Pain

So, I took my car to a night out on Friday. Fair enough, I left about half 8 but this was momentous. Now I know that might not seem that strange but I think I have done that about 3 times in my life. The reason for the abstance was that I've been getting a bit freaked out that the marathon is only 8 weeks away. This coupled with the sponsorship money starting to come in (thank you to everyone who has donated), gave me - The Fear. I knew I was attempting my first really long run on the Sunday and I knew that I would miss my Saturday session with my trainer Craig and I wouldn't be ready for the Sunday run if I went and had a few beers Friday.

Got up half 7 Sunday morning, breakfasted, then headed through to deepest, darkest Fife - Oakley. The journey took about an hour and 20 and I again had to stop 3 times to answer the call of nature. I have struggled with hydration in the past but I feel I'm getting to grips now but having the bladder the size of a pea, means I pee all the time! Technically this shows that I'm hydrated well but when I do the marathon, I don't want to be stopping every few miles. Not sure of the answer.

Met Big Pete, quick banter with gorgeous baby Mia then we took the best dog ever - Nala out with us on our run. We decided on a 15 mile flat route on a cycle path to Alloa and back. I felt pretty confidant at the start and up to about mile 8, I was thinking things were going well. 8 to 11 was a hard, HARD slog though. Actually, apologies to Pete for my shite banter, or lack of, in those 3 miles. I was nearly down and out and would have definitely have stopped if I'd been on my own. Kept hydrating and taking some energy gels but from mile 11 the soles of my feet started to throb. Definitely, my off road trainers were having an adverse effect. 11 to 12 was horrendous. All my toes, ball of my feet, soles and heels were screaming at me every time I took a step (with my short legs, I take A LOT of steps too). Got to mile 13 (my furthest distance EVER) and we walked for half a mile. Pete gave me some Ibuprofen and paracetamol and by 13.5 miles, my feet were ok. We jogged the last mile and a half and did it - completed 15 miles!!!!!!

It did take us ages though (I think Pete's wife Vicky was genuinely worried) but the most important thing was - we did it! AND came home injury free. After a shower and food, I felt quite proud, surprisingly. Proud of both of us. Still a long, long way to go but I feel a bit more confidant than I did last week and The Fear is subsiding.

All the highs, lows, pain, boredom, joy and doubts you get on a long run are all gone after its done and dusted and in the bag. Celebrated back home with a couple of vodkas and (diet) 7up. Legs fine, back fine, feet a bit delicate but all in all, holding up well.

17 miles this Sunday though.......................

http://www.justgiving.com/Steven-Smith8