Last day of the year, longest ever run 💥💥💥

[Sandie1961]

As it’s only 10 weeks to my HM, I thought maybe it was time to step up the distance. Cold and frosty when I got up, so toddled off to Tesco to replenish the fridge (first time in a supermarket for 10 days 😃). By the time I got home again, it was also very foggy, but I forced myself out, new Bluetooth earbuds switched on and ready to go. I’d decided that I would split the run into two halves, so a 1.5k run out, then turn left for a 7k out and back, turn right for a 7k out and back, then 1.5k home to make 17k. I also figured that if it didn’t feel good, I could bail half way round and just do 10k. At 8.5k I was in an easy pace, just under 7min/km, legs and breathing felt good so I carried on. At 11k the sun broke through and a blue sky appeared. The tactics really worked - it felt like 2 shorter runs, rather than 1 huge run and a time of 1:57, just ahead of my 2 hour target. Now to relax. Happy New Year everybody 🥳🥂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

What a fabulous way to end a fabulous year! 👏👏👏

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda and here’s to a fabulous year for us both in 2020 x

[misswobble Marathon]

Sounds perfect! I got new bluetooth earphones too. Free from WW for being a good weightwatcher. So far so good!

Happy new year to you too. See you in March!

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Fantastic work!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

You will breeze an HM Sandie. Excellent pace; you are a running machine! 👏👏👏👏

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks BC! Certain parts of my anatomy are telling me they’ve worked hard that’s for sure😖

[TailChaser Marathon]

Wow Sandie! That’s a stonking distance! Good idea breaking it up, I’ll have to give that a go. I’ve found doing circuits rather than doing long there and backs much easier. The reassurance of being nearer home seems to help. Happy new running year!!! 👏👏👏

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

The fact I was never more than 4K from home really did seem to make a difference 😃

[Agingnovice1]

Amazing Sandra and inspiring! Happy New Year to you and yours xx

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Agingnovice1]

Thank you. Look forward to meeting up in the New Year xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Well done Sandie, you had that run sussed from the outset. Fantastic - you’re so close to the elusive 21.1k now. Do you plan on running the distance before your HM, or saving it for the big day? 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

I did 12k this morning on the sticky towpath. A lovely run though, and I now feel I deserve a few NYE beverages later! Hope you have a fun evening too. 🎉🎉🥂🥂

See you in 2020 - and absolutely YES, come and join the London Vitality 10,000 meetup! 🏃🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I think I might save it for the big day, unless, of course, I set off to do 20 and just keep going like I did with the 10 miles 😂

Nothing special planned for tonight but will have a glass of bubbly and watch the fireworks at midnight. Enjoy your party xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

🥂🥂🥂

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Just fantastic.. go you! You are going to rock that HM!

Wishing you happiness, health and much joy for 2020 xxxx

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you dear Floss. The same to you and your family. See you in March 😃😃😃 xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Sandie1961]

You will...whhhhhheeeeeeecxx

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

Impressive stuff. Xx

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

Thank you my lovely friend xxx

[Bluebirdrunner]

Brilliant Run Sandie.😊

Happy New Year to you and yours. xxx

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you BBR! Hope you will be back to it yourself before too long xx

[Bluebirdrunner in reply to Sandie1961]

Me too!🤞😊xxx

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well what can I say Sandie, you just go from strength to strength. Well done . Definitely a good reason to get the bubbly out tonight. Happy New Year to you and OH

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy and to you and UTS. See you next year xx

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Fantastic Sandie! When I first saw your photo I thought you'd had a mishap halfway round!😋

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Don’t know why HU puts photos the wrong way round, but no, no mishaps thankfully 😂

[Oldgirlruns 10 Miles]

After Tesco on New Years Eve, I should think your run would be a breeze! I’m impressed with your preparations - I dream of half that distance! Happy New Year to you - and happy running in 2020!

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Oldgirlruns]

😂 it was surprisingly quiet!

[lexi6 10 Miles]

That is huge Sandie! in fact blimmin awesome! 👏🏻 Happy New Year (in 7 mins time as I type) 🥂

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Aww thank you xx HM in March 😬😬 Still got 35 mins to go - then I’m going to bed 😂

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Happy New Year nite nite xx

[Slinkymalinki]

Wow! What a great way to end the year! Good luck with the rest of your training and Happy New Year to you!🎉🏃🏼‍♀️

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thank you 😊 To you too!

[Run46 Half Marathon]

Good job Sandie, fabulous run...I also find if I split it in my head, with the option to stop half way helps me to run the long distances! Once you've done half it's like you take stock and think, well that wasn't too bad, I can do that again.

Fantastic end to the year 🎉

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Run46]

Thanks Run46 😊 It really does work doesn’t it. My legs are feeling it this morning though 😖

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

I'll bet...both times I've done 16K I've given myself a run off and it seems to have worked for me. I walked on my run day instead to stretch things out a little.

Enjoy your rest day/s 👍