Marathon Day 15, Wednesday 29th March - London City

Woke up to the sound of busy early morning London street noises - lorries reversing, doors banging, etc. Then we added to it by firing up our generator and just hoped that we wouldn't wake up the resident Reverend in Guild Hall!
An easy start to the day - no vehicle placement to worry about - so just a question of waiting for the rest of the team to arrive, together with Caz who was due to return home after witnessing this morning's start.

Andy started the race with 2 local runners, which was fortunate as he had not had the opportunity to familiarise himself with the route.  So laden up with the traditional water & food belts of the long distance runner, they set off on their journey of exploration!

Sophie rendezvoused with them close to the half way mark and then they were left to their own devices again until returning to the Guild Hall some 6hrs 44mins after they started. A tough one for Andy, this one having to contend with cold and at times, very wet conditions. Hats off to Phill Minns & Mike Wiggins for running the full distance with him. Mike actually only intended to do half the distance with him as he is scheduled to run in Paris next week . . . but, he was so inspired by Andy, he changed his mind. He also planned to return the next day to run the Westminster leg with him - I guess insanity must run in the breed!! lol.

The marathon was actually the only high point of the day - it appears that the people of London either do not know of Andy's Challenge or do not care - in any event, considering the location, contributions to the ABF Charity fund today were dissappointing.
We determined that it would be sensible to start our journey to Wellington Barracks after the 7pm Congestion Charge curfew when the traffic had died down a little. This was good planning and accompanied by my able co-driver and navigator, Barry, we arrived at the Barracks in good time.  I then had a driving test in negotiating the underground car park on to the parade ground.  But it was worth it - who would ever have thought that Ray Birch would be driving around such an auspicious establishment? Even got to do our laundry in the Officers Mess Quarters! Whatever next!!
"Home cooked" Chilli mince beef with pasta, washed down with a glass of nicely chilled diet coke was on the menu and after watching a little tv, we retired for the night.

Benji's Blog
Hi Benji, we are at a very important place in London today. That's number 15 on your map (or did I tell you that yesterday?)
Uncle Andy ran around London today but it was very cold and windy. He is running some more tomorrow - I hope it stays nice and sunny for him.
He asked me to thank you very much for the cookie that you made him. It was very nice.  I'm saving mine to have with a cup of tea tomorrow.
See you soon son,
All my love
Daddy XXXXX