It was an early start from the hotel on day 102. A completely random route around Croydon and Selhurst Park gave me 9.5 miles. My plan was to mop up the remaining mileage after the match and subsequent train journey home. There was a small risk of a train delay causing a problem but thankfully that didn't happen. 3.6 treadmill miles back at home gave a final time of 03:28:00.
I finished running at 23:40 which meant that my planned early run on Monday was very much in jeopardy.
Day 103's early start didn't happen. In fact, it was another late start on the treadmill. I've lost count of these 8pm and later starts. A time of 03:01:18 was the quickest I'd managed for nearly 2 weeks. That's what 20 hours of recovery gets you! It's a pity I never have that luxury on the coast to coast events.
I opted for a change of scenery and a new route on day 104. This one took me through Bedlington, Choppington, Guidepost and Stakeford before I reached the banks of the river Wansbeck.
The 18:30 start meant that I'd need to be ahead of my recent average pace if I was to leave the river side by sunset. The route down the north bank of the river was deserted. There wasn't a soul about. Instead, my company were rabbits, swans, geese, ducks and horses.
I made it to the "top right" of the run just after half way in Ashington. I headed back towards the river knowing that it would soon be dark. I ran for just over a mile along the north bank and made it to the bridge at Sheepwash (I love that name) just as the light was fading.
I tiptoed across the bridge so as not to disturb a couple of sleeping swans underneath.
There was a nice climb back up to Guidepost. I don't mind admitting that I had nothing left in the tank by the time I reach the top of the hill after 10 miles. I got a second wind with the finish line was in sight. One quick check of my watch told me that I'd need to run a quarter of a mile past my house then back again to get the full 13.1 miles in. It was during that section that I saw my last bit of wildlife for the day. An owl flew right in front of me.
I was very pleased to finish this new and challenging route in 03:21:35.
The real success of day 103 was in the form of a £1000 donation from Chapman Ventilation. They have supported my runs for 15 years now. Imagine my utter elation when I saw the email notification come though from JustGiving. A huge thank you goes to Chapman Ventilation for their amazing generousity.
A few fundraising landmarks were reached on day 103. Firstly, the £185,000 barrier was breached for St. Benedict's Hospice of which £3,000 was for the 365 campaign. Finally, the overall fundraising total surpassed £380,000.
Thank you once again to everyone who has donated and continues to donate. I see you and it's not lost on me that numerous people continue to donate after all these years. If you'd like to sponsor my running by making a donation to St. Benedict's Hospice then please visit www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365.
