Make or break

So, last Monday's run was a bit worrying, as I barely made it to the end of the 18.6 miles. Reviewing the situation afterwards, I managed to convince myself that this was down to the lack of gels, and that in the end I simply ran out of fuel. 

Certainly, I had no aches and pains in the next couple of days that implied any physical issue, and my subsequent two runs, both over six miles, were fine and, indeed, dandy. But I was still nervous this morning. 

Hannah kept me company for the first three miles before turning back for home, which made for a very pleasant launch, but after that I was on my own. 

I fell into my loose pattern of pace variation, as I did on the last long run, but this time I had remembered my gels!

Just to be scientific and so I could compare like with like, I did the fifteenth mile at a fast pace - 9' 25 - but I came out of that feeling fine. (That said, I won't push it that hard during the marathon.)

Even after 21.1 miles, I made a good finish, still running well, and Hannah was waiting outside to give me a round of applause, bless her. 

So, it looks like it's all systems go for Kielder in just under three weeks' time!