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Beautiful Devon - half marathon from Exeter to Exmouth, 27.10.12, 01:59:58.

29.10.12

Saturday was beautiful. It was a cold, crisp autumnal morning, and I was in Devon. I awoke with the knowledge that I was going for a run, and I was going to push myself. I wanted to test myself. I wanted to see how far I could go.

I'm internally dissecting the idea of doing another marathon, this time in Barcelona, in March. I have paid up, and I have a place. But this time I feel I know what's ahead. My first marathon was all new ground. There was a lot to learn, and a lot to discover about how far I could push this little body. Now, I know what lies ahead. I know the early mornings, the winter training, the loneliness of the long runs, and the aches and pains of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

After the completing the Paris marathon, I was determined to keep my fitness up. Whilst my timings improved, the distance covered quickly dropped off. Then the doubts set in. The most common one, "Can I still run that far?"

Saturday was about uncovering my current fitness level. About discovering how far could I go.

And I did it. I ran 13.1 miles because I could. Not only did I finish with energy left, I also beat my pb. I completed my first sub 2 hour half-marathon, (but only just) coming it at a cheeky 01:59:58.

Me and running, we're back on!

Well, a lot has happened since I last wrote on here. I ran a marathon (4h23). Paris came and went. I've broken a few pbs. But as much as I don't like to document the past, I think I'll focus on the future.

I have signed up for the Barcelona marathon and I am currently undecided as to whether or not I'll do it.

Training for the last marathon was enjoyable, but also a commitment. And this one, I'll be doing alone. Running for me is about more than just the race. It's about the freedom.

#justsaying A little over two weeks to go...

#marathon #paris marathon

“I’m no great runner, by any means. I’m at an ordinary—or perhaps more like mediocre—level. But that’s not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”

Haruki Murami, from What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Speed Run #2

22.02.12

Second jog on the treadmill and I enjoyed this one so much more.

STUPIDLY I went down from my desk to the gym (in the basement) and I forgot my trainers. I've been thinking about running barefoot for a while now, and as it was on a treadmill I thought I'd give it a go. What a div. I now have massive blisters on the soles of my feet and toes.

But it felt so easy and so effortless.

And it was the quickest run I've done ever, I think.

3.85 miles in 30 mins.

Over half-marathon...

18.02.12

13.3 miles - 02:08:46, avg pace 9.41

Route: Sarffff east

Listening to: Mainly my whinging - out with Hels.

MARATHON TRAINING - lordy, it's double this!

I found this run pretty tough. During the first 3 miles I had really bad shin splints which meant running on my tip-toes. That lead to my calves seizing up, which lead to me whinging. Then at about 9 miles (out of nowhere) my knee gave way. I couldn't weight bare on it at all. I stretched it out, even though it was definitely in the joint, and it was ok. It started twinging again at about 10 miles but I was able to finish the run.

A marathon feels like a really long way at the moment...

Speed Run #1

16.02.12

New job, new gym.

First day on a treadmill in ages, but I thought I'd give it a go to get a good speed run out. This way, no people on the pavements, no traffic, just running, but lordy it's DULL.

I ran for 20 mins, and covered approx 2.5 miles. Not bad going (for me!)

No excuses...

Work has been MENTAL, but I've still been running - just not updating... So here goes...

Beautiful Nunhead Cemetery at about 7.45 this morning.

#nunhead #cemetery

I did a run, I did

07.02.12

3.5 miles - 33:09, avg pace 9.28

Route: Around Nunhead Cemetery and back down Telegraph Hill

Listening to: All my favourite tunes, in one giant playlist : ) (AGAIN)

MARATHON TRAINING - shit's getting real...

I figured out my best way to run, finally. I take the first mile really slowly and gently and use it to warm myself up after my stretches. Then the second mile feels easier and I can get into a comfortable pace quicker. And then I can just get faster and faster... It's worked for the last three runs and I feel like I'm onto something.

Took a wrong turn this morning and ended up on a half mile detour. Whooops.

I feel like I'm definitely getting fitter and running first thing feels easier now the mornings are getting lighter. Was still a little bit gnarly on the leftover snow today, but I took it easy.

Tres bon.

#marathon training #snow

Hello Thames.

#River Thames

It was so cold, you could see the heat rising off the buildings in the city.

The birds on the canal...

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