The Walker With Heart

I set myself a challenge, 2012 km in a year - a nice round 1250 miles. That's 250 more miles than I've done in a year before... And we're 4 months in so time for a review and a tally up... It's been the finest 4 months running I think I've ever had. The MadDog 10k took 2 min out of my PB for that distance The Knowsley Harriers Saturday 5 km took 2 min out of my PB for that... The day after that I took 5 min off my 25km PB I've done 3 PB's for 5 miles taking a total of 5 min off... My last long training run was a 15min pb over 20 miles and last week I went out for what was going to be a gentle half marathon distance trot... The first half I barely looked at my watch and when I did I was running at PB pace... So may have decided that nothing ventured means nothing gained and took 6 min off that PB.  2:30:31 for a half marathon, is close (32s close) to a challenge I set myself years ago... Throw in the insane delights of the Excalibur Marath...

So that was my last really long run, the race simulation run…  Same day of the week as the main event – check Thousands of other runners – nope Same kit as the main event – check Water & fuel stations around the course – nope Same prep & pre-run bits and bobs – yup Medal at the end – nope…. I’ve less than 3 weeks until Belfast and 26.2 miles; less than 3 weeks to let me body repair itself; less than 3 weeks to get my head in the right place. For me it is going to be a combination of head and body.  All the demons of my school PE lessons will come out as I get closer to the day, every ache and pain will be something giving in, giving up and writing me off. The body is easier (probably) than the head; my training has gone well. The second of the 20 mile runs has a stonking 15 minute PB. Now it’s a case of easing down the miles, and keeping injury free and supple. The head I’m tackling a couple of ways – first of I’m choosing to ...

They called it Excalibur... It was a marathon It was an off road marathon It was as tough a day in the hills as I've ever had 26 miles is never easy. Climbing the equivalent of one and a half Ben Nevis' is never going to be easy Combing the two in one event was somewhere between inspired and insane... My primary aim was to finish, ideally within the 12 hour cut off.  And a mate and me did it:-) We were hurting, and are still hurting... There was no medal, just a t-shirt and a huge sense of achievement. As often happens the details blur into one, but there are some standouts... - The soup at 12 miles - never has a plastic cup of soup tasted so good - The colourful commentary we provided to some who "cut a few corners" - they say you only ever cheat yourself, tell that to my thighs!!! - My mate channelling the spirit of Marylin Monroe and singing Santa Baby on the way down the penultimate hill...  Never has Moel Famau been subject to such torture...

There will be a 200th Blog - but the friend who will be providing it as a guest is up to her eyes at the moment... The 200th blog will be coming... TFFN Paul