Categories: uncategorized
Date: 05 June 2007 20:01:55
The next checkpoint is the Heart of England at 53miles, this takes in the grassy section along to Braunston before climbing over the tunnel and along to Norton junction. Along this section I ended up running with a few others and was quite grateful for the company, we variously slowed or stopped and met with crew but were never far apart through to the New Inn at Norton junction.
I met my crew here and got my bumbag & bottle restocked as well as grabbing a smoothie to take along with me. Whilst this was happening I spotted my father-in-law's beer which was somehow irresistible, so I cheekily had a couple of sips, possibly the best thing I'd tasted all day! The day was wearing on now and it had been raining gently for a while, so I also took this opportunity to swap to a long sleeved base layer.
Back out on my own again through to the checkpoint with nothing much to note except one of my work colleagues and his kids coming to visit and check out some canal boats, a friendly face is welcome at any stage of the race even if you can't stop for long to chat.
I really can't remember the checkpoint but left still focussed and knowing the next milestone was checkpoint five at Navigation Bridge. This is the 70mile mark and the first official cut off, marking the start of the night stage through Milton Keynes and beyond. I remember getting there in the dark last year but so far things were looking good to at least get there in the twilight.