Saturday 7th April

19 miles @ 8.25 p/m
2hrs 40 mins

Last long run before the marathon. Certainly, at least for the first few miles it brought out all the joys in running. Running mid-morning it was by the far the warmest conditions I've run in this year and taking in my fave canal route up to Kings Norton, and then an untried stretch of the Stratford Upon Avon canal towards Solihull, it was very enjoyable. Took it easy with an interesting music mix, from Jesus Christ Superstar (well it is Easter), a jazzy old Tribe Called Quest LP and Blur, and at a constant circa 8.30 mile pace, it didn't seem too difficult. Double backed to town and, although I was starting to feel tired after about 15 miles, hit the roads to get back to Harborne and my very least favourite hill coming back into the "village"! Took out plenty of water as well, and although managed to lose a lot of salt, as usual, felt fine for the rest of the day as the boys took their bikes in Canon Hill Park, and we enjoyed the good weather.