Day 131 was another attempt at trying to finish work at a decent time in order to get to Pegswood on time for picking Órlaith up. Yet again, I didn't set off on time so an 8.5 mile route was chosen. The now familiar road through Nedderton, Stannington and northwards to Morpeth and over the river Wansbeck felt like I was wading through treacle. It was an absolute struggle to try and muster any pace at all. It soon became obvious that this was to be one of those days where just getting the miles done was the aim. No matter what.
My route selection given the time I had to get to Pegswood was spot on and I reached the first finish line of the day just as Donna arrived in the car. After a short drive home, it was time to complete the remaining miles around Bedlington. By this time, my legs had really stiffened up. I was even slower than before (if that was at all possible). A final time of 03:54:06 was disappointing in some ways but not in others.
With fatigue well and truly hitting me, day 132 was a customary late start on the treadmill. Getting underway just before 8.30pm was a huge risk if I had a repeat of the previous day. A time of 03:24:01 for 13.1 miles meant I was only 8 minutes before the midnight cut off time.
Day 133 started off really well. Having worn out 4 pairs of shoes, I had a brand new pair of Hylos on. I'm sad to report that my right foot was in agony for the last few miles. The pain was reminiscent of that which I felt in the USA last year. I don't blame the shoes themselves more the fitting. A size 12 in these are too small and too narrow. I really didn't give myself a decent chance of success last year in the USA given my choice of shoe selection.
Setting off from work at 5pm, I decided to choose a different route home. Without too much deviation, I thought it would give me exactly 13.1 miles. I was only half a mile out which meant running past my house (never good for morale) and back again a bit. A final time of 03:12:53 was really pleasing. I felt like I had plenty left in the tank at the end.
Perhaps the recent slow days should be viewed as an active recovery. I certainly seemed to reap some reward on day 133. Not that I fell that I'm getting much recovery mind you. Órlaith's idea of helping me to recover was to fall asleep on my sore right foot.
Days 134 and 135 were done on the treadmill in 03:14:50 and 03:14:22 respectively.
Day 136 was one of my now favourite routes. It takes in a good stretch of the river Wansbeck. There was the usual amazing selection of wildlife. The highlight of which was a swan and it's young waiting to hatch.
When there are more incredible animals and birds to spot than people then it really makes for happy running.
A final time of 03:21:19 didn't tell the full story. The first quicker half felt really comfortable. The latter half was far from that. It meant that my quickest 13.1 miles for a while slipped away and, once again, it was a fight to get to the finish line.
