Brathay Challenge - David Bayley

Four your eyes only !!

2011-08-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Like Bond "The Fox" is back seeking more excitement & danger on the banks of Windermere. He will do battle with Ice Cream mountain,Otter Bridge & the evil driveway !!

Assisted by Aly Knowles as M (the big boss lady - although of course much younger & hotter than Judi Dench ) Mac Knowles as Q - the man with all the gadgets (well the timing chips & a lap top !!) & Sheilagh as Miss Moneypenny

Sally Ford,Diane Shaw,Toks & Kaz step in to replace Honor Blackman,Maud Adams,Halle Berry & Ursula Andress as the glamourous Fox girls assisting in the pursuit of no.4.

My vehicle of choice a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus as the DB5 is in for it's MOT

So what can we expect from the latest installment ? Who will replace Andy Nice as "The man with the golden run" ? who wll step into the shoes of Ben Audsley as the ever helpful Felix Leiter ?

Can the fox withstand the vicious pumelling at the hands of Nicola,Lucy,Shonelle & the "evil" big G ?

Can he survive being lowered into freezing waters of sharks & crocodiles ?* (warning the ice bath may not contain Sharks & Crocodiles ?!!)

All these questions & more to be answered in the next thrilling istallment coming soon, but one thing for sure on day 10 the fox will be surrounded by beautiful women (from body Rehab) enjoying an ice cold bottle of Corona hopefully not shaken or stirred

Diamonds are forever, but slate is great.

The Fox
licensed to run !!!

Can i play with Madness ?

2011-07-31T01:19:00.000-07:00

Actually asking myself that very question & not sure I can ?

I have battled through 3 editions of the Bratahy 10 in 10 (10 marathons in 10 days) & have had 26 fantastic days in the Lake District meeting some amazing people & life long friends along the way.

The problem I have is those final 4 days in May of this year, I have been offered a place for the 2012 edition of the 10 in 10, bt the problem is not sure I still have the mental capacity to get it done ?

When I think back, I feel proud of myself for battling through that final 4 days but the thought of putting myself through it again frankly scares me to death, why would I want to hammer my body like that again, what do I have to prove - nothing to myself that's for sure.

I'm enjoying my running at the moment but I'm not running marathons these days, in the past 5 days I have really enjoyed 2 x 5km races & winning my clubs 3.5 mile handicap in a PB time on Thursday. The thought of running 26.2 miles in such warm weather really does not appeal.

For alot of folks the 10 in 10 is a once in a lifetime event & if my first one had gone the way of my third one that would have been true for me too & I'm happy that I've got round 3 times but think now is the time to say goodbye to such a fantastic event ?

The problem I have is the the quest for history, I've never really achieved anything substantial running wise & whilst not one to go chasing records (I certainly can't from a time perspective - a 3.09 marathon PB puts me somewhere in the middle of the pack I would guess ?) only one person has ever completed 4 in a row & I would still like to add my name to a very exclusive list containing the name of just one person "The Godfather" - "Sir" Steve Edwards.

I really am torn at this moment, If I had to make a decision at this moment in time I would wish the other 18 well on their epic challenge & bid a fantastic event farewell.

I don't want to rush a decision & have to say whilst sad to see Rosemary have to pull out Matt "Emdee" Dunn's elevation into the team did give me a lift a couple of days back.

This madness is killing me mentally :(

Foxy

Sponsor me at http://www.justgiving.com/foxy10

November Rain !

2010-11-22T00:40:00.000-08:00

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 !!

2010-11-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

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 ?!!

2010-10-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

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 :(

2010-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-09-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

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 :)

2010-09-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2010-08-30T02:18:00.000-07:00

& 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 !

2010-08-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-07-25T14:31:00.001-07:00

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 !

2010-07-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2010-06-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

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....

2010-05-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2010-05-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2010-05-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-05-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2010-05-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-05-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2010-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-05-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2010-05-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

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 !!!!

2010-05-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2010-05-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2010-05-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2010-05-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-04-30T00:35:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-25T12:45:00.001-07:00

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 !

2010-04-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2010-04-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

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 :)

2010-04-11T12:35:00.001-07:00

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 !!

2010-04-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2010-03-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

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 ....

2010-02-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-26T11:01:00.001-08:00

David Bayley is fundraising for Brathay Trust - JustGiving

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Concrete & Clay

2010-01-24T14:03:00.000-08:00

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 :)

2010-01-01T04:53:00.000-08:00

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 :)

Cold as Ice !!

2009-12-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

It was a chilly Tuesday in deepest Derbyshire & I headed into the Leahurst marathon feeling like death warmed up - not that it was warm !! after the year I'd had the wheels were falling off, but I somehow had to put 'em back on one more time ? In hindsight I should have taken a break after my tough early December double but just kept on running.

I got a lift off my running buddy Dave Thompson & met a further friendly face in another Dave who I had run the Greensands Ridge ultra with in June.So off went the "3 Dave's & a little lady" (Lisa Barry) It was a race of two halves in many ways an even split between trail (fields,hills,a golf course a country park) & road (side roads,main roads, trading estates & the Long Eaton high street) plus I was even able to lauch the new series of "dancing on Ice" on some parts of the course !! Mentally there were 2 halves too by 12 miles I was starting to feel it & really had to start digging deep mentally, the extra mile on top of the 26.2 didn't really help, but eventually marathon 74 was in the record book in 4 hours 39 minutes.

Following the event Rory Coleman's wife very kindy fed us baked potatoes & bolognese. I have to say the hospitality at the Coleman's was the Mustard :)

Another running year over & what a fantastic year it was with my highest marathon tally to date - 28 in total (but I did cheat a little in May !! LOL !!)

In case you were wondering about the title a bit of Foreigner for you old timers like myself,I got my Amsterdam marathon results magazine today & I'm listed in the Masters results,horrified & yet I'm the same age as the world record holder !!! (If i'm in the Masters do i get the same as Tiger Woods ? I meant the green jacket not a golf club round the head from the Missus !!

Keep on running & ice skating !!! LOL !!

Foxy

Where the streets have no names......

2009-12-07T03:50:00.000-08:00

Maybe that's because there were no streets, but there were cliffs,hillsides,beaches, trails,paths,fields, woods......

What a weekend !!

The weather made both runs incredibly tough.On Saturday I headed off to the Gower in Wales & it sure is a remote part of the world. The conditions & terrain were appalling & due to a coastal path getting washed away the run was extended to 27.5 miles, I ran with Tom, a cracking Irish lad & have to say without him I'd still be stuck on one of those cliff tops it would have been miserable to run it alone.We laughed in the face of adversity & as the saying goes "when going through Hell.....just keep going !"

With 3/4 of a mile to go on a treacherous hillside I fell twice, toboganning 30 yards on my back the second time, before spinning & somehow flipping myself back to my feet just before the jagged rocks !! (literally following in my mate Allan's "footsteps" - clumsy old fool - lol !!)

There was a point were I was wondering if we'd make the news with a headline "idiot runners airlifted to safety" !!

Sunday's Doyen of the Downs 30 miler started in the rain & was a very muddy affair but fuelled by Arundel's Finest Indian curry house I battled on through the fatigue & over the styles to my fastest ever 30 miler (due to flooding the course re routed us making it "just" the 29 miles).

There were many other alternative titles considered for my weekend blog including

99 Red Balloons by Nena as my good friend Allan rumbles ran his 99th Marathon at the Doyen & it also marked my 99th consecutive day of running. Many congratulations to the mad Welshman :)

Dirty deeds done dirt cheap, by AC/DC but with entrance fees of £50 & £37 it weren't cheap !!

The seasonal choice was "lonely this christmas" by MUD (obviously !!)

I finished yesterday with the usual finish "opening" Arundel's new airport :) LOL !!!

Keep on running

Foxy x

Under Pressure

2009-11-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

It was lovely in Florence & certainly no Ice Ice baby, but I certainly felt the pressure in the final 5km in the beautiful Italian City.

The race starts in the Piazza Michelangelo overlooking a wonderful city scape, The start was delayed to allow for TV coverage but whilst in my pen I found a Brit & an Austrian to chat to & at 9.20 we were off.

It was a little congested in the first KM which is flat (before a nice downhill stretch from there until around 4km's)& after 1km I was already 45 seconds off the pace I wanted, knowing I needed to run 4.28 for each Km to achieve the goal of a sub 3.10 marathon.

In the early stages i ran into (well not literally - I wouldn't have been popular !!)a guy called Ron from Bristol & we discussed the Comrades marathon & our Mutual friend Trin :)

Over the next 13 miles I gradually chipped away a few seconds each KM & was aided by the company & challenge of keeping up with a lad from Watford I had bumped into at 5km - not sure how he knew I was British (maybe it was the Union Jack shorts & Buff or the very British (non) tan ?!!).By half way I had caught up with a chap from Aberdeen & there was some real competition in the fashion stakes - My Union Jack shorts v his Tartan shorts !!) my halfway split was 1.34.55 (5 seconds inside target !) We were both going for the same time & really helped push each other along but with 5km to go i really had to push it as i knew it was slipping away & had to run 4.20 min km's to get to my goal.I was feeling the pressure but just dug deep & with 50 yards to go I knew I was just going to make it & even had just enough time for the most picturesque of airplane finishes in front on the church in the plazza St Croce & finally touched down in 3 hours 9 mins & 27 seconds. whilst for much of the race I was behind schedule I just wouldn't let it go & my tenacity was rewarded.

yards after the finish I bumped into Ron again & chatted somemore - I met & ran with some wonderfully supportive people which makes a big difference.

If you want a destinbation marathon that combines it all this is THE ONE,a great city, scenic flat race & i bet it was warmer there than it's been here ?!!!

FORZA ITALIA !!

Ciao Bella :)

Foxy !

RUN TO THE HILLS .....

2009-11-16T14:38:00.000-08:00

& when you get to 'em you got to run up them & when you think you've reached the top you turn & see the same in front of you.

The Cornish marathon was a bit of an animal, the first 8 miles were incredibly brutal but to my suprise I ran up every hill (a first for me)normally I break into a walk on hills but I have been feeling fit & strong lately.

The whole weekend was fantastic had a few beers with friends old & new & enjoyed the company of a foreign visitor Mr Stella Artois on Saturday night.

After vaselining up my nipples, with arguable assistance from Mr Rumbles (as shown !!)we set off round the Cornish countryside, my goal was to get round in 3.30 but 5 miles in that seemed optimistic but I kept going with great support from Allan,Chris & Colin.

Colin's much better looking other half Trin was a fantastic support around the course -taking photos, cheering us on & taking away our excess clothing, it was a lovely day, much to our suprise following the previous days storms & high winds, I was rather over dressed.

I reached halfway in 1.45.33 a fraction off 3.30 pace & by 18 miles I was over a minute off, so 8 min miling became 7.50's then 7.45's & the final 3 were 7.30's I dug deep refussed to give up & got my rewards with my 5th fastest ever marathon finishing in 3.26.48.

Over the moon I got the airplane out of the hangar for the trademark finish :)

Easily the toughest road marathon I have ever done, but the most rewarding too.

The Cornish pasty was a fantastic treat at the end & i'll be back in 2010.

In case you were wondering - Iron Maiden !!

Keep flying Foxy !!

Reflections !!!

2009-10-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Feeling in a reflective mood this evening.

I have lots to look back on this year (I know there are still 2 months to go).

I've been amazed by my running this year & done things that a year ago never seemed possible.It's been a year of many firsts.

I'm a bit of a stat Junkie & could go on for hours about targets I've set & goals I've reached but you'd all be asleep !!

I have done 22 marathons (or longer) & by the years end I will have run 28, 5 more than the previous year, I've run my longest race, my shortest race, my fastest marathon & completed a journey of a lifetime back in May.

I guess the reason for my Reflection is tommorrows New York City marathon as for me that marks where it all started just 4 years ago & I was able to say I had run a marathon, I never had any intention of doing more than 1, once you've done one & proved you can do it what's the point in doing it again - it has become my "heroin" & after May 2010 I will be looking to wean myself off it & get my life back, I'm not gonna give up the running as it has given me so much, It has given me some wonderful friends, it's made me fitter, more positive & has made me see nothing (within reason) is out of reach,but I will be cutting back & trying to lead a "normal" life again.

There will still be a few boxes to be ticked off - I want to get to 100 marathons & then pick just 8 or 10 "Special" ones each year - Boston is already on the calendar for 2011, To my amazement I managed to qualify for this & may have to do it in case I never get the oppurtunity again & I also fancy 2011 could be the year I finally make my half marathon debut ?

I'm looking forward to tomorrow,watching Paula destroy the finest women athletes on the planet whilst enjoying a lovely cup of tea before heading out dreaming of once again seeing the crowds in Central park & the tears running down my face remembering the day I became a marathon runner, my only regret that I didn't do it whilst my father was alive. In the 1970's he worked in Kenya & he'd have given me so much ribbing about keeping up with the runners from the country that for a couple of years he called home.

Setting foot in Africa in May for the first time in 33 years will I'm sure be emotional & i'll be dedicating my Comrades run to the greatest man I ever knew, My father - he truly was "Da Man" :)

keep on running

Foxy :)

ps - was it the Smokey Robinson & the miracles that did tonights blog title ? really should google it !!

More than a feeling, by Boston

2009-10-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

In the Dutch capital I got everything i wanted & so much more.

Amsterdam marked my 50th Road marathon & i had been thinking for a while this had to be the one I went for a PB.

Most of the races I have done in 2009 for a variety of reasons hadn't given me that oppurtunity. Gloucester was too undulating & day 2 of a double,Duchy was a tough course but I suprised myself by just dipping under 3 hours 30, Shakespeare's a potentially quick course but it's not always about time & I got a lot of satisfaction getting my friend Lorraine around her first ever marathon,Windermere is an undulating course & "The Picnic" Britain's toughest marathon was followed by a series of off road races over hilly courses, some even short Ultras.

I did finally grab myself a new PB at the 3togo, but knew I could do better on a more favourable course, having done Amsterdam twice before I knew it was the perfect course, fast flat & fast, i would probably say of the courses I have done Berlin is the only one which is potentially quicker.

I headed off out of the 1928 Olympic Stadium & knew I had to start quicker than I ever usually do, I had a pace band & after the first kilometre I was 10 seconds behind, but I put that down to the usual starting congestion, there was some confusion with the 2km marker as I passed it in 11 plus mins & was horrified, I later realised it must have been in the wrong place or for one of the other distances on offer on the day.

By half way I had got me a minute in the bank as I aimed to break 3 hours 15 minutes, which is the qualifying time for the world famous Boston marathon & would also give me a "B" pen qualifier for the Comrades marathon down in South Africa at the end of May.

I knew it was going to be a good day as I missed a sponge station around halfway but got the yound lad giving out sponges to throw me one, reaching back over my head on the run I made a fantastic grab (poor throw !!) made me smile & think of my previous life playing baseball.

I came out of Vondelpark with about 2 kms to go & from my previous experience of the course I knew exactly how far I had to go as I gradually increased the pace & knew I was easily about to eclipse 3.15 & with 100 yards to go on the track in the stadium I had 17 seconds to break 3.12 & went for it - a big growl & I gave it may all but 17 seconds for the 100 after over 42 kms was too much to ask but I was still over the moon with a PB of 3 hrs 12 mins & 3 seconds almost 7 mins of my previous PB just a month before.

I'd planned the race & visualized it in my head & it all worked out on the day.

Mixed showers at the sports hall was the icing on the cake only in Holland would men and women be showering together and no one batting an eyelid - even had a full chat whilst naked with a lady wearing the same, we discussed times & parts of the course - really need to work on my skills with the ladies - crazy !!

Finishing in a PB & qualifying for Boston,really did give me more than a feeling....:)

See you in New England in 2011 :)

Foxy !

The Magnificent Seven !!

2009-09-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

I can hear you whistling it & next you'll be trying to name 'em all & you'll get to six & be pulling your hair out - I'll start you off with Yul Bryner !!

Now you're wondering what's that nutter banging on about ?!!

The 7 in question is the 7 hours I was running over the weekend :)

After a PB on Saturday I headed out to one of my favourite marathons, The Robin Hood in Nottingham & again the event failed to dissapoint. Fantastic organisation, great support & many of the Usual Suspects were there, although "Kaiser Sauzee Rumbles" had fled the country leaping over Hadrian's Wall !!

I was joined out there by Manic, Naomi P, Anna, Gymfreak, Dirt Monkey, Gary, club mate & chauffeur Michelle (many thanks for the lift) & Stevie "Wonder" to name but a few.

But the star of the show was Simon illingworth coming back from Cancer & earning an MBE along the way the "super postie" completed marathon number 100 (& in under 3 hours 30 mins!!) thus completing a 20 odd year journey from marathon number one (not the original one from Marathon,Greece but almost as far back - LOL !!) . Many congratulations to a true gentleman.

My intention after running myself into the ground Saturday was to see if somehow I could drag myself round in under 4 hours as my previous 3 Robin hoods had all been sub 4's. I started steadily & after 3 miles was 30 seconds behind schedule but as the race unfolded I got into it & those 9 min miles became 8.30's by half way & become 8's by mile 18 & became 7.45's in the last 3, there was lots of mental maths as i went round & my goals changed a few times & with 6 to go my aim was to complete 2 marathons in 2 days in under 7 hours & I made it with over 3 mins to spare. Lovely bling medal with Lincoln green ribbon (obviously !)

After a few tough times through the summer I'm now back & loving my running :)

No way could I possibly blog today without a big shout out to a very special lady "Super Mel Johnstone" who on Sunday took Moray by storm finishing her 100th marathon & in doing so becoming the youngest female ever to achieve the feat - much respect to her amazing achievements.

On the subject of milestones my buddy Dave Ross notched up number 150, I've been honoured to accompany him on 31 of those :)

Have you worked out all seven yet or did you have to Google it ?!!!

Ok I'll give you Steve Mcqueen too !!

keep on Running

foxy !!

Fox on the Run !!

2009-09-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic day at the 3togo marathon :)

I knew it was going to be a good day when I saw a fox in central London at 7.15 am whilst trying to grab a cab - as my alter ego is Foxy Davy it seemed a good Omen & so it was :)

I took the train out to St Margrets in Herts meeting a few friendly faces on the way & shared
a few laughs with a few fetch buddies before a quick race brief & we were off, heading for Hackney Marshes, through the Lea Valley along the canal.

Having run the course in 2008 I knew it had PB potential as it's very flat & many sections along the canal are very straight.

The course was marked every 5km so as I'm old skool & run Garmin less I could only gauge my time every 5km, I went through the first 5km in 23.30 & decided I would try & do that for every 5km & pretty much did, by 15km I was going past runners on a regular basis & just kept going.

my friend James Adams was out on the course marshalling & said as I went by I was "right up there", I had figured I must be in the top 10, but at 35km a marshall informed me I was 4th to which Ii responded "you're joking" i couldn't believe it, I've never been so far up the field, a km later & i saw a runner on the horizon & so figured it had to be the guy in 3rd, I set off after him & finally hauled him in at 41km & held him off by almost a minute to finish 3rd in a PB of 3.18.51 & even managed to finish with the trademark aeroplane :) & for the first time in my 71 races I got to be present at a presentation & got my prize from the mayor (not sure who's mayor - wasn't Boris !!)

I checked the results & was great to see Milton Keynes Lakeside appear without having to scroll down or search :)

"Fox on the run" by sweet just beat out "Life in the Fast lane" by the Eagles & Fantastic day by Haircut 100 for today's title & to celebrate my day I'm gonna do it all again tommorrow at the Robin Hood marathon (although won't be so quick that's for sure !!) i won't be wearing the Lincoln green tights !!!

When I'm 64 !!

2009-07-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

That's number of marathons not age, cheeky lot !!! I can still pass for under 50 just !!!

Talking of the Beatles - After yesterday's 30 mile Downland Challenge I felt like Paul McCartney in his time with Heather Mills, lots of ups & downs but at the end of it I was F**ked !!

Actually I really enjoyed the whole day, although turning up late wasn't exactly in the plans, British Rail at it's best decided to have a lie in & not run the 7.11 am train, hence had to "phone a friend" Allan to sweet talk the organisers to let us go off late.

We headed off 17 mins late & was like a velodrome pursuit as we head off after the 9am starters, it seemed cool to be fashionably late & make an entrance but no one was there for our entrance they were 2 miles up a hill !!!

Met some great people including Fetchie & Facebook buddies I'd never met.

following the race there was a fair few of us carbo loading in the pub - sausage butties, chips & lager :)

I managed to pick up a lovely "run tan" including a stripe across my forehead much to the hilarity of the guys !!!

was an all round good day at the "office" :)

Keep on running

Foxy !

run for home

2009-07-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

run as fast as i can....... (Lindisfarne)

well actually I didn't run as fast as I could to get home, I'd just finished my first 10km race, after 33.4 miles on the Saturday & a Monday rest day I was wondering if I could break the 45 minute barrier, that was my goal in my first attempt at the distance - I got round in 43.41 so was very pleased with that, it's a tough distance you have to run faster than normal pace & you don't get any rest, won't rush to do it again, but if i can break 43.30 that's sub 7 min miling so something to aim for ?

First time I have run home from a race, just 3 miles from my doorstep. With £3.00 in my pocket the choice was get the bus home or have a pint & run home, I went for the latter - a good choice :) Got to meet some fetchies - aka billy & sparkly bridget, plus Tim from the club & Mr Bbiggs was there too, couldn't let the old boy beat me but didn't finish much ahead of him, a minute perhaps ?

The title was very nearly "spit it out" by whitesnake, last week I ran an hour after a spicy Chinese & ran quickly but my stomach wasn't greatly happy, got home & threw up to the sounds of spit it out by Whitesnake - that ipod can read my mind - it had 1500 songs to randomly choose & picked that one !!

Counting the days until the end of the month with my fingers crossed for that 10 in 10 in '10 place & being able to throw myself into the fundraising head first.

Keep on running

foxy !!!

The Heat is on !!

2009-06-28T01:25:00.000-07:00

The heat certainly was on at the Greensands Ridge relay & ultra.

Until Yvette at my club mentioned it I had no idea it existed,but I'm told it's been going for over 20 years.Essentially it's a team relay event, teams of one are allowed.I made the 100 marathon club aware of the event & a few centurions came along to bolster numbers to 16 for the individual event, the highest turn out of ultra runners in the events history.

The 33.4 mile course starts with a very flat stretch along the canal, before heading off over fields & farms, There are a few hills on the course but I'd describe it as gently undulating, This was my longest ever run & the distance didn't prove a problem, the sun & intense heat for over 6 hours though did make it tough, it was 30 degrees.

A very sociable event with all the teams cheering runners through the chageover checkpoints. was great to see my club mates along the way & the finish was at a great Pub, with fantastic beer garden.

I ran with my good friend Allan & a lad called David (great name !) from Cambridge. Allan not realising it was a point to point race then had rather a panic to get back to his car to get back to Surrey for a night out with the wife, 2 Leighton Buzzard fun runners very kindly helped us out with a lift back.

There was a lot of banter along the course & it's always great to run with a group of people,big thanks to the 3 guys from Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers who helped us with the route through the first 3/4 of the event.

Very much lionel ritchie today "easy like Sunday morning" trying to get as rested as possible in time for my first ever 10km race on Tuesday.

in case the title still has you puzzled - Glen Frey !!

keep running

Foxy !

Who's that girl....?

2009-06-21T03:04:00.000-07:00

running around with you ? (the Eurythmics).

That girl was my Fetchie buddy Naomi.

A busy weekend, which started after work on Friday night with my first ever 5km & I really enjoyed it & look forward to more midweek sprints, I was hoping to break 22 mins but suprised myself by just missing out on going sub 20 mins (by 2 seconds on my watch, but with the few seconds it took from the gun to get to the start line results will show a few seconds more I'm sure) the goal now is to get that sub 20 mins.

On Saturday my good buddy Michael from Dunstable Road runners came & picked me up & we headed to Box Hill for "Britain's toughest marathon"

http://www.trionium.com/picnic/

I met a few mates at the start all the usual suspects !!

The race starts at 2pm with a 400 yard run straight up the first hill & it doesn't let up, some races are described as undulating or hilly, but this was almost vertical, plus there were were steps & I have to say it wasn't the stairway to heaven !!!

We both found it tough & Naomi was struggling a bit but we dug deep & kept going, was both tough physically & mentally. I really am getting too old for this !!!

After 6 hours 35 mins & 20 hills it was over & everyone got a T-shirt with a list of all the competitors on the back,a fantastic sunhat & impressive medal.

My mate Andrew Stally celebrated his 100th marathon & couldn't have picked a tougher one.Well done to him, 38 to go for me.

There were sandwiches at the end - well what do you expect it was a "picnic" ?

I can certainly confirm it's the toughest marathon I've ever done, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't go back again :) It's only held every other year to ensure you have enough time to forget the pain & sign up again !! not for the feint hearted.

Keep on running (& climbing !!)

Foxy

The Number of the Beast ?

2009-06-10T04:10:00.000-07:00

a bit of Iron Miden for you rockers out there.

i know you're thinking ? what's he banging on about now, has he lost what little of his mind he had left ? (trust me there's nothing left to lose !!)

following the completion of the 10 in 10, the folks at Brathay in conjuction with Legendary Fell runner & MBE Jos Naylor have decided to set up a very exclusive club to recognise the 27 people who have completed 10 marathons in 10 days.

i do have to say i'm honoured to belong to such a small & selective club.

Similar to the Comrades marathon in South Africa where those with 10 completed get a green number for life, all the 10 in 10 members will have a lifetime number, memberships starting on crossing the finish line on day 10, i am thus number 21 & always will be.

i have been thinking too much lately, due to lack of running due to a knee injury followed by my current thigh injury & in the words of both Martin Luther King & ABBA "I have a dream.......

with 61 marathons under my belt i was wondering if the Brathay windermere marathon in 2011 could be my 100th marathon ? I know that's 2 years away but you gotta dream, for this to even become a possibilty there are a few things that have to happen, firstly i have to stay injury free, I have to be accepted for a place in next years 10 in 10 & i have to average 15 marathons a year, not including the 10 (i did 17 in 2007,23 last year & i'm on target for 24 or 25 this year.

if i could run number 100 in 2011 it would mark my 21st running of the Windermere course which ties in quite nicely with my lifetime number 21 :) I know alot can happen in 2 years but that would be my ideal plan.

Many of this years 10 in 10 "beasts" do now have their lifetime numbers. We have the Spanish stripey one "El Bee" at 16, Top Cat at 18, everyone's favourite dinosaur "Velociraptor" at 19, "Foxy Davy" at 21 & "Roaring lion" at 25. No i'm not mad but these are just the nickanmes mainly from http://www.fetcheveryone.com/ a runners website most of us use to moan whinge & sometimes log races & training.

Not even my Usain Bolt sprinters start could get me a higher number - LOL !!!

just resting at the moment taking 2 days off hoping my thigh improves as i have a race in 9 days time, i do have to say not going running is harder than going, my head is saying "run you lazy b***ard", whilst my legs are saying "take it easy & make sure you are fit to race".

best wishes

foxy !

Unforgettable.....

2009-05-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T02:20:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-05-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2009-05-16T08:42:00.001-07:00

"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 !!

2009-05-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

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 !!!!

2009-05-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

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 ......

2009-05-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

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.... !

2009-05-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

....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 !!

2009-05-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-05-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

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 .......

2009-05-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

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......

2009-05-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-05-06T13:03:00.001-07:00

& 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 !!

2009-05-03T02:36:00.000-07:00

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 :)

The Final Countdown

2009-04-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

Good day to you all

If you were expecting me in an 80's peroxide perm singing with a Swedish accent, I'm sorry to dissapoint you. you're humming the tune right now aren't you ?!!!

This is a different final countdown, this is the countdown to my "holiday" 12 days of sun & good times in the Lake District.

I did my final warm up marathon on Sunday @ the Shakespeare marathon in beautiful Stratford On Avon, I went cunningly disguised as the King, Elvis & ran with My "Fetchie" Friend Lorraine, it was a great day & I really enjoyed her company out there & managed to get some valuable training on my Elvis impersonating - there was alot of "Thank You very Much" & I even on request burst into a bit of suspcious minds, jailhouse rock & all shook up !!!

I did get some lovely comments as i ran round, One of the St Neots girls said "Aren't you hot ?" I thanked her for the compliment & commented "you don't look bad yourself love !"

In usual style accompanied by my "Co-pilot" Lorraine we flew across the finish line a fraction over 5 hours 30 mins, was a great day out & I got meet lots of friends, New "Fetchies" & even fellow 10 in 10 ers (TiT's as we are abbreviated to - which may be very apt ?!!)

Just a fraction over a week to go now & the training is easing down, running just once a day & eating whatever I can find !!!

Many thanks to everyone for their wonderful support both with the fundraising & the training.

A very special thanks has to go to my lovely wife Tracy, she has been a wonderful support as I have been out almost every night in 2009 pounding the streets & lovely lakes of Bletchley & Milton Keynes & allowing me to complete day 10 of the challenge on American mothers Day :) She'll be rewarded with plenty of Kendall mint cake :)

Best wishes

Foxy Davy :)

A month to go !!!

2009-04-10T01:13:00.000-07:00

Well actually at the time of writing it's less than a month to go !!

Apologies for taking so long between posts, in my defence the reason I've not been blogging is i have been so busy training & when not training I have been trying to raise sponsorship for the event.

In have inspired by many of the wonderful people on http://www.fetcheveryone.com/ & look forward to seeing a couple of dozen Fetchies & many of the "Usual Suspects" on day 10 & along with donations from my friends i have been promised lots of pints on finishing & trust me that won't be Lucozade.

Training has been tough, but that's my own doing, I keep setting myself goals reaching them & then stretching them futher, 100 miles training in 10 days became 100 in 9 & 200 for April will be more like 250 & I'm not looking forward to tapering (easing off gradually bringing the mileage down 25% for each of the last 2 weeks).

Not much really happening outside of training, the event has taken over my life, will havc to re claim my life after May 17th !!

Many thanks to all for your support :)

See you at Windermere !!

Foxy

"Woooooaaah we're half way there.......

2009-03-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

Woooooooaaaah Livin' on a prayer !!" as Bon Jovi onces sang !!

I am indeed now half way to my "holy grail" of 100 marathons.

What a fantastic weekend I had down in Cornwall, the 6 & half hours on the train was worth it.

The weather was awful, it was windy along the North Cliffs which we had to face twice, with miles upto 50 mph, Mary Poppins would have had a PB !! (but i'd forgot my brolly & don't have Julie Andews Singing voice,although possibly a better Cockney accent than Dick Van Dyke !!). We had rain & hail & even a bit of sun thrown in at the end, the conditions were truly brutal & the worst i had ever encountered on a road marathon.

I got through half way in 1 hour 46 mins & managed 8 minute miling from that point,with 4 miles to go I could see if i upped the pace 3 hours 30 minutes was a possibility but I really had to dig deep & throw in 7 minute miles over the last 4. Very pleased to break 3 hours 30 minutes for only the 6th time in 50 races & it was also my 30th time under 4 hours.

Following the event I shared Champagne with a few of the 100 club members & handed over my membership fee to join as a wanabee member - just 50 to go before I can pull on the t-shirt (like the Master green jacket not that many get to wear it) The champagne was accompanied by a local delicacy - A home made cornish pasty - what else ?!!

Fellow 10 in 10 participants Adam Holland & Steve edwards had splendid times of 3.06 & 3.11 finishing 6th & 12th respectivly, especially good times given the tough conditions.

Bring on the next 50 - Next Stop the Shakespeare marathon on April 26th - hope I'm not "BARD" - LOL !!

Fox on the Run :)

David

Three Lions - Charity raffle :)

2009-02-25T04:15:00.000-08:00

Hello to all as part of my fundraising for the 10 in 10 I am raffling 2 tickets to see England v Ukraine in the World cup Qualifier @ Wembley on April 1st (no joke).

raffle tickets are just £1.00 each, 7 for a fiver & 15 for a tenner.

The raffle will be drawn on 25th March (my fathers 65 birthday - makes it easy for me to remember !)

To purchase your tickets you can do so at my Justgiving page - please in the notes include your name & or Fetch Nickname so I can get the tickets to you if you win. if you prefer you can send me a cheque payable to "Brathay Challenge" to David Bayley,Nationwide Building Society,99 Queensway, Bletchley,Milton keynes,MK2 2JZ.

all funds raised will go towards the wonderful work of Brathay Hall.

www.justgiving.com/davidbayley

"I am not a number.....I am a free man !!!"

2009-02-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

But actually in many instances I am a number. whether that's wearing my No.8 baseball jersey (for my diamond hero Cal Ripken - the Iron man) or race number 47344 whilst pounding the streets of the city that never sleeps.

numbers play an important part in every runners life, it might be the 26 miles 385 yards from Windsor Castle to White city or just 5km from home to the park or the lake. There's time.distance pace & for some calories & heart rate.

Ask any marathon runner & they will give you their Personal Best to the second without the blink of an eye, ask when their wedding anniversary is & prepare for the pause.........

This week i finally made it through my first 500 miles running, glad i ran every single one of them, i wouldn't want to have walked them & got confused with the bespectacled boys from Leith. It took me 51 days through the wind, rain, snow & ice. now onto my next goal to complete 200 miles in February.

Still almost 2 weeks until my next marathon & i'm looking forward to seeing the beautiful Cornish coast & enjoying the finisher reward of their world famous pasties :)

Keep on running

David.

What do I think of when I run ?

2009-02-15T03:17:00.000-08:00

Many people ask me "what do you think about when you are running ?" there's no one single answer but lots of little ones.

I never seem to remember my dreams when I wake, but I dream when I'm out running.

My thoughts are always those I would have if I wasn't running, but get interupted by work, phones, computers & every day life.

I think about travel alot & some of the races I would love to do but will probably never have the funds to do. Amongst those are the Safari marathon in Kenya, the Great Wall marathon in China & Maui in Hawaii.

I also think about those I may get the chance to do & that list is topped by Boston,Rome,Lisbon,Chicago,Toronto & San Francisco.

Yesterday I got to thinking about Desert island discs & the albums I'd want with me - I concluded I couldn't be without Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet, Def Leppard's,Hysteria,Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell & AC/DC - Live. I made a rule that I couldn't pick greatest hits compilations thus ruling out Queen's greatest hits & Elvis #1's.

I was out for quite a while yesterday & went from Music to films - I didn't get a definative list but Goodfella's, the Shawshank Redemption,Forrest Gump (as shown !!) & Armaggedon were in my thoughts.

I think about the wonderful people I have got to know through running, the tales they've told, the laughs we've shared, the finishes we've celebrated & the tough miles we've battled through.

I've met & ran with folks from Cincinatti & Minneapolis in the US & a great bloke called Martin from Linz in Austria - never met 'em before & may never meet 'em again ? running brings you an instant brotherhood & everyone belongs.

A race T-shirt from anywhere on the planet can bring a smile & instant conversation & I've shared a few beers in airports with the Dutch,Belgians, Germans, Austrians, Irish & folks from across the globe, you're never alone with a race T-shirt !!

keep on running & flying :)

Foxy Davy

The Good,the Bad & the Ugly !!

2009-02-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

The title may seem a little misleading this ain't no Spagetti Western, although pasta does sound good !!

I guess I should cover them in order ;

The Good

Sunday's Punchbowl 30 mile off road Ultra marathon in Surrey.

On Saturday I set out for Sutton to my mate Dave's anticipating a long train journey, I got to Sutton faster than I ever had in under 2 hours. Dave's girl Mel cooked us the wonderful above mentioned Spagetti. Mel's a marathon running chef, that boy sure has landed on his feet !!

We headed off to Wimbledon for a few beers & an evening at a comedy club - had a fun night, 2 of the 3 comedians were incredibly funny & host New Yorker (via Peckham !)Lewis Shaffer worked the crowd well.

I expected a low turnout on the Sunday & whilst the event was full at 300 entrants an extra 100 were allowed on the day entry. It was wonderful running & navigating through the snow, the hilltop views of the snow covered countryside were a sight to behold. I ran with my mate Simon Illingworth & got to congratualte him on the MBE he received in the Queen's new years honours list, very well deserved for all his charity work since recovering from Cancer.

With 5 miles to go the field condensed & a group of 10 of us continued on towards the finish, Dave & Mel were amongst the group & Dave & I "treated" our fellow runners to our rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody !!

To my suprise we finished inside 6 hours & were treated to beans on toast & chips with a lovely cup of tea at the finish.

With marathon number 49 done I can look forward to my half century on March 8th, the day before my sisters 40th & a month after my mum's 60th (birthday's that is,not marathons !!).Number 50 will be down in Redruth, Cornwall & I can't wait.

The Bad

Work, it's been a quiet week & the dreaded redundancies are about to start, worry times for all :(

The Ugly

last night's run.

I ran 5.8 miles in a snow storm & it was lovely & only took an extra 30 seconds on top of my usual run but was very pleased. I met 5 hardy club mates & set off for an hours run, after 20 minutes the tank was empty & I had no energy I was really struggling but Andy & Fiona helped keep me going, I had to dig deep mentally but I made it & looking back it was good mental training for May.

Today I'm having a rest & recovering, I ran a leisurely 4 mile recovery run in my lunchbreak - you didn't really expect me to have a day off did you ?!!!

Keep on running

best wishes

Foxy Davy

Is my Ipod psychic ?

2009-02-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

I have to say when it comes to the tunes my ipod selects while running I have to ask the above question ?

I also have to ask does it have a Ironic sense of humour ? I'm not talking Alannis Morrisette who doesn't understand the meaning of the word ? Rain on your wedding day is unlucky, not ironic. now if she was a weathergirl now that's ironic !!

This is something that first went through my mind when i ran my first European marathon in Paris. I simply selected "shuffle" & what did I get "highway to hell" by AC/DC - I wasn't seeing it like that at the time but gave me a chuckle & what did I cross the line to ? "sharp dressed man" by ZZ top - sharp dressed ? I was covered in sweat, water, lucozade & did feel that sharply dressed I have to say !! with those 2 artists I had run the alphabet too ?!!

There were other instances - in Edinburgh kicking for home I got 2Alive & Kicking" by Scotland's very own Simple Minds, In Belgium I finished to 2Start me up" by the Rolling Stones.

In Amsterdam in 2006 I pushed myself to the absolute limit to just break 3 hours 30 mins for the first time & what did I cross the line to ? "Hurts so good" by John Cougar Mellencamp & I hit the wall in Rotterdam to "running on empty" by Jackson Browne & when I needed to put down the hammer in the final 400 metres in Athens, Queen gave "Hammer to Fall" !!

But I finally realised my ipods true powers last week on a training run, I was struggling out there & what do I get "fix you" by Coldplay. The redway path has a stream of lights running down my right hand side & all of them are on exept for one & as I run past it to the Lyrics "Lights will guide you....." if magically comes on !!! How about that ?

Judge I rest my case my Ipod is physic !!!

Foxy Davy :)

Targets met :)

2009-01-31T13:01:00.000-08:00

January draws to a close & I'm happy to have met all 4 of my targets :)

Only 3 miles to finish the month but 328 in total, i ran every day & averaged over 10.5 miles each of that day.

For february i'm gonna almost half my mileage, aiming for 172 to give me 500 by the end of Feb, looking to get my life back a little.

January was all about targets, those running ones I set myself & the work ones i had to achieve to keep my job, i think the running & positive attitude really helped me at work (along with a few friends putting some business my way & helping me in my hour of need & a degree of luck - not that i'll be telling the boss that !! LOL !!)

Roll on February - just over 3 months until the "Holy grail" at Windermere.

Keep on running

"Fox on the run" :)

5 went mad in Dorset !!!

2009-01-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I headed off down to Dorset via South London & have to say 5 in a hyundai coupe is rather compact - was like Tetris trying to get us into the back - my head was on the ceiling & i'm 5ft 11, Nick is 6ft plus !!!

We finally made it to Portland & checked into the YMCA - rumours aren't true I wasn't dressed as a Cop, Nick didn't don the full Indian head dress but were rather worried about James in his string vest - he's lived in London too long !!!

We headed off to the pub for dinner & lasagne proved a popular choice & there were a few pints sunk & a few tales & jokes were told - all in really bad taste (as usual !) .

Race day Saturday @ the sailing academy (an excellent venue) - We headed out of the car park & within 400 yards our first challenge arrived a 45 degree incline stretching for almost half a mile - i managed to run 3/4 of it but then decided to conserve some energy which i needed as just 400 yards later there was a pyramid style knoll to clamber up almost on all fours !!!

over the first 4 miles alot of people flew past me, but i kept to my own pace & just kept going, i had some good chats with a variety of folks. Once at 8 miles there was no one within 400 yards behind me & the nearest ahead of me were 200 yards & to mentally keep me going i decided to try & reel in as many as possible & keep score, plus 1 for everyone I went passed & minus 1 for anyone passing me.

With about 10 miles gone we hit chisel beach & that seperated the men from the boys - everyone struggled & i didn't see a single person run the whole 1.5 miles - i ran 3/4 of it & I struggled less than most - rhythm was the key the running the pebbles.

the race was 2 laps & with all the folks i overtook on the beach each time i managed to get myself up to a score of 39 passed, not a single person came passed me & i was pleased to finish in 4 hours 37 - 12 mins quicker than last year in 33rd overall - a tough marathon but an enjoyable one.

After Portland we headed off to ledbury to crash at Philip's a fellow nutter & one of the greatest blokes i've ever met a true warm hearted Gentleman. We had a wonderful pasta meal with a a bottle & half of vino before turning in for the night.

Day 2 saw us make the short journey to Gloucester for a rendez vous at a Leisure centre & were greeted by all the "usual suspects" - there were at least a couple of dozen 100 club members & of course Mick n'Phil & I got to meet Fetchie's Fireman,Trin & Zoom plus fellow Brathay competitors Steve, Mark & Adam (briefly).

The race as it was last year lacked organisation although it was an improvement on 2008, with not knowing how far I had run the finish line caught me by suprise - i was aiming for sub 4 hours 30 & amazingly broke 4 hours.

The event was sadly marred by the death of one of the competitors as i came through 12 miles i saw the Paramedics finally having to give up CPR on a competitor, i hoped & prayed my first thoughts wouldn't be realised but sadly they were :( RIP

i think the weekend was a good warm up for May & best of all i had a good time with some great like minded people.

Best wishes

"Fox on the run"

Five go mad in Dorset !!!

2009-01-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

A belated happy new year to you all :)

I guess you might be wondering where's he been for the past month ?

The answer is simply running,running, running.

I decided as part of my training for the 10 in 10 I would do 4 things in January

Firstly run as much as possible for the first 10 days straight of the year, which I did covering 125 miles (still not half of the distance i will have to cover in May)

my second challenge was to run all 31 days of January & I have done 21 straight days, feeling tired, was only just over 3 miles in my lunchbreak today.

My third challenge was to run a double & this weekend I will once again tackle the Portland Coastal & Gloucester marathons."The Famous 5" will be heading out of South London heading for Dorset & a night of pub grub, beers & darts - Don't think any of us would give "The Power" too many sleepless nights !!!

My final goal is to complete 310 miles for January (an average of 10 miles a day) I have never previously run more than 175 miles in a month & I am well on course for this goal too.

At the moment my running is providing me with some light relief & a mental break from the pressures of work, money & the threat of losing my job. Work has become a chore & the fun atmosphere that used to surround the place is gone :(

I can't wait for the lighter nights & warmer weather but i guess i'm not alone there, not sure the world is ready for my scrawny white legs in shorts but life ain't fair - deal with it - LOL !!!

good running

Foxy Davy !!

Merry Christmas :)

2008-12-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Merry christmas to all my friends, family, sponsors & running buddies.

I'm now just 15 miles short of the 1200 mile target I set myself for 2008 & looking forward to a christmas day run, been a while since I got to run in daylight & will be refreshing ? Maybe like Dorando 100 years before I'll have a wee Chianti a mile from home ?

Is the glass half empty or half full ? It's been a mixed year to be honest. relationship problems, family, work & financial problems & whilst I can't ignore them, I'm looking to the future, 2009 will not only see me hopefully complete 10 marathons in 10 days, I will also hopefully get half way to my Holy grail of 100 marathons.

I've been lucky enough to run in some lovely locations in 2008 & more importantly have had the honour of running with some fantastic friends. Special thanks must go to Dave Ross (Mad South African & my best buddy),Philip Howells for putting me up when "way out west" for marathons,Nick Morrison-Smith - a top bloke (for a southerer !!), Roger Biggs & all the 100 marathon club members who continue to be my inspiration, The Secret Society - you know who you are !!, there are of course many more of you, too many to name.

As a Wolves fan 2009 will see us replace our arch rivals W**t B**m, whilst I'll be up in Windermere at the end of the season it won't be a problem as we should have it sewn up long before May.

Merry christmas & as the Spence Davis Group so eloquently put it "Keep on running" :)

Hawaii 5-0 !!!

2008-12-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

After running just over 50 miles across the last 4 days, it's time for a rest,the worrying part is in May I will have done double that mileage over 4 days & I won't be taking today off as a rest day, I won't even be half way into the challenge !!

I ran the 6 miles to my local running club last night & felt good, the subsequent 5 miles with the club were really tough, but i managed to keep going to the end with thoughts of a peanut butter sandwich my holy grail - LOL !!

Combining all my race & training mileage for 2008 (I only started logging my training mileage in August) I'm just 46 miles from 1200 for the year & so that's my motivation over the next 2 weeks. It's tough not having a marathon for 5 1/2 weeks. It's been 2 years since I last had this long between races.

With 46 marathons done & 2 booked for January, it has become time to look towards my half century & with the Punchbowl 30 miler scheduled for February but not yet booked it looks like the five-oh Should be in Hawaii (yeah i wish - i've got the shirt & shorts just working on my best "book 'em Dano") Whilst not quite Maui it will be the English equivalent - Cornwall for the Duchy Marathon !!!

Today proved to be a good day on the fundraising front, My raffle for a Michael Owen signed England shirt raised £91 towards the Brathay pot :)

I'm pleased with the way the fundraising is going & have been overwhelmed by the genorosity of my work colleagues & friends.

Best wishes

Foxy Davy.

Hastings marathon 2008

2008-12-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend down in Hastings running the 100th anniversary of the first Hastings marathon in 1908.

I was join down South by many of my friends, not that they were were there for me, 4 friends were inducted into the 100 marathon club after the race (2 of which had to wait a week longer than anticipated due to the cancellation of the Luton marathon the week before).

Rush yadave laid on a fantastic Indian buffet & free bar, both of which proved to be popular with fellow 100 club members & those hoping to one day become members.

The race itself was a tough & hilly one, but ice & rain free which was pleasing. I ran as a guide for blind runner Paul Watts & owe him an apology as I took him out too quickly thus strugglig on the second half of the course. we made it round in 5 hours & 17 mins & were given a Horse brass instead of medal, the 1908 competitors were given the same momento 100 years previously.

No more 2008 marathons, a pleasing year with 22 marathons including a PB in Berlin & my first Ultra marathon (50km)in November.

100 marathon Club the madness begins

2008-12-12T12:16:00.001-08:00

Blogging ? what's all that about then ?

Something new I guess, what do I say, what do folks wanna hear about ?

I guess as the organisers of the Brathay Challenge sent me this link I should talk about running & my 10 marathons in 10 days challenge ?

With regards to the challenge maybe i should start at the beginning, why am i putting my body through the ordeal of running 262 miles in 10 days ? I don't know, makes no sense really & i often question my sanity.

The first person I have to blame is Jim "manic" Mundy of Sutton Runners - I'd never heard of the concept until chatting to him, he's not only done the challenge he was daft enough to do it in back to back years !!

Of course then i have to blame Jim's club mate Dave Ross, the mad South African ultra distance runner for introducing me to Jim on a cold dark January day at Sutton station in January 2007 as I headed out with the 100 marathon club to run in Belgium with a mere 6 marathons under my belt.

mentioning to these guys you've done 6 marathons when they've done 100 - 600 ish is like an Aston Martin driver asking what you drive & replying "I've got a skateboard" !!

The more I chatted to Roger,Colin,Linda,Fu & about 6 other Dave's the more the insanity spread culminating in 17 marathons in total that year & 23 once I get round the historic city of Hastings on Sunday with possibly the craziest 100 club marathoner of them all Paul Watts, you thought doing 100 marathon was tough how about doing it whilst blind !!

As I said this is something new to me, so not sure how much i should write don't want to bore people, gonna leave it there as it's getting late & need to run off the excess calories from last night's office party !!

keep on running !!