Day 4 of the Great Barrow challenge

For some reason I thought that today I would wake up full of beans and excited as we had only one more marathon to go but unfortunately I was in way too much pain and so over tired to feel anything other than totally shattered! We got to the start line nice and early today and got going about 8am. Day 4 was near enough all on road leading through towns such as Newmarket. We saw some really lovely scenery running past the race horse tracks and training paddocks.

The fact that it was the last day really seemed to inspire us. We dug deep and kept our running at a fantastic pace. Our 4th marathon in 4 days and we were somehow managing to keep running at around 10 and a half minute miles...(for some of them anyway!!) Our support on the last day was amazing. Although the trails were as lonely as ever, at every check point we were met with a chorus of whistles and party horns!

As the miles past, 17,18,19 we showed no sign at all of slowing up. We just wanted this over with now! At mile 20, the final check point, we arrived a lot faster than expected and our army of supporters were quite surprised to see us!!! So again it was time for a quick drink and time to smash out the last 6 miles! We still managed to maintain our impressive pace...and at mile 23 my phone beeped. A text that Chloe was at the finishing line waiting for me! This really spurred me on and made us dig deep and get the last 3 miles done.
 
As we approached the last mile, we were all unsure how we would react as we crossed the line. I must admit these things can be quite emotional. As we approached the line, we saw Ian’s mum in the distance frantically running down the street making sure she was at the finish line to take photos as we crossed!!

Finally we had done it...4 days of hell was finally over.

As we crossed the line we hugged each other and our partners and were met with a whole heap of congratulations. It was fantastic. We all shared a glass of champagne which Ian’s girlfriends parents kindly brought us and we waited for our medals...

But we were told that the medals had not arrived and we would get them through the post!!!!!
 Although disappointing this didn't dampen us at all. A medal now would have been great but nothing could stop us feeling great about what we had achieved.

We have currently raised just over £2500 for 3 very worthwhile charities making the whole thing even more of an achievement.

So the Great Barrow challenge is over. It was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever done but I have to admit I loved every second of it. I will certainly be looking for my next challenge and I'm sure Charlie will be too. Ian says that's enough for him but I don't believe him for a second!

Until my next post!!

Glenn