Many thanks for your comments, suggestions and support after my last post. I hope I haven’t put anyone off training for a first marathon too much! It’s a journey after all so there are obviously going to be one or two ups and downs (if it was easy, everyone would be running marathons!)
After last weeks down this week things are definitely on the up! I am now running in my widest fitting running shoes, going commando and strapping my rib cage with plasters to avoid chafing and I’ve bought myself a Camelbak so I don’t have to get angry with my water bottle. Most of all I’ve sorted out my head, which was the main problem.
This week I went to BMF three times, in place of my midweek runs, where we had some laughs and I was happy to realise that I still have some pace in my legs. We also had some great post BMF coffees sitting in the sunshine by the Serpentine where we put the world to rights. Thanks team, head sorted and motivation restored.
I also got some fantastic marathon training advice for long runs from Rosie. Get a train or get dropped off miles from home and run back. Then there is no way to take a short cut, miss out a lap or give up (unless you find a handy passing taxi!) and every step of the run is a step nearer home. She also suggested getting a train out to Teddington and running the Thames path back to central London.
So started my research into the Thames Path and on Saturday morning I got the tube out to Canary Wharf and ran the 14 miles of Thames path back to Hammersmith.
morning sun over Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge and The Shard coming into view
the end in sight at Hammersmith Bridge.
Plus an extra mile towards home by which time it was getting warm and I decided I was far too hot and knackered to make it all the way home so rang my husband to come and get me!
A brilliant run, my best long run and furthest distance ever. I ran alone and without music but didn’t feel all the miles because for 2 1/2 hours I was happy to view the wonderful sights of London, smile at other runners and dodge tourists.
It’s a fabulous route following close to the river all the way apart from a few parts in deepest Fulham. I am only sorry, as a runner and a Londoner, I’ve not run any of the Thames path before. Now I’m off to plan the next one!
September 9, 2012 at 9:36 pm
That sounds like a wonderful run – it sounds like you’re proper refreshed!
September 10, 2012 at 6:29 am
this is like my idea of a dream run. i am so jealous right now! well done, you are back on track 🙂
the getting a train somewhere and running back is a really good idea, i do that often. i also avoid lapped courses like the pest, because they are so depressing 🙂
September 10, 2012 at 6:36 am
And the best thing about the Thames Path is that it’s flat 😉 Great run – and good to hear that your mojo is back.
September 10, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Makes me realise how much I miss London, even though I love being able to run by the sea.
September 12, 2012 at 11:50 am
Sounds wonderful. I am glad you have your mojo back.
September 12, 2012 at 9:28 pm
looks a brilliant route!
September 14, 2012 at 9:56 pm
Hooray! So glad you are back on track. I also like running along the river because I can’t get lost 🙂 Just a word of warning – the Thames path is nice and flat up to a point, but as I discovered last week, around Goring it is VERY steep in parts. Some parts were a struggle to even walk up. So I’d recommend always staying east of Pangbourne! Ooh and insect repellent!
September 15, 2012 at 2:58 pm
This makes my need to live in London even greater. I’m utterly jealous and would love to do this run!
September 17, 2012 at 11:11 am
Brilliant! I am happy you shook off the marathon blues and brought me to the idea of being dropped some place far away from home. Am keen on trying that myself soon.
September 21, 2012 at 12:34 am
Oh yes – lovely flat waterfront running – what more could you want from a run.