Marathon Mann

Away from home again tonight and a 10 mile run along the Tyne. It was very beautiful along the riverside near the lit-up bridges this evening and the still waters made for crystal clear reflections. As for the run, I felt good and it was the fastest 10 mile training run I’ve done so far since I’ve “been back” (1:28:37). All I need to do is keep that pace up for 26.2 miles and I have my marathon PB cracked.

My physio says that I ought to cut down the number of days running as my mileage increases so tomorrow morning I’ll be heading for the hotel gym (there’s quite a good one hear at the Marriott Metro Centre).

So what’s the West Wing all about? Our new Newcastle office is based in the west wing of the building, hence the sign on the door. It just seemed a good backdrop for today’s selfie! (That’s all).

I know what you’re thinking: this picture is taken in a pub! You’d be right, but let me explain.  Every month, our club has a competitive training session, called the Distance League, which is always rounded off with presentations and refreshments in a local pub.  This evening we all did a couple of laps around Wrenthorpe totalling about 2.75 miles, the 5th event of the season.  For reasons that I won’t go into now, we didn’t end up in a pub in Wrenthorpe, but in “The College” which is in central Wakefield and always offers us a really warm welcome.

One of the things we did this evening was award trophies for our two Club Champions for 2015, Adam and Jenny.   It was a special evening for Jenny since this was the first time she had won a trophy in any sport and it really was well deserved!

Earlier in the day I visited my physio at Coach House, Leeds for a general check-up, massage and advice about how to stay out of trouble injury-wise during my marathon training.   On the way out you can imagine the surprise when I saw another champion, none other than Jonathan Brownlee waiting in reception.  It was a rather surreal moment when Jonny had to go and find out if it was Alistair’s car blocking mine in the car park.  The best thing was that he did have some words of encouragement regarding my marathon training which was truly awesome!

This isn’t what you think, I haven’t abandoned my excercise routine and decided to visit Costa for a coffee and a bun instead.  I have now established a rather agreeable routine for Monday mornings, go for my usual excercises and swim first thing, then sit down for breakfast at Costa before going to work; an inspired plan.

As for my legs, after the 15 miles yesterday, yes they are tired!  Hopefully a trip to the physio tomorrow will equip me for the arduous training to follow and help me avoid picking up an injury.