The Three Final Trials :)

I've been a lazy rascal again, except that this time, really, I haven't. Between work and running and domestic responsibilities, I've actually been extremely busy. But here's a short update.

A couple of weeks ago, I set myself a specific objective for each of our last three big training runs.

1. The Hawkshead Trail Race - to race it properly rather than just enjoying the scenery, and to run up all the hills.

2. Our final Windermere Marathon course recce - to run all the way up the three major hills (Mile 8, Mile 22, and the nasty little fiend at the end). Everything else didn't matter.

3. The Shakespeare Marathon - to avoid talking myself out of a PB attempt.

In summary ...

1. What a beautiful event! And yes, I did. I particularly enjoyed running all the way up the Coffin Trail, some of it at barely faster than 3mph. I went round under the illusion that I was racing with the big boys at the sharp end, and had a reality-check at the end when I discovered that I was, in fact, 233rd out of 560 finishers. Leon chose to run with me, and watching him dancing over the rough downhills and trying to emulate his footfalls was very useful.

2. Mission accomplished, and if you take out the stops and add-ons, our running time for the marathon distance was less than 3:55. My third sub-4 marathon ever, and I did it in training on an interestingly undulating course. I was well pleased :o)

3. I could write a long race report with gremlins in it, but, as I said, I'm very busy, so I'll cut to the punchline.

3:37:11 clock time, 3:36:39 chip time. A PB by 7 minutes.

:o) :o) :o)

I'm ready. Nothing more to do now apart from recover and stay recovered.