Tuesday 20th Dec

 Cliff came to my house and Karen dropped us off in Latimer to carry on the reconnoitre run for Cliffs next race.  We set off at 7:45 from Latimer, cross country towards Gerrards Cross then into Denham and through to Uxbridge, very very tough most of the run to Uxbridge was through deep mud and wet tracks! Turned towards Rickmansworth at 11 miles and ran the rest of the run 12 miles along the canal tow path. Another runner joined us at about 16 miles. I hoped he would pass us quickly but we (me) unconsciously picked the pace up to look good. 4 miles later he was still just behind us and I had gone too fast with 3 miles still to run! He peeled off at Cassiobury Park and we slowed down to a better pace for me. The last 3 miles were very painful, made all the worse with Cliff giving me a lecture on self control! 23 miles 3hrs 25mins. Still struggling to eat on the run! Coffee and a pancheta at Dallings the Deli in Kings Langley and all fet great.