Greg drove us to the start in his pyjamas this morning, which made a nice alternative to the van!
Dropped us off at the foot of the second Shap climb, but it was only half a mile and then we enjoyed almost 8 beautiful miles of predominantly down hill running into Kendal. Passing our Caravan site about an hour and a half after we left. The inhabitants were about as interested in our passing as they had been in our presence the night before. What do you have to do to impress people I wonder?
Kendal was beautiful and full of runners taking part in the World Orienteering Championships. They wore all colours and ran in all directions. We blended in quite well with our bright yellow vests, waterproof map case and water bottles. We hope no one decided to hitch a lift and follow us!
Kendal is really charming. Between two lovely old bridges was the long awaited and hard worked for half way point. We paused to congratulate one another and were just wondering how we could capture the moment when Amanda and Mike came along. We had a nice chat and they were very happy to take our photo at this historic point in our absurd adventure. Thanks Mike and Amanda - and thank you for the tweet . Great to meet you too.
Greg had left the van just outside Kendal to go off cycling around Lake Windermere - I think he found it more hilly than he expected. We were, of course, very sympathetic when we caught up at rest point 2.
We met another couple a few miles into the next session - Zoe and her mum Colette, walking their dog in Milnthorpe. We stopped to chat while I noted down the number of an injury clinic!
The end of section two was a disaster for me. I'd been going so well for 18.5 miles. Touching the ground very lightly and running on my toes but with a mile plus to go all the bad stuff kicked in and I just couldn't manage the foot. I raised and iced it when we reached the van but was very concerned about the final ten so made lots of phone calls to see if we could organise a cortisone injection. Tried the hospital and therapy centres but no joy. Our Angel of the North was most helpful but no response yet from her suggestion. If anyone knows anyone that might be able to help and keep us on the move do let us know.
Managed to finish off the day by splitting the section in two and taking a 15 min ice break in the middle. Seemed to work so may adopt this for the last session now....we'll see.
On a much more positive note - we have now run 450 miles and are 20 miles over the half way point. We also crossed another boarder today, from Cumbria into Lancashire.