22nd April 2007

15 Mile Run = Home – Eastwood – Moorgreen – Jacskdale – Codnor – Heanor

Date: 22nd April 2007

Conditions: Mild, Sunny

Notes: I had set out a brand new route for this Sundays long run through a new piece of software I found on the net. When drawing out the route I realised just How far my running was now taking me. I had watched the London Marathon before I set out so my spirits and adrenaline were running high.
I headed out towards Eastwood on a mild sunny day and soon enough I was heading down towards Moorgreen having completed six miles without even realizing it.
Having passed through Eastwood I turned down towards Moorgreen and was soon running by the reservoir. After passing the reservoir the course takes a long climb up towards Brinsley which was a tough run as it is a constant climb on an uneven surface. I remember feeling very tired but I remembered watching the Marathon and soon enough I was heading towards Underwood and mile nine.
As I ran through Underwood I remember feeling fantastic and I was amazed how far I had come without realizing it. The course then led down towards Jacksdale where I stopped at a shop to fuel and stretch. Having done this I was off again towards Ironville and the long run along Coach Road. This was as I said very long and a very lonely part of the run. Once at the other end I stopped again to stretch as Codnor hill was very steep, much steeper than any hill on any Marathon. This was very challenging but as I have always said if I train on these surfaces and terrains, the Marathon course will seem far easier. Not easy, easier!!
Once at the top of the hill the course inevitably sweeps back down before another gradual hill up towards Codnor. I do not remember the next two miles. The next thing I remember was being in Loscoe between miles fourteen and fifteen. It was at this point that my right hamstring felt really tight so I decided to end the run at mile fifteen.
In closing I really enjoyed this run apart from the hills, which are not supposed to be enjoyable. I am getting towards Marathon fitness now and with only a few weeks to go the excitement is starting to kick in.

Positive: Even with my stops and grueling hill I was within my predicted Marathon times.
Negative: I had to stop occasionally to stretch.


Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 34

Fast Mile: 7.36

Slow Mile: 9.47

Run Time: 2.12.26s




"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run a hundred meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."