The view from the RV at about 7.30am
. . . . . . and looking the other way
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
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