Finishing up the first week of the 13 in 13 Challenge is a route that incorporates many of the places Emma played hockey. Starting at her school, St. George's College, Weybridge, the route runs parallel to the River Thames, passing through Walton-on-Thames and then crosses the river at Hampton Court. From there it is on to Teddington School, the home Teddington Hockey Club, before crossing back to the south side of the river at Kingston Bridge. Then it's a straight run to New Malden before hopefully reaching today's destination, Raynes Park High School, home of Wimbledon Hockey Club.

Actual Distance:  14.74 miles

Total Duration:  1 hr 52 mins 59 secs

Half Marathon Time:  1 hr 40 mins 46 secs

Blister Count:  +0  =  6  (no new blisters to report. However, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the ones on my toes grew arms and legs. Not going to lie... it is a little bit sore)

Started in glorious sunshine... finished in the pouring rain. But nothing was going to dampen my spirits today. 

Despite being one of the longer runs in the Challenge, I loved this one. Not that I needed any extra motivation, but with this run marking the end of the first week (and my 'hump day' run), starting at the tree planted in Emma's memory next to the astroturf pitches at Emma's old school (and home of Old Georgians Hockey Club), St George's College, Weybridge, made this run even more poignant.

Another flat course, I was able to settle into a comfortable pace early on and felt good passing through Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames and West Moseley. Crossing the river at Hampton Court Bridge, passing Hampton Court Palace and entering Bushey Park, the legs felt good and I was cheered on by some very friendly deer as I headed towards my first stop at Teddington School, home of Teddington Hockey Club, where I was greeted by two coaching colleagues, Neil Guilder and Taj Dogra. I also bumped into former Surbiton legend, Nat Maclean. After a quick Q&A with some junior hockey players, they took me for a lap of the pitch (great to have the support of so many from the hockey community) and waved me on my way.

From there I followed the river, crossing over Kingston Bridge to begin the final section, through Kingston and New Malden, before arriving at Raynes Park High School, home of Wimbledon Hockey Club, who were setting up a Talent Academy session as I arrived. 

Lots of people to thank today for hosting, supporting, facilitating, etc. Huge thanks to the staff at St George's College - Mrs Owens (Headmistress) who very kindly allowed me to access the site during the school day, allowing me to warm up by the cricket pitches and begin the run at Emma's tree; Andy Cornick (Deputy Head and former Welsh international hockey player); Dan Shingles (Assistant Director of Sport) and Tom Carson (Head of Boys' Hockey), both of whom are current national Premier Division champions with Old Georgians HC. Thanks also to friends and coaching colleagues, Neil Guilder (Director of Hockey), Taj Dogra (Ladies 1st XI Head Coach) and their coaching team at Teddington HC. And finally to Jimmy Culnane (Scotland Hockey Senior Women's Assistant Coach & U21 Head Coach, and Director of Hockey at Wimbledon HC).