Run - summer running

I haven't managed to take any running photos recently, although I've stepped back up to 4 runs a week over the last couple of weeks - I think the lack of photos is because I'm mainly running with friends at the moment, and I'm a bit shy about whipping my phone out to take a snap. But I did manage to take a quick photo on our morning long run yesterday - it really was glorious.

I know I bang on about how much I love running in the countryside - but, oh, I do love running through fields like these. And through woods, and along river paths, and past amazingly grand houses and historical churches - it really makes me feel connected to the landscape. Summer is in full swing now and we're spending a lot of time running along narrow paths through crops up to our waists - such a change from a few weeks ago.  And it won't be long before the crops are harvested and the fields ploughed up, but I'm not sad about the coming of autumn as it means new landscapes to look at, new smells and sounds to take in. Yes, I really do love running in the countryside. 

Run - last long run

21 miles done! The last long run of my marathon plan is out the way - now it's just a gentle taper till the 12th April.

We ran along the canal again - this is the midway point, looking deceptively cloudy although the majority of the run took place in lovely sunny (but not too hot) weather.  Really relieved to have got this done - just hoping taper madness doesn't strike too hard over the next 3 weeks.

Cook - peanut butter honey granola

This is one of my favourite recipes - easy, cheap and immensely satisfying.  The recipe was published in the Guardian and led me to Jack Monroe's brilliant blog (A girl called Jack) - which is full of fantastic recipes, most of which are also very cheap to make.

The full recipe and quantities are here: Peanut butter honey granola , but all you need to do is melt butter, peanut butter and honey together, tip in some oats and mix well, spread out on a baking tray and cook for 15 mins then leave to cool.  Simple! I usually make double quantities which is just enough to fill my big Kilner jar and lasts about a week, depending on how many of us are around (the orange scoop measures out a medium portion - but some of us eat a lot more than that!)

I've started having it (maybe with a chopped up banana - I'm still experimenting) as my pre-long run / pre-race breakfast as it's easier than porridge (both to prepare and to eat - less stodgy) - it's also more portable so if I'm away overnight or need to eat on the move, it will be easy to take with me.

Run - highs and lows

Today's run was a mixed affair.

Highs: the first day of spring, beautiful sunshine, lovely running friends, 20 miles completed - hurrah!

Lows: strong winds, my niggly calf (a perennial problem), one friend's calf injury causing her to stop after 4 miles, finding the last few road miles very hard work

But I guess that's how marathon training goes, and there are only a few more really hard weeks before we taper and then do the race itself - eek.  I think it would be a good idea to get some other events in the diary for early summer to have something to aim for after the race - it will be all too easy to ease off for a bit too long (about 5 years in my case, if previous marathons are anything to go by).

This is from the midpoint of today's run - not as scenic as some of them, but a reminder of a good achievement nonetheless.

Run - jelly babies

When you start running - especially longer distances - a whole new food group opens up to you.  Foods which under most other circumstances you'd steer well clear of - gloopy gels, odd tasting drinks promising magically swift recovery, jelly sweets, energy bars and blocks - all designed to deliver the maximum amount of energy in minimum time.  But believe me - at 14.5 miles into an 18 mile run, jelly babies are EXACTLY what you need.

Today's run was a brilliantly organised 17 mile training run (+ 1 extra mile to make it up to 18 as that's what the plan says!) by Gade Valley Harriers which a couple of friends and I went along to. Simple registration procedure, excellent pre-event toilets, a well planned and marshalled route through country lanes (including water and jelly baby stops) and tea and cake at the end - all for a fiver! We really enjoyed it - I'm now disappointed I can't go back for their 20 miler in a few weeks as I already have something on that weekend. Which makes me realise quite how bonkers marathon training makes you - disappointed to be missing a 20 mile run?!

Run - 16.7 miles and snowdrops

A lovely run of three and a bit parts today. First of all my youngest and I ran/walked to breakfast club where I dropped him off and met two good friends. We ran 6 miles, met up with the Friday running group and ran 6 miles with them, and finally ran 4 miles home.

16.7 miles done and dusted before the weekend, and lots of pretty snowdrops en route.

Run - sunshine and riverside

Today's long run was very enjoyable - just under 15 miles in glorious sunshine, along the river in part, with a lovely running friend.  Chatting your way round 15 miles makes it a lot more manageable.  We were both sensible, keeping a steady pace and drinking and eating as we went - all good preparation for the upcoming event.

Here is today's halfway point.  I'd like to do this route again for one of our longer runs - we should get to some lovely open countryside next time. Now off to carry on refuelling (as I've earnt it).