Water to the right, energy drink to the left.

So yesterday, our job at the Erewash Half Marathon was to man the water station at Gallows Inn. This point to point race was due to kick off from Langley Mill lock with the first wave of runners setting off at around 8.30am and the last wave at about 10. 45am.

We certainly knew who was more intent on getting a good time as they raced past our table without grabbing for a drink and with the first man to arrive at our station just before nine, he must have run a very fast 4.5 miles in about 30 minutes.

But loads did stop, some even for a natter just out to enjoy the experience. We even had a visually impaired lady stop, no one to guide her as she prefers to run alone. Hats off to her and all those that took part. The finish was at West Park in Long Eaton and I know from our ECP&DA volunteers at the Sandiacre station that all were counted through. Not much further from that point, maybe another 2 miles. 

A fishing match was taking place below Gallows Inn just a few of the problems the runners had to negotiate. Cyclists and dog walkers letting dogs off their leads were also problematic.

Nearly ready to set off in FS for new adventures yet to come. The Beast had been taken back to the storage yard where we were unaware that problems had arisen. As I went to move our car away from the Beasts spot, not a sound heard when I turned the key. The battery was as dead as a dodo! On the hunt for jump leads a security guard came good by producing a pair. So with the engine started I drove the car onto the road and Ian reversed the Beast into its bay. Had to leave the engine ticking over and by the time we had unloaded everything from the Beast to the car, a high pitched warning sound was heard followed by a red flashing STOP STOP from the dashboard. We had only gone and overheated!. No water in the radiator which seemed strange as no leak was detected. Maybe the hot weather conditions experienced in the Midlands had caused the problem? Anyway after topping up the tank, leaving her for a short while with the engine off, then having to use the jump leads again to restart her, all turned out good in the end.