Cranleigh, Surrey, was the setting for this week’s outing. A 21 mile race set in the picturesque Surrey countryside. The contrast between this event and the 20 miler at Thanet three weeks ago, and Hastings last week, couldn’t be more. A new club vest replacing the old sandpaper which had done so much damage last week! The howling winds and hail at Thanet were replaced with warm Spring sunshine, sea and sand replaced with country lanes, and 1 one hour time difference! Who in their right mind would plan to take part in a race at 9:00am immediately after the change to British Summer Time? Still, at least it was a sign that summer will soon be here! I arrived in good time to park up and as I headed to the Race HQ, I bumped into Tim and Steve, closely followed by magic man Paul Daniels. Other PWRs soon arrived – Geraldine, Jackie, Kevin and Stephen. The race doubles up as a 15 and 21 miler. The course consists or 1 large lap and on reaching 15 miles at the end of lap 1, runners have the option to finish, or continue onto a shorter second lap of 6 miles. This organisation uses more traditional methods, a good old fashioned tea bar and no chip timing! We headed to the start around 8:50am, a short walk from the HQ and when everyone had assembled, we were given a short briefing from the Race Director. When he had finished his briefing, he set us on our way, not with the firing of a gun, or the sound of a horn, but instead a good old fashioned “ready, steady, go”. Usually at this point, I am preparing to start my watch as I cross the chip mats, but of course, there were no chip mats. Instead, I was left to identify the start line and press start. As it turned out, the actual start line wasn’t easily picked out and so I ended up guessing where it might be. We headed off under a nice shade from the sun, not that it was needed at this time; it was still fairly fresh. Once again, this was all about pacing. A time of around 3:30 was the target finish time, or 10 minutes per mile. Once again though, I ended up heading off ahead of pace, and much as I monitored my watch, I kept drifting slightly faster than planned. No change there then! A brief stop at around 7 miles for a toilet break, and hopefully I could get the pace back on track, but that didn’t work either. Even worse was that the course wasn’t the “flat as a pancake” description I had heard about, but was rather more undulating. At 9 miles, we were close to the Race HQ, albeit we would have to go the long way around and another 6 miles before actually seeing it again, so instead of turning left, we headed straight on, along Cranleigh High Street before turning off and through a car park, soon followed by a trail path of around a mile. At the other end of the path was a short incline before we rejoined civilisation. We were greeted by two race officials handing out Jelly Babies. I took a couple, remembering back to the Brighton Marathon last year when I got a burst of energy after doing the same there. However, on beginning to chew them this time, I realised another problem. I was beginning to dehydrate. The next drinks station couldn’t come soon enough but I had to wait until around 12 miles. I was still in reasonably good shape at this point but I was concerned there may be a problem on the horizon. When I saw the drinks station sign, it was time to take the last of the three energy gels I had brought with me. I don’t find them the most pleasant of things to taste and so some water helps. I also needed the water today to attempt to keep dehydration at bay. I was soon approaching the 15 mile point. I hasn’t seen any other PWRs since the start and I was hoping to pass the 15 mile point without seeing any. I had been passed by a number of the faster runners who were 6 miles ahead of me, and at around 14½ miles, I was finally passed by Stephen, and soon after by Kevin. With 15 miles beckoning, the hard work was about to begin, but sooner than I had thought. The undulations so far had been relatively small but now there was a proper hill to conquer – not huge in real terms, but in a race of this distance, it wasn’t the sort of challenge you look forward to at this stage, and it would come around again on the next lap, and just before the finish too. Nice! I passed 15 miles, so wishing I could turn left to the finish. Had it just been a normal day, I may have done so, but this was about marathon training and so there was nothing to be gained by bailing out early. In any case, 6 miles should be a fairly straightforward distance to cover, after all, I do it every Tuesday night with my club. This was very different of course with 15 behind me, and thirst becoming ever more noticeable. I worked my way along the trail I had seen around an hour earlier, even being invited to go ahead of a cyclist – she did eventually pass me further along. The Jelly Babies soon came along but this time the first one wasn’t a taste I particularly liked and so I had to get rid of it. The second just seemed to absorb every last bit of saliva, leaving my mouth and lips completely dry. Again, it was a long slog to the drinks at 18 miles. The only positive sight was that I was closing on a couple of ladies with every step. It turned out one had sustained an injury. Aside from that, every other runner was overtaking me. One thing which was warming, apart from the sun, was the encouragement I was afforded by virtually every person that passed me. Even the photographer, who had perched himself around 13 and 19 miles, took time to give me encouragement as I passed him for the last time. The final mile and that hill again. I was well and truly finished by this point. No energy and very dry in the mouth, but I knew I was nearly done. The sight of a sign showing 200 metres to the finish was extremely welcome and as I turned into the finish area, I was greeted by fellow PWRs Jackie, Steve and Paul, willing me through those last few yards. Relief at finishing soon turned to discomfort as cramp attempted to set in. Luckily, it didn’t quite take hold. Nevertheless, it made for a very uncomfortable 4 or 5 minutes. I spoke with Paul afterwards, listening to his experience (this was his first time at an event of this distance), and comparing it to my own experiences, including Thanet three weeks earlier. I was trying to apply some understanding as to what Thanet and Cranleigh might mean for London. The discussion reminded me that there are so many variables on the day, and that I should only focus on things which are in my control. I reinforced this view to myself when I considered that even primed elite athletes cannot guarantee a performance, despite the rigorous training programmes they follow. All this leaves me with a decision to make next weekend for the Paddock Wood Half Marathon. Do I stick to the 10 minute mile plan, and then run some extra miles afterwards, or attempt a PB on a largely flat course? Something to think about later in the week. RESULTS
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After my visit to Charlton Park Academy last Wednesday, it was back to running and the Hastings Half Marathon. Hastings has been a good hunting ground for me in my 3 visits to date – 2 half marathons and a parkrun. My first half marathon earned me a spot prize – a mug a few small bits to go with it, my second earned me some new laces for finishing in 66th place (the same was awarded to position 10) and then my third last year saw me record my fastest ever half marathon, beating 2:03:04 set in 1999 at London Docklands! All looked well set for this year. A new half marathon PB set last week at Dartford, which was also my first time under 2 hours, and knowing I had gone quicker here than at Dartford in each of the last two years gave me confidence that another PB was possible. Then I arrived at Hastings and saw the weather! I parked up in one of the seafront car parks, and as I got out of the car, I was taken aback by the strength of the wind. Worse than that, it blew directly into my face as I headed towards the start. The walk from the car was also part of the last two miles of the race along the seafront, so tired legs plus a headwind made for a very likely touch end to the race. It was good to meet some fellow PWRs and Bromley Vets in the baggage area beforehand, luckily covered and sheltered from the wind! With the experience of Thanet a couple of weeks ago, I brought an extra layer just in case, although as it turned out, there would never be any need for it. There was most definitely a need for some Vaseline or micro pore tape for protection from the sandpaper like men’s PWR vest! This was packed in my bag following one or two harsh lessons over the last couple of years which have left me a little sore after longer races. Many other male PWRs have experienced the same, and the evidence is very visible! But, for some reason, the application of the tape disappeared from my mind and as I waited to start the race, I remembered I needed to tape up! Too late! I had to go ahead without it! There was always hope that there would be no damage! Time would tell! The start to this race is nice and flat, for about half a mile! Then it is constant hills for the best part of the next 7 miles! I had barely crossed the start line when I was overtaken by fellow PWR Mike, who at least had the decency last year to wait until around 5 miles to do the deed! Early days though. The start of the hills came soon enough, a short up and then down, and then the real stuff! A hill which can’t be far off impossible to actually run! Short steps required, just like dropping down the gears in a car! I made it up in one piece for a brief respite and then the next hill. All of a sudden I heard a “hello mate” from behind and as I turned, I saw Dartford Harrier Stephen (1:50:25). A brief chat before he headed off, at least having the decency to pass me around the same sport as last year. Next up was Bromley Vet Sarah. She passed me much earlier last year but must have started behind me this time around. As she was about to head off, after stating she was taking it easy (she finished in an impressive 1:48:21), she had time for a social with an old friend! That was the end of the friendly stuff. How it was time to focus with the longest hill coming up, not especially steep, but it goes on……and on…..and on! Eventually, I reached the top. I had conquered this hill twice before so I knew what was ahead, but for some reason, it seemed to go on forever this time around. Having got through the worst, it was time to get my legs back and off I went on the relatively flat section taking me up to the turn downhill at around 8½ miles. The turn before the downhill is a short section added to make up the distance. The trouble is, it starts uphill, and a hill which at this stage of the race feels fairly steep! As I headed up, I could see Mike who had passed me just after the start! The ascent to the U turn felt slow and made longer at the sight of runners just ahead of me already on their way down. In reality, it’s a fairly short distance and I was soon there and heading downhill. I caught Mike soon after and headed on my way back to the seafront. The descent is quite steep and so the thought of a nice downhill is quickly overtaken by the pounding felt through the legs, draining more energy that I would normally be hoping to preserve for the finish, Add to that, a couple of cheeky inclines to keep the focus and you soon realise there is no real respite on this section of the course. The downhill section finishes through Hastings Old Town. I’m sure it’s very pretty, but at this point I was more interested in getting to the finish line. I was getting tired! I exited the Old Town and as I reached the seafront, I, and everyone else of course, was met by Captain Birdseye, high fiving as many runners as he could! He picked a good day to be on dry land as the distant memory of the high winds at the start were once again a reality as I reached 11 miles and the seafront. The wind felt stronger than at the start and still blowing directly into the faces of all runners. I’d pretty much had enough by this point but was urged on by a lady from Lewes. I needed someone to latch onto and her timing couldn’t have been better and so I allowed her to set the pace and just ran alongside. By 12 miles I had edged back ahead of her. My turn to do the work but by 12½ miles, I checked she was still there but she had disappeared! Half a mile to go and I just had to plod on. It felt like a quick pace but the reality was very different. A quick check of the watch and I wondered if sub two hours was possible. A shout out from Tim (1:34:43) and Antony (1:46:10) as I reached the final 100 yards but alas, it was not to be. However, despite just going over 2 hours, it was still a course record for me in 2:00:23. I’d have taken that before the start. So, two battles out of the way – high hills and high winds. Then the schoolboy error of earlier came back to haunt me! My white vest was bloodied, not from the direct hit of an invader’s arrow but the sandpaper that is the Petts Wood Runners vest! The nipple tape I had overlooked meant the constant rubbing would leave me staring at the pain of a lukewarm shower when I got home as well as a bloodstained vest! Believe me, it hurt! I should know better having been there a few times before. Hopefully I won’t forget to use it on 23 April as another 13.1 miles of nipple sanding could leaving me feeling uncomfortable in the extreme and needing more than a Guinness or two! Ouch! RESULTSToday was a special day, the other part of my London Marathon. The staff at Charlton Park Academy kindly allowed me to visit the school to have a first hand glimpse of what goes on.
Upon arrival, I observed a young man communicating with the lady who turned out to be Tracey, my host for my visit. The conversation were completely normal with one significant exception – the young man was communicating using a tablet like device. Aside from that, everything about the conversation was “normal”. As the receptionist ended her telephone call and I announced myself, Tracey heard and introduced herself before completing her conversation with the young man. Before he left, he was introduced to me. I heard what he was doing and he heard of my involvement. He too would be helping the school with a project of his own! I was then taken through to William’s classroom. We often hear of school teachers talking about classes being large in size and the difficulties they face. In this case, those difficulties are magnified with the children really needing one on one support, not just for the learning aspects of their education, but also to help with their mobility such as lifting them out of their chairs so they can experience a degree of freedom. As I approached the group, William’s class teacher Karen gave me an overview of the work they had been doing and then showed me around the other parts of the room. The dark room, a favourite of William’s, contains images which glow in the dark as well as a projector which displayed moving images on a wall. Add to that some bean bags and it was easy to see why the children would like this room. As we headed back to the group, Karen explained that they had been enjoying British Science Week. They were just completing a session of mixing colour, patting clear packets containing coloured powder which caused the different colours to mix. It was nice to sit with William and help him a little and to watch him respond by continuing the activity. Although there is no verbal communication, the children are given picture cards to help them identify items they want to use or play with. William chose a bar containing a series of small bells and took great delight moving the bells to make a gentle noise. Soon afterwards, we moved to look in on two other rooms, the first with a young man with his teacher. Again, although non verbal, he was able to take in our conversation and respond when asked a couple of questions. In the second room, the children were about to start another sensory activity involving corn flour and water. Add in some colour and a tray for mixing and the children were in their element. It was interesting to hear that although not mainstream education, the school is still required to help the children reach certain levels of education. The children I visited were of a level equivalent to between 9 months and 3 years of age and although progress is slow, they make good progress with the wonderful support of the teaching staff. There are two things which struck me on this visit. First of all, it’s very simple to put all of the children into a single bracket and think they all need the same support, however, it is far from it. It is very clear that each child has their own very different needs. Although that must be extremely challenging, the staff just get on with it without fuss. Add into that the children are not able to communicate verbally and it becomes even clearer the challenges both they and the teaching staff face. Secondly, the positive relationships which exist between the teaching staff and the children is very obvious. They are all happy and although they cannot verbalise, their smiles speak volumes. The visit ended with a brief chat with Shirley, the school’s Director of Finance and Resources. Shirley and Tracey had made the arrangements for me to visit and so a nice end to my visit to be able to meet. It’s difficult to put into words the true value of what the school and its staff do. Everyone involved there really does make a huge difference to the lives of the families whose children attend, but most importantly, to the children themselves. Having taken the time to visit, and even removing my personal interest, I can still say I have chosen a great charity to support. I've always been one to do things at the last minute. Homework for school was always done in that way and packing to go on holiday definitely falls into that category too. So to today. I was pretty good in that I prepared my kit the night before, including attaching my number to my vest. Then came the timing chip attachment. Here was the first challenge, and I hadn't even made it to bed ahead of the race itself! I gave in, despite a few Facebook pictures showing how it might be done. As it turned out, those pictures were fine even though not matching the official direction I received on arriving at the start. This was round 9 of the Petts Wood Runners Grand Prix and so it was great to meet up with a number of fellow Petts Wood Runners, and competitors. Early on, I bumped into Richard, after he exited the portaloos complaining there was no water to wash his hands. David arrived at that point and suggested he use the bowl! Richard headed back but soon reappeared stating it wasn't quite working for him. Good move. Off we went to the clubhouse and around 9:15am, there was a call out for a club photo. Richard, who had decided not to run today, was the chosen one to take the photo. Then technology got in the way as he appeared to have difficulty finding the right button to press. Either that or a dodgy phone. All was fine in the end and everyone headed off to the start line. For PWR, there was a large contingent that started right at the back due to the late departure from the clubhouse. I was undecided until fairly late as to what I should do pace wise. On the one hand, my plan was saying 9:25 per mile but equally I was thinking I was in the best place I'd ever been to squeeze under 2 hours. I'd set my mile paces into my watch but only decided to use them at the last minute, literally as I joined the starting pack! The first few miles were rather uneventful, although at the back of my mind was a worry I may have gone off too quickly. However, as I progressed, I felt comfortable that all was good. A couple of short sharp hills in the first 5 miles didn't do any damage and I felt good. As I got to 8 miles and just beyond, it was nice to receive some support from friends, first Eden and Alex, soon followed by Mag and John at a milestone turn for me - the point at which I would head on my way towards Gore Hill, a hideous ascent with an increase in gradient around half way into its approximate half mile distance. Mike Reeves, Petts Wood Runners track coach, appears at a a few events where PWRs are present and makes some great YouTube videos for us to look back on. Today was no different and after showing his face early on, he moved himself to Gore Hill! I had tried to conserve some energy before starting my ascent and to start with, things seemed relatively good. Gravity gradually got the better of me and I slowed significantly as I headed towards Mile's position. I could hear him up ahead and soon saw his Mod bike. As I approached him, expecting a supportive comment, I heard, "Come on, my Gran could run faster than that!" That is the sort of comment I would have expected in my days as a football referee from a physio sent on to the pitch with a message from the manager! Luckily, all of us at PWR know Mike's enthusiasm for us all to succeed rises well above that and so it brought a chuckle and a smile in my case. The top of the hill meant that horror was out of the way. For me though, there were still challenges ahead. Although I dislike hills, they seem to give me a focus while the flat sections sometimes seem difficult. So with my legs still recovering from that hill, the next short flat section proved mentally tough. There were enough other runners around though to hang on to which saved me the effort of pacing. I knew there was a nice downhill towards Central Park coming and I couldn't wait to reach it. Well into the last 2 miles, I looked at my watch and tried to assess whether or not a sub 2 hour time was on. I determined it was touch and go and so continued at the pace I had established since the top of the hill. I reached the park and on looking to my left, saw the finish. The trouble was, we were diverted right! Ouch! Having been here twice before, I knew that turn was coming although it didn't make it any easier! I kept an eye on my watch. I knew we would finish up with a lap of the track and so I tried to calculate the likelihood of breaking through 2 hours. I knew it was touch and go. I was feeling so tired at this point that I considered walking but this thought was quickly trumped by how disappointed I would be if I missed the milestone by a few seconds. As I reached the final section, I took strength from the spring of the blue track. In the back straight was Richard, positively encouraging me, and every other PWR, over those last few yards. The home straight arrived and I knew my goal was there for the taking. A final push and I crossed the line. I stopped my watch just beyond the line but didn't know for sure whether I had achieved or not. As I passed the tables loaded with bananas and muffins as well as water, I was able to see my watch showed 1:59:52, later confirmed as official. Well, that certainly did cut it fairly fine! A fellow PWR had joked yesterday that I might go quicker if I lost my beard. I had also been nagged recently by my 9 year old daughter that it had become a bit prickly and it needed to go! So, I caved and it disappeared. Who knows whether cutting it fine may have saved me a second or two today. Maybe it leaves the door open for Hastings HM next week, where I was around three minutes quicker last year than at Dartford. We shall see! Following a week of rest, I got to Saturday night wondering what to do for my long run this week. I was entered in the Thanet 20 miler but I was seriously considering staying home, having a lie in and doing something local, mainly because I really didn't fancy the early morning 90 minute drive to the Race HQ! Common sense got the better of me though, and at just after 7.00am, I set off for Ramsgate. Upon arriving, it was cloudy with a clear sense of rain in the air, although there was still a little watery sunshine. I must admit chuckling to myself when I saw reports of some pretty awful weather back at home. How my laughter was short lived! Within a quarter of an hour, strong winds had made their presence known as my car began to rock a little. Maybe I should have stayed at home! Maybe this was my Room 101 and the allocation of my race number was a hint to stay away! However, with the decision already made, I headed to collect my timing chip from the Race HQ. It was only a stiff breeze after all! How wrong I was, and it didn't get any better! As I approached the Race HQ, it began to rain too, and the rain was cold, very cold! This was going to be a very long and testing morning! I entered Race HQ by the Boating Pond to hear much chit chat and as I approached the lady in charge of the timing chips, I heard her describe the conditions to another runner as "character building", and she was not wrong! The smile on her face suggested she wasn't exactly unfamiliar with this kind of weather! With about 30 minutes until the start, I had to seek comfort and so the café opposite seemed like a good choice, and so it was as upon entering, I bumped into a couple of fellow Petts Wood Runners. Time soon passed and we had to leave the shelter and head out into the elements. Three more PWRs presented themselves which made for a nice team photo before we huddled into a pack for some warmth, and to await the signal to start. Usually at a cold event, my fingers go a bit numb but they soon warm up once I get moving. Today was very different! How I wished I had brought some gloves! In the end, I had to stretch my sleeves over my hands to shield them from that ice cold cutting feeling that comes with high winds and cold rain. It wasn't just the fingers today though. It was stinging around my head and as the rain became hail, it was felt on my legs too before the cold itself shielded them any real feeling. The course itself was two laps, 3.5 miles out and back, continuing 1.5 the other way and back again. On the way out, the wind was largely behind and so a "nice" tail wind. There was one point where a U turn was required to ascend from the seafront to the road above. The strength of the wind, plus the rain, made it incredibly difficult to see and it ended up with hands and arms in front of my eyes just to know what was immediately in front of me. Soon after, I saw a Dartford Harrier. We had a brief chat when I caught up with her, and knowing she was likely to pass me later on, I suggested she throw me a tow rope when she that time came. That request wasn't to be - she must have still felt in competition mode after Dartford Harriers' recent victory over Petts Wood Runners in the Kent Fitness League! An awful steep climb at 3.5 miles, albeit relatively short saw us turn back towards the start line. On the way back were marshals and photographers taking shelter from the elements as best they could, around the corner of buildings with head poking out to shout directions when needed, or hiding in bus shelters and showing themselves in similar fashion. Eventually, the rain was blown away, but the wind remained! Another example of the wind strength was my attempt at disposing of a water bottle! My aim for the bin was marginally off and as the bottle hit the ground, the wind took over, helping the bottle to a faster pace than I could ever wish to compete against! A short stretch further along, and I received some encouragement from some Orpington Roadrunners, who followed up this encouragement by asking, "Ever thought about joining Orpington?" No chance of course, but the worst weather was at least bringing out some humour among those of us who are usually rivals! The best marshal position was observed on the 1.5 mile out and back section at the end of each lap with a cheery chap station almost inside the doorway of a local pub! Perfect positioning once he tail runner had gone past! The second lap started dry but still windy and being adjacent to the sea, there was still wet in the air. Passing alongside the beach, it was clear to see how strong the winds were with dusty sand being blown just above the wet surface, as if it had been dried by a hot sun rather than a strong drying wind. Luckily the rain showed no signs of returning. As I approached the 17 mile mark, the point before heading out on the last 1.5 mile each way section, the sun showed its face! Around that point, I finally began to feel as though I was drying out, and full circulation returning to my fingers and toes. 17 miles also marked the point where I began to struggle badly! The turn back towards the finish at 18.5 miles was at the bottom of a nice shallow decline, but one which felt incredibly steep on the return back up! Just as I reached the top, I thanked the directing marshal. As I did, she challenged me to "beat the black cloud behind"! As I turned to look behind me, it was evident that that challenge was not likely to be successful, and within minutes it had caught me and dumped more hail. The wind whipped it up to make it feel like ice cold bullets rebounding off the side of my face and my legs. I was lucky though. Runners heading in the opposite direction had the full pelt more directly in their faces! As I reached the last mile, and still struggling, I was given some warm encouragement by three Dartford Roadrunners, but not before hearing, "Come on Paddock Wood." I couldn't believe my ears! First I get an invite to join Orpington Road Runners, and now I appear to have moved clubs mid race! I jokingly corrected the error and found the benefit of the tow I had requested from Dartford Harriers earlier on as the three ladies coaxed me through the finish line. I had targeted a range of 3:20 to 3:30 today and all things considered, I was happy to finish in 3:22:44 although there is still some work to do to achieve my target of a sub 4:30 marathon. About half an hour after finishing, I set off back to the car, about 2-3 minutes away. I could feel the cold setting in just before I left the Race HQ and I hoped this was just down to my wet top. However, on changing into my dry event top, and putting on my hoodie, nothing improved. I began to shiver a little uncontrollably and had to sit in the car for around 20 minutes with the heater on high. Eventually, my shivers were under control but there was no shifting the cold feeling so easily. In fact, on arriving home around 90 minutes later, there was still a cold feeling about me. A hot shower followed by a blanket on the settee eventually brought me back to normal, but the memories of probably the worst conditions I have ever experienced when taking part in any sport will remain for some time. So n trying to assess what to take from today, aside from miles in the bank, I'm really not sure. I had been hoping for an even paced run but with such strong winds helping in one direction, and being a huge hindrance the other way, it is difficult to take much more out of it. London will almost certainly not be as cold, nor as windy on 23 April. Thanet 20 - Results
Last Saturday’s parkrun was followed by a coaching session conducted by former Team GB and Olympic 800m runner Jemma Simpson. The session covered warm up, drills to help with running form and a short session on speed work. I decided to watch the speed session with the weekend’s train run in mind but took part in the drills. As the day wore on, I began to feel some pain on the sole of my left foot, such that it become extremely uncomfortable to walk on. I couldn’t pinpoint landing awkwardly on it earlier in the day, or anything else strange and as I went to bed, I decided that I would not run on Sunday, however it felt in the morning. It didn’t feel an awful lot better when the morning arrived, although wearing my trainers cushioned it to some degree. I was hoping this would be short lived and I could get out for a run on Tuesday. I was due to lead a group at my club for around 4.5 miles and so a slow run there and back would take the total to around 16 miles. Well, that was the plan anyway. Tuesday came and although much of the discomfort had gone away, there was still a small ache. Other shenanigans meant I would not get out to the track session on Thursday this week and so there was a temptation to just get out and do something. The first choice of running to my club was ruled out as I was later home from work than planned. My second choice was an 18 mile route which the option of cutting short at around 13 and 15 miles if need be. I had next Sunday’s run at Thanet in mind and need to make sure I am OK for that. I took the decision in the end to rest. Frustrating as that was, for once common sense took over and the priority of being fully recovered on Sunday rather than maybe doing some damage and losing real momentum. So a brief rest on Sunday turned into an unscheduled but welcome break. Hopefully it will turn out to be a blessing in disguise and my legs will feel re-energised. Sunday will be a good test of how they respond to this week’s rest, but maybe more importantly, the real test will be a mental one on a course of two 10 mile laps. |
ABOUT MEHaving completed 5 marathons between 1999 and 2016, I decided this year, I would try to do it properly and plan my training! Alongside, I wanted to keep a blog as it went along, partly to look back on, and partly to help anyone else who may benefit from my own experiences. Archives
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