Saturday 3rd December 2011 - 18 miles long run

Today marked the start of a new phase in my training.  Up to now I have built up a mileage base and got my body used to running at a slower pace but for a much longer time.  Today was the day when I started to really push it.

At 18 miles distance it wasn't my longest run yet but it was the first long run with a pack.  In fact only my second run ever with the pack because I couldn't take it with me to Germany.  But it wasn't just the fact that I had the pack that made this one tough.  I had some weight in the pack for the first time.  Only 5Kg though so I can't be too smug.  It's likely to be more than double that weight on the first stage of the Marathon des Sables.

The additional strain on my legs was immediately noticeable and I was feeling fatigued and sore after just three miles.  Not very encouraging!!  But I persevered and found some rhythm at last after about six miles. 

The conditions were nice but I was sweating a lot due to the effort of the pack and then whenever I took a break to eat or to walk up a hill I was quickly chilled.  It was all something of a trudge until a sort of miracle happened at about 16 miles in.  I walked for a minute or two because my phone had dialled 999 from my bag and I had to apologise and hang up (honestly the keys were locked!!).  In the 60 seconds or so that it took to say sorry, hang up, turn phone off, put pack back on, and start running, I suddenly got a second wind.  The split times show it clearly.  I went frmo a fairly steady 11:30 mpm down to 9:23.  Over two minutes per mile faster than the average of the previous sixteen miles.

I kept it up all the way to the finish with mile 17 being the fastest of the day at 9:21.  I didn't have much more in the tank when I reached the end of 18 miles but it was a good confidence boost to know that I had enough to carry me to that extra pace despite 16 miles of running with a heavy(ish) pack.

As I write this (Sunday morning) everything below my neck hurts.  My shoulders and back from the pack, my waist from the rubbing of the straps, my legs (obviously) and feet (again... pretty obvious!).  But I'm heading out now for another 12 miles of punishment.  Rest day tomorrow and I'm already excited about it!!

The fundraising has slowed to a stand-still again.  I'd love someone else to sponsor me please!  Remember the easiest way now is via mobile phone.  Just text "MIFF70 £5" to 70070 and the donation will come from your bill.  You can change the £5 to any amount, large or small, that you can spare. Thanks folks :)

Peace, out.

JUST THE FACTS!!
Weight: 79.6 Kg

TODAY 
Distance 18.22 miles
Time  3:22:21
Kcal  2,124
Press-ups 0
Swimming 0 m
Sauna  0 mins

TOTAL
Distance 237.97 miles
Time  42:02:14
Kcal  25,368
Press-ups 380
Swimming 8000 m
Sauna  2:55 mins

FUNDRAISING
The fund is still at £431.53. If you haven't already donated then take a look at http://www.justgiving.com/pitymyfeet and help the wonderful work of MENCAP.  Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored already. I respect and love you all!!! 

Remember that you can now donate by sending a text to 70070 saying (without quotes) "MIFF70 £5" but replacing the £5 with any amount you wish to donate.

Feel free to contact me with any fundraising ideas you have.  You can email me at:
miffjacobs@hotmail.com

DONATE

Please remember that I'm inflicting all this pain and misery on myself for a cause greater than just having a good story to tell over a beer. I hope to raise over £9,500 for MENCAP; an amazing charity who help those born with learning difficulties to live a normal life and to enjoy the same opportunities and choices that the rest of us take for granted.

Be an awesome human being today and click on the link below and help make someone's life better.

Thank you.  You really ARE awesome.
http://www.justgiving.com/pitymyfeet