VLM - I'll be there!! by Abberley

Okay, did the 18 miles and it wasn't so bad.  However, note to self: don't wear-in new running shoes on a long run!  Fortunately no serious injuries, just aching feet and a blister on the inside of my foot.  Set off at around 7am on Sunday morning and the weather conditions were hugely better than on the Saturday when it was chucking it down with rain.  Chuckled to myself thinking about Stuart's suggestion to say boo when I came up behind people that were using up the whole width of the pavement and stopping me from passing, however, decided that I wasn't that keen to get my speed work out of the way if they reacted badly. Did my usual 7 mile circuit and then headed off into the wild blue yonder (Dorking to be exact) and began thinking that it was definitely hillier than it looked on the map or when driving there.  Whilst I was enjoying skipping down the hills easily, the pleasure was certainly marred by the sure knowledge that 8 miles later I was going to be running back up them again.  9 miles in ata steady pace (slow and slower) and I reached a previously assigned meeting spot with Tony as he had brought some water and a banana to help me on my way.  It would have been oh so easy to jump into his car and go back home instead of which I pulled myself together and set off on the road to Dorking.  Another 9 miles, up hills and through mud and I had finished.  Wow, I am so pleased with myself - always think I should try to run faster but still, at least I get there in the end.