• Hours on the run: 5:13
• Kilometres: 56.77
• Calories burned: 600g of Tony’s Chocolonely
• Soundtrack: Freefall – Armin van Buuren

The clocks went forward this Sunday, meaning I was up an hour earlier than usual for the long run. On these sunny days, it really helps to get going as soon as possible – by the time I get back around lunchtime, it’s getting just that bit too warm and sweaty, so it’s good to get as many kilometres done in the cool as possible.

Here you can just see the centre of Almere in the distance…

… And here just over the water is Amsterdam!

This long stretch of road was giving me quite the workout on this long run (physically and mentally). For 50 minutes straight, I was running into a pretty strong headwind, with no change of direction, no shelter from the wind what so ever. That was a toughie!

I was very happy to switch direction at around 16km and start the long loop back home and out of that wind. I also worked out a great solution to my (lack of) water issue. The idea of running back past my house to pick up more water was absolutely not appealing – psychologically having to set off again after reaching home would be pretty tough, so I was pretty pleased with myself when it hit me during the run that I could just ask for water in the bird watching centre which sits half way on the route. Don’t know why I didn’t think of it before! They were very happy to oblige, so I filled my boots (so to speak) and headed off feeling lighter for knowing I didn’t need to ration my the water for the rest of the run. And by this point, things were starting to warm up with the full sun so I would need it!

The last 6 – 8km were heavy going. By this point, the soles of your feet are so sore and sensitive, you feel literally every bump on the ground. Everything starts getting really tight, and even turning corners feels like a big effort. Still, you keep counting down the kilometres, and with every step you know it’s a step closer to home.

And here I am! Hot and sweaty and happy to sit down! Relieved to get another injury-free run in the bag. It was pretty exhausting though!

My cat Beertje looks a bit like me this evening after indulging in a few too many chocolates 😀

There’s one more final push this week and next weekend before things start tapering. We’re almost there!

The soundtrack this week is Freefall by Armin van Buuren. Energising!

Please consider sponsoring me for the London Marathon. I’m running for Chance for Childhood, a charity that protects children from the devastating consequences of extreme poverty, conflict and disability.