Last week instead of 20 miles, as dictated by my schedule, but only ran 16 miles. Yes, the there were a number of things to put me off, there was the rain, my sodden trainers covered in mud and an unsettled tummy. However, with this week’s hindsight the biggest difference in completing 20 miles was to include a whole day of rest, which I did this week. This week, I felt more refreshed; I was comfortable, until the last 30 minutes, and I averaged 9 minutes per mile. This would get me around the London Marathon in just under four hours. So I am on target.
Two railway lines
I set off, stepping out of the house into torrential rain. I went back inside. I emptied all my pockets and put all I was carrying into my fully-waterproof top. No lightweight number for such a downpour. And by the time I had done this, it had stopped raining: it was only a shower. Still, I wasn’t going to change again, so carrying a little extra weight I set off. The clouds were still dark gray and it could open at any point. In fact, it didn’t rain until I had passed Hatfield, which was about one third of the way around my course. By this point I had embarked upon another adventure. Running through Welwyn Garden City was a new addition to other routes that I had taken before. I ran first along the Alban Way – a disused railway line that I often run along. Then from Welwyn to Wheathampstead I ran along the Ayot Greenway – another disused railway line that I have run along once before. Such routes are excellent for long runs. The trails are not usually too muddy – unlike last week’s run through the woodland – and they are level, whilst covering some good distance through the countryside. I am blessed to have three such routes now within reach of my long runs.
