Thursday, 7 April 2011

Marathon Day 23, Thursday 7th April - Salisbury, Churchill Gardens

Well, the day started well but at the moment Penny and Barry are arguing with a petty car park official , Badge Number WN028, who wants us to move the RV and other associated vehicles to a different part of the car park BECAUSE THEY ARE TAKING UP VALUABLE CAR PARKING SPACES!!!!!
I'm jumping and being told to cool it! It would certainly make a good Watchdog story!!!  Anyway, Mr Jobsworth has just now left the car park, muttering and probably swearing under his breath because he's been told that we had applied and been given permission to use the car park. Alleluia!!!

But enough of the trivia . . . . .
Andy got underway at 9am, accompanied by a number of runners including Bernie Banbury, a veteran of Afghanistan, running with his specially adapted "Sports" leg! He was a member of the Army Bob Team and lost his foot in a Bob Sled accident on the Cresta Run in 2008.
 
Andy, The Mayor & Bernie flanked by members of the British Legion

Garmins started and off they go!

The course today is around the perimeter of Churchill Gardens, about 1500m in distance, 34 laps or so. As I speak, Andy has just completed his 5th Lap - only 29 to go!!

There's more route planning to do now and then complete the blog later on.  Plus, I really need to start on my changeover notes FOR WHEN I LEAVE FOR 14 DAYS ON WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL FOR MY HOLIDAYS!!!!! I am returning to the fray on April 26th for the duration but I think the rest of the team may have forgotten me by then!! LOL.
Andy ran well today, in the hottest weather that we've had to date and crossed the line in a time of 5hrs 59mins 45secs, his first sub 6hr Marathon! He was obviously feeling good 'coz he agreed to action pose for a press photographer who arrived too late to photograph the finish.
We packed up quickly and set off on our longest intercity trip so far - Salisbury to Exeter, 93miles, finally arriving at  about 6.15pm.
Barry and I did our usual reconnaissance of the next day's marathon location. It is a beautiful site, about 1.3miles away but we will need to speak to someone in authority for permission to park in the place that would be ideal for us. Hey Ho - that's tomorrow's problem!

Back to the hotel, quick shower & change and out for something to eat. Nandos!! What a fab place - bit spicy but extremely tasty and value for money.

Finally, back to the hotel at 9.15pm for Andy to have his cold bath before Sophie works her magic on him.
Me - I just sit tapping away at the keyboard trying to ignore his moans and groans!

And so to bed . . . .

Benji's Blog

Hi sugarplum
Did you enjoy your snuggle with mummy this morning?
You looked very smart in your uniform when I saw you on the computer - you are getting a very big boy now.
When I leave the bus next week to come home, I think that I'll leave Champ and Shine here to look out for Uncle Andy - do you think that's a good idea? I will bring them back with me after Uncle Andy's final run next month.
But I  will bring Champ's new friend Baxter home with me for you to cuddle when I go away again.
I hope that your cough is getting a little better.
I will talk to you tomorrow.
Lots of love and kisses
Daddy
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