Day 62 - Training Blog 24th February 2013

 GVH 17 marathon training day.

Up early, grazed through a good breakfast of Porridge, Banana, 2 toast and Nutela and a cup of tea. Proper hot shower to try and remove the stiffness in my legs from yesterday, Tiger Balm massaged in, kit on and off to the club for 8:30. Very well organised and very well supported event, a good 300 I would say. A few photos taken o...f Me, Simon and Mark, all running for Framework Foundation, Mark and me raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust and Simon running 5 marathons in 5 weeks raising money for our other beneficiary of our efforts, The fantastic people at The Hospice of St Francis. All good, a group photo of my group at GVH taken and off to the start. Freezing wind cutting through us all as we set off at a good steady pace of sub 7 minute miles set by vince. The first hill, Bullbeggers Lane and Tom pushed hard to the top, a long way! Very good pace maintained as we thinned out everyone working well. Felt quite good, enjoyed the countryside through Ashridge management college and Frithsden. Very pleased to keep the pace to the end feeling good apart from my legs tightening a touch after the big hill down Pouchen End Lane. 17 miles complete in 1'48"44. Very well done and thank you to all at GVH and Dacorum, lots of club runners from near and far and all comments were very positive! In the club great spread of cakes, tea and coffee ready and waiting and we enjoyed a 10 minute refuel and warm up. Quick change, club now getting full and as a GVH member we all tried to do our bit. Matt Watt, Vince, Guy and John worked on the cold drinks station just outside in the coldest position possible! I can't say I did my fair share but I did help a bit! An hour or so later and we were all frozen, Rich Coles came to our rescue with another hot tea in the nick of time. All good now at home, about to get in a very hot bath and settle down to falling asleep whilst watching the rugby. Marathon planned for early tomorrow morning, 5:30 start! Not sure if I will be able to do it after a very tough weekend, not loads of miles but the pace both days hurts! Could murder a pint!