Long hilly run

Today was my furthest distance to date, just over 20 miles. I was absolutely knackered by the end of it, but it was a rather hilly one as well, so fair enough. Without my friend Steve (injured ankle - get well soon!) I wasn't sure how I would cope. He is always so positive and keeps me going. So my plan was simple - out 10 miles and if you want to give up you are going to freeze walking back, so you may as well keep on running. It was a great route - from Trentham to Longton, up Anchor Road, up Park Hall Hills, up to Werrington and then up to Bagnall. That was the other part of my plan, make the second half be downhill! Lovely views and great countryside, but a real killer - even the downhills had bits of uphills, and after about 16 miles the flat sections felt like uphills. Anyway, made it in the end, 3 hrs 10mins to cover 20.45 miles with 1,700 feet of ascent. If I can keep this up I should be able to beat 4 hours in the marathon. For details of the run click the link beow;

Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for Untitled

17 miles personal best (and I hate canals)

What a fantastic run yesterday morning, hilly and hard but my fastest 17 miles ever. Admittedly, this is the first 17 miler I've ever ran so a personal best was quite likely, but welcome nonetheless. The official distance was 17.35 miles in 2hrs 45min 23secs, 8min57sec average pace. Thanks as always to Steve for keeping me going (and for stashing the drinks part way round and for making me look good by wearing his green hat).

And then, I hate canal runs! Its just the monotony of it, the flatness. Two weeks ago we did 16 miles along the canal, yawn, yawn. And the same yesterday for the first 6 miles - boring and flat - as soon as we hit the hills at Stone I started to enjoy it. Give me some hills or a bit of variety, I've had enough of the canal for the moment!

So overall last week was really good. I stretched to 4 runs in total. 2 x 4 miles while working away in York, 3 miles speedwork on Friday morning before work and then the long run, giving me a top weekly total of just over 28 miles.

No running tonight because of the ice but I just did 5 miles on the bike at 9 mph - it seems fast to me!!