Running miles with my friend and running Mentor!

There is nothing better than putting in long training runs with like minded people, well actually there is... running a marathon with my good friend and Ultra Running Mentor - Rory Coleman (pictured right).

Rory is a 9 times World Record Breaking Ultra Marathon Runner, and he has probably forgotten more about Ultra Running than I will ever learn.

He invited me down for a catchup on my progress towards Spartahlon, and we did this over a 26.2 mile run around his training route, and all I can say is that as I struggled with the final 6 miles, he swiftly analysed my running week, my hydration, my nutrition, and my rest quality, and within minutes, I had the answers that eased my worries. Thats what comes with the experience of 565 marathons and 151 Ultra Marathons under your belt!

His analysis of my running week which has consisted of;
2x fast hilly half marathons,
1x fast 5 miler,
and 2 steady marathons,
Is that in a total of 83 miles, I haven't eaten enough calories, or hydrated sufficiently, and my pacing is too fast, so with a revised focus I look forward to putting into practise what I have learned. Thanks Rory!

The 90 mile drive home flew past, lost in thoughts of the value of friendship, the vaule of experienced advice, and my future plans.

To top off an excellent day Caz had prepared a great pasta meal and had poured me an ice cold beer as I walked through the door.

I know it wasn't in the re-hydration advice Rory, but sod it, I deserved it!
more later...