To slightly paraphrase the immortal words of Sir Edmund Hillary, "well, that's the bastard knocked off". An amazing day, an amazing event, an amazing feeling. Oh, and the hardest thing I've ever done in my life! Up front, I didn't make my target time, but to be honest, that's barely important right now.
After I left you this morning, an untroubled but rather busy commute got me to the Blue Start just after 0815. Plenty of time to loosen off, dump the kit bag, drink and warm up. They got us into the start pens (organised by expected time, I was in 4) just after 9, at which point the heavens opened and it absolutely pissed down for 20 minutes. Just like home. As soon as they take the tapes down and let the pens merge, much jostling and use of the grass verge ensues, and I ended up alongside a load of Pen 2 people. Lots of chat and banter all the way, a general longing for steak, chips and beer, and hearty "good lucks" all round.
0945 and we're off. Desperately trying to keep the pace sensible, which is actually quite easy becasue of the sheer number of runners. A quick dash to the loos at 2 miles (lesson lerned - go before, even if you have to leave the start pen. It's quicker to pass a few people than lose a minute in the loo) and I settled into a very steady pace, with 5ks in just under 25 minutes as I slowly brought myself back to bang on target pace by half way.
Or at least, what Garmin thought was target pace. As I checked the distance against the mile markers, it became apparent that with all the weaving across the road to find clear air, I was running slightly more than the posted distance, so I still needed some mental arithmetic at each mile marker to double check.
No real dramas in the first half, other than a slightly sore knee around Cutty Sark that soon passed. Just as I went over the half in 1:45:20, the men's leader came the other way, just passing the 22 mile marker. As I plodded on at my target pace, I was feeling OK, but it was pretty sticky and humid after the rain, and as the sun started to peek through it got pretty hot.
All was going well until 15 miles, when the top of my left thigh started to tighten rather horribly - the muscle that runs across the top of the anterior thigh from just under the groin. This area of my leg is often stiff during long runs, but never to this extent. Within half a mile or so, it was clear that I was going to need to slow down to see if it settled. It didn't, so Plan B was dusted down. The one that says "don't do any damage, ease off the pace and bring the vehicle home in one piece".
I hobbled on, in a fairly unseemly gait until mile 19, whereupon my bowels informed me that a "Paula" was in the offing. Fortunately some portaloos hove into view at this point, and I spent 4 minutes attending to matters. Oddly, when I came out, the thigh seemed to have settled a bit and I was able to push on at a slightly better pace for the next few miles. It started to tighten again around mile 24, but by this point you're starting to think "made it" and can afford to push on through the soreness. The appearance of Big Ben on the skyline constitutes the "not far now moment", and turning off the Embankment at mile 25, I was starting to sport a smile and build up the sprint finish (officially the world's slowest, to be fair).
The last mile is just unbelievable. Up Birdcage Walk, the crowds (of whom more later) are so noisy it's untrue. The smile becomes a big grin as 600m to go appears, and that longed for right turn at the Palace is taken. Mustering the last reserves of energy for the final blast up The Mall I must be honest, I was feeling pretty euphoric. Slightly worried that the race photos will show this exhausted loon encouraging the crowds to greater cheering. I was absolutely ecstatic to cross the line - both because it was over and I'd done it.
So. My time? 3:52:20, officially. 8716th finisher and 1034th in the MV45-49 category. Well outside my target, but still under 4 hours, which I am very proud of. The splits of 1:45:20 and 2:07:00 tell the story of the race, the leg and the pit stop. Oh, and Garmin reckoned I did 26.75 miles. Just what you need.
The finish procedure is simple. Man snips timing chip of shoe. Woman presents medal. Man takes "Finisher" photograph. Wander up The Mall and recover Kit Bag. All done in about 10 mins. Then it was off to the Marie Curie reception at the Charing Cross hotel for a shower, massage and refreshments. And that's it. The day is done.
Now, some other thoughts. The event itself is simply unbelievable. The organisation is like clockwork, the huge number of volunteers - without whom there'd be no race - are exceptional, and the crowds, well, there are almost no words to describe them. Every yard of the route is lined with enthusiastic, smiling and supportive people. Whether just encouraging, handing out sweets or fruit or bantering, they're special. Around the major landmarks like Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge they're 10 deep. Even round the canyons of Canary Wharf. it's mobbed, and from there to the finish they just build in numbers and support.
I simply can't express how much I enjoyed the day. The run could have been better, but so what, other marathons are available. But I don't think the day or the experience could. I'm very proud to be able to say "I am a Marathoner".
Sunday 25 April 2010
0 days and no more counting
Or, today's the day.
Well. Here we are. This is what all the training, talking, training, blogging, training and tweeting has been about. It's just before 7, I've eaten a light breakfast of bread and cereals, drunk some water and some Lucozade Sport. It looks dray and as if the cloud is going to break up nicely.
There's nothing else for it. I have to go and do this.
Race plan is simple. Steady pace all the way round and remember that if I start slow because of the sheer number of runners, I've got LOTS of miles to make it steadily back to target pace. That's all I've got.
Thanks again to everyone for all their support. Family, friends, colleagues, Facebookers, Tweeters. It's all been invaluable.
The hotel made sure it's evening menu had high carb options last night, which was a nice move. Thai Fishcakes with noodles followed by my first ever vegetarian main course of Tagliatelle & Courgette with a Basil & Tomato sauce - yummy - and I did allow myself a small but relaxing glass of Rioja to help with the nerves (it did).
To my immense surprise, I slept great - best sleep for about a fortnight. Woke just before 6 feeling refreshed, so I didn't need any of the 3 alarms scattered across the room OR the alarm call (paranoid, moi?).
As London Underground and SouthEastern trains provide free travel for competitors, the immediate future goes: walk to Westminster, Jubilee line to London Bridge, train to Blackheath, dump the kit bag, use the toilet 23 times, start.
After that, who knows?
Well. Here we are. This is what all the training, talking, training, blogging, training and tweeting has been about. It's just before 7, I've eaten a light breakfast of bread and cereals, drunk some water and some Lucozade Sport. It looks dray and as if the cloud is going to break up nicely.
There's nothing else for it. I have to go and do this.
Race plan is simple. Steady pace all the way round and remember that if I start slow because of the sheer number of runners, I've got LOTS of miles to make it steadily back to target pace. That's all I've got.
Thanks again to everyone for all their support. Family, friends, colleagues, Facebookers, Tweeters. It's all been invaluable.
The hotel made sure it's evening menu had high carb options last night, which was a nice move. Thai Fishcakes with noodles followed by my first ever vegetarian main course of Tagliatelle & Courgette with a Basil & Tomato sauce - yummy - and I did allow myself a small but relaxing glass of Rioja to help with the nerves (it did).
To my immense surprise, I slept great - best sleep for about a fortnight. Woke just before 6 feeling refreshed, so I didn't need any of the 3 alarms scattered across the room OR the alarm call (paranoid, moi?).
As London Underground and SouthEastern trains provide free travel for competitors, the immediate future goes: walk to Westminster, Jubilee line to London Bridge, train to Blackheath, dump the kit bag, use the toilet 23 times, start.
After that, who knows?
Saturday 24 April 2010
1 day and counting
Or, Why do I keep counting?
So, I made it!!!! In London, registered, race number (here it is) locked in the safe in the room and just waiting now.
For once, the gods of transport smiled kindly on me and I made an untroubled journey south yesterday - even half an hour early into Heathrow. That's not the sort of thing that happens every day.
After checking in at my hotel (which includes a very nice iMac in every room, upon which this missive is being typed) I headed straight off to the registration expo at the ExCel centre in the Docklands. Despite the fears of huge queues, I managed to get registered and have my number and timing chip in my hand within 5 minutes of walking through the door.
The rest of the exhibition is a kind of runner heaven, wandering a hall full of suppliers of every kind of clothing, footwear, nutritional aid, gadget and training methodology you can find. There appear, for example, to be about 3,487 different types of running sock available and more things made of clingy Lycra than is strictly decent. I managed to restrict myself to a t-shirt, a fleece, and a surprising quantity of Lucozade Sport. There's the obligatory pasta party too.
All the charities have stands there and I managed to get my vest swapped for a more realistic size (Large?, cheeky buggers) by the nice people at Marie Curie, who also let me know that they can courier us to the post-race reception by bicycle rickshaw if the aching limbs can't face it. Nice. There are also representatives from other races there to publicise their event, and I appear to have collected approximately 20 of them. I really should know better.
Having said that, the Marathon du Mans, running round the circuit of the great 24 hour sports car race, looks fun. As does the Marrakech Marathon. And the Tromso Polar Night Half Marathon (at night, good chance of seeing Aurora Borealis). And the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes (Nice-Cannes). I have a horrible feeling I may be developing a bug - although if you ask me again in about 28 hours, the answer may be different.
Today shall be a day of (almost) rest. Didn't get quite the sleep I was looking for last night, but a gentle stroll around the shops is the order of the day. Plenty of water, plenty of carbs, use the walk to loosen off the legs that haven't run for over a week.
And, finally, I have been putting together an hour's music for tomorrow morning to help me chill and focus. All by The Music, who haven't featured as much as I expected in the videos on here, despite them writing some of the songs that connect most with me. Also, because there aren't many videos floating around out there. This is another of those home-made YouTube jobs, but this will be the last song I play before dumping the iPod in the kitbag and heading to the start.
More later...
For once, the gods of transport smiled kindly on me and I made an untroubled journey south yesterday - even half an hour early into Heathrow. That's not the sort of thing that happens every day.
After checking in at my hotel (which includes a very nice iMac in every room, upon which this missive is being typed) I headed straight off to the registration expo at the ExCel centre in the Docklands. Despite the fears of huge queues, I managed to get registered and have my number and timing chip in my hand within 5 minutes of walking through the door.
The rest of the exhibition is a kind of runner heaven, wandering a hall full of suppliers of every kind of clothing, footwear, nutritional aid, gadget and training methodology you can find. There appear, for example, to be about 3,487 different types of running sock available and more things made of clingy Lycra than is strictly decent. I managed to restrict myself to a t-shirt, a fleece, and a surprising quantity of Lucozade Sport. There's the obligatory pasta party too.
All the charities have stands there and I managed to get my vest swapped for a more realistic size (Large?, cheeky buggers) by the nice people at Marie Curie, who also let me know that they can courier us to the post-race reception by bicycle rickshaw if the aching limbs can't face it. Nice. There are also representatives from other races there to publicise their event, and I appear to have collected approximately 20 of them. I really should know better.
Having said that, the Marathon du Mans, running round the circuit of the great 24 hour sports car race, looks fun. As does the Marrakech Marathon. And the Tromso Polar Night Half Marathon (at night, good chance of seeing Aurora Borealis). And the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes (Nice-Cannes). I have a horrible feeling I may be developing a bug - although if you ask me again in about 28 hours, the answer may be different.
Today shall be a day of (almost) rest. Didn't get quite the sleep I was looking for last night, but a gentle stroll around the shops is the order of the day. Plenty of water, plenty of carbs, use the walk to loosen off the legs that haven't run for over a week.
And, finally, I have been putting together an hour's music for tomorrow morning to help me chill and focus. All by The Music, who haven't featured as much as I expected in the videos on here, despite them writing some of the songs that connect most with me. Also, because there aren't many videos floating around out there. This is another of those home-made YouTube jobs, but this will be the last song I play before dumping the iPod in the kitbag and heading to the start.
More later...
Friday 23 April 2010
2 days and counting
Or, here we go...
I'm home. Got back around 0100 this morning after a 22 hour day and, after 5 hours sleep, I'm up and about making preparations to head south for the big event. Got the boarding pass, got the shoes, the kit, the nerves, the vest, the giant Marie Curie daffodil costume (OK, that's not true). Game On.
Still struggling to believe it's going to happen, but I suppose I have to and start getting my mental preparation sorted out. For some last amusement, I see they're shutting some of the far northern airports again because of ash, but I guess I could probably drive there now!
Starting to feel some nerves, or is it excitement, or perhaps both. The plan is to try and register at ExCel tonight to avoid the rush tomorrow, which will hopefully give me a day to recharge and recover some of the sleep I've lost in the last week. Not much physically to do now, other than a brief loosener tomorrow to check the legs still work.
So, as I head off I will leave you with one last piece of music. Some of you will know I'm a longstanding fan of Canadian band Rush, and there's really only one piece of music I can finish up with. Marathon.
Come on, you knew I would
To finish off the stats, last week's runs bring me up to 699 in training, and the 2 miler to loosen off tomorrow will get me over 700. Quite proud of that.
Watch this space...
I'm home. Got back around 0100 this morning after a 22 hour day and, after 5 hours sleep, I'm up and about making preparations to head south for the big event. Got the boarding pass, got the shoes, the kit, the nerves, the vest, the giant Marie Curie daffodil costume (OK, that's not true). Game On.
Still struggling to believe it's going to happen, but I suppose I have to and start getting my mental preparation sorted out. For some last amusement, I see they're shutting some of the far northern airports again because of ash, but I guess I could probably drive there now!
Starting to feel some nerves, or is it excitement, or perhaps both. The plan is to try and register at ExCel tonight to avoid the rush tomorrow, which will hopefully give me a day to recharge and recover some of the sleep I've lost in the last week. Not much physically to do now, other than a brief loosener tomorrow to check the legs still work.
So, as I head off I will leave you with one last piece of music. Some of you will know I'm a longstanding fan of Canadian band Rush, and there's really only one piece of music I can finish up with. Marathon.
Come on, you knew I would
To finish off the stats, last week's runs bring me up to 699 in training, and the 2 miler to loosen off tomorrow will get me over 700. Quite proud of that.
Watch this space...
Thursday 22 April 2010
3 days and counting
Or, maybe, just maybe...Been quiet here on account of my holiday in Egypt being somewhat extended on account of that Icelandic volcano thing you may have heard about on the news.Was supposed to be home on Sunday, and with every passing day I've been more and more pessimistic about actually getting home for the race.
But yesterday, some hope, with the rumour that all the cancelled Sunday flights would go today. And an 0530 call to the local office thus morning resulted in a "Yes, you fly at 1715". Now, this is all still to happen, but for the first time in a week I'm starting to allow myself the thought that I'll actually make it.
I will now put the blog on (at least) daily updates as my travel unfolds and, hopefully, I meander my way towards the start line.
Oh, and by the way, just in case toy think all I've been doing is lying in the sun and drinking beer, this is not so. I've also drunk a few Gin & Tonics. And done three six mile runs up and down the path that runs between the resorts and the baech in this part of Sharm el-Sheikh. Believe me, London's going to have to be pretty warm to match the temperatures here, even a 0730. Have also managed to carb load quite effectively too - potatoes for breakfast, rice and pasta for dinner, and loads of salted peanuts to replenish the salt lost through sweat.
Hopefully I'm back on track. Keep your eyes on here for more updates...
But yesterday, some hope, with the rumour that all the cancelled Sunday flights would go today. And an 0530 call to the local office thus morning resulted in a "Yes, you fly at 1715". Now, this is all still to happen, but for the first time in a week I'm starting to allow myself the thought that I'll actually make it.
I will now put the blog on (at least) daily updates as my travel unfolds and, hopefully, I meander my way towards the start line.
Oh, and by the way, just in case toy think all I've been doing is lying in the sun and drinking beer, this is not so. I've also drunk a few Gin & Tonics. And done three six mile runs up and down the path that runs between the resorts and the baech in this part of Sharm el-Sheikh. Believe me, London's going to have to be pretty warm to match the temperatures here, even a 0730. Have also managed to carb load quite effectively too - potatoes for breakfast, rice and pasta for dinner, and loads of salted peanuts to replenish the salt lost through sweat.
Hopefully I'm back on track. Keep your eyes on here for more updates...
Saturday 10 April 2010
2 weeks and counting
Or, getting into the Taper spirit...
I don't think the drop off in miles in the Taper is supposed to be QUITE this dramatic. Because of various scheduling problems this week, I haven't been able to get the time to do as many runs as I'd like (and yes, I know I'm now a man of leisure and should have no such excuse).
Tuesday's recovery after Sunday's last long run was a part cross-country affair through the woods above town, down to the marina and back up the hill. As it followed 2 days of heavy rain, the tracks were sodden, and much care was needed. Slipping and tweaking something on a gentle recovery would be VERY silly.
Wednesday brought the last full track session at Scotstoun, with some good speedwork, albeit slightly hindered by another unhelpful headwind. Got 3 good miles in at 6:07, 6:14 and 6:21, following the "quality, not quantity" ethos of the Taper.
That, however, was that. Had various things happen on Thursday and Friday that meant a longer run wasn't possible, one of which was my leaving do on Friday night, which had the knock-on effect of a run today also being, erm, unwise (the dehydration...). And tomorrow, I head to Egypt for a week's holiday, to which I will be taking my trainers and planning to fit in 2 or 3 reasonable runs. Reckon the early morning temperatures will be cool enough to allow a 5-6 miler at reasonable pace, just to keep the legs turning.
So that's it. A very abbreviated week and blog. Musically, though, we'll go off-playlist to celebrate the week's biggest event. As a long-suffering fan of Newcastle United, I was naturally delighted to see them return to the Premier League at the first attempt on Monday. As I'd feared the club would implode and hurtle down to League One (or whatever it's called these days), it was a pleasant surprise, and hats off the Chris Hughton and a team who failed to show any big-time-Charlie attitude and really applied themselves.
The music is the tune the Toon take the pitch to, which by a happy co-incidence also happens to be the theme music to my all time favourite film, Local Hero. By Mark Knopfler. Not Dire Straits.....
Week's summary: 2 runs, 12 miles: Long run n/a
Miles since acceptance: 681
I don't think the drop off in miles in the Taper is supposed to be QUITE this dramatic. Because of various scheduling problems this week, I haven't been able to get the time to do as many runs as I'd like (and yes, I know I'm now a man of leisure and should have no such excuse).
Tuesday's recovery after Sunday's last long run was a part cross-country affair through the woods above town, down to the marina and back up the hill. As it followed 2 days of heavy rain, the tracks were sodden, and much care was needed. Slipping and tweaking something on a gentle recovery would be VERY silly.
Wednesday brought the last full track session at Scotstoun, with some good speedwork, albeit slightly hindered by another unhelpful headwind. Got 3 good miles in at 6:07, 6:14 and 6:21, following the "quality, not quantity" ethos of the Taper.
That, however, was that. Had various things happen on Thursday and Friday that meant a longer run wasn't possible, one of which was my leaving do on Friday night, which had the knock-on effect of a run today also being, erm, unwise (the dehydration...). And tomorrow, I head to Egypt for a week's holiday, to which I will be taking my trainers and planning to fit in 2 or 3 reasonable runs. Reckon the early morning temperatures will be cool enough to allow a 5-6 miler at reasonable pace, just to keep the legs turning.
So that's it. A very abbreviated week and blog. Musically, though, we'll go off-playlist to celebrate the week's biggest event. As a long-suffering fan of Newcastle United, I was naturally delighted to see them return to the Premier League at the first attempt on Monday. As I'd feared the club would implode and hurtle down to League One (or whatever it's called these days), it was a pleasant surprise, and hats off the Chris Hughton and a team who failed to show any big-time-Charlie attitude and really applied themselves.
The music is the tune the Toon take the pitch to, which by a happy co-incidence also happens to be the theme music to my all time favourite film, Local Hero. By Mark Knopfler. Not Dire Straits.....
Week's summary: 2 runs, 12 miles: Long run n/a
Miles since acceptance: 681
Sunday 4 April 2010
3 weeks and counting
Or, let the Taper commence...
Not quite "that's it", but this is very much a milestone that I've been looking forward to. The end of the spectacularly long runs, and the gradual wind-down before the race. The miles are in the bank now, so it's a case of letting the muscles recover and the body build its energy stores. Still some less-intense speedwork and tempo runs to be done, but it's quality rather than quantity now, and the miles drop off pleasingly. I have, as is my wont, broken out a celebratory glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Bit of an interesting week for me - had my last day at work on Tuesday, heading out the door after 15 years of generally good times and good memories. Excited, but also quite nervous, about what the future might hold. In fact, if I look back to the first entry on here at T-25 weeks, and think about the amount of change I've seen, it seems quite startling. Perhaps it's because I've been writing it down that I've noticed it more, but it feels like an unusual amount.
My now ex-colleagues proved to be a hugely generous bunch, as I was gifted a shiny new Garmin 405 GPS watch, which will help me track the last few weeks of training. Along with PC and online logging of each exercise for later review (as you'll see presently) which allows me to release my inner geek... Thanks again for the gift and the memories, folks.
Slightly mixed up running week, missing my recovery on Monday, before a really tough Tempo at Scotstoun on Wednesday, with a strong cross-head wind on the back straight, but no help on the home straight owing to the shelter of the grandstand. Really nice Pace run on Thursday, coming to terms with my newly-found man-of-leisure status by starting it from home at a time of my own choosing rather than 12 sharp from work.
Had, unusually, scheduled the long run for Sunday this week, but I'm glad I did. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day. Sunny, mild, next to no breeze. Good chance to break out the shorts 'n' shades and go into pose mode. To last week's 19.5 run to Dalmuir, I added a 2 mile loop along the canal to Clydebank and back to get the miles up to just over 21.5.
Having picked up "Runners World" yesterday, I saw a tip that said you should do the last 5 miles of your last long at target race pace, so that was the plan. First 16.5 at typical long pace of 8:38, then picking it up to as far under 8:00 as I could manage. Which turned out to be about 4 secs / mile. Undoubtedly the hardest 8 minute miles I've ever done. The full gory details, courtesy of Garmin Connect are here. Unlike the last couple of longs, though, I was much more mentally attuned today. Probably a combination of the good weather, the thought that this is the "last one" and some more Runner's World advice about positive mental imagery (rather than the usual internal whining about how long / how far / how far to go / how much it hurts). Milestones included first time over 20 miles and first run over 3 hours.
So, on a nice day when I felt good achieved some milestones, I have to go back to my favourite feel-good running song. I know I've used it before, but when the conditions are right, it's perfect. And the "yeeeeaaaaahhhhh's" got huge laldy today. The Music - Human:
So, that's the end of the really long miles: the race really starts here. Physical recovery and mental preparation to get me to Greenwich 3 weeks today in the best possible state to achieve my 3:30 goal.
Week's summary: 3 runs, 38 miles: long run 21.5 miles
Miles since acceptance: 669
Not quite "that's it", but this is very much a milestone that I've been looking forward to. The end of the spectacularly long runs, and the gradual wind-down before the race. The miles are in the bank now, so it's a case of letting the muscles recover and the body build its energy stores. Still some less-intense speedwork and tempo runs to be done, but it's quality rather than quantity now, and the miles drop off pleasingly. I have, as is my wont, broken out a celebratory glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Bit of an interesting week for me - had my last day at work on Tuesday, heading out the door after 15 years of generally good times and good memories. Excited, but also quite nervous, about what the future might hold. In fact, if I look back to the first entry on here at T-25 weeks, and think about the amount of change I've seen, it seems quite startling. Perhaps it's because I've been writing it down that I've noticed it more, but it feels like an unusual amount.
My now ex-colleagues proved to be a hugely generous bunch, as I was gifted a shiny new Garmin 405 GPS watch, which will help me track the last few weeks of training. Along with PC and online logging of each exercise for later review (as you'll see presently) which allows me to release my inner geek... Thanks again for the gift and the memories, folks.
Slightly mixed up running week, missing my recovery on Monday, before a really tough Tempo at Scotstoun on Wednesday, with a strong cross-head wind on the back straight, but no help on the home straight owing to the shelter of the grandstand. Really nice Pace run on Thursday, coming to terms with my newly-found man-of-leisure status by starting it from home at a time of my own choosing rather than 12 sharp from work.
Had, unusually, scheduled the long run for Sunday this week, but I'm glad I did. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day. Sunny, mild, next to no breeze. Good chance to break out the shorts 'n' shades and go into pose mode. To last week's 19.5 run to Dalmuir, I added a 2 mile loop along the canal to Clydebank and back to get the miles up to just over 21.5.
Having picked up "Runners World" yesterday, I saw a tip that said you should do the last 5 miles of your last long at target race pace, so that was the plan. First 16.5 at typical long pace of 8:38, then picking it up to as far under 8:00 as I could manage. Which turned out to be about 4 secs / mile. Undoubtedly the hardest 8 minute miles I've ever done. The full gory details, courtesy of Garmin Connect are here. Unlike the last couple of longs, though, I was much more mentally attuned today. Probably a combination of the good weather, the thought that this is the "last one" and some more Runner's World advice about positive mental imagery (rather than the usual internal whining about how long / how far / how far to go / how much it hurts). Milestones included first time over 20 miles and first run over 3 hours.
So, on a nice day when I felt good achieved some milestones, I have to go back to my favourite feel-good running song. I know I've used it before, but when the conditions are right, it's perfect. And the "yeeeeaaaaahhhhh's" got huge laldy today. The Music - Human:
So, that's the end of the really long miles: the race really starts here. Physical recovery and mental preparation to get me to Greenwich 3 weeks today in the best possible state to achieve my 3:30 goal.
Week's summary: 3 runs, 38 miles: long run 21.5 miles
Miles since acceptance: 669
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