furthest yet

Today saw me run further than ever before. Eighteen miles done in exactly 4hour 30 mins pace. These runs really test you mentally and physically and I fully believe a lot of running is done in the head. Have tried a few new things including protein shakes in an effort to inprove the stiffness after such runs. I only have two really long runs left and need to find another eight miles!!!!!!

sixteen down, ten to find

This week ended with a two lap 16 mile run on a hilly course. Ran the first lap on my own and the second lap with my lovely pacemaker Mandy. Managed it in sub race pace time.Ran on memory for the last two miles and am concerned that I've got to find another ten miles in six weeks.

another one down

This week ends with a step up to 14 miles, mt favourite canal route-hope the rain holds off. Perception is a funny thing, people at the running club seem to think I'm fast and I seem to think L'm a tortoise. The diet side of it is going down the pan at a rate of knots-just can't rid myself of the desire to eat unhealthily. Fitness/injury wise my shin splint issue seems to be improving but I think I have a slight hernia.

close of third week

The end of the third week and a sub two hour twelve miles in partial rain, breezy day, against me most of the way. The shin splint issue is still there but disappeared after about 3/4 miles. Developed a taste for lucozade carbohydrate bars and sports fuel drinks. Took a trip to Rutland water to see how the land lies and it's very picturesque and reasonably flat. There was an half iron man race going on, these guys are seriously fit and brave.

decision made

I have now entered the Rutland marathon, 26.2 miles around an exceptionally pretty part of the world. To understand what I am undertaking we are having a day out sampling the delights. On the injury front I think I may have a touch of shin splint. Treating the pain with Ibuprofen gel. On the Mandy scene she's doing very nicely. Pictures of Rutland to follow.