With only 6 weeks to go until race day, Paul and I have started training in ernest. The results of yesterday’s 17 miler surprised us both.
Not really used to the distance, we had rather assumed it’d be no more challenging than a brisk walk in the park. Carrying no more than 12kg each (although I think Paul’s bergen was packed with 2 sleeping-bags for effect), we set off with Jayne Cooke, our ever-cheerful Warrant Officer and professional chef. Not only has Jayne run, (and that’s run, not walked!) 100 milers each of the last 7 years, she pops off for a quick half-marathon at any time during the week that the feeling takes her. She’s well-known in the Norfolk running scene, and is a brilliant training partner.
We chose a popular walking / cycle route that starts right in the centre of Norwich, and heads out North along a disused railway. The weather perked up a bit on the way back, but it was raining all the way out, which to be honest made wearing the blindfold much more enjoyable! And Norfolk’s not known for it stunning hill-views. Mariott’s Way, as famous as it may be, is not quite as pretty as the cycle path from Bristol to Bath. That’s a corker, for anyone who lives nearby and hasn’t walked it.
At the risk of sounding soft, if it weren’t for the Altberg boots and Anna’s expert foot massage when I got home, I don’t think I’d be walking far today!
I’m sticking to 10 milers each day this week, and then a big one next Saturday with Jayne, Paul, and Anna.
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