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with a visit to the supermarket and apart from being totally misguided on the return journey by Sophie's completely out of date TomTom software, we completed our errand without further mishap and presented and fitted Andy with his trainers.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
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