19th August 2007

19th August 2007

Erewash Canal 12 Mile

Conditions: Overcast, Raining

Run Type: Long

Notes: I had planned this run to be a 20 miler consisting of an out and back route, however with my injury still at the back of my mind I did not want to put too much stress on my hamstring, so I decided to do the run along the Erewash Canal, which is perfectly flat. Also the fact that I get bored with running the same surroundings meant that this would be a good test of my mental endurance, as well as physical.
I set out from Shipley Park and made my way to the Venture and then joined Ilkeston Road for the short uphill climb before the turn off down Long Lane towards MFN and the Erewash Canal. It was here at mile three that nature called and during this time I forgot to stop my watch, hence my first ever twelve minute mile. The correct time for the mile would have been around ten minutes.
Having got myself back on track I was soon heading towards MFN where I saw a Biker meet greeted by a few funny looks? I swear that one lady looked at me like she had never seen a runner before.
With the road running out the way I prepared myself for the six mile run along the Canal before the return leg of six miles followed by the climb back up to Shipley Park. This was all going to plan until around mile six when the canal suddenly comes to an end. This was due to works being carried out on the canal bed and a bridge in Ilkeston. I stood there for a while and contemplated climbing the fence, but decided not to do anything stupid or risk any kind of injury two months before I fly to New York. I instead opted to turn around and head back the other way. To be fair I had no choice.
The next mile was spent deciding where to go once I reached MFN. It was either turn off and head back to my car at the visitors centre, making this a 8 miler or carry on along the Canal and come out at Langley mill, and making my way back through Marlpool, making it a 12 miler. Either way I had a grueling hill to tackle so it was at this point that I chose not to make this a twenty miler. It was also here that I opted for option two and the climb back up Long Lane would have put far too much stress on my hamstring.
Just after I passed MFN the heavens opened and this was a warm (or should I say cold) welcome. The rain continued until I left the canal and joined the main road through Langley Mill and my climb up towards Marlpool. At mile ten I made a brief stop at my friends and convinced him to join me on the final two miles on his bike.
The final two miles were a breeze and flew by as I spent the entire time talking to Ste. I opened my legs up for the final mile and I crossed the finish line a little tired but very happy.
In closing I was happy with this run given the circumstances but I did something wrong as today (the day after) I can fell my damn hamstring again. It is nothing major but I know it is there. Today I will rest and I will asses my leg again tomorrow.

Run time: 2:01:39

Pace: 10:09 / mile

Days to New York Marathon: 76



“What am I doing, nobody cares. It's just personal satisfaction.”