I was still buzzing from my 21 mile run. This week felt like a victory lap.

Everything is coming together. My life is back on track and that marathon finish line is in sight!

W/C 26th August

Tuesday

The Bank Holiday meant that I was in the office today so no intervals! After the 21 mile run on Sunday, I wasn’t grumbling.

Thursday

Tonight’s run was a special one. It was Lindley Running Club’s turn to host Almondbury Striders.

Whilst we didn’t have Castle Hill, we did hit a bit of trails by heading up to Huddersfield golf course. It was an absolutely lovely evening with great company.

It was a relaxed pace as it was a tad hilly but there were some lovely views. We finished with a run up the never ending climb of Daisy Lea Lane.

We all congregrated in Lindley Liberal Club as we had earned some drinks! Louise had kindly baked some cupcakes which went down a treat!

New friends made, stories shared, it is a great testament to the power of running and bringing people together.

Saturday

Another 34 minute pacing sesh. I helped runners reach PBs – such a magic feeling!

Nothing else to add other than I am badass 🙂

Sunday

Oh you know, just a casual 19 mile run!

It was a similar to route to last week, but shorter obviously.

I really wasn’t motivated to run. What was the point? I’ve done my 21 miles, I knew I could do a marathon. So why was I running 19 miles?

I luckily met my friend Becky at 3 and a half miles who was joining me for 8 miles. I began to relax and enjoy the run. We ran strong, even when we went off the canal and I had added in some hills. I just couldn’t bear running up to Marsden on the canal again!

We were running well and comfortably. I felt much better than last week. I was confident for 19 miles.

As we plodded up into Marsden, we met Lisa again at the train station. We headed to tunnel end and then it was back towards Milnsbridge (and then some).

I am bored of this canal by this point and whilst I enjoyed the company I had to run beyond it. To make it 19 miles I had to run into town and around the John Smith’s stadium.

Like me during the run, I’m getting ahead of myself here.

We had a lovely run and said goodbye to Becky at Titanic spa.

Lisa had planned to run with me to Milnsbridge but when she got there she wanted to run a little further.

This was so helpful for me. At this point I’d accepted I’d be running 18 miles, no shame.

Yet Lisa ran with me until I had just over 3 miles to go. I can run 3 miles.

As we hugged goodbye, I felt a boost of energy and headed to the stadium. I felt like I was running super strong and speedy.

It wasn’t speedy, but it did feel strong. To finish a 19 mile run feeling good is odd. I was delighted and it was yet another confidence boost. 🙂

Week 13 thoughts

I’ve taken the week a bit steadier and I did feel better skipping the intervals session.

Still trying to be sensible but the temptation to just sprint off is increasing. I refuse to get injured though!

The 19 mile run felt really good, I felt strong, much stronger than the 21 miler. Marathon training works!

This is how I felt after those last 3 miles of my 19 miler. 😎😎