Day 63 - Training Blog 25th February 2013

(26 days to the start)

Nice relaxing Sunday afternoon of dozing and icing then an early night. Up at 4:30 legs tired, sore and tight, hobbled down stairs, quick Barroca consumed, kit on, did not do a warm up, I think it would have taken too long! Let the dogs out of the utility room, unfortunately Barney had been a touch unwell in the night so gloves on and clea...ned up! He is getting a bit old and struggles on Sundays when they get the leftover roast, great start to an early run! Original aim was to do a marathon distance but after the weekend any run would be good. Set off at 5:20am, Felt cold and legs stiff through Kings and Apsley. Only met 2 cars and a van through to Pilling corner. Felt ok so carried on through Boxmoor and Bourne End, got a bit of rhythm so carried on to Berkhamsted. Misjudged the light from Bourne End to Berko, pitch black no street lights so I ran in the middle of the road avoiding the vehicles by switching sides as they approached! Safely through Berko now feeling quite good so I carried on through Northchurch to Dudswell over the canal. 15k complete thought about turning back but as this was new territory I thought I would explore up Norcott Hill, as you do! Very long story short, I ran up the very long hill to the Ashridge Estate, on the snow covered paths through the woods to the Ashridge Monument, out the other end and on to Deer Leap, right to Little Gaddesden, past the top entrance to the Management College, de je vu! On down to Frithsden, along the Mad mile to the Leighton Buzzard road, back through Piccotts End, The Old Town Hemel, The Marlowes and back to Kings Langley through Apsley. Legs tightened and energy ran out at 16 miles so on auto pilot for the last 10 miles. Very pleased to have managed 26 miles in 3'24"46 but I am now finished, a reminder that marathons hurt! I did not have time to eat before I set off and did not take anything to eat or drink through the run, not the best idea but mind over matter kicked in and good mental strength training, one foot in front of the other! Good hot shower, breakfast and on with the day! Tuesday is now my rest day as I cannot make GVH running club tomorrow, we are up to the official opening of the new Teenage Cancer Trust unit in the new building at the UCLH Euston.