During February, I've been gradually stepping up the distances that I've been running each week and in my long run in particular. My longest distance has increased week by week from 9 miles to 12 miles. Over the whole month, I ran more than 100 miles.
Now it’s March and race day is getting closer.
Last Thursday, I set out to complete my longest run ever, in terms of both time and distance. This was crunch time for my half marathon training schedule and on a bit of a whim I decided that I would follow the Trent and Mersey Canal, just to see if I could run from Stoke to Stone. The sun was shining, there was only a gentle breeze and it actually felt like a lovely warm spring day. Almost perfect for running.
The first couple of miles from my starting point close to Etruria were pretty tough - the stretch of the canal between Etruria and the Britannia Stadium is probably my least favourite running route. There are loads of bridges over the canal which make the route a bit dark and dingy. The surface is also pretty uneven and there's not much of a view.
However, once I got past the Brit, I got into my running stride and began to enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. I was pretty close to my planned pace of 10 minutes per mile and actually enjoying my run.
And then...
I was about 7 miles into my run when the fairly solid path along the canal simply ran out... and was replaced by a very uneven muddy trail. I thought about coming off the canal at that point, as it was very heavy going running through the mud. However, my main problem was that I really didn't know where I would come out if I came off the canal - obviously somewhere between Stoke and Stone but other than I didn't have a clue! Probably not the best planning on my part... I thought about turning around too but wasn't sure I would manage to run all the way home.
So I kept going, albeit a lot slower.
The muddy stretch lasted about 3 miles and I had to change sides on the canal a couple of times. But eventually, as I got closer to Stone, the path reappeared and the running got much easier. The Welcome to Stone sign was indeed a welcome sight! I picked up my pace again and after a little loop around Stone, I completed 2 hours of running and I managed my longest run ever - 12.4 miles.
Tired but happy I headed to Morrisons for a celebratory cup of tea!
And then it was time to make my way home.... and this time I did take the bus... but I think after running over 12 miles, I I had earned the bus ride. There was no way I was running any further that day.
Now there are just 18 days between now and my first half marathon in Stafford on 25th March - according to my schedule, I've got 10 more runs to complete before Race Day. I have to admit to being a little bit nervous, but I've stuck to my training plan and I'm happy with how my times / distances have been progressing. I know I can manage the distance and I'm hoping I can achieve my target time.
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| Some inspiration from Women's Running Magazine! |
LizT
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