Day 16 - Marathon 16 - 7th April 2013

Day 16 7th April 2013 Birmingham Childrens Hospital to Royal Leamington Spa

Up early, lump on thigh, unfortunately a tear! Hobbled around showered, Voltarole applied and down for breakfast. Struggled to eat again! Managed half a bowl of porridge and 2 toast. Back to the room, kit on and off with Jan and Karen to BBC Radio Birmingham for a chat on the Ed Doolan show! Job to find but got there just in time. Unfortunately a supporter and I think work colleague and friend of theirs passed away yesterday from cancer. Although this was not the best atmosphere to try and get support for our fundraising challenge, everyone there had experienced a loss and appreciated what we were raising money for. Lots of photos taken and chat on air complete and we were off again to the Birmingham Childrens Hospital to meet dad and Jason along with Craig Burchell Regional Fundraising Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, another very positive and proactive person with a true passion for his work. Great unit built adjacent to the main hospital, looked space age! All good, lots of photos taken then warmed up for today's run. Very concerned that my thigh was going to let me down! Game plan was to run no quicker than 5 minutes per kilometre and to not push up the hills. My experience is that if you push too hard up the hills and let yourself go down the hills problems get worse! Jan and Karen in Jan's car, Jason and dad in the van and after the start video we set off on our way to Leamington Spa through the centre of Birmingham! Very difficult a lot of fun and games but safely through with only a few close shaves with some not quite awake drivers! All good and on towards Solihull. Kept pace in check and felt ok, to 10k in 49 minutes. That was that, struggled from then on! A not too steep down hill reminded me about my damaged thigh, my energy level disappeared and I struggled to get near 5 minute pace! The route however was really nice, through country lanes, great scenery and out of the wind. Good to have support but it was still a grind, everything hurt I think due to my shuffling short stride running style. Still another marathon distance, 42.21k complete in 3'33"01 but feeling totally pooped! My legs hurt all over and my left thigh swollen and sore. My food needs to be sorted as I felt empty I also need more sleep! Great pub meal and into the Daventry Court Hotel, thanks again to Nick Burrington and Essential Hotels, also thanks to the Birmingham Marriott and Nick for last nights great accommodation. Quick ice bath, sleep, followed by more icing while eating a few sandwiches! Now 10:30 and going to bed! Thanks to Giles Homes being today's shirt sponsor and your continuing support of Framework Foundation. Mr Murphy, we will get that pint in the Saracens very soon. I am looking forward to a pint of Pride, 97 days since my last pint!