Day 3: Hills, Heat, and ex Roses 🌹

This morning started with bleary eyes and not much sleep in the tank. By late morning, my body decided to treat me to a little flare-up, because why not add a dash of drama to the day? Sleep continues to be elusive, but the road waits for no one, so we were up and rolling by 5:45 am. It was already warm, though the overnight rain had at least left the air feeling a bit fresher.

Today’s roads were kinder than yesterday’s rollercoaster. Fewer gut-busting climbs, though the long, shallow inclines had a sneaky way of stretching on forever. In fact, the last 25–30 km felt like someone had set the treadmill to “permanent uphill.” Still, the countryside made up for it, pretty lanes, supportive people cheering us on, and plenty of encouragement from strangers who had every reason to be grumpy about us holding up traffic, but to our suprise, nothing but kindness!

The real surprise? Discovering that Sharon Whitehead, we casually met this morning, turns out to be Sharon Whitehead, Ex England Red Rose. Yes, I spent 2 days unknowingly being shadowed by an actual England rugby legend. No big deal. Just me, my wheelchair, and an England rose casually following and running along the side of me.

Later, I had a call from some incredible coaches and players in the Philippines. They’ve endured earthquakes, hardships, and still find ways to play and love the sport. That call had me in tears. To hear their passion and resilience while I grumble about pain, sore arms and heatstroke… let’s just say perspective hit hard.

Speaking of heat: my body and the sun are not friends. Twice today I brushed a little too close to heatstroke once and fell head first into it the second time. Hydration helps, but it also means more pit stops. And to add insult to injury, my vest top decided to rub my underarm raw. Tomorrow’s fashion statement may involve some creative scissor-work to prevent further skin loss. Ultra-marathons: come for the challenge, stay for the chafing.

The final stretch into Peterborough was brutal: a dead-straight road, no shade, blazing sun, and an incline that never seemed to end. Five hours and one minute later, I stumbled into the finish. So close to breaking the five-hour mark, but the oven-like conditions slowed me down. Still, it was my fastest day yet (bonus!).

Tonight’s accommodation? A chapel lodge with dodgy Wi-Fi and limited food options. Thankfully, Hallie and Cat swooped in with sandwich supplies, because between flare-ups and the usual every 3 day meds, I wasn’t much for dining out. Fingers crossed the car is still in the car park by morning! Peterborough isn’t winning any charm awards from us so far. Joel was accosted by a few rather unsavoury characters who yelled at him for no reason at all!

But despite the hurdles, mechanical hiccups, fatigue, heat, and the odd dodgy town, my breathing is solid, my strength is holding, and my spirits are being kept afloat by unexpected rugby royalty, international friends, and the incredible, funny and tireless support crew.

Onward to Day 4. Bring it on.