Even more injuries but I'm still standing.

[turnturtle]

Well I did it! 24K in the lovely Loire countryside. I started at 7 but should have started earlier because by 10.15 when I struggled up the last hill the temperature was well into the seventies (old money). It was really hard work and I couldn't match the race pace the MyAsics plan had set for me over the second hilly and hot part of the course. I ended up being 15 seconds per k slower than I should have been. I learned a lot though. 1. Never underestimate the amount of water you will need. 2. Don't think because you have 'been' that you won't need an emergency toilet stop involving stumbling through flesh-tearing forest brambles to find privacy (Imodium for me on the next long run) 3. Don't think because you have never had chafing issues before that you're immune . That's all I'm saying ...

Alls well that ends well and at least my toe held up 👏

[benwill Marathon]

oh looks painful sorry about that hope your feeling ok now. I had chafing once and bleeding nipples now bodyglide is my friend.

but can we not have a lovely picture of the Loire countryside next time!

[turnturtle Marathon in reply to benwill]

No time for pics Ben! Tomorrow!

[C3PO Marathon]

Congratulations on surviving your run!

[misswobble Marathon]

Ha ha! i am so with you there TT 😊 We do put ourselves through it don't we! Still, it beats knittin! 😊

Hope the hols is going well aside from the lacerations and Montezuma's 😆

[poppypug Marathon]

Blimey ! Youre going through it at the moment TT !

Hope you get through your holiday with no more mishaps ! xxx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

wow thats so impressive TT! congratulations, you are one tough cookie! 15 secs under is nothing on a hot day, you are excellent and don't you forget it! ouch poor toes x

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Oh goodness me - that marathon will be a breeze!!

[AncientMum Half Marathon]

Well done TT, a great run *and* important lessons learned: Win Win. Now take good care of yourself and enjoy the rest of your holiday, you definitely deserve it xx

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

That is a very very long way! I'm so impressed! Yes, it's hot here, the coolest part of the day is around 9 AM, and doesn't last very long. 15 seconds is brilliant, I reckon I'm at least 30 seconds per KM slower here, what with the heat, and the humidity, and the hills...the three killer H's!

[turnturtle Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

I feel better after reading that! Yes it was a long way. I find now the secret is not to think about how many hours I am likely to be running when I set off! It's just another run and I'm going to enjoy the journey 😘

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to turnturtle]

I'm managing about 7.50 per KM and my longest has been 9K - you are a STAR!

[turnturtle Marathon]

Yesterday was 8.20. I have a 10k fast run scheduled on Thursday and I'm going to go for it! 10K? Pah! Hardly worth putting the running shoes on for 😂 On a different note I had an email from the running bug yesterday wanting to chat to me for an article about the positives of running as an oldie. I may have my 15 seconds of fame yet!

[boptillyoudrop49]

You do make me feel like a right wuss!

[turnturtle Marathon in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

I think living on a farm most of my life where horses stand on your feet and cattle kick you as you load them on a regular basis may have toughened me up!

[dagshar Half Marathon]

Well done on that huge effort. By the way did you get up really early to have breakfast first or did you eat while on the go (or both )?

[turnturtle Marathon]

Both! I took espresso gels with me and sucked on them in the last third. A mouthful at a time is enough for me or I retch but they did seem to help keep me goung

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Respect to you!!! ouch that looks sore but a HUGE MEGA well done, that is such an amazing achievement....