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