Day 5

Finished! Day 5 was 28 miles that almost flew by. Not a record breaking run but the legs ticked over nicely to get me in under the 5 and a half barrier. It's been a terrific experience and one that I am proud to have shared in.

Day 4

Another hard day today. The hamstrings let me know they'd had enough in the first couple of miles and the sun was out again. Maiden Bradley village has looked after us brilliantly this evening with the pub open early in our honour and got food with table service in the village hall. One more day to go.

Day 3 - 4

Yesterday the Garmin battery said no, which turned out to be a good thing. After a nasty hill climb in the first mile (walked) with a similar descent (brakes off) it was nice just to keep the legs ticking over with no pressure on pace. A few hills marked the end of the 20+ miles of busy road. A sign said 4 to go and the legs picked up for a strong finish :-) 29 miles in 5:54. Army rations for tea followed by a trip to the chip shop. Weather today [day 4] overcast, bright at the moment.

Day 2

I got two calls today! The first was this morning. Nightjar was two miles into the run and had seen Foxsake disappear off into the distance. I don't think he was too bothered, he just wants to run his own race.
He'd had a reasonable nights sleep but the sleeping bag he's taken was one of those lightweight caterpillar ones and he found it hard to move about in it. Last nights meal was pasta, 200 portions provided by the local pub. Breakfast was a couple of croissants.

Lots of people have been asking after him today in the office and by email.

I got another call this afternoon. Today his timing was much better. I'd just got in the car after leaving work but was yet to set off. He sounded much better than yesterday. The weather had been cooler and the hills hadn't seemed quite as steep. He'd even managed to hit 7 minute mileing at some points according to the garmin. His legs feel OK and there are no blisters. His time today was better too. 4 hours 40 minutes about 50 minutes faster than yesterday.

The tent was up and he'd had a snooze. He was just off for a shower and to relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 2

Day 2 begins. It's going to be another hot one. Legs feeling ok this morning but I haven't started running yet!

Day 1

About to start day 1.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

That's the first day done. Waiting all afternoon for a call or a text. Noel finally found somewhere with a phone signal just as I was driving the children down to the lake for a spot of wakeboarding. Luckily the signal lasted long enough for him to leave a message.

"I've managed to get a lift down into the village as there's no phone signal in the campsite. Today was tough! Really really hot today. Lots and lots of hills, and really steep. I don't know what I was expecting, it is Exmoor after all. Took 5 hours 30, just under. Saw a SeaKing Helicopter. He came down the road behind me, flew over, turned round and gave me a thumbs up through the window. It really gave me a lift."

Day 2 tomorrow, Exford to Crowcombe. It's another tough run across Exmoor and has been dubbed 'Red Friday'. Noel will be wearing his red Fetcheveryone shirt and I will wear a red top to work. If Noel can run all that way in support of our troops the least I can do is wear a red shirt in support of our lads and all the runners our there tomorrow.