I got a new OMM waterproof and Innov8 trail shoes for Christmas, so looking like a total noob in new gear, went for a run. We ran the 5 miles to the relatives who were hosting the meal. I can confirm that bucks fizz is not an ideal pre-run drink.

A couple of years ago I set myself the target of running 1000 miles in the year – I got to 950 and developed hip bursitis and had to stop. I didn’t set a target this year, but with two marathons, the required training has pushed me over 1000 miles. This photo isn’t particularly exciting but was taken at the point where my mileage passed the 1000 mile mark.
To many long distance runners, 1000 miles isn’t much – my wife is heading towards 1500 miles. But it probably marks the upper limit of what I can manage in terms of time, avoiding injury and being arsed.

Apologies for a) back blipping and b) marathon related blips. Back to normal after this. As I said yesterday, was a bit disappointed I’d struggled at 4.5 hrs around the marathon, but as my wife pointed out the t-shirt doesn’t say ‘Finisher in a rubbish time’, it just says ‘Finisher’. I guess, finishing is good enough sometimes

We completed the marathon today. I had been a bit complacent about training, often only running twice a week. And surprise, it was tough. We finished in 4hrs 30 mins – my wife was fine and could’ve gone faster – I really struggled. The moral is you can’t skip the training.
Still it was a great route, very well organised, fantastic support and fine weather.

It was the Cardiff half today – I went out faster than normal and paid for it around mike 10, but was pleased with my time of 1.51

I tried out my new running shoes today. I usually go with Asics but have decided to try some Mizuno Waves. About 2 years ago I had to stop running for a few months because I developed hip bursitis, so I need good cushioning on my trainers. It’s the Cardiff Half on Sunday so that’ll be a good test for them.