Chapter 20: Lingfield Dry Hill 10 Mile: Perfect Final Push Prior to Loch Ness 2014

So my conclusion to this summer has been that balancing family, a new job, multi transatlantic travel trips and hi intensity marathon training has been a stretch.

My weight has dropped as I have lived off nervous energy and adrenalin with the ebb and flow of  disrupted sleep patterns.

That said, and a few cold sores aside I have emerged relatively unscathed. What's more my fitness is at a new level.

This observation came true yesterday as I thrashed myself to come 10th in the Lingfield Dry Hill 10 miler. OK - in a field of 98 people that might not seem like much BUT - the LDH-10 is a super hilly course. Uphill for 5 miles and then a mild descent but off road, through forests, skipping over mud etc.. (OK maybe not skipping).

I pushed it so hard I thought I was going to be ill (on one of the many inclines).. I should have , in retrospect, slowed down on the hills and conserved my energy but I wanted to leave everything out there so I could look back and know what I was capable of under race conditions.

Things went from a gentle incline to a steep uphill section that seemed to go on for ages - probably just half a mile but BOY DID IT HURT. The vistas were partially obscured by mist but everything was made sunny by the awesome marshals who waved, clapped and grinned as we went past.

Oliver and I at The End of LDH10

This was my first competitive run since Paris - and it felt good! I was testing out a new strategy of running with my own water bottles and pouring water over my headscarf to keep cool and alert.. Sips of Lucozade sport and a caffeine energy gel (dextro energy liquid gel - doesn't make you hurl!!). I;m sure I looked like a  prize berk at the starting line. Was expecting someone to take the pi$$ that I was in the wrong race as the Marathon des Sables took place months ago..

Just over an hour of super hard graft is enough I assure you - can I sustain this speed for Loch Ness - well it is not as hilly with the exception of mile 18... I did it in 3:37 in 2010. How much time can I knock off?? Ambition is to get 3:07... we shall see! That would set me up nicely for Boston :)

Speaking of which Boston opened today - I should officially enter next Monday :) Let's hope they have enough Good For age entries at my time (fingers crossed!).

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Things have not been completely injury free - I have experienced  the dreaded plantar fasciitis but once I start running it goes. First thing in the morning though my left foot feels like it had cramp - I guess I am getting on a bit.

I'm supposed to roll a cold ball under my foot but that would wind our dog up to such an extent that it simply is not worth it at home.

So Loch Ness is less than 3 weeks away. My mate Charlie's dad is seriously unwell so alas he cannot make it, but my wife and I will enjoy the whole experience nonetheless...maybe she will coax the monster up front the depths whilst we are there ;)

My resolution during the forthcoming taper is not to overdo it and to do cross training to supplement my runs. Perhaps I can then replace the bulk I have lost up top.

Happy running folks and catch up to give you the lowdown on Loch Ness!