To Infinity....Groundhog Day by Keith_L

Well been a busy few days rounded off this afternoon by taking my Son to his remembrance day service. Church was packed with Royal British Legion, Cadets, Cubs (him) etc etc as well as Mayor, MP (guess there are a few votes in it) and the general public. Leaving aside what you think of organised religions there is something very moving about 300 odd people coming together in a unified act of remembrance - enough to turn even the most cynical of us. Think these sort of things are also one of few things that actually bind us together as a society and we certainly need far more of that.

Anyway back to running. Intervals session on Friday - 6 miles with 18 X 1 minute fast and 1 minute recovery. Then yesterday another 6 miles at average to a bit faster than average - one of my usual routes but in reverse this time - they do feel so different backwards. Yesterday evening went to dinner with a few friends - so no carb loading for me (food was excellent if timings were shall we say imprecise) - I tried to be good but what with drink on arrival, white wine with starter and red with the excellent beef I think I was somewhat well over sensible by1am when we got home. So ideal preparation I think you will agree for a Marathon

Felt somewhat the worst for wear at 6 am this morning and it took me  a good hour to get going. Only an hours drive  to the race in Maidstone - HQ was a local hotel so was good facilities. Small race (about 150 I think) and first running so no one sure what to expect. Weather was glorious,sunny but not too hot and it stayed like that all day.

Had a race plan (well survival and not being sick were first requirements) So set off at 8:20 pace. Managed to stick to that pretty much all way round. Hard race especially in first half with three big hills. The killer was at mile 4 with over a mile of it! But the views from the top of the downs were amazing. The race wound in and out of the lanes so every so often you would just stumble upon an amazing view - a real uplifting race. (scale is 40 metres to 200) On one of the big uphills I slowly reeled in a cyclist and put some distance between us...until the down that is!

Held pace well and then from about half way started overtaking people. In total around 20 in second half and not overtaken by anyone.Even managed a sprint finish with a sub 7 minute last mile. So not sure if I took it too easy for most of the race for my 3:42 14th place? But a lovely race, small and perfectly formed and challenging enough. Great organisation and well worth considering. So just goes to show perfect preparation isnt always necessary.

Hope all is better prepared in your worlds.