Taper....that magic word forming part of your marathon training!

So I've completed my last long run having done 20 miles between Newport Pagnell and around Milton Keynes. Taking in the MK lakes at Willen and Caldecote made for a more scenic jaunt, the streets of Newport Pagnell less so! It can be a lonely slog this long run lark but luckily I've had the company of John Cheal who is in training for the London Marathon and without whom I would have been lost in the depths of MK's grid routes even though I've lived in the area for 11 years.

The run itself was good, the pace conducive with my planned marathon pace which is targeting a sub 4 hour result and a run that bettered by Oakley 20 result from 2011 by 20 minutes....does that count as a new PB as I wasn't actually running a race? The last 5 miles were hard and I did think my pace had dropped, but having reviewed the stats (courtesy of my Garmin 305) I ran 8:45 minute miles. Vibro session after the run paid dividends, got the blood circulating and freed up some of the muscle tightness. Managed to still walk for the rest the day, was expecting to be laid up on the sofa although by not staying in it dented my bank balance as I took the family out shopping....must have been the light headedness, I hate to think what could happen after the marathon if I employ the same tactics!

Injury sustained, blister on my right foot small toe...is it the shoes? was it the socks? at least it's only a blister.

So now on for a 3 week taper, did toy with the idea of a cycle ride this morning but decided against which was a great decision as I am presently sitting in bed with a cup of coffee typing this post. It's a real sense of satisfaction having got to this stage, now to focus on specific training sessions of shorter distances.....absolute joy to my ears or should I say legs!