man of the year - Rob Bishop (Foxsake) & also fastest Fox !
Enigma Lady of the year - Lisa Barry.

Personally I started on roughly 3.30 pace but faded, i didn't really calculate my pace or work my time out but eventually broke out the wings to fly home in better style than Quantas, crossing the line in 3.50.07 (had i looked at my watch i'd would have made sure i got home 7 seconds quicker but c'est la vie.Still more than happy to log my 69th sub 4 hour marathon & reach 28 marathons for the year eclipsing last years total by 2 with two more left in 2010.

Todays champagne moment has to go to Tango, 12 mins off your PB is one thing but at the sharp end time wise it's astonishing - hats off to the pride of Devon.

Alternative titles & suggestions were - the Motown classic "the tracks of my tears" the more recent offering from the sugarbabes of "round round" & "dizzy" by Tommy Roe / Vic Reeves.

As Wallace & Gromit might say it was indeed a grand day out

Keep running around & around

foxy

Return to sender ?!!

I do hope that won't be the case when the first batch of charity calendars go out in the post tomorrow !!

I took delivery on Wednesday night under the cover of darkness, plain brown packaging of course ;)

the 38 pre ordered calendars will be flying around royal mail sorting office over the weekend, i do hope the models won't get dizzy ?!

It's proved to be a busy time on the fundraising front but pleased to see the funds rolling in for the excellent work of Brathay Hall trust.

The calendar is a limited edition of just 75 & if you haven't ordered yours don't wait too long & miss out !!

In some ways the fundraising stuff has been a welcome distraction from my poor running form & injuries but just Like Arnie "i'll be back !!

Big thanks to the fantastic fetchies brave enough to bare all for a fantasic charity & to all of them goes today's champagne moment - Santababy,flying leek,PaulaMc, Wine Legs, Binks, Pink-kat-lady,Plodding Hippo,Cabbey & Gooner - cheers guys or should I say "bottoms up" literally in some cases ;)

You can leave you hat on !!!

foxy x

The wheels on the bus :(

Those wheels fell off today at 18 miles & was a painful run/walk to the finish :(

The game plan today was to run with Heather a fellow 10 in 10 runner for next year & in the hope of getting her into the exclusive sub 3.30 club & for 18 miles I was able to keep an even pace 8 min miling but I was pushing it to run at that pace but didnt want to let my mate down.

The final 7 miles were a combination of running & walking & the finishing time wasn't as bad as the performance.

Chatting afterward to fellow runners it was a split decision many folks had fantastic days & PB's Stuart, AJH (another 2011 Brathay entrant),Chiefy & Colin to name but a few on the other side of the coin I struggled & sadly my mates Allan,Lee & the legendary Mick & Phil had to pull out :(

I was a bit emotional at the end - dissapointed with my performance but also relieved it was over.

Was great to see so many fetchies both old & new today, even some who have had the "priveldge" of running with the Fox ;)

So I hear you asking what about Heather ? Well I've saved the best to last to congratulate her on todays champagne moment - 3.28 a shiny new PB & exclusive membership of the sub 3.30 club (i can only dream of those times nowadays & reminise about when I was younger ! Lol !)

Keep on hobbling

Foxy

Hurts so good !

a bit of John Cougar Mellencamp today to celebrate a day of blood, sweat & tears around the streets of Nottingham.

I met up with a variety of folks from this wonderful website, my own club Milton Keynes Lakeside Runners, a great selection of 10 in 10 runners past & present & of course the guys already members of the 100 marathon club.

I was joined by mates Dave,Mel & Malc all dressed as naughty school kids & we briefly did "battle" with the Sparta army & took a few great photos before someone's big mouth meant I got interviewed live on local radio !

Race wise Nottingham seems to get hillier every year & yet the course has hardly changed in the 5 times I've run it ! I struggled out there & whilst getting through halfway in 1.58.58 sub 4 wasn't looking optimistic as my knee was giving me a lot of pain so I settled for 4.30 but met Rory Coleman with 7 miles to go & he was going for sub 4 & so i thought I'd keep him in site & try to eat up each mile in 9 minutes & it really hurt but I just wasnt prepared to give up on it & kept pressing on overtaking quite a few as I went.

I finally went past the 26 mile sign in 3.54 & knew I'd have just enough time to get my wings out & fly home even blowing a kiss to the mad fetchies in the granstand screaming my name :)

I couldn't hold back the tears as I finished - I was happy,hurt,bleedding (blister) & relieved to have finally reached my holy grail of running 100 marathons. It's been one hell of a journey & one that has changed my life.

I celebrated with a few drinks & my good friend Dave Ross made a speech involving our race excursions into Pole dancing clubs in Bratislava & gay bars in Barcelona - cheers Dave ! Lol !

I got my medal & couldn't wait to pull the 100 marathon shirt over my head - the most expensive shirt I'll ever own !

A truly fantastic weekend with some fabulous friends & I want to say huge thanks to you all

In the words of Kenneth Wostenholme "they think it's all over............. It is now" :)


Honoured to belong to Fetcheveryone, Milton Keynes Lakeside runners, the 10 in 10 club & now finally a full member of the 100 marathon club :)

Keep or running & running & running.......


Foxy

2 become 1 :)

I cant stand the Spice Girls so really annoyed they have the most apt title for my blog. I guess I could have had Nena's 99 red balloons or Bon Jovi's 99 in the shade ? But the Spice Girls it is & you'll be humming it all night !

I started the the day with 2 to go to hit 100 marathons & ironically the title of the race was "2togo"

I felt tired at the start but decided to stick to my plan to go for sub 3.30 but with 5km gone that was optimistic & I really struggled from 5-15km & re set my goals for sub 4 but i was in agony with my knee & almost crawling but I gradually got reelled in by a few mates who help dragged me round for a few miles each, I had a great chat with Paul from Ampthill & Glyn from Leighton Buzzard which took my mind off the pain.

The last 3km were tough you could see the finish line but the course looped away a couple of times & i was relieved to finally see the line & I broke out the airplane early with probably 80 yards to go & landed in 4 hours 10 mins. (race directors that make you run along the canal & then put loops in ? scocking ;) !!)

I celebrated with a few beers & thought only sensible to grab an ice cream with a flake :)

I'm relieved it's over & just hope I can recover in time for the century ?

Tomorrow I will be a fox in schoolboys clothing - my best Angus Young impression tomorrow :)

For those about to "run" we salute you :)

Foxy

The wind beneath my wings !!!

& wow was there some wind, the title of the blog was almost "Rock you like a Hurricane" by Scorpions !

We got well & truly sandblasted along the seafront in Fleetwood but thankfully at least in didnt rain, there were times I was running to almost stay still really tough & the worst conditions I have ever run in.

I wanted a sub 3.30 on a flat course but certainly not dissapointed with my second fastest time of the year & happy to be on the road back.

The rest I took at the beginning of the month really helped & big thanks to Trinity Booth on her help, advice & support with that.

With 3.30 gone I settled for a sub 3.45 until my friend Heather caught me at 25 miles & shouted "Foxy help me I'm on for a PB" & knowing those oppurtunities dont come round often I put my foot down & nagged her to the finish - she made me put in a 7.17 min final mile before I broke out the wings to fly home with the young lady just moments behind taking 1.40 off her PB & earning her todays champagne moment.

A windy but satisfactory day at the office, 98 done just 2 to go ironically starting with the 2 to go marathon in 2 weeks time.

Other blog title thoughts were Chris Rea's on the beach although the beach was on me ! & Blood on Blood by Bon Jovi the wind had led to some nipple chaffing & there was a drop of claret on th race vest.

I celebrated on the train home with my Mexican & Spanish buddies Sol & Mr San Miguel :)

A good day at the "office"

Keep on running

Foxy x

Once in a Lifetime !

A bit of Talking Heads for you today.

The once in a lifetime I refer to is my one & only oppurtunity to run the oldest marathon of them all - Boston.

As a kid I'd watch the race with my father in the days before London even existed. A race steeped in tradition & history with so many well known points along the 26.2 mile route from Hopkinton to Boston, the chance to run past Fenway park & up the notorious Heatbreak Hill & past the ear defening sounds of the girls college on the way.

In October 2009 I entereed the pancake flat Amsterdam marathon with the sole intention of cracking the elusive time of 3.15 to qualify for Boston (I later found out 3.15.59 would have got me in). To qualify I would need to shave 10 mins off my Berlin PB from the previous September when a great run from me foced Haile to panic & end up smashing his own world record to fight off my challenge, In the end he pipped me to the line by a mere 80 minutes !

Amsterdam one of my 3 favourite European marathons gave me the qualifying time I craved & I set my heart on leg 4 of the big 6 dream marathons I wanted in my race portfolio - the 5 majors & Comrades (the worlds biggest Ultra marathon - based on number of Finishers) The latter was gonna be the final event in case running 56 miles would end my running career for good.

Then one of my best friends annouces he's going out to run Comrades & asked me to go out there & be best man at his wedding & so that was Boston on a back burner & I was off to South Africa.

Ironically due to the Volcanic ash I wouldn't have been able to get to the North Eastern US for Patriots day anyway so I guess fate played a hand in my Journey to Comrades.

It's been a tough year running wise due to injuries & my times have gone backwards rapidly since 2009 with my quickest marathon being a 3.34 ( i ran 5 sub 3.30's in 2009 including 3 consecutive months with a PB) Thus I'm a long way off qualifying again & so next April I will join many American's in running their big event, the one many plan their whole running year around. For many folks Boston is the holy grail & many US events feature prominentally on their websites the words "Official Boston qualifier"

Just to have qualified & have the chance to say I ran the Boston marathon qualifies me as an athlete - Boston essentially is an athletes only marathon due to it's qualifying structure. This might be the only time i have the chance to call myself an athlete & hence Boston is my "Big one 2011"

I'm sure as I prepare in Hopkinton on April 18th there will be lots of talking heads preparing to tackle an event which for a mere jogger like me is indeed Once in a lifetime.

Still resting & still injured, but still dreaming

Foxy

band on the run !

That was the very song playing in the pub as I walked in the door after today's marathon - you couldn't make this stuff up !!

The day started early thanks to Mini fox who after waking me up proceeded downstairs to crawl under the duvet with B-Lass who was curled up on the sofa - don't know where he gets his way with the ladies from ? ;) Mrs Foxy treated us to pancakes with maple syrup whilst Trin tried to find her shorts - fancy forgetting 'em ? chicks eh ?!! ;)

What a fantastic "band" I had assembled - 21 of the 26 runners were Fetchies which based on percentage must be a record for a marathon ? I also had a fantastic "band" of marshalls who ensured everyone had a fantastic day & recieved lots of well deserved praise - thank you guys :)

Personally I struggled,I felt good starting the day & felt a sense of history once again running on July 24th (the anniversary of the first full 26 mile 385 yard marathon at the 1908 Olympics) & to steal a line from Cool Runnings "Today man I feel very Olympic" :)

Starting the day with a 22.40 run over the 5km park run course including a sprint finish was in hindsight rather foolish but it was fun. I struggled with knee problems & had to combine running & walking in the final 10 miles to cross the line in 4.22.41.

Todays champagne moment was shared by Paul Allen & Lisa Barry who captured the Olympic spirit crossing the line together - fantastic guys.

A wounded but very happy fox :)

Foxy x

Hey now you're an Allstar !

It's been a big sporting week or 2, the Dutch got their clogs on to try & kick Spain out of the world cup, Nadal won Wimbledon again & Contador is en route to a hatrick of wins in the Tour de France & baseball had it's all star game. (It's a good summer to be Spanish !!)

I have really been struggling for motivation lately & today was no exception I had to throw together alot of positives to drag myself out there today - I pulled on "Le maillot Jaune" for my run & my shoes with my Comrades chip still atached minor things that all add up.

I found out today i have been accepted for the Brathay 10 in 10 & that should have been all the motivation I needed. I have the oppurtunity to be one of only 3 people to complete the event 3 times in consecutive years.

I am struggling with tiredness & injury - I'm having to take a rolling pin out to strip ITB's each day just to be able to run & the last 2 days the runs have been slow, I had 3 really good days & thought i was on my way back but it's gonna be a longer road than i thought :(

part of my day was spent organising the Enigma marathon series - Costco must have thought i was thirsty buying 180 bottles of water. I also allocated the race numbers for the summer enigma, updated a few folks & received a few more Evening Enigma marathon entries too.

gonna spend my weekend evolving a cunning plan (that doesn't include turnips !!) & work out how i'm gonna raise £1500 in sponsorship for the excellent work done by Brathay Hall trust ? "pimping ain't easy !!"

Just in case you're have pennies weighing you down i can help you lighten the load using the link below ;) cheeky i know but that's me - could be a bottle of whisky in it for you ?!!

http://www.justgiving.com/fox10

In case you were wondering about todays tune - Smashmouth from Shrek (Capello should have played the Green fella instead of rooney shouldn't he ?!!)

keep on crawling !!

Foxy xx

who are you ?

a good question ? I certainly don't feel like I'm a runner anymore :(

I had a poor run today & found the North Devon marathon tough hilly & hot.

Basically I'm unfit & carrying a few niggles not really injuries but just feel like I'm falling apart & I'm burn out.

I couldn't fault the race the organisation was good, excellent marshalling & fantastic support out there.

The most inspiring part of the day was seeing some lovely bikini clad ladies enjoying the hottest day of the year.

At least the football cheered me up !! :(

Need to assess whether to train more or rest more ? At least I only have 4 more marathons to reach triple figures.

Dug deep over the final 3 miles to crack 5 hours.
Apologies if you were expecting a more fun positive read - sorry.

Keep on running !

Foxy x

PS ; Legendary track by the Who for those youngsters out there (it's the CSI tune !! lol !)

Brothers in Arms

A bit of Dire Straits for you - thankfully Comrades went better than expected & I wasn't in dire straits !!!

What an amazing event, there can't be an ultra on the planet to match it for organisation & it entered the Guiness book of records for most people to finish an ultra marathon - just under 13000 finished under the 12 hour cut off.

I will be totally honest, at 6pm the night before I was scared to death - the prospect of running 23 miles further than I have ever gone on a hilly course in 28 degrees of mostly unshaded course, with an injury & the 10 in 10 in my legs was really worrying me - I was hoping to watch the final of the Super 14 rugby but couldn't relax I wanted to ensure my chip would be comfortable on my shoe & my number in the perfect position.

Not suprisingly i didn't sleep & we headed off from Durban for Pitermaritzburg at 2.30am for the start at 5.30 am- it was a long drive & that didn't help calm the nerves knowing I was gonna have to run back to Durban.

After a frantic bag drop & a climb over the fence I was ready to start with 5 minutes to spare - the national anthem rang out & the cannon fired we were off & running in the dark & there was no time to worry just to simply focus on the long winding road ahead.

As the temperature warmed & I started running I gradually discarded a brass monkey half sweatshirt to a very grateful local lad & someone else had my gloves before later on my longsleeved Texas longhorns shirt became a gift too, but there was to be no full monty !! LOL !!

The crowd support along the route was the greatest I have ever received & I've done some big races across the globe. Having your name on your number was great as folks shouted personal encouragement & at 35km I couldn't resist rewarding them with a fly by as I approached the huge sub 10 hour bus - 500 folks all running the same pace - I made my way througn the bus & continued to forge ahead logging 6 min kms & wondering if a sub 9 hour Bill Rowan was possible (that was rather optimistic) I stayed way ahead of the bus until with 20km to go I could feel them all breathing down my neck but refused to let them swallow me up & accelrated downhill to finish.

I was relived to see the 5km to go sign as someone infamously said "anyone can run a 5km" or words to that effect & I thought yes of course I can run 5km (i was 7 min kms at this point) & calculating I needed just 8 min kms to break 10 hours then 10 min kms with 3 to go & needed to get under 18 mins for the final km to break 10 hours - I entered the huge cricket stadium for my lap of honour & sprinted until I reached the finishing straight & with 30 yards of open space in front of me I aeroplaned home & was over the moon to finish & amaze myself I could actually run that far - still finding it hard to believe.

I couldn't have got it done without the great support on the course from spectators & even more so from my fellow runners my "brothers in arms"

I guess i can possibly call myself an ultra runner now, but will be glad to do just 26.2 miles from now on, 56 is a bit far !!

keep on plodding !

foxy xx

Sitting in a railway station....

got a ticket for my destination.........!!!!!!!

The fox is happy to be Homeward bound. Can't wait to get home to Mrs Foxy & mini fox :)

It has been a fantastic week & a bit in the Lake District & I have had the pleasure of running round a beautiful lake with some truly fantastic people & have made some lifelong friends - we've been through hell together & come out the otherside & find ourselves in heaven.

Like Family the Iceman,The Irish Express,Tango,Frodo ,the Flyin' Finn,Horror, Jimmy Choo,Shell & Aly from the Valley,Chris & Phil "the Love" will always be very welcome at "Foxy Towers"

None of us would have got there if it wasn't for the excellent efforts of Teresa,Mac & the amazing guys from Body Rehab who put us back together both mentally & physically :) In almost the words of AC/DC "for those about to run,we salute you" :)

Sounds a bit like an oscars speech but I have to say a big thank you to Mrs Foxy for allowing me to abandon her, I couldn't do it without her she is a truly amazing woman & I love her so much :)

So what next for the fox ? Well I do Have Comrades to look forward to in 2 weeks & triple figures later in the year but once there I don't know what the future holds for the fox ? I don't have another 10 in 10 in me but would love to just have one lap of the lake again next year - maybe my 100th 26.2 miler ?

The Fox is proud to be one of a group of just 32. Amazing people to complete the 10 in 10.

Thank you to everyone for all their support & generous donations to the fantastic work done at Brathay Hall.

Keep on running

Foxy x

the tears of a clown / paradise city !!

It's a been a big day today & i now have a lovely pair of TiTs ;) LOL !! (Ten in Ten's that is - great abbreviation ain't it ?!!)

At 9.10 we headed out beneath the finish line gantry & Huddled together for some inspirational words from "Mr 10 in 10" Steve Edwards & before we even got there I was in tears - There were so many friends from previous 10 in 10's, My own club Milton Keynes Lakeside, Fetchies & 100 club members & the welcome they gave us was truly magical - mI just couldn't hold the emotion in.

We headed off down to start to a standing ovation & it was fantastic.

With so many friends at the start we decided to have a bit of fun so instead of my usual full Monty style removal of the "popping" trousers - 2 of the lovely physios ripped them away to wild cheers revealing the Union Jack shorts beneath. The Gun went & we haeded out & in response to cries from my fetchie friends we had a little fly past in the first 100 yards before getting down to serious business.

The run itself was tough, my goal was sub 3.55 to give me a sub 4 hour marathon for every day of the 10 & to break 38 hours for a 3.48 average. At 8 miles i wasa only inside target by 2 minutes, on most days I have been at least 6 minutes up at this point & i was about to give up on my targets & go to a more reserved strategy & just enjoy it, but with each mile I dug deeper & kept on track (just !!) the marshalls were fantastically supportive & I held off the race winner until going through Bowness (we get an hour head start) & only 5 or 6 of the runners in the marathon past me. I had some wonderful support from cyclist on the course & a lady called Alison who has been following my progress up here.

I knew if I could get to the turn at the rugby club with 9 minutes to spare my goal was still within reach & I came to the bottom of the drive with 3 minutes remaining, threw down my water bottle & got up the hill as quick as I could before coming over the brow of the hill to be greeted by the crowds for one final fly by - I wound it up with the Mick Channon Windmill before flying on home to be greeted on the line by all the fabulous physios from Body rehab who now know the Fox's recovery strategy - I grasped a cold beer on the line & took a swig before they all mobbed me & I was in Paradise City :)

I'm gonna have 2 champagne moments today & I can see you asking why ? Well because it's my blog & i'll do whatever the hell I want to ;) The first is to all the guys who did the ten in ten with me this year all of whom are now running gods - no ifs, no buts - just fact.

The second champagne moment goes to my clubmate Patricia Fairlamb, Patricia was Boston bound for their marathon last month before the volcanic ash grounded her, I suggested Windermere & she only walked away with 1st Lady Vet 50 in a time of 3.32 (The quickest Milton Keynes Lakeside runner on that course ever - I've never done it that quick !!)

I came here with a plan - excuted it & can now retire from the 10 in 10 knowing i gave it everything I have & have hopefully left my mark on a truly inspirational event.

& to steal a line from Lock stock & two smoking barrels I have to say

"It's been Emotional"

Keep drinking (I know I will be !!)

Foxy x

If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me ?

That was the very first line of the very first song out on the course today (Freebird, Lynyrd Skynyrd) & seemed rather apt - i would like to think my efforts over the past 2 ten in tens would hold a few memories for a few folks ? I know i will never forget my time up here, It truly is a lovely part of the world :)

There was rather a party atmosphere here today, many folks collecting race numbers for tomorrow & Fetchies & previous 10 in 10 ers everywhere - El bee, V'Rap,Joe Hawk, Dave A, Lisrun,Shades,Cabbey plus George Russell,Mark Sleeman,Jim "manic" Mundy, Paul & Sue Adams,Tim Charles & GO:MK - my club mates Oliver & Patricia were at the finish to greet me :) - was great to see everyone again & I will apologise if I have forgotten anyone but after 9 marathons I'm rather tired !!!

I did a bit of maths this morning (not my strong point) & worked out 2 days of 3 hour 50 min marathon running would bring me under 38 hours so decided to go out in search of inside that to give me as much wiggle room as possible for the final day.

At 3 miles I was joined by Steve Edwards & the "iceman" dragged me round & we had a good chat & I have to say it was an honour to spend just 4 miles in the company of a running legend before he disappeared into the distance just after the Hill at 7 ish miles.

At 12 miles I came down the hill at Newby Bridge & there was Fetchpoint in all it's glory so I got the aeroplane out of the hangar & dipped my wings for the guys, I did have to make an emergency stop as I saw a beer in George Russell's hand & thought he would struggle to drink all that so early so seemed only fair to help him out :) What a guy the fox is ;)

At 14 miles I started to struggle with my right ankle, hip & groin but more worrying was a right achilles problem - Steve & Paul the body rehab guys broke out the magic spray at 20 miles & at 22 they taped me up for the run to home.

I was hurting but wanted to bank as many minutes before day 10 so gunned it the final 2.5 miles to "Born To Run","Gonna Fly Now" (the Rocky Theme) & "Chariots of Fire" - there was a fantastic welcome on the home stretch for a final fly by before the day 10 lap of honour :)

Other choices for the title today were - "The Road to Hell" & "Don't stop me now" :)

Day 10 tomorrow - one for the thumb !!! (unless you live in East anglia & I ain't doing the 12 in 12 !!! LOL ;) )

many thanks for all the support i have had up hear both online & in the flesh & all your very generous donations to the fantastic work that Brathay Hall Trust do.

Keep on running,singing & flying

Foxy x

You can leave your hat on !

Today we were greeted by a whole day of drizzle but at least it wasn't cold.

I had a few ankle issues for the first 6 miles & so took it easy but at 10 miles realised I was only 2 mins inside sub 4 schedule so upped the pace - going through half way in 1.49.42 (it's closer to 12.6 miles really).

Today was a minor landmark for me - my 50th sub 4 hour marathon - just need to get 30 mins quicker & run 500 Sub 3.30's to catch "The Iceman" Steve Edwards - not looking likely !!!

I can sense you are wondering about the title & why ? well with the rain coming down I wore my baseball cap & on the home stretch I threw off my gloves, Covered my groin area with the cap before tossing it away "full monty" style before a brief aeroplane finish :) - actually forgot to dip my timing chip so had to go back after removing my attire from the course - I broke 3.51 by probably 30 seconds but the official chip time will show as 3.52.35 but a minute's neither here or there !!

I saw a rabbit on the road at half way & growled it back off the road to save it from harm - obvious that a fox would scare a rabbit i guess ?

Other song choices today were "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne, "Purple rain" (it was raining & my cap is purple !!) Keep the Faith & Something for the pain by Bon Jovi & Who are you by the Who (because in response to the question are you ? Today's answer is - I'm Da man :)

Everyone bounced back from yesterdays struggles & we are looking forward to the final day tommorrow before Sunday's lap on honour.

Today's champagne moment was our 12th man Phil Love who had parked up in Bowness & opened his boot to reveal a tuck shop loaded with cake,biscuits, chocolate, Gels, drinks - "It must be Love ?!!" LOL !! top draw & hats off to you Sir :)

Just a weekend double & I've done those enough times before & then the fox retires from the 10 in 10 for good.

Keep on Running

Foxy

Won't Get fooled again !!

Indeed I won't get fooled again into coming back this is really tough & to keep motivating yourself day after day mile after mile - I'm phyically & even more mentally spent

The above tune by the Who came on at 8 miles & I was already struggling but just keeped going & joined Roger Daltrey for the screams !!!

My slowest so far but still sub 4 & still on target but needed a JCB out there I was having to dig so deep.

For the first time in the 7 days I walked the final hill at 25.5 miles I was just too tired to keep the legs going. I was pleased to see the line, Dipped my electronic timing chip & collapsed at the finish just needed a few minutes to feel almost human again really took it out of me today - "Ole Blue eyes" Ray O'Connor saw I was struggling so bought me a "recovery drink" an ice cold Corona & we lay out in the sun while the girls massaged us

I'm putting off the ice bath to blog, but know I have to get in there soon - ish - No pain no gain & all that.

Other potential titles were "I'm still standing" by Elton John, Broken Wings by Mr Mister - I felt really broken up just managed the energy to get the wings out for the finish & "Another one bites the dust" From Queen.

Today was a Steve Redgrave moment I said to Ogee "If you even see me thinking of entering this again - shoot me !!"

Today's champagne moment was "Ole Blue Eyes" Ray O'Connor finishing third just ahead of "The Iceman" Steve Edwards.

Keep on flying

Foxy x

Three times a lady !

A bit of the Commodores on the course & gonna dedicate todays title to the "Flying Finn (Anna Finn) - that girls is like the Terminator relentless she just doesn't stop - a fantastic athlete & soon to be new Ten in Ten record holder & the first lady to break 40 hours took a lot out of me to keep her in my rear view mirror.

Other thoughts that went through my mind out there were "Eye of the Tiger" & the Moment in Rocky 3 when Clubber Laing is asked you his prediction & replies "pain" - today was tougher than the previous 5 days but still pleased with 3.46.55 & a case of Coronas from Dave A as my reward - top drawer sir :)

The hardest part of the day was my X rated massage & strectching session - 90 mins of shear pain & lots & lots of swearing as Graham manhandled me - my screams were mostly drowned out by Naomi laughing at my misfortune - know who your friens are ! - I want my Lucy back !

I consolidated my 2nd place in the ice man stakes but upping from 11 mins in the ice bath to 12 - Ouch !

The magnificent 7 tommorrow - just a fraction under 105 miles to go now.

Finished to the Sweet's classic & appropriate "Fox on the Run"

Keep on flying

Foxy x

Smack my bitch up !!!

I am not refering to the pints of "Wife Beater" I have been drinking with the "Irish Express" Ray O'Connor but what a "bitch" of a course this is - there's hardly any of it that's flat & it's a real challenge every day - This ain't like doing London every day, this a real marathon.

I felt good & almost injury free & so decided to gun it today & for 5.5 miles I was even ahead of "The Iceman" Steve Edwards (20 minutes in the ice bath today for him - ouch !!) After Steve went by me Ray caught me at half way before finishing in 3.36 a huge negative split & his fastest to date, He's just getting warmed up !!

I stuck to my game plan of walking the 2 or 3 big hills & had my now usual half a bottle of Stella courtesy of Naomi's sister at 22 miles

At 16 miles Allan "Ogee" Rumbles arrived on the course & seeing him gave me a real lift - 30 seconds later it was hailing & did so for about 5 minutes luckily the physios gave me my jacket as it was getting cold quite quickly - musically the ipod selected "I am the walrus" & i was wet enough to be one !!!

I finished the final 6 miles really strongly & managed to dip under 3.45 with a 3.44.07 Adam "Tango" Holland again went sub 3 - his 3rd in 5 days & the only sub 3 TiT ever !!!

Other choices for todays title were a Stones double "Gimmie Shelter" (through the hail !) & Ruby Tuesday or my hometown's finest a bit of Slade with "mama we're all crazee now" (& we certainly are that !!)

Todays champagne moment was seeing Ogee - I'm sure I can treat him to a pint later

Sub 19 hours for 5 marathons in 5 days is very pleasing & still leaves me on course for the sub 40 I want.

finished with some Hawaii 5-0 paddling, The Mick channon windmill before flying home where a cold can of Fosters was positioned on the floor in the middle of the finishing line - instant rehydration

In the words of Bon Jovi "we're half way there - wooooah livin' on a prayer"

Keep on running

5oxy x

http://www.cumbrialive.tv/brathay10in10/

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds / Pretty in Pink !

I couldn't pick between the 2 songs so I have a dual titled blog - it's my blog so I can do what the hell I like :)

Lucy is my physio & fixed me this morning, I didn't expect today to go as well as it did but Lucy did a fantastic job & the hot pink tape was just magical.

I decided to set off slower than the previous days given the injury & feeling rather tired - that seemed to work.

I was just a mobile jukebox out there today & there could have been a dozen titles - "I don't like Mondays" seemed rather ironic at 5 miles, "Manic Monday" another strange choice ! There was "folllow you follow me" by Genesis & perhaps the most appropriate song at 23 miles - "Fool on the hill" !

Ironically "fix you" by Coldplay came on the ipod at 14 miles & the tears started to stream down my face I was grsteful for a hug off Teresa,Steve's wife.The wheels had fallen off so I realised I needed to jack the Fox up grab a spanner & put the wheels back on & mentally I was able to do just that & Free summed it up with - "Allright now" & I was.

I crossed the line to the classic 70's tune - "play that funky music" & 70's inspired I went for a Mick Channon windmill before breaking out the plane.

I was amazed how well my body reacted today, I was really negative this morning but now I've bounced back & looking forward to day 5 :)

Keep on running

Foxy !

Start me up !!

A bit of Mick & the Stones for day 3 & I can see you wondering why ?

I was absolutly shattered as I stood on the start line this morning & thought to myself the only way I'm gonna get started is if someone wires my testicles up to a car battery ?!! but typically no one had any jump leads when I needed 'em !!

But the gun goes & you're off & like the flick of a switch your in race mode & away all thoughts turn to the course & timings - 1st drink station in 20 minutes, second one in 36 etc.....

Got to see a few friendly fetchies out their today - Kev Scone,Dave A,Joe Hawk (sitting pretty on his 2 wheeled stallion - name that tune ?!!) Cumbri Andy & XB.

I went off too quickly & the "flying Finn" Anna Finn raced past me at about 11 miles although I had her in my sights until 15 miles before she disappeared & at 18 ish, The "Irish Express" Ray O'Connor came up behind & I thought I'll run with Ray for a bit have a chat, listen to his fabulous Irish Brogue - I managed about 5 words before he was gone & out of earshot !!!

I really struggled today & yet bizarrely my time doesn't really reflect how I struggled 3.49.29 was only 3 mins slower than yesterday.

With 5 miles to go I was thinking now's the time for the inspiring tunes - Gonna Fly now from Rocky, Born to run, Teenage wasteland etc... but to horror today was "the day the music died....." (Name that tune ?!) my battery on my ipod was empty & whilst I tried having a bit of a sing song it wasn't the same

I'm sure Anna Enjoyed my version of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls around 8 miles - lucky girl - I am to singing what Stevie Wonder is to flying !!

The last 3 miles were really gruelling but I was trying to cling onto sub 3.50 & just did before my usual fly past

Other choices for today were - "Easy" (Like Sunday morning) by the Commodores,If my blood blister on my big toes had popped - "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2 (it didn't pop might be a "Run Fat Boy Run" moment later !!) with runs remaining Sunday to Sunday the Beatles "8 days a week" ? or the Jackson 5 - "ABC" (easy as 1-2-3) !!!

Just a week to go before the worlds biggest breakfast - from being almost an athlete to living like a lorry driver from Hull all in 24 hours !!! LOL

Keep running, flying, limping & Carb loading

Foxy x

Heroes !!!!

A bit of Bowie to kick off day 2

We could be heroes just for "ONE" day - one day, one day - gimmie a break there were 13 (& 2 half !!) heroes out there today (& will be for 10 days !!) - the 12 runners & the Haddi family mobile fetchpoint was fantastic that boy has legendary status now round this lake & to cross the line & get handed a couple of bottles of Stella from the man I was in Heaven

It seemed the only right thing to do to replenish fluids as soon as possible & Naomi seemed to share my opinion in that respect - Afletes us you see our bodies are temples - although Naomi claims hers is a Playground !! OMG

After yesterday I always knew today would be slower but to my suprise not as slow as I had anticipated,I got round in 3.46 so 2 days in & I've averaged 3.40 that wont continue but does mean I have banked a few minutes in my quest to go under the Golden 40 hours.

After celebrating a male 10 in 10 course PB today was Ladies day (not quite the big hats of Ascot !!) Anna Finn came home in 3.49 to take 2 minutes off the ladies best from last year.

I warmed up the engines with a few on course fly bys before finishing in traditional style - more reliable than BA - never on strike & no volcanic ash to ground the Flying Fox

I wore shirt from one of My Sponsors today Miss Connie Savan all the way from Seattle - although due to a bit of rubbing had to remove it part way through revealing Le Maillot Jaune - not really worthy of the colour on day 2 of a Stage race as the name isn't Armstrong or Cancellara & I was wearing the Union flag not the Stars & Stripes or Swiss flag. (Many thanks Connie )

The Yellow jersey looks to be firmly around the shoulders of Adam "Tango" Holland as he took it easy today with a 3.13 extending his overall advantage by a further 11 minutes - I expect him to be in yellow on the Champs D'elysee (ok so the Brathay Hall Lawn !!)

It was another good day at the office but as it was Saturday I hope they pay me overtime In the words of Cuba Gooding Junior "Show me the money" !!!

Would love to stop & chat but the ice bath awaits - "Cold as Ice" a bit of Foreigner anyone ?!!!

Just 4 doubles & it's over - Job's a Gud 'un

The Flying Fox

One in Ten !!

Gonna start you off with an obvious choice from UB40 in the days when they were a bit more ska / 2 tone before just churning out reggae covers !

That's it day one is in the bag decided as it was Friday - POETS day - job & finish

Tango went off like a maniac & was out of sight in 3 minutes smashing his own 10 in 10 course record & logging the first ever 10 in 10 sub 3 - I would have given him the days champagne moment but as he don't drink I'll neck that bubbly myself !

Personally I had a good one - my fastest ever on the course - I was after 3.55 & accidentally got round in 3.34 - ran the first 4 miles with David Wintle & Mr 10 in 10 Stevie "Wonder" Edwards before they headed into the distance - I got through the half in 1.42 but the second half is tougher.

I struggled between 18 & 22 but some inspirational music got me going again & got the big bird out of the Hangar for a flying finish.

Whilst only 4th in the event standings I am the club house leader with an ice bath time of 11.05 - the swelling has disappeared in every part of my body below the waist

Alternative titles for today included Irena Cara's what a feeling which gave me a lift at 14 miles.

Just 3 triples & were all done

Keep on running

Foxy xx

Here i go again !!!

Has it really been a year ? looking forward to the 10 in 10 on Friday & relieved my mate Heather gonna be up there - tough as nails that girl.

A bit of Whitesnake for you to get the Windermere party started

Lots of friendly faces to get reaquainted with & a few new ones to say hello to on the 262 miles.

fingers crossed the physio guys can get me fixed

Would like to say a big thank you to all my friends for their messages of support & best wishes - the phone hasnt stopped with calls & texts.

Amazed at how big this event is becoming

i am really excited now & wish i could get it started right now !!!

but like Guiness "Good things come to those who wait"

good luck to all my fellow "gladiators" tackling the 10 in 10 a life changing experience.

Keep on running (x 10)

Foxy x

The Final Countdown !!

We're heading for Venus !!

Ok so we're not heading for Venus but very soon the 13 Gladiators tackling the 10 in 10 will be heading off on day one of the 10 marathon challenge in the lake district.

Just 2 days to go before I can rekindle my love affair with Britains largest & most beautiful lake.

this time tomorrow i will spend 3 & half hours riding on a Virgin :) the train folks - what were you thinking ?!! smutty minds :)

This time will be different, last year I vaguely knew a few of the guys having met them for a few minutes at races earlier in the year. This time round I know most of the guys, 5 of whom are returning to the 10 in 10 for the second,third or even fourth time & "Charlie's Angels" (Naomi,Anna & Heather are at just about every marathon i do !)

The build up to this & the training has not been ideal due to injuries but once stood on the start line in Clappersgate that will all be forgotten as I head off in search of the Steam train & pub at Newby bridge at 12 miles before the turn for home through Bowness, past the waters Edge pub & this time remembering to turn left at the Rugby club (note to Heather !!) for the half a mile grind up the hill to the finish.

I now have to pack for every possible weather condition - shorts & t-shirts or snow shoes & ice axe ? - after coming home in hail the first 3 days & getting sunburnt on day 4 last year anything can happen ?!!!

I'm now just £100 short of my £2000 fundraising goal & if anyone "got any spare change mister ?" can help i would be most grateful.

www.justgiving.com/davidbayley

Keep on running & running & running ..............

Foxy xx

The Final Countdown !

We're heading for Venus !!

Ok so we're not heading for Venus but very soon the 13 Gladiators tackling the 10 in 10 will be heading off on day one of the 10 marathon challenge in the lake district.

Just a week to go before I can rekindle my love affair with Britains largest & most beautiful lake.

This time will be different, last year I vaguely knew a few of the guys having met them for a few minutes at races earlier in the year. This time round I know most of the guys, 5 of whom are returning to the 10 in 10 for the second,third or even fourth time & "Charlie's Angels" (Naomi,Anna & Heather are at just about every marathon i do !)

The build up to this & the training has not been ideal due to injuries but once stood on the start line in Clappersgate that will all be forgotten as i head off in search of the Steam train & pub at Newby bridge at 12 miles before the turn for home through Bowness, past the waters Edge pub & this time remembering to turn left at the Rugby club (note to Heather ) for the half a mile grind up the hill to the finish.

I now have to pack for every possible weather condition - shorts & t-shirts or snow shoes & ice axe ? - after coming home in hail the first 3 days & getting sunburnt on day 4 last year anything can happen ?!!!

I'm now just £100 short of my £2000 fundraising goal & if anyone "got any spare change mister ?" can help i would be most grateful.

http://www.justgiving.com/davidbayley10

Keep on running & running & running ..............

Best wishes

Foxy Gump

Romeo & Juliet

A bit of Dire Straits for you today in honour of running the Shakespeare marathon - apparently Bill wrote the original before Marc Knopfler ?!!! - you learn something new every day !!

I ran today with my mate Paula & before you start thinking about the title no I ain't Romeo & she ain't Juliet - she ain't that lucky !! LOL !!!

We had a lot of fun out there today saw lots of friendly faces both old (some very old !!) & new.

I must apologise to my clubmate Paul for not finding him at the start today - I was amazed how busy the start was & didn't take that into consideration.

The goal was to get Paula round in a PB today & she got the job done 4.48.01 according to my watch - a huge 9 minutes off her previous best - that's over 20 seconds per mile - that's a huge PB - well done

In typical style we spread our wings to finish

There was a good showing in the pub afterwards - even Gymfreak got to the pub - without getting lost or going 8 miles out of her way LOL !!!

There could only be one recipiant of today's champagne - Paula McMahon top drawer girl

keep on running folks

The flying fox

Livin' on the edge !

the edge of the Cornish cliffs that is ! (a bit of Aerosmith for you)

I was rather dreading today's Cornish Coastal marathon & even more so when the Endurancelife organisers announced it was the toughest of their events - I did the Gower Coastal which was hoffific !

We set off from a Golf club & headed straight for the Cornish cliffs - it was very much a race of 2 halfs the first half along the cliffs & the second half a flatter inland section across moorland.

I managed to get lost by 2 miles whilst chatting away but still managed to get round in 5.46.01

It was tough but as I beat my Gower time by about 30 seconds that means Gower is tougher - simples !

Was a long hard day at the office but number 83 is done & in the record books.

Other song titles were "the first cut is the Deepest"
As I was indeed cut battered & bruise after 3 falls although my falls weren't as hard hitting as my mate Michaels who really did look battle worn by the time he came home.

Another day at "the office" beckons tommorrow with the Shakespeare marathon in Stratford upon Avon.

Keep on running

Foxy x

2 out of 3 ain't bad ?

A bit of Meatloaf from the classic "Bat out of Hell" album

Why such a title I hear you asking ? well because that describes my marathon performances this month. Today was the highlight of the 3, I went round the Taunton marathon marathon today in a season's best of 3.42.27 running with the speedy Paul A.

The 2 out of 3 would the 2 sub 4 hour marathons today & Good Friday at the Enigma the third one being the less than impressive almost 6 hours it took to get round the Bath Beat Marathon yesterday.

The song came on Mr Ross' ipod on the way home & I thought perfect the song also reminds me of the fact I played it to an ex girlfriend many years ago just after we had split up in a vain hope of winning her back & as I'm sure you'll guess it didn't work. (The fox wasn't always the super smooth creature you now know lol !!!)

The race today semmed very much a half marathon with a marathon "bolted" on to it - the facilities at the start & finish were excellent there was chip timing a bling medal & pretty good t-shirt. The first lap was packed with runners doing both events & the second lap felt as though we had been abandoned out there & the traffic especially up the hill around mile 23 was a bit dangerous to tell the truth. The course weaved through some lovely little villages & Paul managed to drag me back from the tempation of some lovely looking country boozers

They've just text me my time - that's a good feature

I started to stuggled around 17 miles & was on the verge of telling Paul to go as I was starting to struggle but just hung in about 20 yards behind him & found a new lease of life at about 22 miles as Paul struggled a bit himself but between us we kept each other going & picked each other up when the going got tough, at 25 miles Mr A suddenly became a gazelle again lengthing his stride & taking the shorter legged Fox with him. We passed 26 miles & with the finish in site I thanked him for his company & support & asked him "How are you're wings ?" & we bought it home with the trademark flying finish in tandem

Today's champagne moment undoubtably goes to my Wingman Paul - top drawer mate

Other songs passed over for today's title were the Isley brothers "Summer Breeze" as there was a gentle refreshing breeze on a rather warm day, "Everybody Hurts" by REM but then it didn't hurt quite as much as I anticipated & "allright now" by Free - things are improving a bit but they're not quite Allright !!

Keep on running

"the Flying fox" x

Here comes the sun :)

A bit of Steve Harley & Cockney rebel for you today.

The sun did indeed shine, was a cracking days weather & never saw it coming - I had gloves & hat packed ! But was shorts & T-shirt weather or If I'd packed it I could have run in my Mankini ! Not sure the residents of Bath are ready for that ?!

It was a tough day out there today & running whilst injured is rather frustrating as you know at back of your mind if you were fit you could do so much more.

I ran with my good buddies David & Mel & they helped get me round just inside 6 hours

Was a very scenic hilly course with many contrasts rivers, the canal, hills, wood, roads, fields.

I was glad when it was over today & decided to go for an upbeat title - other more negative options were "something for the pain" by Bon Jovi & the
Verves "the drugs don't work" & they don't but would have struggled even more without the ibuprofen !

The obvious choice was MJ's "Beat It" given the race title !

Taunton marathon tommorrow hopefully ?

Whilst out there today struggling I have had to
Revise my planned time for Comrades from sub 9 to Sub 11 hours, but just want to finish & then have a much needed rest - today started a span of 15 marathons in 7 weeks !

Keep on Run walking !

Foxy x

Smoke on the Water !!

Dan dan dan dan dan da dan !!! - come on get those air guitars out for a bit of Deep Purple - you know you wanna ?!!

Ok so there wasn't any smoke on the water but there was rain on the water, ducks & a heron on the water & even a few runners around the water !!!

I have never been so nervous on a race day as I was on Good Friday & the easy part was running just short of 27 miles !

Inspired by Rory Coleman's Leahurst event & Noel Jones' local Bedford Clanger I set about organising my own small local marathon, The intentiion was to make it self navigation with 15 - 20 friends from the 100 marathon club & Fetcheveryone website.

Things took off on a grander scale when I emailed my club Coach Yvette at MK Lakeside to see if any of my club colleagues fancied doing the event but most of the marathon contingent had already made plans for London,Shakespeare,Brighton or Boston (& good luck to them all) but Yvette mentioned the idea of marshalling it & was something I had never considered & to be honest wouldn't have asked as I don't like putting people out.

With more interest in the event than I expected I decided to extend the numbers to 25but then found I really struggled to say no & didn't want to dissapoint anyone - numbers did at one point hit 34 but by the time my head marshall Richard counted down "3-2-1 go !" 31 of us set of around the beautiful Caldecotte Lake guided by club mate David Cooper on his trusty 2 wheeled steed, ultimatly heading for the Grand Union canal.

Yvette had managed to aquire race numbers from our friends at Leighton Buzzard fun runners - many thanks to them & also aquired the local Park & Run timing device - many thanks to local Sports Physio / Park & Run organiser Gareth Sneldon for the loan of that.

The 3 Amigos - David's Pell & Ross headed off with Paul Allen & were still there for the "podium places" at the end.

I got to chat with Colin Evans (looking very Marco Pantani !)before he left me in his wake as we headed on to the Canal & subsequently ran with Alan Burrows before he too left me in his wake & the same can be said for Stephen Young & Rob Bishop - with the adrenaline pumping I had come out of the blocks a bit quick & in the early going was doing 7.45 min miling far too quick with my injuries, I did later on catch Stephen on the canal & had a good chat for 6 or 7 miles before My good friend Michael Grehan caught us & I ended up running the final 5 with him & I really needed his support, the pain in my knees made the final 4 miles agony.

I was very pleased with a 3.50.27 finish, although with the heavens opening 15 mins before the end I really didn't fancy the 800 metre loop at the end & hated that & I'm the one who designed it that way - I won't do that again.

Coming round the corner with 100 metres to go I put my arm around Michael & thanked him for his company & support before bringing the Airplane out of the hangar to finish in the traditional manner.

Apart from that demoralising final loop everyone seemed to enjoy the event & a pub finish is never gonna be unpopular with my mates :)

Without doubt the champagne moment was the eggsellent (it is Easter !!!) Marshalling from the wonderful guys & girls from Milton Keynes lakeside runners & I raise my glass to them all.

As Dave Ross would say "It was a good day at "the office" !!!

Keep on Flying :)

Foxy xx

Up the Junction !!

Finishing today was indeed a bit of a Squeeze - LOL !!!

Today was the Bedford Clanger a 27 mile race in & around Bedford, mostly off road but with some sections in more built up areas. A well organised race with lots of cake at the checkpoints & finished off with the local delicacy a Bedfordshire Clanger - similar to a sausage roll, but one end pork & the other apple :)

I was very lucky today to be accompanied by my very good friends Allan(Ogee) & Michael from Dunstable & I really needed their support out there today, I struggled, I knew I was injured so had eased off in the past few days & as with Punchbowl a month ago I was fine for about 18 miles but then the hamstring / thigh went again & the final 9 miles was tough as I was basically running on one leg dragging the other one behind me, not the most comfortable of a marathons for me but another one chalked up on the scorecard.

I was spoilt for choice on today's title, but the title came to me as we reached a Junction in Clapham (Beds) & subsequently discussed the classic track by Squeeze. Other thoughts today were - "Another one bites the dust" by Queen & as we airplaned across the finish "Broken Wings" by Mr Mister (more broken landing gear than wings !!! LOL !!)"Something for the pain" by Bon Jovi & the "I'll be there for you" (from Friends) as my friends were indeed there for me today. The final choice was gonna be "Talking about the Bedford Clanger" - sung to the tune of "Midnight Rambler" by the Rolling Stones !! (I know I should get out more !!)

Today's champagne moment was for the other 2 Musketeers Allan & Michael - one for all & all for one :)

keep on hobbling !!

Foxy

Running with the Devil ....

a bit of classic Van Halen for you :)

I was indeed running (hobbling !) with the Devil today at the Devil's Punchbowl marathon (it's actually a 30 miler or 32 if you get lost !!).

i went into the event with a thigh strain & so my goal was simply to survive & then rest as i have a month until my next event & so I achieved my goal.

It wasn't pretty, I started well enough running with some of the Big boys - Paul,Allan,the 2 Dave's, Mel & Simon & was fine through the first 12 miles then the thigh went & I lost touch with my mates but tagged on with a few other guys & was able to cling on to them until the final 2 miles. I then found myself 2 miles from the finish in the middle of nowhere with no instructions as I had donated mine to a damsel in distress my mate Heather & with her navigational record she might have been out there for days otherwise - LOL !!

I picked the most probable route & luckily it turned out to be the right route, Never been so glad to see a finish to a race, I ran 20 miles on one leg dragging the other one round :(

Whilst out there for the best part of six & half hours (6.26.25) I did have plenty of time to consider today's song title - other nominations were "when the going gets tough", by Billy Ocean but I thought that was a bit cheesy, Alive by Pearl Jam as I was barely !! Slow an' Easy by Whitesnake (that was my pre race plan but it wasn't as slow as I thought it might be & it sure wasn't easy).

Today's champagne moment came from a different race today, my mate Naomi cracked her PB with a supberb 3.37 in Seville, well done to her - I bet she's celebrating tonight with freshly squeezed Orange juice from the local produce - or maybe not ?!!!

Keep on hobbling !!!

Foxy

David Bayley is fundraising for Brathay Trust - JustGiving

David Bayley is fundraising for Brathay Trust - JustGiving

Posted using ShareThis

Concrete & Clay

This weekends 2 races were run on concrete,clay,mud,rocks,pebbles,road a bit of everything beneath my feet over the 52 plus miles i put in.

A fantastic weekend which kicked off with the rather tough Portland Coastal marathon on Saturday, This was my third shot at the event & it doesn't get any easier, although to keep my mind on the job in hand I set myself 2 tasks to run the first big hill which is about 800 metres at a 45 degree angle - a real lung burner & then to run the 1.5 mile stretch on the pebbles of Chesil Beach & it was tough but I got my mini goals done (i didn't repeat either feat on the second lap !!)

I really should have used my shirt as a sail as we finished at the 2012 Olympic sailing centre,but as per the norm I spread my wings & flew on in, finishing 10 mins inside the 5 hour mark, a few of my buddies struggled a bit more than me but we all got the job done

Was good to see fellow ten in tenners Leon & Lorna as well as future ten in tenner Naomi.

Day 2 took us to Gloucester for an 11 am start & we arrived at the school gym & it was like a who's who of 100 club nutters,fetchies & 10 in 10 ers past & future - lots of handshakes hellos & women throwing themselves at me for hugs - Who can blame 'em ?!! LOL !!

Super Mick & Phil were there & must have been a tough one for Mick pushing Phil,s wheelchair round a steady undulating course through the scenic Gloucestershire countryside. There were some fine performances from my buddies - Trinity got her Comrades qualifier with 10 minutes to spare & my good mate Michael bounced back from Saturday's Portland with an excellent 3.41 pacing a club mate to a new PB.

For me it was a case of Animal magic as "Foxy Davy" ran with the "plodding hippo" (my mate Ruth) & with a 4.31 finish we were hardly plodding & indeed there were points where we both spread our wings for a stereotypical "fly by" Was a lovely day out.

The champagne moment of the day was the wonderful support on the course from Fetchies "Zoom" & "Rebel" who treated us to Welsh cakes & fabulous support as we passed them on the 3 lap course.

my bag came back with a new white techical shirt, dog tag, lovely glass paperweight & a Black & hot pink t-shirt which is really nice even if it may not sound it !!

keep on flying

Foxy

Wonderful Tonight :)

The Cream of Clapton to kick off the new decade & indeed last night (or more accuratly very early this morning) was indeed Wonderful :)

Along with a few buddies I got to spend the New Year doing what we all love - running marathons.

The temperature was suprisingly mild & warmer than we had left behind at home, certainly shorts weather for team GB, not a sole from any of the other nations agreed with us, I wanted to go with shorts to work on my tan :) the race is four laps up down & across a river starting & finishing at the local tennis centre, visibility wasn't great even with a head torch & was a rather foggy climax.

Was a day of Milestones my good buddy Allan Rumbles became a centurion completing his 100th Marathon in 3 hours 22 & in doing so became the fastest British marathon runner of the new decade, I was 3rd Brit home in 3:47. Naomi Prasad came home inside 4 & half hours to become the fastest British lady & I logged a couple of minor milestones, my fastest ever Friday marathon & the Sub 4 now means I have broken that barrier in every country I have run in, you can't count Wales as Allan himself will tell you it's not a proper country - lol !

There was no way I was starting the new year without the airplane & I think i pretty much nailed the landing, my first ever indoor landing :)

The early morning racing was followed by a few glasses of bubbly & a beer before grabbing some breafast en route to the airport - not sure Hal Higdon would recommend a recovery strategy, that involved drinking on an empty stomach after a marathon & going a night without sleep !!!

I really was spoilt for song choices even though I forgot my ipod - others that were close but no cigar were - obvious choices from Abba & U2, plus Friday I'm in love from the Cure & Switzerland 's own Yello with the race !

just 25 to go until I can get my own shiny medal & 100 club vest,still a long way to go.

Wishing you all a very happy new year

The flying fox :)