The clocks have changed, the kids don't want to go to bed. I need to do my last long run before starting the taper for the Brighton Marathon. Eventually my wife takes over and I am off.
I decide to run up (and I mean up) to Biggin Hill. I have been training by running my long runs to Time rather than distance. This makes sense today as the pace will be slow, as on the way out I will be gaining height quite rapidly.
I cruise down to Hayes. I run, slightly nervously, through the road in the dark common. I have brought my bright torch which help somewhat. I pass through Keston and onto Leaves Green.
Two police motorbikes scream past ahead I can see lots of blues-and-twos. I can see the Police have shut the road. I ask if I am allowed through, and I am. I pass a serious 3 way car crash. One car has been cut open. The front has been ripped of a top-end Mercedes.
As I near the turn around point, I spot a petrol station. I stop and get some supplies. I run a little further and turn back. At this point I know I have completed my Marathon training. I wanted to get this run done, and by reaching the far point I knew that I had done it and would make it back(I have to get home!). From here to the big day is a gentle taper.
I run back, past the accident and across the common. It's easy running downhill and the pace is faster. I have my wine gums on the hill on Pickhurst Lane. It doesn't feel too bad. I have had 3 gels, wine gum and half a bottle of sports drink. I have stopped to wee, fiddle with the IPhone.
The training has gone well. The last couple of weeks has been dogged by too much work and I would have liked some more sessions but I have really given it a good go. Just need to pray now that the big day is not too hot.
When I get home my wife has left some freshly baked Banana Muffins out for me.
25.5km 2:53:48
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