The final straight

It's Tuesday afternoon, which means I really ought to be working right now. Except all I want to do is run and all I can think about is race day; a week Sunday. Since I'm absolutely exhausted following an epic 12 miler this morning, I'll happily stick with the easier task of writing up a training progress report.

A fortnight ago, I completed my best run yet; a 12 mile excursion in the very decent time of 97 minutes. That was no doubt my peak form and from then on, the focus has been on maintaining my fitness levels. With growing pains in my legs, most likely shin splints, I've resorted to much cross training; mainly involving the exercise bike. I've kept runs to 6 miles and generally on the softer terrain of local parks. A gradual drop in pace to stay fresh and fit for the big event. Unwittingly, I signed up for another run with triathlete enthusiast Dave Langer (who will also be doing the Birmingham run).

Before heading out along the beautiful route around Port Meadow, we agreed that I'd lead, with the general understanding that we'd follow my pace, but that I'd push myself more than on our last run together (which was at a very gentle 8 1/2 minute per mile pace). This dream lasted around 3 minutes, as Dave surged ahead of me, eager to up the ante and force me to push my limits. What followed was just over 40 minutes of anguish, as I ran my quickest 6 miles yet (46 minutes). There was no rest bite, no time to recover the heart rate to a comfortable level and in the final 2 miles, there was even an increase in speed. I've felt like this in stages before, usually in fartlek sessions, but never for a straight 40 minutes. Still, I was grateful at the end. It was a welcome reminder that we are capable of so much more than we realise. Sometimes we just need someone else to give us that extra push. Dave takes no prisoners and will be a valuable running partner in the coming months.

I decided that was enough punishment for now and rewarded myself with a more casual 5 miler in the local park on Saturday morning. This time I was joined by a small band of ISOC guys, all of whom had varying fitness levels. I'm looking to recruit some running partners for the coming year. I'll always enjoy the isolation running brings and will never relinquish my right to run alone, but I am also keen to mix things up and enjoy the experience with others. Right now, the plan is for us to meet once a week for a communal run. I'm hoping that before long, the dedicated partners will be up to running 10k regularly; not least because I intend to enter several such races next year and would be grateful for the company. Of particular note is Jalal Thompson; who seems even more interested than myself. He has a lot of experience with running and talks about it with authority, passion and intrigue. Here's hoping some of his wisdom will rub off on me.

With the race a fortnight away, it seemed prudent to give a long run (which I currently define as more than 8 miles) one final whirl, despite the growing shin pains. After much icing (frozen peas work a treat), I hit the road this morning at around 0850; in an attempted simulation of race day. My pace remained decent throughout and thankfully the shins held up, allowing me to crank up the pace in the middle miles. I was never too uncomfortable and at times captured that great feeling when it all seems so easy. The last 2 miles were a struggle and suggest it will be a tough climax on race day; but I'm confident that adrenaline alone will be enough to get me through the last mile.

I came home in 97 minutes; even including regular stops for traffic (and, on occasion, pedestrians). This matches my time from a fortnight ago; so it seems my hopes to maintain fitness levels have been emphatically achieved. My legs feel worn out but not injured. Now the tapering begins; 11 days of light training, cross training and lots of icing to ensure maximum freshness for the race. I feel I've overcome the final major obstacle in the training schedule; I'd be very unlucky or stupid to sustain an injury now. I wouldn't rule out either one but for now I remain optimistic.