Weekly Chat : Dec 7-13: Hello everyone... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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Weekly Chat : Dec 7-13

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon
88 Replies

Hello everyone! How’s it going? It’s hard to believe Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. Where does the time go? Have you got any run gear on your gift list? I’ve been trying to get used to my new watch settings (early Christmas/ birthday/ whatever else I can think of gift). Just keep forgetting to pause it during impromptu photo shoots. 🙂 Auto pause has to be set for every run currently. Haha that will never happen! Did it again this morning! We’ve gone into full lockdown here but they are keeping most of the parks open which is good for us runners. I am planning on trying a few new routes soon. Not really running to a plan right now, just running to run and explore in the new season. The pic here is a collage of a few recent ones. How about you? I know there are lots of folk joining the Spring 2021 HM group. Any special plans for holiday runs? Let us know!

As always, if you're new here, or just browsing through the community posts, this is a great place to introduce yourself and let us know how you are doing. You’ll find plenty of support and knowledge from your fellow runners here.

Have a great week, everyone!!!

The Marathon Team xxx

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Decker profile image
Decker
Ultramarathon
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88 Replies
C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon

Less than 3 weeks to my marathon, and not really tapering yet - that's what you get when you do 2 marathons 13 weeks apart, and didn't train properly for the first one. I did a slow 12 k yesterday to scout the first section of the event. It has been 3 years since I ran there last, and since it's such a small event that I need to find my way, I thought a reccie was important. It's crazy how poorly I run when my brain is busy checking Google maps and wondering how far it is to the next turn. Not to mention the occasional wrong turn!Anyway, I figure I'll put in 4 runs this week. Depending on the weather, I'll move my long run to the end of the week, and repeat yesterday's route and keep going.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply to C3PO

Very impressive C3PO. Very fit and highly organised. Navigation is my winter project. I have managed thus far with my faithful forerunner 35 and sticking to areas I know. I seem to remember getting to this point last year.! Hope Santa is listening..

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to Beachcomber66

I have a 35 on Christmas list 🙂

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply to misswobble

Distance covered, total time elapsed and current pace in one display is all I need “in run”really. I check heart rate, stride length, cadence and lap times post run....I don’t need any more data.My 35 does it for me. If I could be bothered to work it out I could set training programmes I think, but for better or worse I just work out my own or follow a pinned plan.Just need to find a way of avoiding getting lost so I can be more adventurous in exploring the moors .....and finding my way home afterwards 🙂

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to Beachcomber66

I’m not bothered with heart rate or cadence etc,nor pace for that matter. I can’t read the watch on the run anyway 🤓

I want to explore more. it’s exciting getting off-road for adventures A local runner near me offers courses to learn the skills He organises the town’s ultra. They insist on the paper map for that 😃 As well as phone and these 3 words or whatever it’s called

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply to misswobble

All my runs are off road. If I want to venture further I need to learn to navigate on the North York’s Moors competently. Not a place where you would want to get lost and you can’t always rely on mobile connections. All makes life interesting.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to Beachcomber66

Absolutely! When out in these places you are acutely aware of what could happen if the weather suddenly deteriorates

Learning these skills would be great and add another dimension to your adventuring. Valderee 😘🎵🎶

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply to misswobble

😂 I love to go a wandering too!!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to Beachcomber66

Fun innit. Tra la la 🎶. My knapsack on my back 🎵

Speaking of which, I’m just about to don mine again as run to the shop to collect a parcel. I’m running along the canal part of the way. Lovely day for it 😎🏃‍♀️

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to misswobble

Haha thats my problem too. I’ve started bringing a pair of glasses on my longer runs just in case 🥸

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to C3PO

2 marathons in 13 weeks is really impressive C3PO! I find trying to run to Google maps challenging too, as you constantly have to stop and check your phone. Got us out of some jams though. And in the very cold days sometimes the phone freezes and you have nothing! Good luck with your runs and your next marathon! 💪👊

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon in reply to Decker

The cold is problematic, isn't it? A few winters ago, my phone died after my long run, just as I took it about to buy a ticket for the tram ride home. I couldn't face walking 8 k uphill home, so I ran to a school 3.5 k away where my husband was waiting for our son to finish his gymastics class.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to C3PO

It really is. My phone and watch died a few times in the cold last year, but i started bundling them up better and they lasted longer later in the season. Too many photos probably :)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to C3PO

Good luck with it. Hope the weather’s kind so you can get your runs done 🙂👍

Charlies1 profile image
Charlies1Half Marathon in reply to C3PO

Hi C3PO. Have you tried the Rungo app for mapping directions? You enter your route & it speaks turn by turn directions as you go. It does pretty well with the standard directions, but you can also review & customise the voice prompts if you want.

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon in reply to Charlies1

No, that sounds like what I would have needed. I spent lots of time converting the map to Google MyMaps, only to discover that it doesn't offer navigation. I'll definitely look into Rungo next time. Thanks!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to C3PO

I used Rungo for a while and liked ot, but now I use Komoot which I love. Also voice navigation but you do pay for the premium version.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Charlies1

The first time I typed my own notes into Rungo I grinned throughout my run! It was like magic how she read my notes to me - the typos were a special giggle!!! It worked a treat though - I had things like 'the river will be on your right now' and stuff like that. Just magic!!! I cant remember why I moved from Rungo to Komoot now - I think I found it easier to plot and the directions are better if you end up off course - but it doesn't have that magic text to voice feature as far as I know.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to linda9389

Ta for the heads up on this! Sounds fab. I have just the test for it 🙂

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

Gorgeous photos Decker! The snow should help with the festive feeling - our temps have finally dropped which has helped in that respect, if not in any other! My hip is still bothering me so another week of no running which will mean a major rethink of my ultra plan but that's OK (will have to be!!!) and more time to concentrate on my annual cycling target. I do need to dig out my warmer footwear though having almost lost my toes on yesterday's ride 🥶. Have a great week everyone.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to linda9389

Yes it is feeling a bit more festive with the dusting of snow! That Ultra isn’t going anywhere. Better to have a healthy hip in the long run so to speak. Yes warmer socks are on my shopping list too. Froze my toes the other day. Also running mitts. Much more sensible than my giant snowmobile mitts. Hope you recover soon!

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon in reply to linda9389

As we say over here: wool, wool, wool!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to C3PO

👍😍

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to C3PO

Merino ski thermals today - much improved!!!

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to linda9389

My wooly Asics long socks came in today! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply to linda9389

I’ve donned my merino top ready for running and collecting parcels this morning Got my cheapo, trusty Lidl cycling back pack on 😃

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to misswobble

Haha. My thermals are Aldi or Lidl ... and the top is good to go for a ride again (the bottoms come between me and my cycling pad and, as I remembered yesterday, that can often end in tears - so I'm opting for chilly quads today instead 😅)

a_in_gsr profile image
a_in_gsrHalf Marathon

After completing my HM last week I'm now straight into quarantine as I went home! Luckily we have a garden to walk around, and a cross trainer, so at the moment I'm off runs altogether! I'm trying to do a daily routine of: using the cross-trainer, yoga, and walking around the garden. I hope this will keep my fitness up? I also really want to do some strength too, because I've always neglected it.

I'm just looking forward to in two weeks when I can get out again :) but at least this gives me some time to figure out what new plan I'm going to do.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to a_in_gsr

You’ve definitely earned some down time after that amazing HM effort! I should think crosstrain plus Yoga should keep your fitness top notch while you weather the lockdown. And if you find yourself really needing a run then you could maybe plan a short garden loop “route”. Hey someone ran a marathon on their apartment balcony so anything is possible!

a_in_gsr profile image
a_in_gsrHalf Marathon in reply to Decker

ahh thanks Decker! I'm hoping to keep up the quarantine routine ;) .. as for running a marathon around the garden.. thats some determination! I think I'd get dizzy

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon in reply to a_in_gsr

Sounds like you have a good plan. You need some recovery time anyway.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

Absolutely beautiful photos Decker, you could use those for your Christmas cards.

I’m still in Ireland but I got back to a long run of 10 miles last week after a few weeks of low mileage. I’m planning to continue where I left off and sneak beyond the HM distance just to see how I get on. So, 18K this week. It’s nice to have different routes actually and I really enjoy plotting them beforehand.

I haven’t done any other exercise and really miss my Pilates so I am going to make a real effort to do some other strength stuff this week.

Oh, and I need to order some warmer leggings, it’s freezing here. I always forget how much colder it is here than at home.

Have a good week everyone and stay safe x

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Irishprincess

Oh what are you thinking of distance-wise IP? Maybe 30k? It’s a nice balance between HM and mara. I wish you luck on the strength work. That is so my weakness! The cold always catches me off guard. I’m still getting used to the shift.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply to Decker

I haven’t got a particular distance in mind Decker. I just want to get used to running for longer. As Hidden suggested, a metric marathon might be a good next step... 🙂

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Irishprincess

That’s a good distance!

Beautiful photos 📷 absolutely stunning. I'm still out there 3-4 times a week. I'm chasing 1000 miles by the end of the year. I'm on 937 miles so far so it should be good. Really enjoying it still. 15m run Saturday which felt great. No pressure just seeing the year out 😊

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to

Sounds perfect GTFC. You should snag that 1000 miles no problem! Keep enjoying and inspiring!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon

Meanwhile on the learner slopes.........rehab hill run this morning. It was cold and wet and the hills are steep, rocky and liberally sprinkled with patches of mud and standing water; lovely. This was a real test in that it was this run two weeks ago which sent me off to the physio with a very tight calf. She said that the muddy conditions require calves to work harder to keep the legs stable. So, I dug out my trusty la sportivas this morning; they are have really solid soles and are designed for rock hopping really, and it worked a treat. Not a glimmer of a problem. Ok I took it really slowly; probably my slowest over the route for ages, but I ran all of the hills and I think that I am back on course. Wednesday is long run day. I was up to 15k but maybe I will scale it back a bit given the two week break. Set the watch for 12k and see how I feel. 👍

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Beachcomber66

Fantastic BC! I would only caution that you take it easy coming back online. I made the mistake in the summer of pushing too hard on my first comeback runs and wound up back on the IC. Good luck!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon

Thanks Decker; I agree. I ran this at 7:27/k. Ages since I ran anywhere that slowly, but my calf is as loose as a goose. Wednesday will be slow too. I have finally found my crawler gear 🙂.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Beachcomber66

Its all good. In recovery, pace has no place 👍🏼🙂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon

What stunning pics Decker. 😍😍😍 Not surprised you keep stopping to take them! It’s funny but even though I’m on auto pilot when running, whenever I need to stop for someone on a narrow footpath, or if I have to cross a road (rare) I always remember to pause my watch. It’s second nature! You’ll end up remembering, I know you will!

I’ve signed up for the spring HM group again. No idea why, as the Bath Half has already been pushed back from March to September. I guess I just enjoy being part of a group! 🤣

Happy running everyone! 🥰

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon

Your pics are impressive as usual Decker. It’s great to see you back to full fitness now and knocking out those legendary long runs once again. 👍 It’s Something I’m just not built for 😂 1k to 10k is my thing and I’m happy there. Mind you I have a long (for me) hill run due tomorrow so I’ll be bracing myself for that and running through gritted teeth. I know it’s good for me so that keeps me going 😀👍

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to RunBrianRun

Thanks Brian. Any distance is good distance! Go show that hill who’s boss!

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply to Decker

Decided to go for a walk instead today 😂 Hill bashing will have to wait another day.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to RunBrianRun

I suspect the hills aren’t going anywhere so you have time! 👍🏼💪

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

Lovely photos 🙂👍

I’ve put a new Garmin on my Christmas list, a new trail top, and toe socks

Oh and a new washing machine as mine bust tonight 🙄

I’m down for the spring HM group and am just running every other day doing whatever takes my fancy.

Have a great week everyone 👍😃

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to misswobble

Yay for the run gear, boo for the washer. Ours is in its last legs too. Best not to think about it and go for a run instead 😁

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon in reply to misswobble

Not a great time of year for your washing machine to break down. Bad luck!

Lordi profile image
LordiMarathon

I might have been a bit silly coming back from zero (no runs since mid July) with only a 1k, then 2k then straight to 5k +5k back to back. Now feeling a sharp pain under the ankle and along side of my foot (peroneal tendon maybe) . So I'm giving at a week's rest for now. 🙁

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply to Lordi

Oh man! Hope it's OK!!!!!!!! xxx

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Lordi

Oh no! Hope its not too serious Lordi. Heal up soon

Lordi profile image
LordiMarathon in reply to Lordi

Phew! I may have gotten away with it. 🙂 Only a slight niggle sensation during a few test joggettes of tens of metres. Still going to give it 1,5-2 weeks off though.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Lordi

That is great news! Probably wise to rest it just the same. 👍🏼

Blackberrypie profile image
BlackberrypieHalf Marathon

Lovely pictures, particularly the light over the river.

I'm happy to be out with my running club tonight, though think I might need to add another layer and gloves as it's going to be cold in the evening.

I'm now into week 4 of my HM plan, scheduled for a 10 miler for Friday (first official one of the plan, ignoring my accidental 11 miler last week). I have plans to use that run to scout out part of the route of a local HM race - it's supposed to be hilly and muddy so I want to get a sense of what I'm letting myself in for before I sign up, keeping open the option of going easy on myself by opting for a nice flat road route instead! <ignores the little voice whispering "you could always do both">

Otherwise, I'm happy that I'm finally being more consistent with strength work and yoga - fitting in daily yoga and 3 short strength workouts a week. I'm hoping to get to halfway on Lejog5 sometime this week (12 miles more to do) so that will really feel like progress.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Blackberrypie

Sounds like you are right on track with your training - both your running and strength work. Good for you. I’m still trying to get more consistent with strength work.

Blackberrypie profile image
BlackberrypieHalf Marathon in reply to Decker

I definitely find the shorter the strength workouts the better - 10-15 mins is easier to fit in and doesn't leave my legs so tired!

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Blackberrypie

Yes mine never last more than 20 mins for the same reason

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

Those piccies 😍

I have some Active Root ginger gel in my Christmas stocking. Sqkr was talking about it a while ago and it piqued my curiosity - I really like the idea of being able to make the gel to my preferred consistency, and have it in a reusable bottle. Also, I really really like ginger! So I'm looking forward to trying it when I get to do some longer runs next year 😊

activeroot.co.uk/

I'm starting to pick up speed in my marathon training plan now, which is fun and also good for keeping warm 😂 I had an interesting time yesterday going through my notes from the last time I did this particular plan - I may post about it!

Happy running/resting all! xxx

HappyNoodle profile image
HappyNoodle10 Miles

My training is off for now. started out with me having flu so getting a test my daughter coughing a bit so added her to the testing. I came back negative as I expected my daughter’s came back positive for covid so now I’m isolating. So neither of us can exercise at all. Both looking forward to running again when I am allowed out next! Thankfully she is not very poorly and my cold is getting better.

HappyNoodle profile image
HappyNoodle10 Miles in reply to HappyNoodle

I did sign up for the Vitality HM in April too. 😃

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to HappyNoodle

Having a real goal like this does help us stay focused. Best of luck and hope you can begin training sooner than later

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon in reply to HappyNoodle

Oh dear! Get well!

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to HappyNoodle

Oh dear, I hope you both get through this ok! It’s good she is not too badly off at the moment. Hop you stay safe and please keep in touch!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to HappyNoodle

I hope you're both better very soon

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply to HappyNoodle

Get well soon HappyNoodle and MiniNoodle!

Charlies1 profile image
Charlies1Half Marathon

Hi everyone,

I’m new here. I started C25K at the end of July & completed a 10km last month. I was planning to roll straight onto an HM plan, but decided to delay a little until I complete a few preparations:

Cut back week – only did 2 short runs last week, suffered severe withdrawl symptoms 😊, but should start the HM plan on fresher legs.

Gait analysis & a new pair of Brooks shoes, to replace the basic Decathlon shoes that I started with.

Plan – was originally thinking about James Dunne’s plan, but it is quite high mileage. Now thinking about using the HU HM plan alongside James Dunne’s strength & conditioning.

Finding my easy pace, and controlling my pace. I’m rubbish at pacing, I got away with it up to 10km, but think it is going to become vital for the longer distances. I’ve run a couple of paced runs to practice & I’m getting closer to holding an easy pace (~6:50). However, not quite down to the speed that the VDOT calendar suggests (7:10-7:50 min/km). What does everyone think – how important is it to get my easy pace within the suggested range?

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Charlies1

I’m not so technical on pacing but as a general rule if thumb, if you can ease your 10k pace down, it usually results in longer distances. It will still be tough at times, but it makes it much more do-able. For me, my pace came back online as the distance training progressed. Sounds like you are well setup to make it work though.

Charlies1 profile image
Charlies1Half Marathon in reply to Decker

Thanks Decker, I'll work on keeping a steady pace - I'll find out soon enough if it is too fast! And as you say, it will change over time anyway.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Charlies1

Yes it’t really dynamic and will move around as you find your balance and continue to progress.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Charlies1

Wow, you sound good to go!!! I think everyone struggles with pacing - often trying to go slower is hard. Just keep plugging away at it. It's trying to help you recognise how you feel at different paces and also to reduce impact as you build distance; if you're slightly off it isn't going to matter too much .. just keep practicing 😊

Charlies1 profile image
Charlies1Half Marathon

Thanks Linda. Time to get going with the plan then! There is lots of opportunity for practice in the plan 😀

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Half Marathon

Stunning photos Deker. I'm still out running 4 times a week and really enjoying it. Plus tonight I just received my 800 miles postcard on LEJOG4 so just 74 miles to go. On another note I ran 10 miles today and got a pb of 1.41 and 26 seconds.

Hope you enjoy your new watch ⌚ 😊

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Buddy34

Thanks Buddy! 800 miles is amazing! You are really close to your LEJOG goal. Also congratulations on that 20mile PB. That is a great time!

I’m still getting the hang of this watch. 🙂

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Half Marathon in reply to Decker

You're getting carried away 🤣 it was 10 miles not 20.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Buddy34

20 miles in 1:41 - wow!!!!!! 😅 (10 in 1:41 impressed me!)

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Buddy34

Lol yes now THAT would be something wouldn’t it!?🤣 1:41 is a great 10mile time!

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon

My Xmas marathon just got a thumbs down from the municipality it was supposed to start in, so it's going virtual. I'm waiting for an email with details, but think I'll probably rerun my virtual London Marathon route, and see if I can improve my time. At least I don't have to keep practicing my 4 k hill!

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to C3PO

Ah well I’m sorry but hope you can better tour London time. And you can say goodbye to the hill!

dijep profile image
dijep

Hello all.I moved over from B210k with the idea of getting to 10 miles and then seeing how I feel. You lovely lot have me lots of advice and stuff to think about 👍

I've joined the Spring HM group and have started running 3 times a week, previously I was on twice a week. That seems to be fine, and I'm trying to implement strength work into my week, which is sort of going OK. I'm not good at sticking to plans and the last two weeks I've run further than I intended on my long run day, longest run so far being 13k. So this week I cut back and was planning on running 11-13k again but only did 10k it really wasn't a good run but I stuck at it so I'm trying to be pleased for doing that.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to dijep

Welcome! It sounds like you are right on track and being sensible regarding cutting back and avoiding injury. I hear you on the strength work, not my best area either but well done on sticking to your overall schedule. Good luck with the HM training too! 👍🏼🙂

dijep profile image
dijep in reply to Decker

Thankyou. I meant to say what lovely photos you posted 👍

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to dijep

Ah thank you 😊 I enjoy stopping for photos when things catch my eye which is often and usually ruins my pace :)

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon

Gorgeous photos Decker, thanks for posting them.

We got partially unlocked two weeks ago, and the little snow we had yesterday has melted, so today was my longest run since my accidental HM eight weeks ago. I'm guessing at 18k, but don't actually know how far I ran in total as I failed to start Strava properly and only realised once I'd been heading uphill for some time and hadn't had any notification of distance. 😱 Apparently I got 10 mile and 15k PBs, and a second-fastest 10k though, so I'll take those!

Course, now I'm going to have to run it again and record the distance properly... 🏃‍♀️😜😂

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Cmoi

You have to love an accidental HM run where you score two PBs! Also don’t be like me and remember to un-pause your watch the next time you go for it! 😁

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply to Decker

Sadly I'm sure I didn't manage a HM today, though in fact I think my first one did include PBs! Definite new PBs for 10 miles and 15K today though :)

(Whispers: I don't have a running watch... yet... 😳 please don't expel me from big school, I'm still having difficulty believing that I'm a runner!)

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to Cmoi

You are absolutely a runner! Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. 😉

Charlies1 profile image
Charlies1Half Marathon

More than I bargained for!

I decided to try a different route for my first long run in the HM training plan. I planned to run to the far end of my usual route, then join a path along an old railway line, and then onto a canal path. My wife kindly agreed to pick me up at the far end.

I set off at 9am on Saturday. After about 5km, I left my familiar route, and joined the old rail line. Very quickly, I came on a "fisherman" at the side of the path. All kitted out for a long day with a folding chair, flask, umbrella etc, but no fishing rod, and no river in sight! Further along, there was another couple sitting at the side of the path, similar gear, but again no fishing rod. What were they waiting for?

It was only a bit later when I started meeting runners coming in the opposite direction, wearing race numbers, that I realised the "fishermen" were race stewards, and I was running the wrong way along the MK of winter half marathon route! Luckily, I met the runners towards the end of my run, and at a point where they were well strung out, so I dont think I caused too much havoc running in to opposite direction.

Anyway, it was my first experience of race day atmosphere (if a bit muted due to covid) with lots of runners to greet along my run! And in a way, my first training run gave me a better experience of a half marathon than I bargained for!

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