Chester Marathon - one day on

To say it didn't hurt would be a lie, but I got round OK. A few blisters, a few aches and pains, but overall, feeling quite comfortable. Of course, I could have done it better, but there's always next time.

I set off with the aim of breaking 3hrs 30min, meaning I had to aim for fairly consistent 8 minute miles. Sadly, my pace judgement is not what it used to be, and I ran the first mile in about 7:15. I felt so comfortable, but should have run slower than target pace for the first couple of miles. I did deliberately slow down, but was still going too quickly, and suffered for it in the closing stages.

All's well that ends well though - I did beat my target. Just!

I actually finished in 3:29:21, so had a whole 39 seconds to spare, and still had enough energy to smile for the camera. Or grimace, it's hard to tell!