With 9 weeks to go and in the face of the coldest weather yet; this week I managed to hit a new milestone!

One of my closest friends (Ron) reminded me this week that he had a deferred place in the London Marathon and – as the London event is within weeks of Manchester –  was therefore in a similar position to me in terms of training. Now, Ron is a much more accomplished runner than I am (and certainly in better shape) but he suggested we complete our long run together and after managing expectations (i.e. that my pace leaves something to be desired…) he offered to take me round his usual route across Greenwich and Blackheath.

Sunday morning rolls around and I report in at Lewisham bright and early and we set off towards Blackheath – Ron graciously allowing met to set a pace I was comfortable with. Within the first km, we hit a steep incline that brings home the fact that doing all my training on flat terrain probably wasn’t the best idea… Having made it through, Ron then took me through one of the most scenic routes I’ve ever had the chance to cover – across Blackheath common, through Greenwich Park, along the River towards the O2 and back again – with another surprise hill at the end! Whether it was the added motivational chat, the company or just the inspiring surroundings; I was able to make it all the way to the end without pause and although not the longest distance I’ve covered to date, 13km at a steady pace is worlds away from anything I thought was possible at the start of this process.

Over the next few weeks the distances will steadily continue climbing and I’m sure I’ll discover some more routes but between the exhilaration of tangible progress and the opportunity to share the moment with one of my closest friends, I get the feeling this will remain one of my favourite runs for a long while yet…