30 seconds faster...

... per mile than you're used to running, is actually bloody hard!
Today was only a 30 minute run and I thought, great, it'll be a breeze! Unfortunately the "breeze" made it much more difficult today. The first mile and a half was really comfortable and I was feeling quite smug with myself until I turned into a headwind and realised the only reason it had been so easy, was because the wind had pushed me all the way.
So, I stuck with it and ended up slightly overcompensating for the inclines and wind on the way back and went from mile 1 at 10.01, to 9.44 and 9.43 respectively.

I'd love to say it was a good run, but it was very knackering and I was glad when it was done.
William sent me details of the rest of my taper last night and I only have one more longish run left (of an hour) and the others are all 30 minute runs, all at marathon pace. I've never trained at a marathon pace before (which is shocking really, I should have done this sort of prep before... but I'll be honest and say I didn't really know how to do it). It isn't until someone tells you to run at a certain pace for a certain length of time, that you know you're definitely doing it the right way!

I also asked about motivating thoughts for mile 18 of the marathon, when I've only done the paltry amount of 11 miles in training. He said to have confidence in my training and look back at the PB's I've achieved in training so far.
The one thing I think I WILL think about when I get tired, is all of the strength training I've done. During Loch Ness Marathon last year, I honestly felt like my legs were going to drop off. The pain in my quads, hamstrings and calves was incredible and the ITB problems I had for a month afterwards were all due to a lack of strength.
I've worked really hard in training... a Monday has consistently been my day of pain as I've suffered after many an excruciating circuit class followed by back breaking deadlifts. Even the XL runs... my God, they are so much harder than I would ever have given credit for had I not actually done them. Who would have thought 2% bodyweight would feel so heavy! And then there has been the intervals. Intervals used to be a swear word to me... now they are just something I do on a Tuesday!!!

So, I am now ordering good weather for Fleetwood. Overcast, 11 degrees and a lovely gentle breeze every now and again when it's needed. You heard it here first! ;-)