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By Rutland Water
By Paul | October 8, 2007
Another day.
What excuses could I find for not doing the run that I said I was going to do to Jacqui last night as I read a book about an ultra marathon runner.. ‘I know what we can do tomorrow, you can drop me off and I will run around that peninsular bit, oh and then the long way round to meet you in the carpark..’ sounded really good at the time and of no consequence as I sat with yet another cup of tea. I could have used the crushed heal excuse, but that would be pointless now as she was already aware I couldn’t walk properly after training, not before.
Saturday morning came and we drove to Rutland Water. There are various ways of getting around, normally bike or foot, in total 23 miles if you feel adventurous, but today the plan was about 20miles, missing out a section alongside road, which on hindsight I should have done, because it would have been quicker and only 3 miles back to the car after the peninsular of 6 miles.
Not to cry off, I strapped by waterpack on and away I went. Jacqui decided to go for a walk the opposite way around the peninsular, I would have to pass her, great, meant I had to keep a decent pace before I could stop as she is very good at delivering a comment of where have you been !! did you see that man in the wheelchair pass you..
Surprisingly the heel was holding up, although I was compensating for the injury by hitting the ground hard with my right foot which was not intentional. After a few miles the damaged hell went dead, so I was ok now.
After about 10 miles I felt like I could sit down and rest, I know around about this distance is the first checkpoint for the Thames Meander. I always feel knackered by then anyway so now was no different. Rutland Water is a big water reservoir which means you either turn back to get home, or commit yourself to the half way and then it matters not.
On I plod, sipping water sensibily this time rather than having a bloated belly, it worked fine. As I came near to a place called Normanton, I unfortunately talked myself in to having a cup of tea, I needed the sugar for a start, sit down second and a mobile phone to call for HELP !!
I got the first two and managed a mobile phone, but, having come this far I only had another 3 miles to do and I was sure that I wasn’t about to stop now. Jacqui on the other end of the phone seemed impressed I had got that far in the time. I wasn’t so sure she had a watch on to be sure.
The last 3 miles seemed to take forever, but they were done. crushed heel and all. Yes I am now walking rather ungainly and tip toeing rather like a little girl, but other than mild stiff legs I thought I done rather well. Off to the gym in a moment to swim and loosen the legs.
This week should be a little less training as I am running in the Leicester Marathon next Sunday, not that I anticipate scarring the runners by my blistering speed… just more of a need to finish another training run. As long as you finish, time is unimportant and the fact you have enjoyed it.. after you’ve recovered that is.
Topics: Paul |