We went to Anglesey yesterday, with the aim of running 18-20 miles and then stopping.  3 of the 6 guys going to New York took part.  Mark completed 18 miles which was a fantastic effort, Lester amazed himself and finished in 4.46, a great achievement, and to my astonishment I actually finished in 3.39 and came 70th.  It was a hot day and the last few miles were all up hill so i think we did extremely well.  Another friend, Nick, did the half marathon in 1.26 coming 5th.

I felt a bit emotional at the end.¬† I actually stopped at 20 miles as I had intended, and had a bit of a stretch, then this guy slowed down and told me he had done every one of the Anglesey marathons and encouraged me to finish.¬† So I carried on and battled up the hill at the end, I even managed a little sprint to the finish.¬† What a feeling, it was elation, exhaustion and relief all mixed together, I couldn’t quite beleive it.

I’m glad to have done it, at least I know I can finish a marathon and the time was a real bonus considering the heat and the hill.¬† I didn’t realise that it was such a tough course.¬† The first half was relatively straight forward and I actually got a PB for my half time and was averaging 7.5 – 8 minute miles for most of the race up to 20 miles.¬† The last 6 miles were probably 9 minute miles due to the hill and exhaustion but I am so pleased.

3 more long runs to go then taper for the big one…..