Ok so I’m getting closer to 13K. The only reason I stopped today is that my running partner was suffering stomach pains. We had a pact that when I was starting to struggle, she would overtake me for a couple of K and then I’d take us home. However, at just under 9K when I signalled for her to overtake me she said I’d have to carry on and lead us home. I then became concerned about her and my concentration was done. She said while she was glad I’d stopped she probably would have pushed herself to finish the last 4K. No matter, I feel I did the right thing in stopping. I am sure that on my next run I could complete the 8 mile distance now. While it was a struggle today, not least because Hampstead Heath had a refuse truck going about its work and effectively blocking the path, I decided to run to Kentish Town and do multiple circuits on the flat part of the run at the end. My legs continue to confound me by aching more than usual, but it was also very clear to me today that I was in a more determined mood and would undoubtedly have completed the distance had my friend not been struggling.
While I’m disappointed I didn’t complete the 8 mile distance, I probably have more fitness in my legs than when I completed 7 miles. Each run is moving me towards my goal of 21K. Even though I’m high as a kite after the run, I also feel this was one of my most important runs. It’s underlined the fact that I do have the ability to run these distances but also that it is going to require some digging deep at times. I can’t expect to feel comfortable all the way through a run. My dodgy lungs were fine today.
HM plan week 8 -10 miles done!
Reached 10 miles target!
10 miles in the bag! 
10 miles accountable post - update 
