The all new training diary.

[Bierzo Baggie]

The Aquilianos test went better than expected and it was by far the fastest I’d ever done the long route. In any case, the only time I ever really did this event with an eye on the clock was 2 years ago when I knackered my ankle (and that was down to bad luck more than anything). I’m a very low mileage runner and many of the people around me were heavy duty trainers so setting off slowly was a survival strategy rather than a cunning plan. To my advantage I suppose I knew the route better than most, but an ultra runner I’m definitely not.

OK at the end although we went out for a tex-mex in the evening and I nearly fell asleep..:oThe recovery time for these events is surprisingly short. Maybe it’s because the battering is distributed all over your body and not just concentrated on one set of muscles in particular. I was back running on Tuesday (9kms on Monte Pajariel) and that wouldn’t have been the case after a road marathon.

By the end of the big, big climb I’d actually convinced myself that my chances of finishing Picos (same distance, twice as much climbing, “three” mare’s seats to negotiate!!) were zero but the tall, thin man from La Bañeza talked me back into it. Now I’ve got the sense of anticipation and uncertainty (and fear?) that I haven’t felt since the first time I signed up for a marathon.

I’d love to be able to do the Aquilianos with some of you guys one day. I’m sure you’d all enjoy it whether you take the long option or the shorter one. Any year you fancy it just let me know in good time.