Phew at last long runs done, last weekend of 22 miles and this weekend the last long run – yeh over the hump, 17 miles done, now time to taper.

The Easter holidays meant that my club mates were scattered in all directions with family and friends for Easter holidays. Whereas Mike and I refuse to travel anywhere on bank holidays ! Home birds for the weekend as too many miles, hours, years of being on the road or away from home for work.

We still had a packed weekend with mum descending on us on Friday for a fantastic lunchtime bar meal at the White Horse, Compton Bassett, I was checking it out for a friends birthday meal. Emma for a roast on Sunday and a planned easy social run on Monday with friends.

Saturday was the last long one, just Caroline and I running together. It was a new 17 mile route for me taking in Bowood, Sandy Lane, Reybridge, canal, Pewsham, Chippenham – quick tea stop at pitch & putt then river and cycle path home.

Caroline seemed to enjoy my relaxed training run style – tea, wee and warm up at mile 10. Made a huge difference and perked us up before we were homeward bound. I didn’t realise it was such an off road route so my lovely new white Nike shoes are not so white.

Again subzero temps with the wind chill, double layers, wind jacket, hat & cap and gloves – this winter running multi layers is the norm.

Post run recovery for me and the shoes – I came out better. Recovery shake, tea, bubble bath, in which I took my muddy shoes with me and a session on the foam roller. – aargh !! The shoes are now mud coloured probably forever even if they only have about 50 miles on them, supposed to be race ready. Looks like I’ll be taking my country rural muck to the big city of London with me.

I’m now looking forward to taper and not having the constant tired leg feeling. I gave back to sport on Sunday as covered registration then marshalled the finish line for local Clock Challenge 10k running race. Full thermals again but at least the sunglasses were out.

Now to look after myself, no colds, accidents, over training, bad food choices for the next 3 weeks. Fingers crossed, I’ve done all the hard training. Now to trust in the training and TAPER…. 🙂

So glad to be over the hump of training miles on the road..