Yesterday it was time to go back to The Towpath, for a whole days running with Phoenix Running.
It's been a few weeks since I've done any events, because of other things. And I haven't done very much running either. Had a bit of a low patch and haven't felt much like running or writing, without the focus of a race to make me do it. Which is very bad, as that's exactly what I know I should do to feel better, but sometimes you are your own worst enemy I suppose. Anyway, I'm sorting it out now, and it's starting to work I think. My writing is not as up to a standard that I like (sorry!), but I figured I have to start somewhere, and gradually it will come back....
So! It was so good to be back on the running circuit and have lots of long overdue catch ups! Although, I was quite worried that I wouldn't still be able to run. I wanted to do 2 marathons today, to keep on track for my 52 marathons in 52 weeks....
The runs were Game of Thrones themed. I don't know anything at all about the Game of Thrones, other than that Phoenix Race to the Thrones runs are brilliant, and the medals are beautiful...
The first run started at 9.30. Band of Runners (a new podcast by some of my running friends Rob and Simon - it's great fun - check it out here) were having a podcast takeover. They have some great new merchandise and I got a new top. I love it! And great to see so many people running along the towpath in it.
Lots of long overdue catch ups on the way round, it was a lot of fun, thanks everyone. Got to spend a few laps with Sarah, which was fun and she definitely dragged me along quicker for a few miles! Amazing to see Paula complete her 12 halves in 12 months - thanks for the hugs each lap, and I am very proud of you! It was very hot, and the were ice lollies about half way, when I got to catch up with George and his Race Across Scotland adventures. There was a dog show, and a duck race on up by the Anglers Pub, and the London to Brighton bike ride was on, so it was pretty busy on the towpath, which meant there was lots to look at, and forget that my legs were feeling a bit tired after half way. Was going to stop at a marathon (8 laps) but was worried about stopping for too long before the next one which started at 4, and seizing up. I also ran (ha!) into Sarah and Jon at the end of lap 8, so got to run another lap with them and catch up on ages, and be inspired by all their epic 100 achievements. It felt pretty tough the run this morning, but it was definitely fun to be with everyone again, and I was happy to have completed an ultra.
I finished about 3 pm, so had an hour before the next. Felt a bit sick, but had a veggie sausage roll and some grapes, and a shower, and felt a bit better for the next one. I was regretting wearing brand new trainers on a double run day, and I had a blister. I'm such an idiot.
Got going again, which felt OK for a lap, then it was just quite hard work. The towpath seemed even busier and hotter, and I was struggling to think that I had so many more laps to do. Luckily though I met Sarah again, so shared some more miles, but when she finished her half, I found the next lap really tough, I was feeling low on energy but also feeling sick. Forced myself to eat some crisps and water, and about a mile later I felt a bit more energetic. A little bit. It seemed to be taking forever to get dark, and that was what I was looking forward to. I love running on the towpath in the dark! Gradually though, night came, and the towpath got quieter and the last 2.5 laps when I had to use my head torch felt much easier, and I loved them. The lights on the water, runners head torches bobbing along in the distance, and the sounds of things in the night is all magic! I felt like carrying on as I was feeling quite happy again, but I was worried about catching the train back, so I called it a day at 8 laps. So happy to manage my marathon, and as a bonus finished just in time for the Disco starting in the Aid Station - the aid station was lots of fun today, thanks Rik and Marshals! Even got a Marathon Bar....
And energy restored, I was able to put the two medals together....
It's like art! 😍
So now as well as working on getting my mind back into shape, I've had a good bash at getting my body back into shape too. 55 miles of running and 5 miles of walking to the station and back - I didn't think I could do it, but, thanks to the support and love of my running friends, I managed it. Thanks everyone for a tough but lovely day! 💙💜💙
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