Long Runs

I managed my longest run to date today - 21 miles (if my watch is correct, though I think it's way under, up to as much as a mile, which is useful). It went much better than I could have expected (especially considering that I woke up feeling pish and I've been taking antibiotics all week) and I ticked a big list of small achievements along the way.

Sub 4 hour marathon pace (that's the biggie)
Over 30 seconds per mile faster than two weeks ago and over a minute per mile faster than three weeks ago
A mile further than I've run previously
No significant leg problems slowing me down (just the usual that you'd expect)
Consistent pace for the whole distance - the second half was only about a minute or two slower than the first
I don't feel absolutely rubbish now, 6 hours later

So, I've run long at my target marathon pace, which should indicate that I can run quite a bit faster come the big event. Conservatively, I now know my capabilities, which is pretty important for a first marathon. I wasn't really intending to run at that pace but my fitness allowed me to. Mind, the last couple of miles were deeply, deeply unpleasant. I love running now and I can knock off 6 and 10 mile runs with no bother but running long is very difficult, mentally and physically (and logistically). Next weekend is the Great Scottish Run (the Glasgow half marathon). I'll talk about my aims there later in the week. Before then, we're off to Leek for a few days to visit with the in-laws. And I'm off to Cardiff whilst we're down for a couple of days to watch England get thrashed by Pakistan in a ODI.