Another Great Week!

Another 70 miles completed over the week. I concentrated on running longer each day in one go, doing 12 miles at a time instead of being split into 2 separate runs. I must say this was a lot harder than going out twice a day. I was really quite tired by the middle of the week and couldn't wait for my rest day on Friday. By then I had completed another 10 days of running - 120 miles in total.
Having the rest day Friday worked out well as it was the day before the Coniston 14. I couldn't decided how to run the race - whether to just jog around and admire the scenery or to go for it and do a PB. I was receiving lots of advice about 'keeping my eye on the big picture' etc. The fact that the weather forecast was for it to be strong northerly winds, cold with showers did not help either.
In the end the weather was OK- bright, no showers but still a strong cold headwind for the last 8 miles. I loved it and had a fantastic day! It really is a brilliant event - well organised and really friendly.
It was good turning up for the race with Mac. We also met Jill there as we went through our pre-race preparations. Jill laughed at the amount of vaseline Mac was attempting to put on his feet - no blister was going to get him!
I worked hard on my mental preparations - I was not going to be intimidated by all the other 'athletes'. This is something that has always happened to me in the past at the start of races. I have always looked around and thought everyone else looked so athletic and fit and would put myself at the back of the group. Saturday was the first time ever that I had walked around and stood on that start line with my head held high. I felt proud to be wearing my Hoad Hill Club Vest and to be running in a race with fellow team mates. I felt great.
I ended up running on my own and had a brilliant run and finished in 1:53 - another Personal Best for 14 miles. I went through half marathon stage at 1:46!! I only really worked hard for the last mile and a half. This meant I had smashed through another PB and also had not completely knackered myself in the process - bring on Paris!! Mac did really well and finished in 1:43 - I'll get him yet!
The Hoad Hill Ladies Team won second place - we had a £15 quid voucher each to spend at Pete Bland's! I was second counter and felt especially proud to be standing on the stage with Sharon Dixon (who was 8th lady overall). I have admired Sharon's athletic ability for many, many years and never thought in a million years that I would be standing alongside her receiving a prize!!
Finished off the week yesterday running with Mac on a lovely off road run over Birkrigg - I do enjoy running with him!
And so to this week. 70 miles planned. Another 10 day stint - next rest day Tuesday 7th April. Mac and I travel to Paris on Thursday to spend our wedding anniversary running the Paris Marathon. I hope to at least match my Draycote Marathon time of 3:46 so hopefully will remain injury free this week. Only 38 days to go!!