Although it was tough it was a great experience albeit a tad lonely at times.
I think what surprised me the most was how my feet and legs held up over the 6 days, they certainly lasted better than the tread on my trainers which were only about 6 weeks old and are now pretty worn! I think a new pair are in order before the next running challenge in September.
The final marathon was great and fuelled by adrenaline of it being the last one I felt great.
It was nice to hear me get a mention by the race organiser before we started over the PA system which gave me a little buzz. It was also nice to start the race with my sister, who despite having not trained much due to a bad back, completed the half marathon in 2hrs 40mins.
We started the race together but split up after about 4 miles. The crowds and marshals were brilliant throughout the race and having water stops at around every 3 miles helped, it also meant that I didn't have to carry anything which given the previous 5 days was a blessing!
I completed the first half in around 2hrs 16mins and I was concerned that having ran under 5 hours the previous day that I may suffer from burnout. But in fact the opposite happened and I gradually got quicker, not by much but quicker.
As I clocked the miles downs I was starting to think about the big Sunday roast at The One Elm afterwards.
Finally, I went passed the 25 mile marker and the end was in sight. As I crossed the river Avon for the last time I knew I had enough to kick on a bit more without the risk of cramping up.
As I entered the grassed park I knew it was the finishing area, it was hear that I heard someone shouting, not for me but for someone behind me and I could tell that they had upped their pace. So being the stubborn and competitive individual that I am I did the same determined that they would pip me on the line, after all I saw how gutted the guy was when I did it to him in the London Ultra in February.
Well he didn't pass me on the line but at the same time my supporters almost missed me coming in as they weren't expecting me to come through so soon.
I finally crossed the line in 4hrs 24mins my quickest marathon of the six which was pretty good going.
At the end it was great to see my family and friends including the surprise of George (fellow Lands end - John O Groats companion) who had drove from Devon that morning to be there!
The kids looked pleased to see me and were wearing t-shirts with Run Daddy Run on them which was very sweet.
So that was it the running was complete and there was only one thing left to do and that was eat and enjoy a refreshing pint which I did.
So the 6 marathons looked like this:
Day/Marathon 1 (27miles) - 4hrs 30mins
Day/Marathon 2 (26.2miles) - 5hrs 16mins
Day/Marathon 3 (27miles) - 5hrs 6mins
Day/Marathon 4 (26.2miles) - 5hrs 5mins
Day/Marathon 5 (26.2miles) - 4hrs 45mins
Day/Marathon 6 (26.2miles) - 4hrs 24mins
The toughest day by far was the second day but overall I'm extremely proud of what I have done and although I ran most days on my own I could of done it without the support of family and friends including:
* Veryan (the wife) for putting up with me!
* Roy and Su (brother) for picking me up and dropping me off several of the days and feeding me
* Debbie for letting me stay at The Gate House B&B and feeding me a fab breakfast
* Chink (bessie mate) for the massage and Chinese
* Andrew Kendall for cycling with me on Saturday
* Emma for picking me up on day 2 to take me to the start
* Janet (sister) for making sure I had everything I needed for the last day
* Kieron for the post marathons massage
I'm sure I may have missed people, the support I received throughout the week via messages on Facebook and Twitter was amazing too and really kept me motivated so thank you!
Now it's time to put the running shoes away and bring out the bike as in 3 weeks time it's Challenge number 5 the Castle 100mile bike ride!
The sponsorship currently sits just under £2k including gift aid so again thank you and it really doesn't matter how big or small the donation is!
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