20 Miles - Easy now....

First of all, I should apologise for not having updated for a while - its been a busy couple of weeks....

However, I would now like everyone to know how close the ladies now are to achieving Marathon perfection! Sunday 16th March saw 3 of our 4 plucky girls (Sian is still recovering from injury at this point) attempt the biggest challenge of their training regime so far - a full 20 mile run organised by the Gade Valley Harriers in Hemel Hempstead.......

Its the same course as the 17 mile run they did a few weeks back - only a bit longer, obviously - and all the runners needed to do was turn up, pay a fiver, and line up with the other runners. They even provide you with tea and cake at the end of the run - as so glamourously demonstrated by Lisa in this picture!

I have to say, the weather on the day was absolutely atrocious, and probably added another 4 or 5 miles to the course....the poor runners had to try and dodge huge puddles all the way along the towpath part of the course, with the wind adding to the very real danger of falling into the canal!

They had to wade through waist deep mud across the fields (NB may be an exaggeration), and all in the face of driving rain.....

Still, they ploughed on like the brave soldiers they are, and all came home together somewhere around the 3 hours 40 minute mark. Fine work indeed. I should probably put out a special word for the supporters as well - particularly Liz's mum and dad, who with perfect timing, managed to pop up at three different points around the course.

Myself and Keith just about made it to the finish to cheer the girls home in a blanket sprint finish (sort of). Sorry for pointing this out, but I actually only just made it, having stepped off a plane from Jamaica earlier that morning! (I know, I'm sorry). Actually, the biting wind was a good thing for me, as it whistled around my trousers and helped to sooth my atrociously sunburnt legs......

I will not confirm or deny the rumours that the only reason the girls are smiling in this picture is that there was half a bottle of rum spread between their cups of tea. Still there is certainly some confidence showing in their faces....

The girls were so happy with their run, they then proceeded straight to the Spotted Bull for a Sunday Roast (very good), and at least 6 bottles of red! Obviously much refuelling was required - a lot of calories had been burnt.

Not long now till the big one, and hopefully all four of our girls will be smiling at the end of it......

See you all soon.

Jamie