Marathon Day 2, Thursday 17th March - Bradford, Lister Park

And so a new day dawns, if you can call it that at 6 o'clock in the morning!

Shared a room with Marathon Man Andy last night. I believe he has a preference for peace and quiet whilst sleeping rather than being serenaded by the rasping nasal tones of a certain gentleman who shall remain nameless! Whilst doing our morning ablutions, a brief discussion concluded that this arrangement was mutually satisfactory and that it should continue for the duration.

So a quick continental breakfast and on our way to collect our RV. Then on to Lister Park , a magnificent area of parkland in the centre of Bradford, made all the more beautiful by the glorious early morning sunshine.

Set up and almost ready for the start

Having practised a few 3 point turns and numerous positioning exercises, we finally stationed ourselves adjacent to the beautiful building around which the park was developed, Cartwright House  (the history of which I do not know!)  Our set up time was much improved today (practice makes perfect!) and we were well prepared for the local dignitaries and press who arrived prior to the start.

The Runners, ready for the off

10.00hrs sharp and a lucky schoolboy pressed the button to start the timer on the countdown and instruction of the Lord Mayor.

5,4,3,2,1 . . . . . Go Andy!

Andy was running once again in the company of several other dedicated individuals who would attempt the full marathon with him.

Housekeeping and admin work kept the rest of us busy for the next couple of hours with the delightful sound of the generator purring in the background . . . . . . then, suddenly - Silence!!! Oh No, not again!  A check on the fuel guage revealed a reading over one quarter full but a confirmation call to the owner revealed that the guage may not be that accurate.  So off to the nearest garage again for 25 litres of fuel.
This fixed the problem and we were soon working on mains power once again and I resolved to fill the tank at the earliest opportunity - This was NOT going to happen again.

Andy's run today required that he completed 25 circuits each of 1.26 miles to claim an Ultra Marathon and on his 12th or 13th Lap, I decided to join him.  So I joined in and was extremely surprised to discover how hilly the course was - the change in elevation must have been in excess of 100ft and was quite gruelling.  I decided during the lap to try to lighten Andy's mood and maybe lift him a little and so I took the next lap off and did a quick change into a ridiculous Leprachaun costume in preparation for running with him again.  My surprise and sudden exit from the RV certainly brought a smile to his face when he next passed by and we completed a couple of circuits, to the amusement and incredulity of those that we met on the way!  It would appear that not many knew that it was St Patrick's Day!!

Would you run in the company of this man?

I have to tell you that whilst I have been training and running for a couple of years now, this was the first time that I have had the opportunity to run with Andy and I felt quite honoured and  in awe of this man who was still giving advice and encouragement to others as he quietly suffered his own aches and pains!

Nicky ran the next lap with him, followed by another lap with a now sedately dressed yours truly and Sophie ran with him for most of the remainder, with Barry acompanying him on the final lap - a real team effort I thought!

Congratulations to Russ, one of the original starters, for completing his first marathon and ultra marathon today - inspired to finish by the encouragement and advice given by Andy as they ran together.

A good finish time of 6hrs 39mins saw a much relieved Andy cross the line with a big smile on his face.  2 down now - only another 64 to go.

Pleased that this one's over!

Packing up was completed at record breaking speed and we were soon on our way to DST Leconfield for a meal and overnight stay in the officers mess, calling at a service station to fill up with in excess of 200litres of fuel. At last I have a full tank!!

Arrived safely with a weary and sore Andy and  after a very warm welcome and lovely meal, settled for an early night (he says, still typing his blog at 00.12hrs!! lol).. Andy presumably suffered a remedial session at the hands of Sophie, know known as his physioterrorist!

East Park in Hull tomorrow - and a flat circuit for Andy to run - should be fun.  AND ELLIE IS COMING TO SEE US!!!

'nite all.

Benji's blog

Hi sweetie pie - bet you thought that I'd forgotten you.  I hadn't - I was just very busy helping Uncle Andy today. I got a bit fed up too but I gave Champ a big squeeze and I heard you talking to me. What a lovely idea it was to build a bear for me.

You can see that Champ has a friend with him now - now what's his name? Oh yes, it's Shine.

I will be home tomorrow for a little while and it will be good to see you and hug you again.  Mummy tells me that you have been a very good boy and that makes me very happy.

I think that you will like the big bus that we drive around in - I like it very much.

See you tomorrow sweetheart.
Love you

Daddy. XXXXX