The Running Man by SeanG

So, this week. On Monday I was back at the hospital mid morning for a couple of x-rays (pelvis and lumber). Hopefully the x-rays will show up everything that needs to be seen and I won't need a MRI scan further down the line. I guess the x-rays will be either make or break to whether I go onto anti-TNF's for my condition - ankylosing spondylitis. Time will tell. Easy 4.25 mile run after work in the rain. Tuesday was my last day at work and a pretty tedious one too. Very little happening. Another 4.25 mile run after work.

Wednesday was Day 1 of the Christmas Enigma Marathon Double. Basically, 17.5 laps around Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes. What can I say about this one? Started at 0930 with a short out and back section of around a mile and then 17 times around the lake (which is 1.49 miles apparently). Pretty warm given the time of year and the cold spell we had over the weekend. Opted to go with the long sleeved Helly but probably could have gone with a t-shirt. The usual splattering of familiar faces which are either 100 marathon club runners or 100 marathon club wannabe's. Ran the 1st 5 or 6 miles by myself and then ran the rest of the event with a guy from Weymouth (Michael) who is a 100 marathon club member with a 130 marathons to his name. I know him from many past events. 'er Indoors and the Little One watched the first lap and half before disappearing to a kids soft play area for about 3 hours and re-appearing with about 3 laps to go (out of the 17).
Took me a while to find my marathon legs and get into the run. 17 laps of the same route was a little mind numbing to say the least but needs must and all that. The course was quite twisty in places and had some ups and downs too. Finished without any aches, pains, strains or blisters. So, I guess that is a pretty good day at the office.
Mile splits were 8.22, 8.30, 8.15, 8.33, 8.37, 8.30, 8.29, 8.39, 8.29, 8.37, 8.46, 8.31, 8.42, 8.54, 8.38, 8.45, 8.55, 8.41, 8.42, 8.48, 8.30, 8.30, 8.37, 8.31, 8.35, 8.46.
Was only lapped by one person (twice). Cracking medal at the end. A silver snowflake with a running Santa Clause. Class.
Finished in 3 hours 45 minutes and 54 seconds. Joint 5th place. Average pace of 8.38. Average heart rate of 146 bpm. Number 53 done and dusted.

Same again tomorrow......Groundhog Day.....

Thursday was Day 2 of the Christmas Enigma Marathon Double. Slightly warmer and sunnier than yesterday. Elected for a t-shirt today (and sun glasses). Warm enough for a vest if sub 8 minutes miles are on the agenda but as they weren't a t-shirt would be just fine. Some new additions today but many were still familiar faces from past events. Not too sure how many runners were doing both days - maybe 20? Ran with Michael again today. Started off in a group of 4 which expanded to 5 within a few miles. Carried with 5 for a while before 1 guy dropped off the back and another then shot off the front. Stayed in a group of 3 up until the end of the 10th lap before the 3rd runner fell off the back and then it was just me and Michael again. The early miles were more comfortable and quicker than Day 1. However, could feel a little hotspot on the sole of the left foot after about 6 or 7 miles that become more noticeable lap after lap all the way until the end. Just a blister. Felt pretty good up until around the half way mark and then, lap by lap, it become harder and harder. Michael was starting to struggle a little at about 20 miles. The speed was starting to slow down. I could have pushed on without him but felt a sense of loyalty to stick together until the finish. 'er Indoors and Little One re-appeared with 2 laps to go. It was just a case of grinding out the last 3 miles. It was good to get over the finish line.
Miles splits: 8.52, 8.42, 8.21, 8.26, 8.32, 8.17, 8.14, 8.25, 8.14, 8.21, 8.28, 8.19, 8.28, 8.33, 8.20, 8.22, 8.27, 8.19, 8.32, 8.38, 8.35, 8.48, 8.48, 8.35, 8.42, 8.42.
Again, was only lapped by one person (but only once today). Everyone else appeared to be slower today. Another nice medal at the finish. A bronze running Santa Clause.
Finished in 3 hours 43 minutes and 06 seconds. Joint 5th place again. Average pace of 8.30. Average heart rate of 143 bpm.
I did finish with a nice blister on the sole of the left foot but that was soon skewered to take the fluid out. Other than that no muscle aches or anything. Very pleased to run Day 2 faster than Day 1. Mentally more with it today than yesterday and probably physically too. Job done - Number 54 done.

Rest day tomorrow and travelling up North for Christmas. Have a good one.