Down to the last five...

Run number 95 this evening.  I was joined by Mick, Gaz and Frank and we ran from Uppermill through Greenfield, around Dovestones Reservoir and back up around the Greenfield loop to Uppermill again.  Mick has run the Great North a few times and has managed and owned the local gym for years before moving into the Senior care business.  It was good to go out with a group, and it made me feel pretty well supported, although I was at least 2 or three paces behind the others for most of the run.  I started off feeling nauseous, but hid it from the others, then when we were running back round the Greenfield loop my left ankle started to ache.  It turned out to be just a twinge of something, but I had to see the funny side, given I was telling Mick I'd had no injuries since the challenge started in June.

We got pretty soaked in the downpour on the way back to Uppermill, but we are just preparing ourselves for rain on Sunday if needs be. 

A follow-up story appeared in tonight's Oldham Chronicle, which is good to let people know the challenge is nearly over (i.e I saw the challenge through and didn't just disappear with the free running gear from Helly Hansen).  The story carried a photo taken in July when I have more layers on than a Man City Midfielder, and thankfully the chin has disappeared in real life, as I hoped it would.

My fellow runners this evening: Gaz, Mick and Frank

Thanks Mick, Gaz and Frank for setting the pace and encouraging me all the way tonight.

Yesterday's run - 6.5 miles
Tonight's run - 7.8 miles

Two Fat Ladies

So we reach run 88.  It was an evening run with Gaz and Frank, and we extended it to include both Friezland Lane , Top Mossley and up through Lydgate, heading back down through Greenfield and into Uppermill via the Bridle path.  At the start, I felt sluggish if truth be told.  I dropped back to a comfortable pace, however shot past them post desperate for somewhere to stop for a wee.  A van in the car park of the Farrah's Arms was my salvation, and we ended on 8.6 miles.

We're adding more miles in the run up to the Great North, so I'll be out with them again on Thursday, and with Pat tomorrow night.

Yesterday's run - 6.2 miles
Today's - 8.6 miles

I was thinking today - what am I going to celebrate with?  A glass of fizz? An ice-cold beer?

If I could transport The Diggle Hotel to South Shields, I'd really like one of these:

Running with Gareth and Frank

An evening run today, and it was a faster-pace one at that.  Gareth and Frank are both running with me on the final 100th run, next month's Bupa Great North Run, so this evening's run was a tester for me to keep up with their pace.  I'm sure Frank is half machine, the way he shot up Friezland Lane towards the Bridle path that led us out to Mossley Hollins School and down to Micklehurst, before heading up to Top Mossley, Grasscroft, Greenfield and back to Uppermill.  It felt good to be tested, as when I'm out on my solo runs, it's easy to fall into a comfortable pace, then stay like that until the end of the run.  I led a couple of times, although I wasn't sure if it was adrenalin kicking in on my part or the others had dropped back to make me feel better...Either way it was a really enjoyable run and clocked in at 8 miles.

Thanks to Gareth and Frank for the company and pace setting.  The speed I thought I lost during the runs in the heat in France has returned, along with the fire in my belly!

Yesterday's run - 6.3 miles
Today's run - 8 miles

Thank you to the Roebucks

I'd like to say a massive thank you to Julia Roebuck's Sister in Law, who arranged a very nice surprise for me when I was passing on Shaw Hall Bank Road on the run this morning.  Julia, who's today's run is dedicated to her son Alex, had asked when I would be passing on that route, so I gave her a rough estimate of around 9:30.

I planned to do the 6.4 mile route from Diglea to Friezland Church and back, taking in Dobcross and Uppermill.

As I passed Friezland Church, I kept my eye out for anyone loitering around the house where Julia had told me her relatives live, but nothing.  I carried on running, however caught sight of the time when I was passing Greenfield train station - I was at least 15 mins early.  I ran down top the top of Chapel Road, then turned back and did another lap back down to the church.  This time I noticed there was now a huge banner tied to the railings outside the house with "WELL DONE TOM" and "RUN 58" emblazoned in huge font.  I also got a wave as I ran past.  To say this gave me a boost is an understatement.  I was grinning from ear to ear, and finished the last 3.5 miles at race pace - a real high.  Thank you Roebucks - I really appreciated that!

I'm so glad I turned back and did the extra lap.  The kindness and support was amazing - and from people I don't know, I've only communicated with Julia, and she picked up on the link to my blog as it had been posted on twitter by another mum who received an earlier dedication.

Today's run - 7.4 miles, dedicated to Alex Roebuck and thanks again to all the Roebucks for your support

Full steam ahead...

May have overdone it this morning.  7.4 miles and I ran at a quicker pace knowing I was due to start earlier to conduct more ineterviews.  I'll take the dog out later to stretch out any niggles...