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