Bringing up the Almeria

[OutAlongTheRiver]

So training works. And not training doesn't. That's my lesson from Almeria. My late October Thames Half prep worked, almost down to the minute, as I hit 1hr55min and could have gone on for more.

My "training" for Almeria involved trying not to be ill with winter colds, and running the twittens each week. That is way way too little. 

On the plus side, I did take gels and hydrate properly, so that's how I managed at least to finish.

But having started the first 10k "easily" and done under 60 mins, my second 10k got progressively worse. It was only mental fortitude that kept my legs ticking over beyond 14k. 

When Sweder passed me at 19k and I tried to go with him - both my calf muscles immediately called a halt to the idea.  And then when MLCMM passed me at 20k, I just gave a weak wave and let him go. Apparently I looked like death as I crossed the line. 

I am not in any of the immediate post-race pics since I was first lying on ground and then waiting in queue for vital massage, feeling as if I was going to throw up/pass out or both.

Still, by 2.30pm I had bounced back and can be seen in many a post-race dinner pic ...

The vital part of recovery was sea swim at San Jose. The hardest part of recovery was walking down the steps off the bus to get to the sea at San Jose.

And so - the second half of the Moyleman beckons. In its favour - not tarmac! Also in its favour - hills! I may still be a little confused.

Hasta la próxima, as Sweder is fond of saying.