Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. UPDATE - We did it! I've put together my photo's and some others as a slide show, just follow the link below (you can even view them on a map):
http://picasaweb.google.com/paulwatson1/HadrianSWall
The run started out with great weather from Newcastle, clear skies and a full (and orange) moon. The night section was mainly on undulating road and passed surprisingly quickly, we were soon at the first meeting point at first light having covered nearly 35 miles. After a very short break, taking on food more snacks and water we headed off again into the early morning mist. For the next 15 miles we ran along the most interesting section of the wall, pretty much all on paths along the ridge with great views. We went off route a little at one stage but were still in good spirits despite our now very squelchy trainers.
At the next meeting point it was time for fresh socks and of course more food and drink! We soon realised we'd been stopped for too long so hurried off for the next 5mile section to meet James who would run with us for the last 28(ish) miles. The sky had now clouded over but rain looked a long way off. Unfortunately it wasn't and at about the 60mile point it started to bucket it down! We'd ditched the waterproof gear at the last stop in our rush to get off so soon became very cold and wet. Ben started to have problems with his knee so we were walking more than running for this first time. At this point my ankle started to stiffen up as well, I'd gone over on it whilst running along the edge of the road in the night, but it hadn't been bothering me until now.
We finally arrived in Carlisle soaked to the skin and very cold. After another break and warm up set of for the last 14miles to Bowness-on-solway. It seemed so much further with the now much slower pace and the weather turning even worse. We managed to speed up for the last 4 miles but were still not running. So, 22 hours and 45 mins after setting off from Wallsend we arrived in Bowness, exhausted but happy to all finish together. =============================================================== I thought I was going to ease off the distance running after finishing the London Marathon in April, but I've quickly joined in another, bigger challenge!
On June 20th myself, Ben Waite and Nick Turnbull will attempt to run the length of Hadrian's Wall (84 miles) in less than 24 hours. This slightly crazy challenge is organised by Ben, who I work with and run with at lunch times. He mentioned his plan to me at our Christmas do after a few beers and I thought it sounded like an "interesting" challenge. After resting for a few weeks post marathon I've started to increase the weekly mileage again but without the pressure of increasing my pace.
We're raising money for the Friends of Kadzinumi charity, this is a very worthy cause that Ben has family links with. I've got a bit of catching up to do on the sponsorship (and training!!) Many thanks, Paul.
http://www.justgiving.com/benwaite
http://www.justgiving.com/nickturnbull
http://www.kadzinuni.org.uk Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Friends Of Kadzinuni gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor me now! http://dragons.running.club.googlepages.com/
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