Setting out at noon, Lancashire was bathed in warming sunshine and with a breeze behind it was pleasing to be back under 9 minute pace after the usual tentative first mile. Question was could that pace be maintained for another 7 miles?
Much is written about running through pain. For the record , the right groin was sore for the first two miles but eased off after that and was not an impediment after that much to my relief. 35.21 at the turn.
I had hoped that I might manage 70.00 for the 8 miles so with a slight push that looked no problem; but with the wind pushing me back it wouldn't be easy.
With just over 2 to go I could hear rapid footsteps behind and within seconds a young man flew past, leaving me for dead and bringing home just how slow I was going. But within a minute he had stopped! I encouraged him to join me, which he did and he told me he was doing a "test run" for the "paras". (Best of luck, Tom)
It was good to have some company over the last 2 miles for a change and as might be expected the pace increased by nearly a minute. The last 2 miles being 8.10 and 8.00. Amazing how running with others can bring out that little bit more. The second half completed in a very pleasing 33.35 for 68.56.
So, one step forward taken.....hopefully no steps back!
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