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Stage 5: Linslade to Kings Langley. 19.4 miles

Russell Anthony

If today were a Smiths song it would definitely be ‘Heaven knows I’m miserable now’. It pissed it down all day, a few patches of sunshine but on the whole just sodding rain. I bet I looked a right picture at lunchtime taking off my fleece, socks and boots and drying them on he pub radiator! My socks really stank too! I don’t mind saying today was a slog, my shins are letting me down so I hobbled most of the 19 miles today. I looked that bad a passing canal boat even offered me a lift. I declined of … Continue reading Stage 5: Linslade to Kings Langley. 19.4 miles

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Stage 4: Stoke Bruerne to Linslade. 26.1 miles

Russell Anthony

Difficult day today, my right shin was giving me some real grief this morning and I found the concrete path walking in Milton Keynes difficult to cope with. Thankfully, despite a rather large detour around the canal due to building work, I managed to get through to lunch. I had a proper rest trying to sort my leg out with seemed to help. Some big old viaducts today, feels a bit weird crossing over an A-road 20m above on the canal! The heron was back today, definitely the same one, had the same jacket on. I was also joined by … Continue reading Stage 4: Stoke Bruerne to Linslade. 26.1 miles

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Stage 3: Braunston to Stoke Bruerne. 21.6 miles

Russell Anthony

Leapt out of bed this morning raring to go…(didn’t happen). The good news is that today I had company with the father in law joining me, and the wife and boys meeting us for lunch at 1pm. A bit more life on the canal today and most people along the way were very chatty – except for one guy wearing a captains hat. He looked like a tit though so all good. We kept a steady 3mph pace through to lunch at the Wharf at Bugbrooke. Taking my boots and socks off was possibly the second best experience of my … Continue reading Stage 3: Braunston to Stoke Bruerne. 21.6 miles

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Stage 2: Hatton Locks to Braunston. 21.5 miles

Russell Anthony

Day 2…stiff as an ironing board today. Took a long while to get moving! The sun came out too and I managed to burn my head before reaching the first checkpoint – The Moorings in Leamington Spa. It was only 5.5 miles but felt like double!! Apart from odd bloated dead animal and a heron who was definitely following me, it was a slog this morning. Fortunately my good lady met me for lunch at the Two Boats Inn at Long Itchington which was just the boost I needed. I set off again with gusto knowing I only had 10 … Continue reading Stage 2: Hatton Locks to Braunston. 21.5 miles

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Stage 1: Birmingham to Hatton. 24 miles

Russell Anthony

This seems to have come around far too quickly! With more energy snacks than a real athlete I caught the train to New Street, had the breakfast of kings (egg bap & coffee) at Pret and headed off to the start line. The first stage looped around Birmingham via Small Heath along to Catherine De Barnes. The first 12 miles were about as exciting as a Mrs Browns Boys box set so I was pleased to finally get out in the open. I did manage a quick cuppa in the weirdest cafe I’ve ever been in – a ‘local cafe … Continue reading Stage 1: Birmingham to Hatton. 24 miles

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Checkpoints (updated)

Russell Anthony

Saturday 4th May Stage 1:  Birmingham Gas Street to Hatton Top Lock Checkpoint Location Distance 1 Birmingham Gas Street 0 2 Small Heath Station 4 3 Happy Heart Café, Olton 9 4 Boat Inn, Catherine De Barnes 12 5 Navigation Inn, Kingswood 17 6 Hatton Arms, Hatton Locks 24 Sunday 5th May Stage 2:  Hatton Top Lock to Braunston Checkpoint Location Distance 1 Hatton Arms, Hatton Locks 0 2 The Moorings, Leamington Spa 5.5 3 Fosse Top Lock 9 4 Two Boats Inn, Long Itchington 12.5 5 Lower Shuckbrough 17 6 Boat House, Braunston 21.5 Monday 6th May Stage 3:  … Continue reading Checkpoints (updated)

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Toe…

Russell Anthony

So that’s it, the last prep walk done, once again courtesy of iFootpath.  Took in the delights of Ullesthorpe and Claybrooke Parva to name but two!  My toe is once again giving me jip, but being a typical male, I’ve failed to get it checked out prior to next week.  I was also rather regretting the 7 pints of Carling consumed yesterday (well it was West Ham v Spurs on the TV in the Pub!), so it took a bit of motivation to get myself moving.  Once I was underway it was pretty straight forward walking today – doggo enjoyed … Continue reading Toe…

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Easter

Russell Anthony

The temporary Easter heatwave limited today’s prep walk.  Managed a few miles down the Oxford canal on Saturday morning with Doggo before calling it a day.  I am getting slightly concerned that similar temperatures in 2 weeks time is going to make life significantly more difficult! I hadn’t previously considered shorts as an option!  On the plus side I managed to bring my average km pace to 10m 9secs.  I was planning another walk on Sunday but the effects of a friends 40th birthday party the night before ruled that out. My marathon runner buddy has recommended I invest in … Continue reading Easter

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March…

Russell Anthony

Only 55 days until I set off, yikes!  It seems to be counting down a little too quickly!  The good news is sponsorship has almost hit the £800 which I’m really chuffed about.  Money raised will not only fund vital research but also to provide support for those affected by Diabetes. I’ve managed 3 prep walks now, the latest being a 13km jaunt down the Oxford Canal in Rugby.  I took doggo so I reckon that probably adds another 10%!  I felt pretty good to be fair, despite the muddy canal paths I was able to make good time, averaging … Continue reading March…