I had been training 9 weeks to build back up to the HM distance, and today was the day! I had reduced my long run last week and my mileage this week, so I felt good to go 
My open goal was to get sub-2h (my first at 2:04!), so to me it looked pretty achievable.
As for planning: yesterday already I had planned my route with a few traffic lights as possible! And also around lots of woods and a big lake. When I woke up this morning it was pretty cold, so I decided not to take water (I also don't like holding it), but I took 1 gel (I'm trying to get used to them!) with me for around halfway. I have tried with more food, but I actually realise I don't need that much. I was planning to take some gummy bears though for a moral boost but I'd run out 
so the gel had to do!
As I set off, I was aware I shouldn't run too fast to start. But on the other hand, I saw this as my little race, so I was aiming to try harder than usual. And wow did I do that! I think that this run was the hardest run I have ever done (then again I have never pushed myself so much because I have never tried a 'race' type run before). In the first few km already I recognised that I was running faster than usual, so I had two options: either slow down, or keep up the pace! It was effectively a matter of willpower! I felt really good physically, and mentally too, so I decided to keep at a faster pace, and hope for the best.
At around 7k, I realised that I was 1/3 of the way... but then had to sustain the running for another 14k! Around that time too though, I entered into a really very pretty woodland area, so that kept my mind busy. Plus lots of owners with their dogs! Distractions kept me going until 14km. It was at this stage that things started to hurt. Time seems to slow down? Suddenly it felt like every km was 10 minutes long! But, from the Strava man telling me my km stats I knew that I was running faster than I ever had before. Literally. My goal for months now has to run a 25 minute 5k at one point... and around 15km in I realised that all my last 5km had come in under 5min/km. This gave me SO much mental fortitude and sense of pride! So for a couple more km I kept going.
At 16km, I had only 5km left, but it seemed so difficult. I was tempted to stop, or really reduce my pace. But I was so close! So I decided instead to focus on positive thoughts. I had seen a documentary where at the end of a big race when things were tricky this runner dedicated each km to a different person - and this seemed to fit well. My sister made it in there, my Mum, and partner. That gave me so much mental strength, that I reached 20km. And the last 2km was my heart over my body I swear. But I made it!
I never thought (even this morning) that I could ever run such a time, nor that I'd beat all my pbs in the meantime! I am so proud of myself, and right now have spent the last 3h eating copious amounts of food and having a good relax!
Progression Run
HM training week14 day5 tapering
Unexpected Personal Best
HU HM
