This week I needed to get back on track. Midweek miles was supposed to be 22, I made it to 20. Thursday required 6 miles, I did 4 at lunch time, thinking the 2 could be done at the gym on the cross trainer but I just couldn't be bothered with the gym.
With 28 miles to cover on Saturday I needed an interesting hilly route, not too far from home.
The Gordon Way it was, a trail I have blogged about plenty of times in the past. The reason I chose this route is the remarkable similarity with the Cateran Trail. Hills, forests, farmland, stiles, bog and a wee bit of road, this is my Cateran of the North East. Now I know this trail is a bit short, but an out and back gives a good run of 23 miles. To make the miles up to 28 I had to enter Knockespock Forest. The last time I was here I hit a dead end, this time I ran some of the fire breaks which turned out to be very marshy in places. I should have taken my Garmin and charted the run but I'll come back and do more training in this large forest in future.
I must admit I underestimated the Gordon Way, on the way back I completely ran out of energy and water. I had to get my head down and do the miles back to the car. I've ran out of water on this route before so there was no excuse, also 2 strawberry bake thingies and a packet of Worcester sauce crisps just wasn't sufficient for the run. I was absolutely starving and couldn't wait to get home for something to eat. I had to stop at my usual watering hole 3 miles from the car park, the water was peaty but still cool and refreshing.
Physically, running has been okay this week, mentally has been a bit of a struggle. The stress of work, family and home life is taking it's toll where I am feeling guilty for having such a selfish hobby. High mile back to back weekend training takes a lot of commitment and it's my family that takes the brunt of this. To mitigate the loss of quality time, I should be up and out early morning, something which I am struggling to do just now.
Next Saturday is the D33 ultra. I don't know how I'm going to run this race or if I want to try and beat my time last year. Sub 5 hours sounds good but I don't want the pressure. I might run it again by feel without the use of a watch and worrying about time.
On Bennachie, not far from the finish, this tune played on my player, MP3 of the week -
One Day by Kodaline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD31qeiabj0
Tues 4, Wed 12, Thurs 4, Sat 28, Sun 8. Weekly total 56 miles.
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