This is my final ‘harder’ week before starting a two week taper though I do plan to do the club ‘Hill rep’ session next Monday.

This week I ran 5 times for a total of 41.72 miles

Monday 9th March - Club Fartlek Session

• 7.35 miles in 1:03:58
• Session: 6 x 5mins (2min recovery)

Once again it was very wet and windy for our Monday night night session. We started with 9 in our group and ended up with 4 of us at the end but to be fair a number of those who stopped are running a half marathon at the weekend so they were excused!

We start each 5min run at the same point and the aim is to reach the same finish point each time. I was pleased with my consistency.

Wednesday 11th March - Lunchtime Run

• 6.51 miles in 1:11:49

While it was dry with no rain it was very very muddy underfoot so it was quite hard going at times. I had to walk some of the hills as I was sliding all over the place.

It was good to get it done and I was grateful for the shower at work!!

Thursday 12th March - Lunchtime Run

• 6.18 miles in 52:05

I had planned a road run this time so at least it was dry underfoot but I was absolutely soaked on this run. I started in light drizzle but from half way the rain got heavier and heavier.

I decided to not do a specific tempo session but run as hard as I could over the 6 or so miles. I didn’t look at my watch at all and was quite happy with my effort.

Saturday 14th March - Gleniffer Braes 

• 15.54 miles in 3:21:57

As this was going to be my last longer run before the Hardmoors 55 I wanted to do a dress rehearsal run wearing and carrying the gear I will use in two weeks time.

My good friend Cammie was keen to join me so it was great to have his company for the run. We set off at 7am in light drizzle but the rain didn’t last long and even though it was windy at places and muddy underfoot we both enjoyed the run and the chat.

Here is what I’m planning to wear for the Hardmoors 55 Race

• Buff
• Helly Hansen Base Layer
• Long sleeved top (I’ll wear my favourite Green top for the Race)
• Knee length skins
• Long Shorts
• Drymax socks
• Altra Lone Peak 4
• Suunto Ambit watch
• Mits (with waterproof over mits if needed)

I’ll carry my Inov-8 sack with dry bags for my kit and Nathan waist sack.

• Waterproof top and trousers
• Hat and spare gloves
• Running tights
• Spare warm layer - down jacket
• Water bottle 600ml and 500ml flexible bottle
• Survival Bag
• Compass and Map
• Food and Tailwind powder
• Camera & Phone
• First Aid Kit
• Headtorch

Sunday 15th March - Paisley Loop

• 6.17 miles in 58:02

Another wet and windy run! I must admit I’m looking forward to the better weather arriving and being able to have a run with rain and wind but I think we’ll all have to wait a little longer yet!

2020 miles in 2020

I have run a total of 423.88 miles which is just ahead of the red line.