55 kilometres
I decided about 2 weeks ago that I would run 55km on my birthday to honour the fact that I'd made it to 55 years old.
I'd felt pretty good on my runs over the last couple of months and I was sure the distance was within me. As usual it wasn't a case of if I could do it, I was more interested in how it would feel as I did it.
My only slight concern was water, I was carrying 1.5 litres but apart from someone's house or a stream there wasn't anywhere to get water on the route that I'd chosen, if I ran out.
It was 17 miles out over the country lanes, once I'd got halfway along Coniston Water I'd turn around and come back.
I walked up the first hill, about 15 minutes after I'd started. I was determined to fast hike any hills and gain time back on the flats and the downhills.
After 5 miles I ate some flapjack. It's weird but I already knew it was going to be a great day and I'd complete the whole route.
Mentally, I'd broke the route down into two seperate 17 mile runs. After 6 miles I was telling myself that I was a third of the way there already. But that was only to halfway but it seemed to have a positive affect on me.
There was nobody on the roads at all and not a breath of wind. I'd packed a rain jacket but I didn't need it.
The miles were getting ticked off as I rolled along, I stopped a couple of times for photos but it was just a case of head up and enjoy the views.
The week leading up to today, I'd had a few niggles - Maranoia - but as I scanned my body I couldn't feel anything that would give me any problems. I was wearing new inov8 road shoes, I'd only put 50 miles on them in training but they felt great.
Down, down into Lowick and then along Coniston to the halfway point. A couple of minutes on the jetty at the lake, just me and nature together as one.
I honestly have never felt so relaxed and so at peace with myself.
I knew what was in store for me on the return leg. But as long as I kept eating and moving forwards I was optimistic I'd get back ok.
Grinding out the uphills, I checked in with my body, still no issues. I never get overconfident as it's at that point when something usually goes wrong.
Remember to lift your head up, it's the views that you are here for, the stillness, the utter joy of letting your body move you, being in the here and now.
22 miles in, I hadn't seen anyone at all, then my friend came cycling down the lane towards me, I couldn't believe it. We had a quick chat, he wished me happy birthday. An upbeat guy, I was glad to see him.
On,on,on.
At mile 25 I was walking uphill and filming a quick video. It's hard for me to describe, but I felt really light. Not physically, although I was feeling good. It was my mind, it was completely free, I don't think I'd ever felt this way. Total freedom, no worries at all. I was in the moment.
The scenery was stunning. I will never forget that moment. Looking back now, I feel it was an important time for me. I'm still not sure why but we'll see. I want that feeling again.
A finish time was not high on my list of priorities but I knew with 6 miles to go I'd be around 6hrs 15 minutes. I had no concern at all about my pace, I don't have it on my watch.
Once I dropped down into Marton I enjoyed thinking about the day, the utter peace it had given me. I felt reborn.
The last hour was done on autopilot, downhills and flat roads.
It's weird, I know I'm writing this up on here for people to read, but, honestly, if nobody knew I'd done this run, I'd also be content with that. Life for me is about pushing myself, not bragging about stuff. But if people can take something positive from this then I'm happy for them.
The last mile was a steady cruise, passing people who are out going about their lives. The streets full of cars. Rush rush rush.
It's all relative, people can challenge themselves at different levels. As long as you get out in the fresh air, a slow walk to the shop can be just as rewarding.
I'm so grateful to be able to do these things, I'll never take it for granted. The feeling you get, being outside, moving. It's one of the greatest pleasures in my life, it always will be.
And, just like that 34.2 miles done. 55 kilometres for 55 years.
No emotions at the end, no regrets. Just a profound thank you to my legs and mind for taking me on this birthday journey.
Never look back.
Onwards, always onwards.
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