Day 6: Wind, Wheels, and a Plastic Shower Pod

Ah, Day 6. The glamorous world of endurance events continues, today brought us the Ibis Hotel, home to possibly the most avant-garde bathroom I’ve ever encountered. Imagine someone took a plastic caravan shower, dropped it inside a hotel room, and called it modern design. I half expected to find a steering wheel in there.

Yesterday was a “recovery day,” which basically means I spent the day making sure I didn’t end up in what I affectionately call “coma mode” that delightful state where my body completely shuts down, I can’t move, and I communicate solely through groaning for painkillers. Not ideal mid-challenge. So, rest day = essential.

This morning, my lovely wife headed home, which was bittersweet. Last year, I cried buckets when she left, mostly because I didn’t want to be left alone with those who were making my life a living hell. This year was easier, though still sad to see my wife go home. But I’m surrounded by a cracking team: Hallie, her dad Paul (legend), and Joel. They’re endlessly cheerful, encouraging, and somehow make even the hardest bits look easy. Honestly, they’re the kind of team I always imagined sportspeople had, minus the egos and plus all the smiles.

Fast, Furious, and Full of Potholes

Performance-wise? Not too shabby. I managed to beat my half marathon world record pace by about a minute, despite facing a headwind that felt like Mother Nature was testing her leaf blower on me. The terrain went from “decent” to “pothole obstacle course” by the end. Think of it as an extreme sport, Wheelchair Slalom: Roadkill Edition.

Speaking of which… the amount of roadkill I’ve seen this week is enough to start a wildlife documentary. Today alone: a badger (heartbreaking), a barn owl (first I’ve ever seen... wish it was alive), and an alarming number of rabbits, pigeons, and squirrels. Honestly, it’s like the countryside’s version of a war zone. Also, people, if you’ve lost a shoe, your pants, or half your McDonald’s meal, I can confirm it’s now decorating Britain’s verges.

Surprise News and Suspect Reporters

On Thursday, I got a text from a reporter saying I’d made the top four for the Pride of Britain Awards for Fundraising. My initial reaction? “Nice try, scammer.” But it turns out it might be real! I’ve replied, and… radio silence. So, we’ll see. Could still be an elaborate prank, but if it isn’t... wow. Even just being nominated feels huge.

Today was cooler (hallelujah), with strong winds that made it feel like a budget re-enactment of The Wizard of Oz. Fewer spectators, though possibly because one local newspaper helpfully framed our challenge as “these people will be blocking your roads.” Charming. Still, the smaller villages were wonderfully supportive, proof that kindness multiplies once you leave city limits.

Looking Ahead (and Forward to Tea)

Finished the 50 km in around 4 hours 40 minutes, my fastest yet, hitting personal bests for 30K, 40K, and 50K. I’ll take that! The last 5 km were brutal... constant hills, shocking surface, and a headwind that should have had its own postcode, but we did it.

We’re having tea downstairs tonight (no energy left for exploring), and honestly, the Ibis is winning simply because it’s nicer than Peterborough. Tomorrow’s going to be chaotic, finish the route, dash to a ceremony in York, somehow find food, and then start again from York Rugby Club the next day. Piece of cake… right?

Got a lovely message this morning from Emily and Delica from Canada Rugby, and two of the nicest humans alive, which lifted my spirits enormously.

So yes, Day 6 is in the bag. One plastic bathroom, several potholes, and a small hurricane later, we’re still rolling. Day 7 tomorrow, the final push! Let’s see what the body says about that idea.