Marathon Day 14, Tuesday 29th March - St Alban's, Verulamium Park

Early wake up and decision to make regarding best place to position RV.  So having set up (almost ) everything, the park ranger arrived and we mutually decided that there was a better set up site - so we moved! Such is life.

Our final position for the day

The Lord Mayor was present to welcome us all and start Andy on his run, which he was to do without a mainstream companion runner for the route.

Andy's lonely start

Verulamiun Park is really quite beautiful with a lovely lake around which Andy's 1 mile circuit was planned. He had sporadic company throughout the day with various team members supporting him in the latter stages when the going was tough.He finished in a time of 7hrs 0mins 32secs, grateful that it was over.

Andy's finish, accompanied by Radio Three Counties interviewer

The good news, however, is that Caz, Andy's wife had travelled down to see him and it's amazing what a hug and cuddle can do!! That was after the live radio interview of course.

Caz also brought me a little box of surprises from my Ellie - it was just like Christmas! Sweeties,chocolate, home made (by Benji) cookies (and 1 for Uncle Andy) but best of all a CD that Ellie had secretly recorded with all of our favourite songs on.  The piece de resistance was a bonus track featuring my little Benji singing his favourite song "You've got a friend in me" - it made me cry!

So pack up again, Andy and Caz sent on their way to the hotel in Chelsea, Nikki to stay with some friends in London, and Barry and I to drive to Guild Hall and park the RV for an overnight stay in the courtyard. Sophie was also staying at the hotel.

The journey, thanks to Barry's skilful navigation (and knowledge of London) was completed in a shorter time than we anticipated and 9pm saw us arriving in the magnificent courtyard of the Guild Hall.

Parked up for the night

Having strict instructions to keep noise to a minimum, we retired after a sandwich and cuppa to face ready to face the demands of the next day.

Benji's Blog

See where we are tonight, Benji. Right in the middle of the great city of London.  As you can imagine, it's very busy.

I think that it must be the first time that a motorhome has been allowed to camp in the Courtyard of the Guild Hall ever! We feel very special.

We are at number 15 on your map now, so stick the flag in it sweetheart.

It is fun driving around London in this big "bus" and I think that I'm really enjoying it.
But most of all, I enjoyed listening to Woody's song on my special present that mummy and you made for me. Thank you so much for singing it for me - that's the very best present anybody could have given me. You are an absolute star!

I will talk to you tomorrow on the computer.

Love you.
Daddy XXXXX

Marathon Day 13, Monday 28th March - Cambridge, Wilberforce Road Sports Field

Up at crack of dawn to beat the girls into the shower block (we were located in the female dorm section!) and with water tank filled and various other housekeeping duties completed we travelled the short distance to Cambridge Uni Sports field for another  day running around a 400m track, albeit a totally different surface to yesterday's.
The (lady) Mayor officiated at the event and sent Andy and Dom Hirst, a director of Wiser one of our sponsors on their way. They were ably accompanied by Colin at the start who managed a creditable half marathon before returning to his ABF duties.

 And they're off . . . . . .

Also accompanying them for most of the race was Dom's dog, Boo, who apparently didn't have the sense to lie down by the side of the track and see his master once every circuit!
One of our celebrity guests for the day was Trooper Stephen Shine who lost his leg in the conflict in Iraq. 

Sophie was fascinated with Trooper Shine's leg!

We all managed a couple of laps with Andy and he finished in a time of 6hrs 40mins - well done!

Some encouragement from Trooper Shine & Nikki

Over the line . . . . .

The journey to St Albans was thankfully uneventful until Sophie directed me very confidently into what seemed to be a shoppers car park in the centre of the city. We quite easily extricated ourselves and followed the satnav directions to Verulamium Park, our bivouac for the night.

Nikki, who had followed us, transferred us to the hotel nearby and I enjoyed a very welcome shower before retiring to the bar FOR A DIET COKE to wait for Barry to arrive. (Barry had whisked Andy off to a presentation in St Albans earlier in the evening).

At Sophie's recommendation, we ate at Wagamama's, a Japanese style establishment that served  an absolutely wonderful (and quite different)  selection of food. The meal was quite spoiled for me (and Barry as well), however,  by a bit of a bombshell that was dropped on us as we walked to the restaurant.  But Hey , we have broad shoulders  . . . .  and the matter has since been resolved.

Barry and I returned to the RV for a quiet rest of the evening and despite the events of the evening, managed to get a good nights sleep.

Benji's Blog

Hello my little pumpernickel

Gosh, it seems a long time since I saw you. I'm sorry that it's been so long since I wrote to you but I've been very busy helping Uncle Andy.

He's doing very well and we're now up to number 14, but you've probably already ticked that one off.

It has been a lovely day today with lots of sunshine but the nicest part of my day is when  I talk to you and see you on the computer.

Take care my little one.

I love you very much.

Lots of love

Daddy XXXXXXXXX

(XXXXX - Extra kisses from Champ & Shine)

Marathon Day 12, Sunday 27th March 2011 - Ely, Kings School Running Track

I opened my eyes and said a little prayer - please let it be a better day today!

I tiptoed around the room and managed to sort myself out and leave Andy still dozing as I left for a cuppa in the RV.
Barry and Colin had suffered the noisy revelations of some drunken louts 'til the early hours and were less than impressed! Cf Nottingham City Centre for me & Jim last Saturday night!

Barry and I left at 7am to do a repeat recon of the venue and eventually located it just before outside the city, near to the Railway Station..
Back to collect the RV and advise the team and we were set up by 8.30am, ready for the start of a new day.

Chris Plews, one of Andy's regular running companions had driven down from Wetherby this morning to run with him. Andy was delighted.

Todays course was a measured 400m oval running track and to cover the distance of 50k, Andy had to circumnavigate it 125 times! With  support from Chris and the other half a dozen runners that joined in, Andy finished this Marathon in 6hrs 15mins, his fastest to date. Not sure whether this isn't too fast a pace or not (my opinion only) - there's still a long way to go!

Crossing the finishing line with Colin

Packed up pretty sharpish and drove the short distance to Cambridge where we were to spend the night at the Royal Engineers Barracks, Waterbeach

Barry insisted on spending the night in the RV, the girls were assigned a single room each and Colin, Andy and I shared an 8 bed dormitory. 

Baked potatoes, sweet potatoes and all the usual accompaniments for dinner - watched a bit of TV and finally retired to our beds at a respectable  hour.

Benji's Blog


Hi son, today we are in Ely - that sounds like the name of a person, doesn't it! Ely is a small city near Cambridge.  It is very pretty although we don't get a lot of time to see much of it.

Uncle Andy ran round a football field more than 100 times today to do his Marathon - he was very tired when he finished.
When he does his run, it is a very long way. It's like running from our house to Grandmas and back and then back to Grandma's house again!

How was your party? - I hope you enjoyed it.

We are staying in a huge Army Camp tonight but there are not many soldiers here. I think they must be on holiday.

I know that you are being a good boy for mummy - she told me so.

I will see you soon.

Love you loads

Daddy
XXXXX






.

Marathon Day 11, Saturday March 26th - Norwich, Eaton Park

I should have stayed in bed!!!!!

Up early (no change there then) and did second recon of the venue.  Eventually found it - one entrance suitable for large vehicles, one that was not. Guess which one we had to use!
Difficult narrow, angled entry with centrally located tree to avoid and tall fairly narrow wrought iron gates and tall brick pillars. Everything fine until rolled up awning cover along left hand edge of roofline caught (ever so slightly) on top overhanging capping on the left hand pillar. Slight damage to awning - close inspection revealed that it had already been patched on several previous occasions. Sorry - no photos - too embarrassed at the time!

First low point in the tour for me - must shake it off.

Andy was running the first 5k with over 200 fun runners as part of their organised event.

 Set up in the Park!

So we set up the as usual and for the first 35+ minutes, Andy had lots of company.

Pre-race address by Andy (it made him feel important!)

. . . . . and a close-up!

As the race started, Andy pleaded with the runners around him "please, don't tread on or kick my ankles". A clean start and a steady race followed for Andy.

The start - quite a difference!

The winner completed the course in 16mins 15secs, the last finished at 38mins and Andy did a sensible 31mins.

The Winner!

Andy carried on, ably accompanied by a fellow runner Chris Best from Otley Athletic Club and completed the run in 6hrs 53mins.

I should perhaps mention at this stage the additional duties that I am expected to perform!  Err, Ray - The Loo's blocked in the RV!!!

So I donned Sophie's blue marigolds and set to work with various implements to remove the blockage, caused , I believe by over zealous use of (the wrong type of) toilet tissue.

Finally succeeded in clearing it and specific instructions issued regarding future procedures. lol.

Just call me Dynorod Ray!!!

Packed up and exited park without incident and commenced our 40 mile journey to  Soham where we were staying the night.  All went well until I approached a major rbt on the A11 with the satnav telling me one thing and the signposts and  brain telling me another. Unfortunately, this confusion resulted in me crossing the path of a Vauxhall Astra and damaging the rear inside panel with a glancing blow from my bus! Damage to the offside front of the bus is minimal, requiring a little GRP work and repaint. Damage to the Astra was slightly more severe but was limited to the rear, nearside panel I believe.  However, everyone OK and with details exchanged, we proceeded on our way. God - I felt low - two in one day!!! 

When I arrived at our resting place for the night, I have to say that  Barry the Project Director was magnificent in his understanding and support (as were the rest of the team) and for that I am extremely grateful. Thanks Guys.

The day concluded with a a stir fry for everyone, prepared and cooked in the RV kitchen - quite a therapeutic exercise for me which took my mind off the events of the day.

The evening concluded with an early night, a bit of blogging with not even the boisterous smokers in the pub smoking area outside our rooms disturbing me - I slept well. 

Please God for a better day tomorrow!!

Benji's Blog

Daddy's in Norwich today, that's number 11 on your map.

I hope you're sticking the pins in the right place or else you might think I've got lost!

The weather has been very cold today and I had to wear lots of warm clothes. I wish I had brought my hat, scarf and gloves with me.

I hope tomorrow is warmer and I can wear my shorts again.

I know you have your party tomorrow - I hope you enjoy it.

Love you.

Daddy

XXXXX

Marathon Day 10, Friday 25th March - Peterborough, Ferry Meadows

Early wake up after a surprisingly good night's sleep on a sofa in the Officers Mess and breakfasted in the RV.

An uneventful and direct journey to Ferry Meadows revealed a magnificent setting for Andy's 10th Marathon.  Andy, in the meantime, visited Hearts Radio but programme timing delays meant that he had to record a brief interview and then hurry over to Ferry Meadows for two further interviews - a popular man indeed!

On arrival, Sophie decided that Andy needed a pre-race massage which he always enjoys! (not).

What do you think Andy's saying - Answers in the Blog's comments please!!

Whilst he was "enjoying" his massage, passers-by stopped for a chat.  One lady was out with her 2 dogs, one of which was being pushed in a doggy cart! The old fella (not Andy!) was persuaded to get up and walk and his stumbling gait  seemed to inspire a mutual bonding with Andy. . . . .  I wonder why!!

 Pampered pooch!

Now where have I seen that walk before?

The Mayor duly arrived and set Andy on his way, again on his own, his track taking him on a circuit around the three lakes. After about 10 minutes, I saw our lone hero jogging at the other side of the lake so I decided to cycle after him and keep him company. Wrong!!!  By the time I had lost my way twice and eventually made it to the start / finish line, Andy was on his second lap (and I was kn****ed having sprinted in an attempt to catch up).

The Lone Runner

I volunteered to finish of the teams laundry and set out for the Caravan Club Site at Ferry Meadows to make use of their launderette.

I parked at the reception and having introduced myself to the lady in charge, explained my mission and was stunned when she told me that she didn't think I would be allowed to use the facilities.My perseverance, however,  drove her to consult her husband who was equally unaccommodating and brusque to the point of being rude but he then referred my request to the Warden, the boss man. He considered the situation most carefully and told the man to "give him the code to the laundry" at which I presumed that my request had been sanctioned!

So, access code duly committed to memory, I completed my task and had lots of time to view the almost deserted site.  Just bear in mind that this was the same site that ABF had approached on our behalf only a couple of days earlier to beg an overnight stay for the RV. This request was refused on the grounds of it being a weekend and the park being full!!

SHAME ON YOU FERRY MEADOWS CARAVAN CLUB SITE!!



I returned just in time for lunch and to get Colin to persuade a young man who was energetically warming up and stretching, to join Andy on a circuit. This, he agreed to do - well done that man!

Andy and "volunteer" Dick after their Lap together

Andy seemed to "enjoy" most of his running today, having time to take in the beautiful lakes and wildlife and  talk to the many visitors to the park.  There was even a 70ft narrow boat moored in one of the lakes whilst we were there - roll on my holiday on 14th April!!

Andy taking a well earned break midway through his run

Three laps from the end I ran a lap with Andy and learned more about the psychology and physiology of endurance running from him. I was grateful that his natural pace at this stage matched mine!  For his next circuit, Sophie and I accompanied him on the cycles which was fortunate coz the little bugger put in a sprint section (to prove something to himself), running a 7min 50sec mile!!!

I stayed with him on the last lap, which he ran in recovery mode and eventually sprinted to the finish to applaud the end of yet another run and to take the mandatory photo.

Over the line in 6hrs 43mins - Well Done Andy!!

Number 10 over, it remained for us to pack up and travel the 80 miles to Norwich, which was completed without incident.
We were booked in at the Best Western Hotel on the outskirts which had a large car park, I was assured.  Well it was large but also extremely full!  Careful guided manoeuvering had us parked up for the night but we were unable to extend the Slide which meant that we could only comfortably sleep 1 person. I grabbed the spare bed in Andy's room and Colin seemed happy to bunk down in the RV.
After a wholesome meal in the hotel,  we retired for the night.

Benji's Blog

Hello Benji,
Today is Day 10 and we are in Peterborough, at a place called Ferry Meadows - that sounds pretty doesn't it?

The park is very beautiful and has lots of lakes with lots of ducks and swans on it.

A beautiful Swan - look how still the water is.

I followed Uncle Andy on the bike today - it was a lot easier than running with him.

I think you and mummy are having a sleepover at Grandma's house tonight. That will be nice. I am sure she will enjoy your company.

Take care my little one.

I love you.

Daddy XXXXXXXX

Marathon Day 9, Thursday 24th March - Leicester, Victoria Park

Up at the crack of dawn, well 5.40am, anyway.  First job - try and sort out the water heater but this proved impossible until speaking to Christine from the hire company.

Short drive to Victoria Park and set out our stall as per usual. Absolutely beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky.

Race preparations - look at that sky!!

Not many runners booked in today but it may be good for Andy to run alone, after all it's just about the only time he gets to himself!

For me, it is going to be admin catch up day to get up to date with blogs, paperwork and filing, and of course planning for dinner tonight.

Andy  still manages the pre start photo sessions with a smile on his face - God knows what he really must be thinking when the photographer says "Just run towards me and smile, please" when every bone and muscle in his body must be hurting.

Photo session nearly over and ready for the start

Today's race consists of 20 laps of a 5k circuit, nearly all of which is on tarmac / hard surface - let's hope it's not too punishing.

After the welcome and pep talk from the Lord Mayor and Andy was off, running very well and looking good.

The Lord Mayor and his pre race pep talk!

His lap times surprised us a little and we were tempted to tell him to slow the pace but he seemed happy enough and obviously knew what he was doing . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . and this resulted in his fastest time to date 6hrs 21mins Well Done Andy!!

Whilst Andy was running, I noticed a large group of school children running in a marked out area in a very organised indian file fashion some distance away from out HQ.  Further investigation revealed that  they were pupils from Stoneygate College in Leicester and this was the final part of their own challenge to run 125 kilometres to celebrate the schools 125th year.  The headmaster was intrigued to hear of our challenge and asked me to talk to the children and tell them about it.  Andy arrived on the scene within a few minutes and in his own inimitable style, immediately engaged with the staff and children alike.

Andy surrounded by his crowd of admirers:

Pupils from Stoneygate College

 

 

Today's marathon finished, we departed for Peterborough, stopping only to collect fuel en route.

We arrived at TA Centre, Peterborough at about 7pm and Barry and I proceeded to check out the venue and access the next day at Ferry Meadows.

That done, we returned to the RV and after home (RV) cooked pasta and meat sauce, retired for an early evening - Barry and Colin in the RV and the rest of us in TA accomodation (sofas).

A very Good day today!!!

Benji's Blog

Hi Benji

I am in another city today called Leicester.

Uncle Andy is running in a park near the University - you remember, that is like a very big school.

The weather is very nice and I think that I will have to buy a hat!!

Did you see the picture of all the children with Uncle Andy? Mummy will tell you what it's all about.

I know that you are missing me and I am missing you very, very much. But this is very special what Uncle Andy is doing and will help a lot of poorly people.

I love you, little man.

God Bless You and keep you safe

Lots of love

Daddy

XXXXXX

  

 

Marathon Day 8, Wednesday 23rd March - Derby, Markeaton Park

A good nights sleep and early breakfast and on to todays venue. Markeaton Park is about 3 miles round the ring road - a snip to find . . . .simple, eh!!  Simple, that is if you don't miss the turning into the park and end up leaving Derby, heading west without an exit slip road in sight!

The last sight of the Park entrance was of Colin, jumping up and down and gesticulating wildly, trying to attract my attention - not an attractive sight!!

At last reaching an exit, we determined to find an alternative way back to avoid the horrendous traffic that was backed up, heading into Derby.  Bad decision - we ended up in the middle of a housing estate and having to practise a couple of interesting reversing manoeuvres!

So back to the Park by our reverse route, and managed to get it right this time.

 Andy doing a practice start for the photographer

The Lord Mayor, "On your Marks!"

After a warm welcome and the inevitable photo shoot, the Lord Mayor counted Andy down to the start of his eighth marathon and "They were off!". 

Andy was running with Rory Coleman, a long time friend and running mate who has an astonishing record in long distance and endurance running, having amongst other things completed the Marathon Des Sables no less than 7 times!. 

Two Stars together, Rory & Andy

Running with Rory was just what Andy needed and after some discussion on the first circuit, it was mutually determined that Andy should try a different style of trainer, one that would give more mobility support to the ankle.Sophie and I volunteered to find the local Runnercare store, who knew Rory and had confirmed that they had suitable footwear in stock.  We combined the trip with a visit to the supermarket and apart from being totally misguided on the return journey by Sophie's completely out of date TomTom software, we  completed our errand without further mishap and presented and fitted Andy with his trainers.

Success! - the difference they made was apparent after the very next lap with Andy feeling much better.

He finished quite comfortably in a time of 7hrs 32mins.

Barry, showing his support by running the last circuit and a half with Andy

We decamped in record time and where soon en route to Leicester via M1 services for LPG.

Filling up with LPG was quite an experience which I approached with some trepidation yet completed successfully.

Little did I know it but the highlight of the day was yet to come! We approached our destination for the night by a slightly diverse route (through a small industrial estate actually) and with less than half a mile to go were confronted by a tunnel / bridge through which I had to drive.  No real problem save that the tunnel had a height limit of 12ft 6ins and the RV has a height of 12ft 4ins - fine on paper but . . . . . . !!!!  The fact that I am sat here now in an unscathed vehicle is testament to the fact that the dimensions worked!!!

Our accomodation for the night was kindly provided by T A Centre, C(222 EM) Medical Squadron, Leicester. Andy, Colin, Sophie and  Nicky kipped on camp beds/ sofas in various anterooms / offices in the Centre whilst Barry and I commandeered the RV. 

Just one identified problem to resolve now - the water heater had stopped working despite having a full tank of LPG. 

Hey Ho - we'll deal with that tomorrow.

 Benji's Blog

Hello Sweetheart

Another day over and daddy is in Derby, that's number 8 on your map.

We are  staying  on an army camp tonight with lots of soldiers.

Champ and Shine have enjoyed some fresh air and sunshine today -

Champ & Shine enjoying the sunshine

I will talk to you and mummy soon on the computer if it works properly.

Love you Son

Daddy

XXXXXXX

Marathon Day 7, Tuesday 22nd March - Nottingham, Highlands Park

Awake at 5.40am to beautiful sunshine and the start of an almost springlike day.

The view from the RV at about 7.30am

. . . . . . and looking the other way

A cuppa to start the day, and then  while Colin cycled to the corner shop to get bread, I started clearing the overnight clutter away inside the RV. Breakfast consisted of peanut butter and Marmite on toast (not together!!) with another cuppa to wash it down before we set to and tidied up and got everything ready for the start.

The rest of the team arrived shortly before 8am, bringing with them bacon and egg butties for our breakfast - well, we couldn't let them go to waste, could we!

Andy at the start with the Lord Mayor and Nathan Cumberland

Andy actually started the run on his own but was soon joined by another lone runner who ran along side of him for a while.

Billy no mates!

We had expected more students to be in evidence but subsequently learned that all of the lecturers were on strike. What a day for it to happen!!

One of Colin's ex army buddies, Nathan Cumberland, was invited today and Andy's first sight of him (whilst he was receiving a leg massage from Sophie) prompted him to declare quite loudly "Suddenly, my legs don't feel very sore anymore!".  Nathan was the victim of  an IUD approximately 18 months ago and since then he has undergone 17 separate operations with another 1 scheduled in the near future. Makes you think a bit, doesn't it!!

Andy's running performance today seemed much better (to me).  Much more relaxed, and dare I say, with a smile on his face for more of the time.  With the greatest respect to Andy, keeping him going through this series of marathons is a bit like ministering to a faithful old motor car that you just know will get you through with lots of tlc and perpetual servicing! Sorry Andy!

Achilles is a bit of a worry, though.  Very inflamed and signs of ankle strains - really needs rest but Sophie is doing marvels with the resources at her disposal.

Andy finished in a time of 6hrs 56mins. You will note  that his times are gradually increasing but this is due both to his "injuries" and because he is settling into his natural rythm and pace - he has many more marathons

to run!

A welcome finish!!

. . . and here's the time!!

Other than the race, the afternoon past fairly quietly save for me misplacing my expense receipts and then , somewhat more importantly, the Allstar fuel card in my charge.  This turned mere inconvenience into something rather more serious. After a thorough search of the RV, they were discovered where they had been placed; in my laptop bag and wallet respectively - who's a silly boy then?

The race finished, we headed off to Derby and our hotel for the night. We all know the  Jurys Inn dinner menu off by heart by now so we decided to eat out at the local Pizza Express. Thought about having the hot, hot, hot Caprese but after seeing the effect that it had on Barry, was pleased that I chose differently!

Pizza Express - Sophie really doesn't want her photo taken

but Andy doesn't seem in the least bit interested!

. . . . and this time she was too quick for me!!!

My goodness - what has Nicky seen or heard?

. . . . . . but at least Barry's happy!

Retired to the hotel and tried to concentrate on blogging, route planning etc. but that was not easy with Andy's grunts, groans and howls in the background as Sophie administered her nightly torture on the treatment table!!  Bed about 11.45pm, making sure that Andy was tucked in for the night!!

Derby tomorrow . . . . .

Benji's Blog

Hello my little treasure.
Here we are in Nottingham, in the grounds of a lovely University which is just like a big school. You can see how pretty it is from the photos.

And did you see the picture of the brave soldier who has been given some new legs? What a fine man he is.
Did you know that Robin Hood came from Nottingham - ask mummy about him, or maybe you already know!
We are all very, very busy looking after Uncle Andy while he's doing his races. He's very clever, isn't he.
I bet you fantastic at MarioKart by now. You will have to teach me when I come home.
Love you to the stars and back.
Kisses and Hugs.
Daddy. XXXXX

Marathon Day 6, Monday 21st March - Lincoln, Yarborough Sports Centre

Woke up to bright sunshine and a comment from Andy that I had apparently been "rattling the tiles" a bit - no real problems though, he said!

Barry ferried us to collect the RV and we found the venue on the second attempt!  Set up very efficiently (as you would expect by now) and ready in good time for Lord Mayor, pre race pleasantries and race start.

A fit looking Andy!

Circuit was figure of eight cycle track around the Yarborough Sports Centre Playing fields, hard surface approx 1.4miles long, with some adverse camber.

The all important race number!

Barry and I went on a banking & shopping expedition  to Lincoln centre. Only thing is that we parked near our hotel which meant a walk down a very steep hill to the main shops.  We had fun feeding nearly £1,000 of mixed coins through the bank's counting machine - God, whatever happened to that personal service that we used to get from the banks!!!

Managed to get my spectacles repaired again - thank you Dixons Opticians for donating the £10 cost to the ABF.
Not able to get replacement battery for my iphone, however so will just have to struggle on with the 2 battery storage devices that I've got with me. So up that bloody steep hill (in fitflops), back to the car and back into the fray!!

Kept myself busy with route preparation for the RV and Sophie, then a lap with Andy before he finished with a time of 7hrs 5mins.

Across the line again

 

Packed up, dumped waste and determined to fill up en route to Nottingham, approx. 44 miles distant.

Stopped at suitable services and some 200+ litres of unleaded later and just short of £300 lighter we proceeded on our way to arrive at our overnight stop and next day venue, Highfields Park, Nottingham University Campus.
Barry and Nicky departed  for the hotels and Colin and I were left to our own devices.

Evening meal consisted of a ham salad sandwich and cuppa  followed by blogging for me and a bit of telly for my partner in crime.

A flash light at the window and knock on the door announced the arrival of Campus Security who seemed a bit surprised to find us parked up in all of our  apparent domesticity. A brief explanation seemed to satisfy them and with a warning that if we left our bicycles locked to the back of the vehicle all night we were likely to find them with their wheels missing in the morning - their advice was heeded!

And so to bed . . . . . . .

Benji's Blog

Hi Benji,
Another day gone and I'm just a little bit further away from home, in Lincoln.
Uncle Andy's race was right next to a school today so there was lots of children around and some of them ran with him - that cheered him up a lot.
He talked to me about when you ran with him on Sunday - he said that you ran very fast! It made me very proud.
I know that mummy's new bed came today - I just bet that you'll snuggle up with her in the morning. Lucky you!

Night, Night Sweetheart.
Love you the Moon.
Daddy.
XXXXXX

Marathon Day 5, Sunday 20th March - Sheffield, Graves Park

. . . . . So it was a very weary couple of campers that extricated themselves from the RV at 6.30am to avail themselves of a shower and breakfast in the hotel I think much to the amusement and astonishment of the rest of the team.

So the lesson learned (and perhaps obvious with hindsight) . . . . . don't camp out in a car park that is located opposite a string of City Centre night clubs!

We left the hotel for the short drive to Graves Park, following the meticulous directions issuing from the satnav. On our third attempt at different entrances, we still hadn't found the right one but had practiced a few tricky manoeuvres on the way! Almost giving up and resigning ourselves to positioning the RV at a point some distance from the start of the course, we were approached by Paul, who had measured and laid out the marathon course and he directed us a little further around the perimeter of the park, commenting that he had directed 50 ton trucks as he was directing  us now - all I can say is that they must have been bloody narrow 50 ton trucks!!!lol

We set up in front of the pavilion and all of us  expressed some dismay at the layout of the course - it was so hilly! But to Andy - just another job to be done.

My lady with "the man"

Ellie, Benji, Katy & Aaron arrived for the start (having found the correct entrance with no trouble) and proceeded to walk or run the circuit at various intervals whilst I attended to housekeeping matters.  I did manage to walk the course with Ellie and run a circuit with Andy - but I found it very tough.  The course enjoys a change in elevation of about 100ft meaning that over the 25 laps, they all climbed 2500ft!!

Benji also completed a full circuit, running over the finish line holding hands with his Uncle Andy. He also enjoyed "driving" the RV and sitting in "Daddy's seat" whilst playing on the DS.

Benji at the wheel

Andy finished in fine form in a very respectable time of 6hrs 57mins accompanied by a number of very determined runners who had completed their first half, full and ultra marathons all in the same day!

Congratulation people!!!

It was a very sad Ellie and Caz that left the venue today - I would not see Ellie again until April 14th and Caz would not see Andy until probably London! So tearful farewells and it was back to the business of moving camp and travelling to our next destination, Lincoln.  The RV was garaged overnight in the local TA barracks and we were spirited back to our hotel courtesy of Barry's transport to unpack, freshen up and enjoy a wonderful evening meal at Barry's hotel.

Sophie was working on Andy's various aches and pains until almost midnight and I slept the sleep of the dead!!!

It's all a bit like Groundhog day, actually!!

Benji's Blog

Hi Benji, it was lovely to see you and mummy today at the race. You must have been very tired when you got home because you ran a very long way today as well as playing with some other children and running a lap with Uncle Andy. What a clever boy you are.  I was very sorry when it was time for you to go home but then I talked to you on the computer later on to say night, night but the computer wasn't very good, was it!  The video was a bit funny and we couldn't hear each other very well, could we.  I hope it gets better for next time.
Take care my little one. Big kisses and hugs for you.
Lots of love
Daddy XXXXX

Marathon Day 4, Saturday 19th March - Wakefield, Pugneys Park

That's a good fit, isn't it!

Early wake-up cos don't know how long it will take to travel to Wakefield in RV.  Left home at 6.15 in bright sunshine and with little traffic and clear roads, arrived at our destination at 8am only to discover that the gates were locked until 9am. So, a cup of coffee and chill out until the man arrived!!!

Waiting for the man

Another narrow entrance but safely negotiated - quick setup and ready in good time for start of marathon.

Pugneys Park is a beautiful location and the 1.5mile route had been mapped around the lake,There was tremendous support for Andy from runners and spectators alike and once again the Lord Mayor started the race at 10am.

Passing the time away!

Ready for the off

Busy morning planning - and lovely lunch prepared by Libby, an old friend of Barry's. Libby also proved to be a domestic Goddess around the RV kitchen - what a wonderful help she was!!

A very tired and sore Andy completed the marathon in 6:47 and left immediately for Sheffield chauffeured by Sophie in the Yeti.

Andy,painfully cooling off, post race

We followed in the RV, heading for a car park recommended by, and just around the corner from our Jurys Inn Hotel.  We found the it on our second lap of the city centre, grounding the tow ball and scoring the asphalt as we bridged the heavily cambered road and  humped entrance to the car park causing me to worry already whether we would be able to safely extricate ourselves in the morning.

As we left the RV to walk the 100yds to the hotel, I looked back and felt a sense of foreboding which, as it turned out, should perhaps have been called premonition.  I met Barry in the foyer and almost as one, we  agreed that the RV needed to be manned that night.  So after a by now very familiar Jurys Inn evening meal, Jim, an ABF representative, and I retired to our domicile for the night . . . . . . . and then the fun began.

The first indication of our predicament came when I was woken up by very loud "garage" music, seemingly eminating from somewhere very close by.  This was accompanied at increasingly frequent intervals by raucous shouting, screaming and singing representative of people who had imbibed more than was good for them!!  Finally, drifting in and out of sleep, I was  woken up by the sound of someone beating a tattoo on the side of the RV from the front all the way to the  rear!! . . . . . . then silence!! Was I worried? . . . .Was I scared?  You'd better believe it.  It was 2.40am for God's sake! The noise continued intermittently until about 4am, when the Clubs obviously closed and the revellers eventually returned to their pits!

To be continued.

Benji's blog

Well my little bobajob, I hope your black eye is a bit better and I hope that you are enjoying playing on MarioKart on your DS.  I bet you will be very good at it when I see you tomorrow. Maybe we can play a game together using mummy's DS.
I know that you've been swimming with Aunty Katy today and I hope you've been practising the things Mr Glenville taught you.  I think that you will be swimming better than me when I get home.
Uncle Andy ran another race today and did very well - he's very good isn't he.
I know that you and mummy are sharing things together while I am away and that makes me happy.
I love you little man.
See you tomorrow.
Lots of love,
Daddy. XXXX