...18 miles !!!

Saturday morning and the roads were awash with sunlight, and the birds were clinging for dear life to the hedgerows. Blustery conditions met Claire on her longest training challenge yet, but this time she was meant to be accompanied by husband Dan for the entire run. However, I had gone to drop the car off at Draycote so that we could both return in comfort following the run, but Claire set off from home before I was back. I was returning in another car when I passed her in Braunston - 2 miles from home! This was going to be my challenge - catching her up - as I was there as watercarrier and provider of energy drinks.

Clearly by the time I departed from home on my mountain bike, Claire had run 4 miles so in the extreme wind it was going to be tough. Not exactly used to pushing myself over this distance, I caught up with Claire after 9 miles - work that one out! I was exhausted, let alone Claire, but at least now I could cycle beside her at running pace, with friend Dave along for the ride too.

Claire looked comfortable throughout the run and there is great hope for the Marathon now, after some doubts perhaps began to creep in when she was picking up injuries. In 2 hours 42 minutes, Claire completed the 18 miles. Excellent!

Now there's just one more long run (amongst many shorter efforts) before the big day.