The answer is a packet of cigarettes! But more about that later (now that's got you interested!)
We met some fine characters today, all happy to sponsor the cause. In Lancaster we were stopped by Huw who very kindly gave us £5 and offered us a cup of tea (which, sadly we had to turn down - the tea not the £5!) it was lovely to get such a warm greeting on what was a difficult start to the day - cheered us up no end. Later in Garstang we met a most wonderful fellow - Roderick Gilchrist, who had gone to Millfield School and played rugby against my old school Dulwich College! I might also take this opportunity to pass on that Garstang (apparently) is the home of the Giant Onion. We didn't see it! It's also the world's first fairtrade town (I'm not completely sure how that works?!)
Whilst resting in a petrol station we met Rob Walker and his family who were also kind enough to fill JTs glove with coinage (don't ask).
Best of all - waiting for us in Homebase carpark for our last rest, we were welcomed in by Head Fart (it's a Blackheath Harriers thing ed) Steve Freemantle and his wife Sharron. They have travelled all the way from Norfolk to see us! We met up again for the final photo and later for a drink. They are staying close by and will see us off tomorrow morning.
The weather was very fair to us today - even the headwind wasn't bothersome. But in order to try and keep the foot going we reset the format of the day - we ran 4 sessions 7 8 8 and actually 8 (because we were one short last night) Running shorter sessions and icing in the breaks seems to have helped along with some advice we picked up during the day. A cyclist (Paul) suggested we have a chat with Terressa Nolan a local podiatrist on our route. She explained that cortisone can work but weakens the tendon so not a good idea with 400 miles to go. But she suggested a heel lift. Advice also given by Nick a little later. Greg located some gel heal lifts which we popped in and we set off on the last leg (no pun intended!) It made a difference but needed more support on the right side so when I saw an empty cigarette packet I stopped and folding it carefully popped it in my shoe - and hey presto! Early days yet and tomorrow will confirm but it felt as though it took the pressure off the painful area and allows me to run heel toe which has to be a good thing.
Sincere thanks for all your encouragement, thoughts and prayers.
It's a great team.
We finished tonight on 480 with 380 to go. Off to Wigan tomorrow - chips on the pier!
20 miles to the 500 WooHoo....