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