Another week done. The mileage continued to creep up. Tuesday was a seven mile run. I was staying overnight in Bracknell for a work event. The hotel I was staying in was very close to Bracknell Forest so I decided to head out there early in the morning. It’s always nice to go somewhere different as you think less about the running when you don’t know exactly where you are.
I followed a trail that ran past Go Ape and did a right hand loop through the woods. It was really nice and calm. I only saw a couple of other people. On the trail back to the hotel the way was blocked by a crane moving logs. I couldn’t really see any sensible route around it so I decided to run by the side of it. Bad idea. I thought the crane was moving the logs to the rig so I opted for the the left hand side. Just as I was going past the logs appeared over my head. The bloke operating the crane clearly hadn’t seen me and obviously wasn’t impressed by my decision. He beeped at me and presumably swore as I ran off. I hadn’t planned on getting decapitated that morning anyway.
Wednesday was an hour interval ride before work with 4 five minute harder bursts, followed by a 10 minute run off the bike. It felt good. Thursday was a swimming session at the University pool dodging other swimmers. It does my head in when people don’t follow pool etiquette. One of my fellow lane swimmers decided to push off in front of me as I was coming in to turn. Not a problem if they are faster, bit of an issue if they’re not. He wasn’t. Cue lots of underwater swearing.
Friday was supposed to be an 18 mile run, but I couldn’t fit in the time as I had an early work start. So I did a half marathon instead. I took the running belt with me this time, probably looked a bit suspect but was much better for carrying my truckload of drinks and food. I was pleased with the run. My legs felt good and I didn’t flag, so the nutrition worked.
Saturday was a rest day in the sun with my family, which was great. British heat waves are a rare commodity so of course we got the paddling pool out and had a water fight. Quality.
Sunday was my long bike ride. Due to it being Fathers Day I got up mega early, 4am (yep, I know. Ridiculous). I had to get a six hour ride in and didn’t want to knacker up my day with my daughters, so 4am it was. I’m glad I did. This time I didn’t have a hangover or a dodgy stomach from a curry like the previous two weekends. The ride went really well. I was stacked up with food (obviously), and I managed to maintain the pace. I clocked up my first 100 miles since the Rutland Sportive. I needed that mental boost to get that under my belt. Strava clocked me at 99 miles but Garmin definitely said 100. Honest.
The rest of the day was spent stuffing my face and enjoying the sun with my daughters. Result. Bring on next week.