Uncharted Thoughts.

It has been a little over 6 months since I attempted my first ultra marathon, The Green Man, and once again I have found myself signing up to another. My sister, and her fiance are without doubt two of the most capable athletes I have met, they are also some of the most persuasive.

So, as of tomorrow I go out, back on the road, lace up my old trainers and get moving. The Green Man was tough, but cardiovascular wise I was fine. What put an end to my long 30 mile marathon was the conditions. Waking to a cold and miserable snow frosted day was by far not the most pleasant of surprises, however, being the troopers we are, we continued to the starting point with hope and tenacity in our hearts.

From mile 0-15 I felt fine. The conditions were terrible, the mud was thick and yielding to my footsteps. My ankles were twisting left and right with each placement. We waded through freezing cold waters, and down sludgy mud hills.

I first noticed trouble, around mile 17. Just after leaving a break house. My muscles were tight, I felt a throbbing in my left ankle and my legs were heavy. I continued, until at last my run became a jog, my jog a stagger and then at last I was limping my way forward at a snails pace. My ankle had given in to the pressure from wet surface running. It was over by mile 20.

I will not pretend that I wasn’t disappointed. Completely disappointed. I had ran tirelessly for months on end to get to where I was physically. I woke up early on cold December mornings in the lake district and ran though all weathers. I accumulated miles or distance and was mentally and physically happy. I had dragged myself out of a real rough patch, got fit and was ready to take on the world. Only to be stunted by wet weather at mile 20.

My sister and her fiancé finished. Crossed the line and celebrated a well deserved win. They returned smiling, muddy and exhausted. I was so very proud of them both. But, my time to shine next to them had diminished.

I took a month off running. I recovered and relaxed. That month has continued for six.

Tomorrow though, I get back on the horse. For in 364 days, I return to the lake district to carry out my next ultra marathon. It is almost poetic how this has come full circle. I can not wait to run along those ancient hills again, to see the sun dip below the ridgeline and for that English sunset to wish me farewell as I turn the corner of Lake Windermere.

But, before that. I have to train, and train hard. 3 mile weeks, turn to 6. 11 minuet miles into 8 minuets. Flat road running into hills.

As I have stated before, I have quit smoking, and as of today, I have smoked less than a pack in five months. I am hoping I will be able to apply this discipline to my running and conquer everything in my way until I take to the lap in a years time.

If you are interested in my journey, and wish to keep track of my progress, please subscribe, I will be posting weekly updates.

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