8 weeks at this point and the panic hasn’t diminished. If anything it’s getting worse – although that’s probably to be expected!

This week I finally clawed my way back up to the 15km distance and whilst it’s only been about three weeks since I last did it, the difference has been astounding. Three (or was it four…) weeks back, the 15km run I forced myself into basically broke me. Cramps, dehydration and what felt like lasting damage made that experience a nightmare and put my ability to complete the distance in serious doubt.

This week however – whilst there were certainly complications and it wasn’t my best performance, I managed to finish the entire distance and there was no hint of cramping or other signs of fatigue until I was well into my cool down jog (…walk..it was a walk, who am i kidding…) The actual run itself was completed in just over 2 hours and 2 minutes which puts me broadly on track to maintain the 8m/km pace but there was a mix of running and walking; whether this was due to the route or just poor fitness on the day I’m not entirely sure but I’d failed to learn from my lesson before on proper fueling and this was also the first time I’d run with a pack so that may have also played a part.

The route took me from Dagenham across Silvertown, across the river to Woolwich and all the way down to Welling in Kent as I essentially ran from my house to my friend’s house – only to cramp up literally right outside his door, leaving me unable to enter the house for a number of minutes…

Most of the route seemed to be uphill which makes no sense at all… either way, I completed the distance and from this week onwards I think every long run will be a record breaker so I’m almost excited to be entering this final phase – and definitely eager to get the whole thing over and done with…