Marathon Day 61, Sunday 15th May - Edinburgh, Holyrood Park

Woke up to a grey and windy morning on the Firth of Forth and to an early breakfast with far too much food! It  was just what was needed to set us right for the day.

Over the bridge and a 13mile drive into the City, thankful that it was early Sunday morning and traffic was minimal AND that we knew where we were going!  Today’s circuit was around Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park and was approximately 3.2miles in length.

We set up in the main car park, adjacent to Holyrood Palace and were met with the by now usual mix of reporters and photographers some of which had Andy almost running half the circuit in order to get appropriate action running shots!!  Start time rapidly approached and the photographers shooting session was abruptly curtailed as Andy was called to the line.

 A blustery start . . . .

So a very blustery and windswept start to this 61^st Marathon and a short run on the flat before tackling the “killer mile” for the first of 10 times!

 One lap down - only another nine to go!

Settling down into our daily routine, the highlight of the morning for me was a trip into Edinburgh Castle with Jim to collect supplies from the ABF Office located in the Barracks.

We drove through the elaborate preparations being made for the Tattoo and into the very heart of the Castle via the vehicular access tunnel – something else I never thought I would ever do!!

The Tunnel - Not a very good pic but the best |I could get!

After loading supplies into the van, it was appropriate to do a spot of sightseeing before returning to our duties at the Park.  Jim and I took each others photograph standing  with “Mons Meg” (as you do), a huge cannon sited on the battlements  and were approached by a Castle Guide who asked if we would like a romantic photo taken of us together!!! Cheeky B*****d!  (Note to Jim -   we must stop dressing alike and doing our hair in the same way!!!lol. Barry was to subsequently find this hilarious!!!

Maybe it's the way I'm standing!!! lol

Following our excursion we determined to walk the circuit at least once causing me once again, to wonder how on earth Andy copes with the magnitude of his challenge.

Andy finished well in a time of 6hrs 58mins and after the usual post race formalities, went on his way to Newcastle, the next city on our schedule.

We very quickly followed and with the RV safely tucked up for the night in OUTC  Newcastle, met up with my lovely wife Ellie (and Jonathan & his girlfriend Rose) at the Malmaison  Hotel  where we were to spend the night.

On the Quayside in Newcastle

 After a lovely family meal at the “Living Room”, we retired for the evening.

Benji's Blog


What a special day for you son. Your first 1.5k race and I just know that you will enjoy it  - I just wish that I could be there with you.

All ready to race - What a big boy you are now!

Mummy told me how fast you ran and that you ran all of the way!  It's very hard, isn't it but that's what Uncle Andy has been doing on Daddy's Big Adventure. 

I know that you finished in 12 minutes and 2 seconds and that is a very fast time for a 5 year old boy!

Mummy and Daddy are very proud of you and I can't wait to see your medal.

All over now - two happy bunnies!

I told Uncle Andy and he says that you did very, very well!

I know that you will be taking your medal into school to show your teachers and friends.

I will be home soon to see you and I am still looking after Champ & Shine for you.

Love you millions,

Daddy

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