'Ere we go

125 miles down, and its time for an event. Tomorrow is the Peopleton Scenic Six and I can't wait to get back into running an actual, real, guts n'all race with actual, real, guts n'all other people. I haven't run with anyone else alongside for nearly six months, since the Cardiff Half Marathon last October, and its good to be getting back out there - it feels like I'm on a positive stretch, progressing. Training this last week or so has been okay. A couple of good interval sessions, on one increasing the pace for five minutes, then dropping it back down for five, and in another using 3 minute repeats - both over 5 - 6 miles. Its certainly lead to some improved times, with my average for a typical 5 mile run coming down within 8.30, suggesting that I'll soon get back to an 8 minute mile average for 10k pace, making the 8.30 - 8.45 average for a marathon attainable - if still a little daunting. The improved weather has helped too, although the consumption of an outrageous amount of wine and a joyously delicious curry on Thursday night obviously set me back. I still managed the 3.5 mile run down to the station to pick up the car the next day, but that was a bit of a trudge. So its a rest day today, then off to Peopleton tomorrow. Niggles? Some pain in the instep of my left foot which has had me searching for a local Podiatrist, and the back is as sore and stiff as ever, but I reckon I can get round without too much damage. A first race outing for the multi-terrain shoes purchased late last year and a target of 52 minutes - last years time - to beat. Actually, this is the first time I've ever competed in a race I've done before, so a good chance to measure progress........ or not. 'Ere we go. Total miles to date: 125.35. Weight: and see.