The Man From Nike He Say...Ouch!

With a 20 mile run the target I thought it was high time I had some means of in-run hydration and so purchased a running belt. It was only then when I was getting changed for my run that I started to feel like Nike Man. Everything I put on was emblazoned with the little swoosh [that, I believe, is the technical term!] - I felt like Joey in the episode of Friends dressed in head to toe Porche gear (Series 6 episode 5 in case you're interested!) - and just like Joey there was no car involved!

The best part about Sundays run was that I had a couple of companions. Lucy and Oli very kindly came along for the ride (sticking with the car theme!). I did a three mile route via the Downs and then we hooked up and headed off towards the Portway, over the Avonmouth Bridge and down the cycle path on the other side. It was incredible how quickly the miles go by when you have someone to talk to. The first time I glanced down at the Garmin to see how far I had gone I was already at 12.5 miles.

All too soon it seemed we reached the Create Centre - the point at which I was to run on my own once again. Immediately my legs felt tired and heavy. It was about the 16 mile point so there were still 4 miles to go. My pace seemed to drop right off. At 18 miles I had to walk a few paces just to change the pace a little - and there was no way I was going to be able to go faster!
I had had a twinge in my left knee early on which soon passed but at 18 miles it appeared that the problem there was being compensated for by my left thigh in someway.
By the time I dragged myself the last few feet down our road I was wondering if I would ever walk again - let alone run.

As soon as I stopped I couldn't decide whether to pace, sit, lie, cry - I just didn't know what to do with myself. Then I found that I was getting a little dizzy which was somewhat unexpected.
This, though, was quickly resolved by a large almond croissant (my second choice after a maple and pecan danish)

The amazing thing, after an hours fitfull sleep I was fine. In fact we even went for an afternoon walk.

So much of this is in the head. Twenty miles began to really hurt at 18 miles - i.e. the furthest distance I had previously reached. Come the day of the marathon, though, I am sure that the crowds and other runners will drag me through a few extra miles - so then it's just mind over matter. The thought of that Nando's tea dragging me along the mall!

Five weeks to go - I can't wait!