At least it's now done

This morning I was up at 0710, washed and brushed my teeth before heading downstairs for a slice of toast. I had to line my stomach as I knew I would be out for some time!! I taped my nipples to avoid getting the dreaded jogger's nipple, put my mobile phone armband on as 8 miles is a long way to walk if anything goes wrong and clipped my bottle belt on as I didn't fancy 16 miles running without a drink! I was now armed and ready to tackle the run.

I set out and during the first 4 miles I was running in a light rain which was quite pleasant for a while. Then it started to rain a little heavier until I was 6 miles out when it absolutely pelted down. Perfect timing as I was pushing on to get to the 8 mile halfway point. Although soaked through, I was feeling fairly fresh and was relieved to be at the turnaround point. I had a power gel, like an energy bar in a gel format, and my first mouthfuls of lucozade at the halfway point and was raring to go for the journey back. The legs still felt fresh but the rain wasn't letting up just yet.

I hit the 11 mile mark and my legs started to get heavy. I kept going and at about 12.5 miles I felt like I hit 'the wall' and I was ready to quit. Then the little voice in my head reminded me...no 2nd chances. I had my 2nd power gel and some more lucozade and pressed on for the last 3 miles. A mile and a half out and I took the last mouthfuls of lucozade and kept going as I was nearly there.

As I got to the corner of my road, there was an older gentleman who had just got home from his run and looked knackered so as I passed I said 'at least it's now done' to which he laughed and seeing the relief on his face that he was finished gave me the legs to push on home and complete the 16 miles. So that was the first target done, the 16 miles was completed. The 2nd target was to try and get it done in 2 hours 40 minutes but I managed it in 2 hours 49 minutes...not quite but I was a happy man, for today at least!!